US Media Studios Shares Retirement Fund Tips

As more Americans approach the age to retire, it pays to review when to take the required monthly distributions. US Media Studios shares retirement fund tips.

Monthly 401(k) Distributions

In most circumstances, the soonest someone can start receiving  monthly distribution from their 401(k) account is at age 59 ½ without being taxed an extra 10 percent early withdrawal penalty.  It’s also beneficial to know that there is no 10% penalty tax if someone retires early because of a qualifying disability or can claim financial hardship. But generally speaking, the US IRS says minimum monthly distributions from a 401(k) must start April 1 following the later of the calendar year when a worker reaches age 70 ½ , or they retire. There are other exclusions too. Take time to review the rules for retirement monthly distributions in your plan.

IRA Accounts

Workers who have an IRA must start taking the required monthly distributions once they turn 70 ½ . But if a worker is still working and doesn’t need the income, it’s best to roll the IRA into a 401(K), if the plan allows it. An exception to this rule relates to Roth 401(K) plans. The monthly distributions are tax-free since they the deposits should have been treated as taxable income while working.

The Four Percent Assumption

The old assumption that a four percent yearly withdrawal would be the perfect amount to add to any other retirement income is a bit outdated for today’s older working and soon to retire employees. Inflation is higher than it was back in the early 1990s.  Today, retirees could need more than a four percent withdrawal rate. US Media Studios notes that the four percent assumption would net a retiree less than they need make ends meet, and would need to be adjusted up, meaning less money in retirement accounts to carry a retiree through several decades of retirement.

In Closing

As financially challenging as it can be with the economy, high prices and jobs outlook today, it pays to deposit as much money as one possibly can into 401(k) and IRA retirement accounts. Many small to medium-sized employers have already stopped matching funds. Keep on adding funds to retirement accounts. Try not to take any withdrawals until absolutely necessary. If financial advice is needed, ask a trusted friend for a referral, a financial institution, veterans’ organization, or a representative from the retirement plan you have now.

US Media Studios Highlights National Fall Prevention Awareness Day

Today is National Fall Prevention Awareness Day. US Media Studios highlights important information for seniors about how to prevent a fall and the possible injuries that come with it.

Hard Facts about Falls

• Two out ever ten trauma admissions among people over age 65 and older are due to falls and subsequent injuries.
• Age, gender, a history of falling, prior health conditions, physical limitations, environment, and medication clashes can cause a person to become lightheaded, dizzy, and fall.
• Loose throw rugs and loose carpeting can cause a fall.
• Small toys and balls on a floor can cause a fall.
• Hallways and rooms which are too dark when walking can cause a fall.
• Loose cords and wiring can cause a fall.

Preventing a Fall

• Seniors who have fallen or are prone to falling might want to check their homes for trip hazards and have someone remove or fix them.
• Leave a night light on in hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms at night.
• Ask a trusted pharmacist if any new medication will clash with regular medication. And ask if the dose is right for the height and weight of the person. Blood pressure that’s too low can cause fainting and falling.
• Slow down when walking. Look around, hold on to countertops, chairs and other places to steady gait when walking.
• Use a walking aid such a cane (many of pretty spiffy these days) or a walker if needed.

US Media Studios cares about the senior community. They enrich our lives and offer history, experience and knowledge that can be immensely beneficial. One fall can cause a bone fracture, concussion, or worse. Prevention is key in keeping our valuable seniors safe from falls.

US Media Studios Shares Retirement Tactics for Boomers

A search on any website about financial or retirement news will usually turn up several articles geared toward the Millennial generation. US Media Studios takes time to share some retirement tactics for Boomers instead.

For the Baby Boomer Generation

Employees in their 50s and 60s spend most of their careers working hard, working long hours, and socking away money in retirement accounts. They know if or when they can retire. They know how much more they need to save before they can retire. They have a solid understanding about health care, social activity and perhaps even part-time work they might engage in after full-time works ends.

