Windsor Wealth Management LLC

Investment service in Topsfield, Massachusetts

Windsor Insights

12 Steps to Help Protect Yourself From Data Breaches

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Today, we discuss:

– The widespread occurrences of personal information security breaches.

– Steps to help protect yourself and your family from scams and fraud.

Protect Personal Information After Security Breaches
Image Source: ChatGPT

It’s not our intent to worry you.

Still, it’s important to approach your online activities with a healthy dose of caution and skepticism, given the prevalence of personal data breaches.

A key threat is the combination of breaches, resulting in hackers piecing together personal data from multiple breaches, ultimately providing bad guys a fuller picture of an individual’s personal information.

ONE EXAMPLE: National Public Data (NPD) Breach

Earlier this year, NPD experienced a data breach that exposed the personal information of millions of people. NPD is a data broker company that performs employee background checks. Their primary service is collecting information from public data sources, including criminal records, addresses, and employment history, and offering that information for sale. (Source: Wikipedia)

According to cybercrime analytics company SpyCloud, there were nearly 2.7 billion leaked records during NPD’s breach, including 272 million U.S. social security numbers.

The exposed sensitive personal details included:

  • Full Names
  • Dates of Birth
  • 420M Distinct Addresses
  • 272M Distinct U.S. Social Security Numbers
  • 161M+ Distinct Phone Numbers

12 Steps to Help Protect Yourself From Data Breaches

The widespread occurrence of data breaches underscores the need for online (and offline) vigilance.

Help protect your identity and personal information. Take the following 12 actions:

#1—Monitor your financial accounts regularly.

Check your bank and credit card statements for unusual activity.

#2—Use strong and unique passwords.

Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.

#3—Enable third-party authentication.

Third-party authentication is a broad term encompassing any additional form of verification beyond your primary username and password.

For Example:

We recommend using two-factor authentication for all of your personal and financial accounts. This helps add a second layer of security to your online accounts by requiring a one-time verification code typically sent via text or email.*

You can also use a mobile app, such as Google Authenticator, which generates a unique code that’s refreshed every 30 seconds for each site or service you register with the app.

For clarity, primary authentication is typically your password and username. Secondary authentication (aka two-factor) can be a code sent to your phone, a biometric scan (fingerprint, facial or voice recognition) or a security token.

*Email accounts have been compromised during some data breaches. This can potentially expose your two-factor authentication codes if you’re using email as a verification method.

#4—Be cautious of phishing scams.

Scammers often pose as trusted individuals or organizations to trick you into revealing personal information. Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails or texts.

In general, don’t click on links sent via email or text.

Instead, go directly to the website the communication is “claiming” to be from. There are exceptions. For example, you’re expecting an email or text with information you requested.

Keep in mind, scammers are experts at social engineering.

For example, they’re counting on you being distracted and, therefore, increasing the likelihood of you mistakenly clicking on a link leading to a malicious website (downloads malware that takes control of your computer).

#5—Order your (free) annual credit reports to monitor your credit.

For detailed directions, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Free Credit Reports how-to page.

#6—Leverage a credit monitoring service and consider freezing your credit.

Here’s a detailed article explaining how to freeze your credit with all 3 bureaus, including how to unfreeze your credit.

#7—Keep antivirus and antimalware software updated.

Updated software has access to the latest threat definitions, allowing it to identify and neutralize new malware strains that scammers might use. These programs also help prevent ransomware attacks by blocking the malware that encrypts files and demands a ransom.

#8—Think twice before interacting with unsolicited requests through email, text or calls.

Scammers often try tricking you into sending or receiving money. Always verify the identity of unexpected contacts.

Be skeptical. If it’s too good to be true, it likely is.

Also, large companies rarely contact you unexpectedly to inform you of a problem. Be wary of unsolicited calls, especially those claiming to be from tech companies or delivery services offering to fix issues or redeliver packages for a fee.

What’s more, scammers often spoof caller ID to appear legitimate.

#9—Recognize undue pressure.

If you feel pressured during a financial transaction, it’s likely a scam. Scammers use urgency to trick you. Generally, most financial transactions don’t require immediate action.

