Today’s Prep:
To keep up with current events, we talk about how coronavirus is impacting us on a local level. Then, Eric explains the history of interest rates in light of the latest interest rate forecast from the Federal Reserve.
Equipping Points:
When it comes to coronavirus, we’re all trying to cope the best we can. Maybe that means walks outside while the weather is nice or finding new ways to do work online and follow social distancing precautions.
As you make decisions and follow the guidelines in place, be sure to consider your source of news. A lot of our national news is coming from New York, which is experiencing coronavirus in a different way than some of your local communities.
Looking at the interest rate forecast from the Fed, what should we make of that? From insurance products to CDs to money markets, what do these rates mean? To better understand the significance, Eric looks back on the past. From 1971 on, he reviews the progression of saving with a fixed interest rate.
What happens when you buy a bond? What was the previous interest rates compared to now? The interest rates used to go up with a bond or CD, but have gone down significantly. If you are a saver wanting a fixed interest rate but the CDs aren’t worth using anymore, what should you do? Should you consider an annuity?
Listen to the full episode or click on the timestamps below to hear more.
1:10 – What is life like right now for Eric in Iowa during coronavirus?
3:55 – Watch where you are getting your news from.
5:20 – What does Eric think about the rate forecast from the Fed?
6:34 – To understand interest rates, let’s go back to 1971.
9:46 – If you are a saver, what is a good way to get a fixed rate of return?
Related Resources:
Making Home Renovations and Protecting Your Retirement Income
Don’t Mistake Good Intentions for Sound Financial Advice
Social Distancing For Your Finances
Today’s Takeaway:
[spp-tweet tweet= “You’ve got to put things in perspective and look at coronavirus a little more regionally. –Eric Peterson“]
Subscribe To The Podcast:
Apple Podcasts - Google Podcasts - Spotify - Stitcher - iHeartRadio - TuneIn
Check out some other recent episodes
The Use Of Technology In Financial Planning
As technology keeps advancing, it’s made our lives easier in so many ways. Tasks that used to need outside help can now be done on our own with just a few clicks. This shift has also brought more accessible online financial tools, but how accurate and helpful are they really?
Read More
Retirement Planning Conversations With Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker is one of the great writers of the 20th century. Her wit and prose have been appreciated by readers for generations. But are there any lessons we can learn when it comes to finance with some of Parker’s most well-known quotes?
Read More
Mailbag: Moving To A State With Income Tax And More
In this episode, Eric is answering your questions! We’ll cover a range of topics today, including key considerations for income taxes when moving to a new state, how to initiate financial conversations with parents or grandparents, and whether using a life insurance policy to save for a college fund is a wise choice.
Read More
What Is Lazy Money?
What is lazy money and why do you want to not have too much of it in your retirement portfolio? Simply put, lazy money is money that isn’t growing as much as it could be. Having your money grow and work for you is a key part of building a solid portfolio, so Eric breaks down some strategies to help get the most out of your money in this episode.
Read More
Retirement Planning Today Is Harder Than It Used To Be
Retirement planning simply isn’t the same as it used to be. From changes in life expectancy, the lack of pensions, and getting caught in the sandwich generation, there’s a lot to keep in mind when putting together your financial plan. Instead of taking advice from others who may have retired in a different era, it’s important to understand what strategy is right for you.
Read More
Social Security Variables That Impact Your Claiming Strategy
After so many years of paying into Social Security, you might feel ready to reap the benefits. But before you get too eager, it’s best to have a thorough understanding of the different variables and how to best leverage them.
Read More
Retirement Real Estate Decisions: Downsizing, Snowbirding, and More
One of the key discussions you may have in retirement is what to do about the house. Should you downsize your home? Pay it off early? Buy a vacation home and become a snow bird? Eric emphasizes the importance of considering not just the financial implications but also the lifestyle changes each of these decisions entail. Weighing out the pros and cons of each decision can highlight what is right for you (which isn’t always the same as what your neighbor is doing).
Read More
Healthcare in Retirement
One major (yet often overlooked!) expense in retirement is healthcare. Especially if you are retiring early, healthcare can be a huge expense as you bridge the gap between your working years and when eligible for Medicare. Not only will you have an increased monthly cost, but you may need to budget for additional medical costs as time goes on or even long-term care needs.
Read More
Family Matters When It Comes to Finances
Today we talk about what happens in a family, particularly when someone has passed away and the financial impact that can have.
Read More
Water Wheels and Retirement Planning
Have you ever wondered how a water wheel can relate to your retirement planning? It might seem like an odd comparison, but in today’s podcast, Eric breaks down this fascinating analogy and its significance in maintaining a stable financial future.
Read More