Showing posts with label Retirement Planning for Millennials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Retirement Planning for Millennials. Show all posts

Thursday, June 23, 2016

How to create a budget

Creating and keeping to a budget is one of the most important things you can do to help you toward reaching your financial goals.  At Bogetto & Associates, our financial planner team works with clients constantly to help them plan, save, and invest to work towards achieving the financial goals that they want to reach.  If you can create a budget that is both realistic and achievable, you can quickly identify how to put aside money towards your financial future.  Here are some ideas to help you create a budget:

Take a 6 month look at your spending


Start creating a budget by taking a look back at your spending over the past 6 months.  Questions you can ask yourself:

  • Was your spending the same each month?
  • If it was different, why?
    • Vacations?
    • Gifts?
    • Big Purchases?
    • Higher utilities?


Figure out what is a fixed expense vs a variable expense

  • Be honest with yourself!
  • Don't create a fictitious budget that you know you can't keep
  • Is it an expense that is truly needed, or just entertainment?

Decide what money is left over for saving

  •  If this number is zero, then it may be time to reassess your entertainment and "fun" expenses.
  • Decide on what is really important to you from these categories and trim down.
  • If you like to go out to eat for example, consider a "budget night" and eat in.
  • If you buy that fancy Latte every morning, consider the cost!


Have discipline - stick to the plan


Stick to your new budget and don't let old habits ruin your plan.  Once you have an "impulse buy", the floodgates can open for more reckless spending.  Re-consider the larger purchases such as a new designer handbag, the latest golf clubs, or upgrading your vehicle.  You can however program in rewards for your discipline...if you stay disciplined and stick to your budget and savings plan, the that double caramel macchiato will be that much more delicious knowing you earned it from your hard work!


Quick Tip 


If you find that you are someone who loves to spend money on nice things and never seem to have a handle on day to day finances, the consider reading "Stop acting Rich: and Start Living Like a Real Millionaire" by Thomas J. Stanley.  

Our financial professionals at Bogetto & Associates are here to help.  If we can offer advice or further suggestions on how to start a budget and associated savings or investing plan, give us a call!  We listen to our clients and can offer you many options to work towards achieving the financial goals that YOU want.

Financial Health...For Now & Tomorrow



Contact us Today

Telephone - 314-858-1602

10805 Sunset Office Drive, Ste. 202
St Louis, MO 63127

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Securities offered through First Heartland Capital, IncMember FINRA/SIPC
Bogetto Financial is not affiliated with First Heartland Capital, Inc.  

Bogetto & Associates does not provide legal or tax advice.  These topics are discussed in conjunction with your CPA, Tax Advisor and Attorney.

Friday, May 20, 2016

7 Tips for how Millennials can save for retirement

Unlike some older generations, Millennials (people born in 1979 or later) have some unique challenges when planning for their retirement.  These challenges can be overcome however, and with careful financial planning, this generation can achieve their financial goals.  Bogetto & Associates can help and we have many years of experience helping younger people work toward their goals. Here is some information that Millennials can consider when planning for their financial future.



15 facts about Millennials' Retirement Readiness


In 2014, the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies conducted a Survey of more than 1000 Millennials who were currently employed and the survey found some very interesting information:

  • Seventy percent of Millennials are already saving for retirement and started saving at the unprecedented young age of 22 (median).
  • Three out of four (76 percent) are discussing saving, investing, and planning for retirement with family and friends. Eighteen percent of Millennials “frequently” talk about it.
  • Two-thirds of Millennials expect their primary source of income in retirement to be self-funded through retirement accounts (48 percent) or other savings and investments (18 percent).
  • Four out of five (81 percent) are concerned that Social Security will not be there for them when they are ready to retire.
  • Many (41 percent) expect that they will need to financially support aging parents and/or other family members when they are retired. Another 23 percent of Millennials are “not sure.”
  • Sixty percent of Millennials plan to retire at age 65 or sooner, including 26 percent who plan to retire at age 65 and 34 percent who plan to do so even sooner.
  • Fifty percent of Millennials plan to work in retirement and, of those, nearly half (47 percent) plan to do so for reasons of enjoyment or staying involved.
  • Three out of four (76 percent) say that retirement benefits offered by a prospective employer will be a major factor in their decision on whether to accept a future job offer.


  • Among Millennials who participate in a 401(k) or similar plan and are offered a company match, their contribution rate is 10 percent (median) of annual pay.
  • The majority (62 percent) who are participating in a 401(k) or similar plan are using some form of professionally managed account such as a target date fund, strategic allocation fund, and/or managed account service.
  • Seventy-one percent of Millennials participating in a 401(k) or similar plan find mobile apps for managing their retirement accounts to be helpful.
  • Fifty-two percent of Millennials who provided an estimate of their retirement savings needs say they “guessed” what that figure should be. Just one in 10 have used a retirement calculator or worksheet.
  • Three in five (61 percent) want some level of advice when saving and investing for retirement, yet only 32 percent who are saving actually use a professional financial advisor.
  • Two-thirds (68 percent) of Millennials are “very” or “somewhat” confident that they will be able to someday fully retire with a comfortable lifestyle.
  • Despite the confidence-shaking events of the Great Recession, Millennials’ household retirement savings dramatically increased from $9,000 in 2007 to $32,000 in 2014 (estimated medians).

7 Tips for how Millennials can save for Retirement


This study went on to present 7 ways that Millennials can save for retirement. 

Start Now!


In order to reach your retirement goals, now is the time to start saving.  Be consistent, avoid loans if possible and resist any early withdrawals from retirement accounts.  Start a budget and keep to it!

Look at retirement benefits as part of your total compensation


If you are looking for a job, consider whether an employer is providing any retirement benefits. When comparing job offers, ensure you know about all retirement benefits being offered, and if there is not a current plan, consider asking for one.

Participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans if available


If you employer does offer a sponsored retirement plan, take advantage of it!  Take full advantage of any matching contributions and put away as much as you can. 


Write down your Strategy


Calculate the retirement savings you need (this can be complicated) and write it down.  Have a well defined strategy and stick to it.  You need to plan for living expenses, healthcare needs, what government benefits you expect, and long-term health care.  Have a backup plan and re-look at your strategy periodically.

Get Educated


Education about financial planning is key.  Whether you are doing research yourself, or relying on a Financial Adviser firm like Bogetto & Associates, knowledge will help you make informed decisions. Learn about Social Security and other government benefits.

Get Help if needed


See advice from a financial professional.  Often an employer will have a company-sponsored financial adviser, but if they do not, seek out a reputable company like Bogetto & Associates.

Be Proactive


The job market is ever changing and often at a very fast pace.  Be proactive about keeping job skills up-to-date, take advantage of continuing education opportunities, and stay current on trends and marketplace needs.

Let Bogetto & Associates help you


Millennials may have entered the work force the Great Recession (2007-2009), they have been through the tragic events of 9/11, and have seen the effects of the collapse of the real estate market.  Millennials also know about rapid technological advances and developments, and are comfortable with technology.  However, many Millennials have left college with massive student debt, and may find it difficult to find any money to save.  At Bogetto & Associates, we listen and work hard with every client to find ways to work toward their financial goals.  If you are a Millennial, we are the firm to contact.  Let us help you.

Financial Health...For Now & Tomorrow



Contact us Today

Telephone - 314-858-1602

10805 Sunset Office Drive, Ste. 202
St Louis, MO 63127

Follow Us



Securities offered through First Heartland Capital, IncMember FINRA/SIPC
Bogetto Financial is not affiliated with First Heartland Capital, Inc.