#10—Watch out for scams on the rise!

According to the Federal Trade Commission, several scams are on the rise, including solar energy scams, artificial intelligence (AI) scams, missing jury duty scams and more.

#11—Talk to family members about their security.

Scammers often target aging parents, making them especially vulnerable. Talk to your parents about the latest scams and encourage them to be alert of any unusual activity or requests.

Remember, government agencies will never call you and ask for money. Nor will they threaten you over the phone or through email with an arrest, legal action or loss of benefits. If this happens, hang up. Then call the agency’s official number located on their website to confirm if they contacted you.

#12—Establish a family safe word.

Given artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes, a family safe word can serve as a simple way to verify the identity of a caller, especially when dealing with unexpected or urgent situations.

AI models can be trained on a relatively small amount of audio data to accurately mimic a person’s voice. (Avoid saying the word “yes” with an unexpected caller, since it can be recorded and used against you.)

In general, if a loved one calls you asking for something out of the ordinary, prompt them for your family safe word.

Choose a safe word that’s memorable, unique and not easily guessed. Keep it short and simple and be sure to practice it regularly. Consider having a backup safe word in case you feel the primary one is compromised.

If something feels “off” then it’s likely a scam.

Security: Your Personal Financial Accounts

Finally, to enhance your security, we may ask you to update or provide additional security questions (aka challenge questions) during an upcoming meeting. It’s a practice known as knowledge-based authentication. These questions are another layer to help verify your identity and ensure the safety of your accounts.

–David Bunker, Financial Advisor & Licensed Fiduciary

Related: In addition to protecting your personal information, consider these essential financial planning questions to help strengthen your financial situation.

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.

Capitalizing on Market Peaks, Investing in High Markets

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As of 9/4/24, the S&P 500 has hit 33 new all-time highs this year, which may leave some wondering if it’s too late to invest.

While the market may seem overvalued, historical data tells a different story…

Consider this chart showing the S&P 500’s rising highs over time:

While the chart reflects periods of volatility and temporary downturns, the long-term trend is characterized by a series of higher highs.

Recent upward trends have been fueled by economic growth, technological advancements—especially in AI—rising corporate profits and strong consumer spending.

Remember, if we wait for the market to decline before investing, we’d be engaging in market timing, which we avoid since it’s nearly impossible to consistently predict short-term market movements.

Related: Understand the stock market’s seasonality, read last month’s client letter: Stock Market Seasonality and the September Effect.

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.

4 Financial Action Items for Early Fall

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As the leaves change and the days grow shorter, it’s the perfect time to take a fresh look at your financial goals and refresh financial plans before the year closes.

Financial Action Items for Early Fall
Photo Credit: Anna Zakharova, Unsplash

Today, let’s consider the following 4 financial actions:

#1—Revisit Your Retirement Plan Contributions (see example)

#2—Identify Recent Life Changes and Tax Implications

#3—Prepare for Year-End Charitable Donations

#4—Utilize Household Improvement and Energy Tax Credits

Deep Dive: For a detailed look at U.S. and global economic trends, read Capital Group’s Economic Indicators.

#1—Revisit Retirement Plan Contributions

Maximizing contributions to your company’s retirement plan can have a significant impact on your future quality of life.

Plus, if your employer offers matching contributions, that’s essentially free money!

And let’s not forget the power of compound interest—it can play a major role in shaping your retirement lifestyle.

Simple Example:

Imagine you’re planning to retire in five years.

After reading this, you decide to increase your retirement plan contributions by $300 per month.

Over five years, with an annual return of 7% compounded annually, that extra $300 a month could grow to almost $21,000 (i.e., a new roof, two luxury two-week European vacations, or 210 dining-out meals for a couple, according to Gemini AI).

And, the above numbers don’t include your employer’s contributions.

Here’s the compound interest calculator we used.

Another Consideration: Many employers offer Roth 401(k)s and IRAs, in addition to traditional retirement plans. If you’re currently contributing to a traditional plan and have access to a Roth option, let’s discuss whether switching might be beneficial for you.

