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   Personal Banking

   Home: Investing

Investment Planning

~ Beginning Your Personal Investment Plan

~ Redesigning Your Personal Investment Plan

~ Finalizing Your Personal Investment Plan

Beginning Your Personal Investment Plan

Just starting life?

If so, then chances are you have not given much thought to saving, much less investing.

Beginning your independent life provides many obstacles, and obligations, that make saving money almost impossible. However, by committing to sound investment practices at an early age, you may avoid many future obstacles that planning for retirement,.

a new home, or a college education will inevitably bring

Why Should I Start Investing Early?

Retirement – Although you probably have not given serious thought to retirement, it will be one of the largest and most financially demanding periods of your life. By investing in small increments at an early age, you may be able to bypass saving large amounts during your middle age years.

First Home Purchase – Your home may be your largest investment. Since not many people can afford to pay for their home with cash, a loan is the most commonly used alternative. Although taking a loan means a nagging monthly payment, there may be ways to reduce the fees or interest expenses; thus reducing your monthly payment. A substantial down payment may be gathered by outlining a saving strategy early in your life.

College Education – Whether it is for a child or yourself, education is expensive. By investing you may offset some of your out-of-pocket expenses when “back to school” time comes around. Expenses may be for elementary, secondary or higher education expenses.

Family Emergencies - Whether or not a family is in your crystal ball, investing for emergencies is an important aspect of life. No one knows when misfortune will strike, but being financially prepared helps reduce the anguish that is misfortune can bring.

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Redesigning Your Personal Investment Plan

Are you investing for multiple goals, with less time to achieve those goals?

As life progresses it has presented happiness and hurt, embarrassment and pride, pretentiousness and wisdom. However, one thing that your life has not provided is more time to achieve your financial goals. With trying to raise a family, preparing for a child’s post high school education, and knowing that retirement is a reality – How can you meet your family’s financial obligations?

InvestorServices Would Like to Help!

InvestorServices has experienced Registered Representatives* that can help you to define your specific goals and help you execute your plan through proper asset allocation. Once your plan is executed, the Registered Representative* will continue to help you work towards your goal through periodic reviews of your portfolio making sure that it still fits with your specific plan.

Financial Obligations that May Interest You:

Retirement – Do you plan on working for the rest of your life? This is a question that most people do not need help answering! Although you may have between 10-25 years remaining until retirement, it is never too early to begin an investing strategy to help you meet post-career expenses. With the help of one of our experienced representatives, you can analyze the many options that are available for your retirement.

Child’s Education – Whether it is elementary, secondary, or post-secondary, public or private the cost of educating a child can be very daunting. One way to help offset those costs is to invest early and often. Even if your child is close to graduating from high school and you have not started an investment program, it is never too late to start.

Family Emergencies - Car repairs? Unexpected medical expenses? If you have had any of these, or other unwanted burdens in your life, then you probably understand how emergencies afflict undue stress. Not only does the emotional wrangling make these situations uncomfortable, but the financial repercussions add to the misery of unfortunate situations. By establishing a nest egg designed to specifically need these types of emergencies, you may help relieve some of the mental and financial anguish when an unanticipated event occurs.

Establishing a Family Legacy – This may sound like something reserved to only the elitist wealth, however that is a myth that should be dispelled. Leaving a legacy for your children should be viewed as giving them a foundation with which to build upon. Whether it is a plot of land in the country, a house in the suburbs, or a sum of money, building a legacy can start with proper investment planning.

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Finalizing Your Personal Investment Plan

Ahhhhhh, retirement at last.

You have come full circle. You have reached that time in your life when you can kick back and enjoy life.

Now that you have reached your “ever” years – going wherever want, doing whatever you want, and whenever you want – it would be a shame to be restricted by the lack of planning. Now that retirement is a reality, your savings should be evaluated to plan a strategy to help maximize your retirement experience. InvestorServices can help you find investment strategies to help you make the most of your retirement experience.

Retirement Necessities

Retirement Income – Regardless of what your retirement dreams are, having enough money to meet everyday expenses probably is a major part of your retirement concern. InvestorServices can help you work through the options available to you for meeting expenses during retirement.

Retirement Dreams!!