It is also essential that career employees in their 60s know that retirement account withdrawals are permitted and without penalty. If older workers in their 60s are let go, they can withdraw and use some of their retirement savings to help with expenses. There are circumstances, such as unexpected medical expenses, which can force someone to dip into savings also. However, it is best to avoid that and to continue to save as much as possible before finally retiring.

US Media Studios reminds that employees in their 60s might want to keep working until they have a good nest egg stashed way. Most 401(k) plans have catch-up limits. Workers can contribute up to $23,000 a year. Roth IRAs have a limit of $6,500. It’s best to diversify savings accounts so not all of the savings “eggs” are in one basket. The best bet is to keep working as long as possible or as long as one can afford to. Use retirement savings to live from as a last resort.

US Media Studios Offers Suggestions for Getting a Sound Sleep

Why We Need a Sound Sleep

Lack of sleep can lead to being more prone to injuries, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, depression, weight gain, and other ailments. It can also cause poor decision making, irritability, self-harm or suicidal thoughts in teens and adults. A full, good night’s rest is something we all need in order to function well the next day.

 How to Get a Good Rest

Don’t drink caffeine past 7 PM or it could cause the jitters and trouble falling asleep.

Avoid nicotine and alcohol hours before bedtime. It can prevent falling asleep and staying asleep.

Try to avoid eating a large, heavy meal at dinner. Heavy foods may cause some drowsiness but usually wind up leading to a stomach ache hours later.

Try not to argue with anyone before bed or when getting into bed. When emotions are on high, the brain is also, and the heart rate goes up. It takes time to wind down and fully relax.

Exercise before bed can also be sleep booster. Body temp goes up and then goes down during and after exercise. This may help in getting and staying asleep. Try taking brisk walk about an hour before bedtime.

Pleasant Dreams

US Media Studios suggests turning off digital devices or moving them into another room. Avoid watching TV, and especially programs which are suspenseful, or cause emotional upheaval. Stick to a regular bedtime routine and go to bed and awake at the same time every day of the week.

A good night’s rest is essential to having a good day. Rest easy with these suggestions. If there is something that works for you, please share in the comments below.

US Media Studios Examines Fitness in Mid-Life

There isn’t a doctor in the world that would not encourage a patient in their mid-life years to get some form of physical activity every day. A little exercise goes a long way in preventing many medical issues that can arise after one turns 65.

Physical activity offers many protective benefits for people between 40 and 60 years old. US Media Studios reminds that it prevents high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and abnormal heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation. It also keeps muscles and joints working smoothly and can reduce the onset of osteo arthritis. Daily exercise can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes also. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise. An energetic walk after lunch and dinner counts toward these goals.

There are several good fitness trackers available that are worn on the wrist or clipped to a belt. A good pair of supportive athletic shoes, moisture-wicking socks, and cool, loose tops and bottoms make getting daily physical activity more enjoyable and comfortable. Exercises should include some form of aerobic activity such as biking or swimming. Add strength training work into the routine to keep muscles and joint limber.

It’s never too late to start an exercise plan. It’s never too late to work toward better health.  Some people prefer going to a gym or health club, and enjoy the structure, and variety of classes. Others prefer to exercise at home with a fun DVD or by taking an energetic walk around the neighborhood. Not which way one likes, find a great plan and get started.  

US Media Studios Explains How Americans are Prepared to Retire

It seems there is a lot of bad news in the nation about how prepared the next generations are for retirement. While many people plan to keep working through their retirement years to be able to meet monthly household expenses, US Media Studios learns there is good news comes that 45 percent of the working public is on track to live comfortably after they reach retirement age.

It is essential that retirement savings tools and resources are used to calculate how much will be needed. But here are some other tips from Fidelity to help everyone obtain what need financially to have a decent retirement:

• Save 15% of pay. If the employer matches contributions, that counts.
• Replace retirement portfolios that are too conservative or aggressive with one that allocates according to age guidelines.
• Work until the full retirement age of 66 for early boomers, and 67 for those younger than that – not age 65 as most retirement calculators figure.