Finally, don’t forget to max out your health savings account (HSA) if you have a high-deductible health plan. HSAs are tax-deductible, ultimately reducing your taxable income and possibly placing you in a lower tax bracket. Remember, qualified withdrawals are tax-free.

#2—Identify Life Changes and Tax Implications

If you’ve recently experienced the following, please contact us as soon as possible.

Employment Changes—New job or raise? Let’s revisit your retirement income plan to address potential changes in benefits, income or life insurance.

Family Dynamics—Divorce, marriage, adoption, parent needing caregiving or a child with special needs? With changes, you’ll likely need to re-optimize your financial and estate strategies.

Health Concerns—Serious illness or nearing 65? Let’s discuss Medicare and your spending options.

Large Expenses or Inheritance—Planning a big purchase, sale or received an inheritance? Let’s prepare for the tax implications.

Many of the above events can trigger a need to revisit your tax withholdings to help ensure you’re on target for 2024.

Here’s a detailed chart (on our website) reflecting the 2024 tax rate schedule, standard deductions, retirement plan contribution limits and more.

Key Resource: Download our Prolonging Retirement Income Checklist. It’s packed with important questions to ponder.

#3—Prepare for Year-End Charitable Donations

It’s best to start planning your year-end charitable donations early, particularly if you’re planning to donate stocks or other appreciated assets.

Considerations Include:

Matching Gifts: Maximize your charitable giving with matching gifts from your employer. Consider suggesting a cause you’re passionate about. Reach out to your HR department to inquire about this option.

Volunteer Your Time: In addition to financial donations, volunteering can make a significant impact. Many employers offer paid time off for volunteer activities. Have you used your hours?

[Related Article]: Help others, help yourself? Why volunteering can be good for you.

Donate Appreciated Assets: Giving appreciated assets like stocks or bonds to a charity can provide a significant tax benefit. You can deduct the fair market value of the asset, avoiding capital gains tax.

Donor-Advised Funds: These funds allow you to make a tax-deductible donation now and distribute the funds to charities over time.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you’re over 70½, you can make a direct contribution from your IRA to a qualified charity, reducing your required minimum distribution (RMD).

#4—Utilize Household Improvement & Energy Tax Credits

There’s an abundance of improvements you can make to your primary residence and receive potential tax credits, including energy-efficient doors, windows, insulation, roofs, furnaces, water heaters and more.

Here’s a detailed list by the IRS describing what qualifies: Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.

Also, Massachusetts offers several energy rebates and incentives as well as New Hampshire; and be sure to check with your respective energy providers for their unique incentive programs.

Tip: Before you pay to recycle an old dehumidifier, refrigerator or similar, check to see if your energy provider offers free pick-up and a rebate. Many do.

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.

Stock Market Seasonality & the September Effect

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We’re anticipating a bumpy September, aka the September effect.

Certainly, the past doesn’t dictate the future. However, data collected since 1928 show the market often dips in September.

S&P 500 Monthly Returns from 1928 through 2023
(See the full set of charts here.)

The Truth About Stock Market Seasonality

In reality, slower stock market activity in late summer through September is likely due to financial professionals taking vacations.

Less people working means less trading. This can also cause bigger market swings, since there are less trades to neutralize stock fluctuations.

Apathy likely plays a role too.

Some people simply don’t work as hard in the summer.

Also, when vacations are over, many financial professionals start rebalancing portfolios.

This often includes selling underperforming stocks, which can create downward pressure on the markets.

Santa Claus Rally

The chart also highlights a common Q4 occurrence: the Santa Claus Rally, when the market tends to swing upward.

Remember, consumer spending makes up two-thirds of the economy. The markets tend to increase at year-end in anticipation of holiday spending. (Roughly 19% of annual retail sales happen in November and December.)

Also, another common December occurrence you don’t often hear about is: window dressing.

Essentially, financial firms buy well-known and well-performing stocks to make their financial statements look better. There are legal measures to curb these activities, but it still happens. Either way, the activity adds to the December upswing.