Dream VacationWhere is that dream destination? Finally, you will have the time that you need to take your dream vacation. Now, how about the money? Let us help you include that “lazy day on the beach” or “kiss of the Blarney” into your investment strategy.

Business Interests – Are you starting a business after retirement? If so, then retirement planning may not be a concern, however, our Registered Representatives* can help you find an investment plan that may continue to produce growth and income before your business interests bear fruit.

Relocate to a Warmer Climate – After contending with snow and ice your entire career, are you going to retire to a warmer climate? If so, then a good investment plan will help you to enjoy your new climate, rather than worry about how you can afford it.

Retain Your Legacy – Although you might have planned to have a lavish retirement, what do you want to do with any money you do not need during retirement? Passing it on to your heirs allows you to retain your family legacy and provide for your loved ones.

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Methods of Investing

Traditional IRA – Allows you to invest for retirement. The advantage to a Traditional IRA is tax deferred investment growth and a possible tax deduction for contributions. The contribution may be tax deductible if you are not already participating in an employer-sponsored plan or if your income is below certain levels. Anyone under the age of 70 ½’ who has earned income is eligible to contribute up to $3,000 per year. Spouses with on earned income can contribute for both. There will be increases in contribution limits in future years. Income tax is paid on all withdrawals, and in some cases of withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ a 10% penalty tax will be assessed.

Roth IRA – Allows you to invest money for retirement or a first time home purchase. The advantage to the Roth is tax-free investment growth if the account has been open for five years or more. Anyone who has earned income can contribute up to $3,000 per year with contribution limits increasing in future years. Spouses with one earned income are allowed to contribute for both. There are no age limits on making contributions. However, contribution eligibility is limited to those with modified adjusted gross income between $95,000 and $110,000 filing individual returns and $150,000 and $160,000 for those filing joint returns.

Withdrawals of contributions can be made at anytime and are non-taxable. If the account is at least five years old earnings may also be withdrawn tax-free if you are 59 ½ or if for a first time home purchase. Only earnings are taxable for withdrawals made during the first five years.

401(k)/Company Retirement Plan – You can contribute some of your income, pretax and invest in the options that your plan administrator provides. Although 401(k)s and company retirement plans are intended for post-career funding, you may be able to take loans from them in order to fulfill education expenses and mortgage down payment obligations. In any case, your company’s retirement plan is one of your best savings vehicles.**

Coverdell Education Savings Account*** – Allows you to contribute up to $2,000 per year to save money, for elementary, secondary or higher public or private education and the earnings can be tax-free. While there are no earned income limitations to be able to make a contribution the beneficiary (child) of the account must be under age 18. Withdrawals can be made tax free when done to pay for eligible education expenses. Money must be used by the time the beneficiary is 30 years old or a 10% IRS penalty will be assessed, but unused money may be transferred to another family member’s Education Savings Account with no penalty.

Retail/Taxable Accounts - These accounts offer the most flexibility in terms of liquidation. You may use the money that is saved in a retail account for any need that may arise. However, there may be fees that may apply for liquidations of the unique saving vehicles within the account and all sale proceeds are reported to the IRS. (You may consult your Registered Representative* for a list of fees).

** Consult your employer or plan administrator to determine if your employer’s 401(k) or retirement plan permits loans.
*** Contribution amount is limited if the Modified Adjusted Gross Income is between $95,000 & $110,000 for individual returns and $190,000 & $220,000 for joint returns.

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Investing Vehicles

Regardless of which method of saving you choose InvestorServices can assist you in working toward your goal. InvestorServices offers a wide array of investment products that offers you a way to diversify your investments beyond traditional banking products including:
~ Stocks
~ Mutual Funds
~ Government Bonds
~ Mortgage Backed Securities
~ Variable Annuities

In addition to a wide range of investment products InvestorServices can also assist you with:
~ Retirement Plan Rollovers
~ SEP and SIMPLE IRAs
~ Retirement Plans
~ Asset Allocation

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*Registered Representatives offer security products and services through PFIC Securities Corporation, member NASD & SIPC. Not affiliated with InvestorServices or the bank.

Not a Deposit Not FDIC/NCUA Insured Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency
Not Guaranteed by the Depository Institution May Go Down in Value