
Rethinking Retirement: The Value of Empower's Free Review
For many facing retirement, planning can be daunting. Understanding where one stands financially is crucial, especially as lifestyles and investment portfolios evolve. In this context, services like Empower’s complimentary financial review present a golden opportunity for individuals looking to optimize their retirement planning. My latest experience with Empower, initially sparked by a desire to revisit my financial strategy, proved to be an enlightening experience.
Understanding the Process: A Step-by-Step Experience
I began my second financial review with Empower, having previously checked in with them back in 2014. I linked my rollover IRA post-401(k), which now stands at $1.5 million, to gain insights into my investment strategies. During my first call, a 17-minute session, the advisor connected with me to understand my current financial landscape—my age, retirement goals, and income needs. This session underscored a key point: authenticity matters, especially in financial consultations.
Making Sense of Asset Allocation
The follow-up call was more in-depth, lasting about 40 minutes. Logging into the Empower dashboard allowed me to view my asset allocation in real-time. Surprisingly, 99.6% of my holdings resided in U.S. assets—evidence of a pronounced home-country bias. As I examined the breakdown, it was vital to ensure my investment choices aligned with my retirement goals.
Empower's Recommendations: Tailored for Success
Empower advised diversifying my portfolio, shifting some investments into alternatives and bonds. The suggested balance—75.6% in stocks, 10.1% in alternatives, and 13.6% in bonds—promised a more stable path to my retirement goals. This experience not only highlight the importance of diversification but also illustrated how financial professionals can provide individualized insights tailored to one’s personal situation.
The Benefits of Free Financial Reviews
Many financial institutions, such as Fidelity and Charles Schwab, also offer complimentary financial planning services. These services help users track their finances, set retirement goals, and understand their investment trajectories without hidden fees. Whether through Empower, Fidelity, or Schwab, the assistance comes with no financial commitment, enabling users to make informed decisions about their wealth regardless of economic conditions.
Practical Insights for Your Own Journey
Considering a financial review is not just advisable; it can be a transformative experience. Here are a few actionable insights: 1) Schedule regular financial check-ins, regardless of perceived wealth. 2) Understand not only asset allocation but the sectors you're heavily invested in—like tech or health care, as it significantly impacts your risk profile. 3) Leverage technology to monitor your progress, adapting your strategy as needed.
Your Path Forward: Take Action Now
Ultimately, a financial review can unveil substantial growth potential for your retirement assets. I encourage Central Ohio residents, especially those with significant investable assets, to explore Empower's free financial review or similar offerings from firms like Charles Schwab and Fidelity. The insights gained from such reviews can pave the way toward a more confident, financial future.
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