Embrace Volatility

We view volatility as an opportunity.

While it’s not always the case, periods of volatility can be a great time to purchase stocks at attractive prices.

Of course, volatility is just one factor to consider when choosing investments.

Other considerations include market performance year-to-date, the political environment, the situation in the Middle East, the economy overall, interest rate changes and more. (Remember, it’s our job to worry about all these factors for you, so you can focus on enjoying yourself.)

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.

Q2 Stock Market Results, Job Creation Cooling, Rate Cut Likely

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It’s hard to believe it’s already August.

Where does the time go?!

We hope you’re enjoying a healthy and relaxing summer.

Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park
Photo by Peregrine Photography

Today, we’re discussing:

– Last quarter’s stock market results.

– Factors driving market movements.

– Noticeable slowdown in new jobs.

– Reasons for the early August market correction.

– Potential September interest rate cut.

– Changes we’re making to your portfolio.

Q2 Stock Market Results

The market performed well last quarter.

From January through June, it saw an overall increase of about 15%, with Q2 contributing 4.25% of this growth.

The Magnificent 7 (Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia (computer component manufacturer), Tesla, Alphabet (Google) and Meta (Facebook/Instagram/Threads) continue to drive the market’s growth.

However, in the past several days the tech giants are down roughly 20% compared to the overall market.

Why?

Because they’re overvalued.

The other 493 stocks in the S&P 500 are generally performing well. While they haven’t seen the 100%+ gains like the Magnificent 7, their steady performance is a positive sign, reinforcing the benefits of diversification.

Recent Development

A new trend we’re seeing is the sell-off of tech stocks.

Investors are rebalancing by taking profits from these stocks and shifting their investments to more stable, dividend-producing stocks.

Berkshire Hathaway Sold 50% of Its Apple Shares

Speaking of selling tech stocks, Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, supported the sale of roughly 50% of the firm’s Apple stake since the start of the year. Keep in mind, the firm still owns about 400 million shares of Apple stock!

What’s driving the tech selling?

A few things are likely: economic caution, profit taking and maneuvers spurred by the recent jobs report.

July 2024 Jobs Report

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. economy added 114,000 jobs in July, a noticeable slowdown from June’s 206,000 jobs.

The unemployment rate also rose to 4.3% in July from 4.1% in June.

Unemployment Rates at a Glance (Last 20 Years)

Job Creation Is Cooling Unemployment Trends
Explore more unemployment factors here, including unemployment by age and education.

Another Interesting Fact From the BLS Jobs Report:

The number of people employed part time for economic reasons rose by 346,000 to 4.6 million in July.

These individuals, who would have preferred full-time employment, were working part time because their hours had been reduced or they were unable to find full-time jobs.

Suffice it to say, the labor market is cooling some. Also, much of the recent job creation is government and health care jobs.

Early August Stock Market Activity

August started with a market correction.

Interestingly, 94% of years have a decline of 5% or worse (see chart). Said differently, the U.S. stock market experiences a correction almost every year.

By definition, a market drop of 10% is considered a correction, while a drop of 20% signals a bear market, the latter occurring about every four years.

Even with the correction, we’re still up about 13% on the year.

Remember, the stock market dislikes uncertainty—the jobs report, upcoming elections, recession rumors and geopolitical turmoil (Iran-Israel tensions) often cause market movements in every direction.

Will the Fed Cut Interest Rates This September?

It’s likely they will, as well as in November and December. Given the recent jobs report and signs of economic slowing, there’s increasing pressure on the Fed to cut rates.

Keep in mind, the Fed’s focus is managing inflation and maintaining full employment. In general, they’re not supposed to care about the stock market.

Your Portfolio

We’re focused on balancing portfolios.

Recently, portfolios have become overweighted in tech stocks due to the sector’s rapid growth over the past few months.

It’s time to take some profits.

After extensive financial modeling, we’re also pulling out of the Vanguard Health Index (VHT). While it’s been one of our favorite investments, it’s now causing health care to be overweighted in portfolios as other funds have added more health care stocks to their mix.

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.

