The Next 3000 Days Blog
As we dive deeper into the abyss of income planning, retirement and Social Security, we find a couple of interesting myths or rules that no longer provide the value they used to. As the captain of the Titanic, think of this as your financial ship. We each have an obligation to the passengers -- the people we love and care about, the question is, as the captain are you going to follow the same old strategies? and attempt to apply them to a new world? If this is the case then its most likely that your ship will sink -- unless your just flat out loaded. But if your willing to put the past in the past and learn the new rules to income, retirement and social security planning, you're family can avoid hitting a ice burg in the middle of the ocean, sinking your financial ship and saving the people you love and care about.

You and your children deserve the BEST college education you can afford and you should accept no less than working with the top college funding experts in the country.

I’m Steve Kitchen and I am partner and COO with the Eminence Group of companies created to solve your college funding challenges without breaking your retirement bank.

The Eminence Group is an integrated service group of companies with a laser-like focus on researching, analyzing and presenting a myriad of options for financing YOUR or YOUR CHILDREN’s college education today and tomorrow at local, state, private and even Ivy League schools.

We specialize in leveraging your existing financial resources in combination with our national database of externally available funding sources, grants and institutions.

We are dedicated to develop CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS to meet the students’ academic, social and emotional needs while still preserving their parent’s peace of mind and financial security for their retirement years.

Many people nearing retirement have many questions about Social Security benefits. Most people know that benefits can be claimed as early as age 62, but most are not aware that there are as many as 11 different claiming strategies that can increase their lifetime benefit significantly. Each individual’s unique circumstances determine how and why these strategies apply.
Grand Rapids retirement planner Steve Kitchen says "You might think your advisor understands Social Security planning, unfortunately...they probably don't."

http://www.eminencefinacialsolutions.com
Fear of a market downturn right before retirement is leading to record sales of annuities with income guarantees. With these products, you invest in mutual funds but are promised a minimum income stream every year in retirement for life, even if the market falls. Financial Advisor Steve Kitchen in Grand Rapids Michigan says companies are now looking to create "pension style" retirement income by infusing annuities in 401k plans.

http://www.annuitynewsnow.com  

Employees with IRA's often put them on auto pilot and hope for the best. Steve Kitchen Eminence Financial in Gran rapids says "by doing that, IRA owners can make some costly mistakes." RMD's, beneficiary designations, stretch distributions and catch up contributions need to be considered by a professional advisor.

http://www.annuitynewsnow.com

Annuities becoming a popular retirement planning tool for advisors

A Bank CD used to be a reasonable investment tool. You received a modest return but they are safe..protected by  FDIC insurance.  Plummeting interest rates now can make other options more attractive. Grand Rapids Retirement Planner and Financial Advisor Steve Kitchen discusses options that have better growth and safety of principal.
http://www.annuitynewsnow.com

Trusts are legal mechanisms that let you put conditions on how and when your assets will be distributed upon your death. They also allow you to reduce your estate and gift taxes and to distribute assets to your heirs without the cost, delay and publicity of probate court, which administers wills. Some also offer greater protection of your assets from creditors and lawsuits.

Annuity News Now