The four key factors towards baby boomer success in retirement: R.T.I.P.
RiskTolerance – a 40% loss like that which was sustained by most investors in 2000 and 2008, requires nearly an 80% gain just to get back to even, due to the “arithmetic of loss”.
Time Horizon– “Boomers”, individuals within 10 years of retirement, or currently in it, do not have the time to recover from huge stock market losses, nor let the long term upward trend of the capital markets benefit them. Simply put, they are no longer ‘long term investors” relative to their income needs. Their time horizon is compressed.
Income Needs– How much income do you need, and when do you need it? This is simple math if you are using investments that that contain the proper characteristics: Real numbers vs. totally theoretical, stock market based solutions. All asset types have different characteristics, and uses. What mix is suitable and correct for you and your family?
Proper tools– leveraging them. How much goes into each bucket of investments to fit your needs and goals. Guaranteed income investments, cash, maximizing social security, pension accounts, and possibly, securities (not guaranteed, may lose value), to the extent the overall mix is suitable and correct for you, the individual investor, and your needs and goals.