Maintaining Retirement Lifestyles: Compound Interest’s Role

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Compound interest is vital both during your working years and in retirement.

Many people concentrate on saving during their working years, however, it’s as important for your money to continue growing during retirement.

This growth helps ensure you maintain your lifestyle for the next 30+ years, including keeping up with inflation and taxes.

The below chart reflects the power of compound interest. Specifically, growth of $100K over 30 years using different interest rates.

In general, holding too many cash-equivalent investments or trying to time the market by moving all your money into cash can cause you to miss out on the compound interest your portfolio needs to outpace inflation.

Compound Interest Chart
This hypothetical example assumes an initial $100,000 contribution, with no additional deposits, and compound interest from 1% to 10%. It does not suggest nor recommend that an individual allocate 100% to equities. The ending values do not reflect taxes, fees, inflation or withdrawals. View the full 30-year compounding chart.

What happens if you try to time the market?

Studies show that missing the stock market’s 10 best days over a 30-year period can lower an investor’s average annual total return by 2.72%.

Missing the best 30 days lowers an investor’s return by 6.14%!

(Source: Bloomberg and Wells Fargo Investment Institute. Daily S&P 500® returns from 9/1/92–8/31/22.)

Realistic Approach That Supports Your Retirement Lifestyle

Instead of market timing, the 60/40 portfolio remains a reliable basis for asset allocation.

In fact, it’s achieved a compounded annual growth rate of 7.3% over the 200 years’ worth of analyzed data (from 1820 to September 30, 2023), according to Morgan Stanley research.

Certainly, the past doesn’t predict the future.

60/40 Example

In a recent client communication, we provided an approximate 60/40 portfolio example using a conservative 6% annual return to show how a couple with $2 million in retirement savings could grow their wealth to $2.6 million while adhering to the 4% annual withdrawal rule. See the realistic example here: 3 Steps To Help Your Money Outlive—You.

Stay the Course

Trying to time the market, i.e., moving all your money into cash, can be detrimental to your long-term investing success, including missing out on compound interest.

Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it. He who doesn’t, pays it. – Attributed to Albert Einstein

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.

3 Steps To Help Your Money Outlive—You

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Today, we help you understand how to make your money outlive you.

The topic of “outliving your money” arises often.

To help ensure your money outlives you, understand these three concepts:

#1—Understand the 4% Withdrawal Rule

#2—Include Retirement “Smile” Spending Changes

#3—Apply Sophisticated Financial Modeling Guardrails

Let’s look at each step in detail and dispel a popular retirement money myth.

Step #1—Understand the 4% Withdrawal Rule

The 4% retirement income withdrawal rule has been used for decades by many investors and financial advisors.

It’s a general rule-of-thumb to help ensure you don’t overspend and, therefore, run out of money during retirement.

Specifically, 4% is considered a sustainable annual withdrawal rate that maintains your savings throughout retirement.

It’s a helpful benchmark.

However, it often doesn’t include all income forms (e.g., apartment rental, Social Security, pension, etc.), or life events (e.g., divorce and helping adult children financially).

4% Rule in Action: Married Couple Example

The below chart depicts a married couple beginning retirement with $2 million in savings, and after applying the 4% rule, having roughly $2.6 million in savings 30 years later.1

That’s right, they end up with more money than they started with.

This example accounts annually for: 2.5% inflation, 6% portfolio growth and 4% income withdrawal, with the couple starting retirement on January 1 and withdrawing $80,000 for the year.

4% withdrawal rule chart
1This is a hypothetical example, simplified for illustration purposes. The ending values do not reflect taxes, investment costs or expenses.

Generally speaking, when you use the annual 4% sustainable withdrawal rate, you likely won’t run out of money in retirement.

Deep Dive: See Fidelity’s comprehensive explanation of the 4% withdrawal rule.

Step #2—Include the Retirement “Smile” Spending Changes

In reality, most retirees spend similar to the retirement smile.

Specifically, spending is higher in initial retirement years, dips during middle years and then increases again in later years.