As US Media Studios often reminds readers, if health and lifestyle permit, work longer, perhaps part-time, as a contractor or as an adviser. Keeping busy and active are keys to a longer life. And isn’t it better to have a longer life when the savings are there to support it?

We concede that it can be very difficult to save anything when jobs disappear, there are older parents to care for, adult children come home to live, and health challenges around every corner. The trick is to have retirement savings automatically deposited from paychecks into retirement accounts. Out of sight is out of mind and out of mind is money socked away for the time when is just that – work. And it’s time to leave.

US Media Studios Highlights Overseas Retirement Ideas

If retiring to an over 55 community does not sound like an appealing option, consider relocating overseas. US Media Studios highlights the benefits to retiring overseas.

More Americans are moving to other countries when they retire to live better and enjoy a longer, more fulfilling life. Mexico and Costa Rica are the top two overseas countries people are choosing. Both offer a very affordable cost of living, decent healthcare (near city centers), culture and a plethora of activities. Budget-conscious retired folks might want to think about moving to Nicaragua or Ecuador as both considered prime overseas locations with a very low cost manner of living.  Europe also is a good place to look, as is Panama and Belize.

US health insurance and Medicare does not transfer overseas. But many countries have their own health care plans and medical services are less than what we pay in America.  Housing is one of the biggest budget concerns for retirees everywhere. Some overseas locales offer low-cost rental homes. Living outside of city center is generally less expensive than living in the city itself. But it also means travel costs to the city for more sophisticated medical care, if needed. US Media Studios suggests readers explore and research all living options in other countries before making the move. One of the best resources for cost of living comparisons is Numbeo Cost of Living. Another good site to use is Expatistan Cost of Living.

USM Studios Weighs in on the Top Employee Trends of the Future

What’s ahead for businesses and the people who work for them? USM Studios peers into the future to find out what employers and employees might contend with in future workplaces.

One of the top workplace subjects going into the future is the generational mix in the workplace. Companies will have a variety of ages, experience levels and knowledge levels to tap. Workers from different backgrounds can help each other adapt and learn new ways of getting specific tasks done. Another key component of businesses in the future will be managing off-site workers such as contractors, freelancers and others. As people aim to work from a more desirable location, such as the home or shared office space, employers may find telecommuters are loyal and work just as hard as in-house staff. But are more happy employees overall. Learn more about these employees, how and when they work best and give them the opportunity to fly.

Social media will also be a major factor in businesses of any size. BYOD (bring your own device) policies will become more standard as the older methods of assigning equipment to employees goes out the proverbial window. USM Studios,Inc. believes BYOD will be the equipment policy of the future, as some younger, technological companies are already in “bring your own” mode. Which way do you think your company will go?

USM Studios and Retirement Strategies for Boomers

It is cold, hard fact that Baby Boomers may have to work longer in order to save more for retirement. In fact, USM Studios learns that more than half of working people who were born between 1946 and 1964, feel they will have to work forever.

The Great Recession took its toll on many people and their investments. Hard-earned invested money went right out the window when the stock market crashed. Along with it, employers dropped their end of 401(k) contributions. Wages have barely budged past the stagnant stage leaving middle-aged workers to find ways to save for a retirement of downsized living. A recent study found that 36% of those asked expect to reply on Social Security even though the federal agency keeps mentioning it may fall short. USM Studios, Inc. offers a few retirement strategies for the Baby Boomer who may be behind in saving:

Re-work the household budget to find extra savings from company 401(k) funds, IRAs and other savings vehicles.

Pay yourself first. Set up automatic transfer from checking to savings to occur monthly and pay yourself before paying other bills.

Reduce debt with a plan and stick to it. Don’t overextend yourself in order to pay off debt quickly.

Put away any extra money in a CD or IRA. Stash tax refunds in retirement accounts too.

With fortitude, perseverance and steady employment, Boomers can have a comfortable retirement.