Simple Example:

Many retirees spend extra on travel during early retirement. Then as you age travel drops off, while health care spending grows.

Up, down, up = smile.

Retirement Smile Spending Chart
Retirement Smile
Image created using Microsoft’s AI image creator.

Continuing the 4% rule example above, the couple would withdraw at least $80,000 from savings each year to cover their expenses.

However, this number isn’t always reflective of reality.

Some years the couple’s withdrawal rate may need to be higher, perhaps $120,000.

Why?

Because hot water heaters break, pool liners tear, vehicles become unreliable and adult children sometimes ask for loans.

We can budget (links to/downloads our budgeting worksheet) till we’re blue in the face and we should! But, life happens.

Therefore, to help make your retirement savings last, consider how spending changes throughout retirement.

Step #3—Apply Sophisticated Financial Modeling Guardrails

There’s a popular myth about retirement.

Specifically, many retirees believe stock market performance could cause them to run out of money.

This isn’t likely true.

Instead, your greatest financial risk is generally longevity risk.

Stock market risk can be greatly reduced by how your portfolio is constructed.

For Example:

The market generally falls about 14% in a given year and bounces back, and one out of five years it typically drops up to 30% for a period.

We help protect you from these fluctuations during retirement by putting about two-to-three years of money aside (cash-like investments still earning interest), so you’re not selling during a down market to fund living expenses.

Managing longevity risk, however, requires sophisticated financial modeling to help reduce the possibility of running out of money in retirement.

Our team uses several financial modeling programs to help you understand what you can spend each year during retirement without running out of money.

One key feature is the ability to apply “guardrails” that show how your money performs during both up and down years.

Ultimately, we stress test your money by applying different scenarios, e.g., retiring during the 2007 financial crisis.

The goal is to keep your spending within the guardrails. Ultimately, your annual “paycheck” may fluctuate some year to year.

Here’s one program in action, using the couple’s $2 million:

The following graph depicts upper (green) and lower (red) guardrails with the couple’s portfolio balance in blue.

Each vertical line shows an intersection whereby the couple can withdraw more than their annual $80,000.

How are the guardrails set?

Our goal is to keep you from hitting the red guardrail.

Therefore, when establishing your unique guardrails we consider your age, goals, health, risk tolerance and how much money you have, while also putting aside a couple years of spending so we don’t have to invade the portfolio during market down years.

In general, we construct your portfolio to stay in between the market’s highs and lows.

We also use historical data to drive the highs and lows. (It goes without saying we don’t know what the future holds.)

Your Money Outliving You Using Financial Modeling Guardrails
Modeling Program: Income Lab

As you can see, there’s a lot going on here, including establishing guardrails and spending limits based on unknown longevity.

Reach out anytime to discuss. We’re happy to show you various retirement withdrawal scenarios using your unique guardrails.

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.

Prices Are Falling Some; Retailers Are Feeling the Squeeze

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Here’s some good news:

Several large companies are lowering prices on popular items, including food and everyday essentials.

Certainly, we welcome these savings, but what’s really going on?

Essentially, consumers have slowed their spending, and retailers are feeling the squeeze.

In response, Walgreens, Amazon Fresh, Target and Walmart have cut prices on 1,300, 4,000, 5,000 and 7,000 products, respectively.

Best Buy, Ford, Ikea and fast-food chains are also lowering prices, according to the Washington Post.

Reasons Why Prices Are Falling:

Economic Jitters: Retailers are feeling nervous after raising prices due to inflation. With households cutting back on spending, stores are yielding in the game of chicken between stores and shoppers, according to a WCVB article.

High Interest Rates: Financing big-ticket items like cars and appliances is more expensive, resulting in consumers forgoing these purchases.

Dwindling Covid-Relief Funds: Most Covid-relief funds are spent, reducing the extra cash households had for discretionary spending.

Competitive Strategies: By lowering prices, businesses aim to attract their competitors’ customers.

These price cuts are a small win, but we’ll take it! Finally, the economic pressure consumers may be feeling has shifted some onto businesses. Still, the tug-of-war between retailers and shoppers is likely just beginning.

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.