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investments

Staying Focused in Turbulent Times 

May 22, 2020 by Inside Press

By Richard Bloom

Richard Bloom

While today’s markets can be nerve racking for even the most experienced investors, those who approach it with a long-term plan in place have a much greater chance of protecting themselves from mistakes and seizing the opportunities that lay ahead. The best way to take advantage is to create a goals-based approach to wealth management using a disciplined four-step process. The first–and often the most important–step is discovery, an honest, open conversation about your goals and your entire financial picture. In the second step, your Financial Advisor works with you to assess various scenarios and advise on appropriate strategies designed to help you meet your goals. Your plan should safeguard your short term needs while strategically positioning you to ensure your long term goals will be met. Once you have agreed on a personalized wealth strategy, your Financial Advisor advises how to implement in the most efficient way.  Finally, as time progresses, your Financial Advisor will regularly review your financial situation with you, making adjustments according to your needs, life events and changing market conditions.

In addition to taking a goals-based approach, below are some further tips on how to navigate through this unpredictable period.

When the market is volatile, almost everyone thinks about their financial future and the potential impact such fluctuations may have on their retirement accounts. However, it is during these turbulent times that it’s important to remember certain basic, time-tested principles of investing.

Continue Contributions

It may not seem intuitive, but continuing to contribute to your retirement plan–even during market downturns–can potentially enhance your returns over the long-run. A down market can be an opportunity for you to acquire more shares of your investments at a lower price. Consistent investing through market ups and downs is called “dollar-cost averaging.” If an investment’s price is high, you buy fewer shares, or units. When prices are low, you buy more. Investing regularly, using dollar-cost averaging, can help reduce the risk associated with buying during big swings in market prices.

Diversify

If you’ve ever heard the saying, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” then you already have a basic understanding of diversification. Diversifying your portfolio can reduce risk and volatility. Review your account and make sure your portfolio is not too heavily weighted in company stock, or in any single asset class.

Stay Invested

You may be anxious about the decrease in the value of your investments. But don’t be tempted to move out of the market, sit on the sidelines and wait for prices to rebound. Trying to time the market could potentially jeopardize your financial strategy–and your future goals.

Maintain a Long-Term Focus

Any investment decisions you make should be based on your financial goals and objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance, rather than concerns about market volatility. Even if the market seems volatile, remember that ups and downs are normal. It is important to stay focused on your financial future and refrain from making short-term decisions on long-term investments.

History demonstrates that there will always be some degree of uncertainty and volatility in the markets. While market events are out of our control, we do have control over our financial objectives and how our investments are allocated to help us achieve them. If you would like assistance in determining the mix of asset classes that can help you meet your financial objectives, contact your Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor.

Disclosures:

Article by Morgan Stanley and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor.

Richard Bloom is a Financial Advisor in 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104 at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). He can be reached by email at Richard.Bloom@morganstanley.com or by telephone at (212) 893-7597. His website is https://advisor.morganstanley.com/the-mayergelwarg-group.

This article has been prepared for informational purposes only. The information and data in the article has been obtained from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. It does not provide individually tailored investment advice and has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. The strategies and/or investments discussed in this article may not be appropriate or all investors. Morgan Stanley recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives.

Asset allocation and diversification do not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Any type of continuous or periodic investment plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Since such a plan involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuating price levels of such securities, the investor should consider his financial ability to continue his purchases through periods of low price levels.

This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. The strategies and/or investments discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives.

Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice and are not “fiduciaries” (under ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or otherwise) with respect to the services or activities described herein except as otherwise provided in writing by Morgan Stanley and/or as described at www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a retirement plan or account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments made under such plan or account.

Richard Bloom may only transact business, follow-up with individualized responses, or render personalized investment advice for compensation, in states where he is registered or excluded or exempted from registration, http://www.morganstanleyfa.com/mayergelwarggroup.

© 2020 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

CRC 2992110   03/2020     

Filed Under: Words & Wisdoms From Our Sponsors Tagged With: financial, financial advisor, investments, Investors, Markets, wealth managment

The Value of Planning as Retirement Approaches

December 4, 2013 by The Inside Press

klotzNot long ago, “retirement” for many people meant living on a combination of Social Security and a fixed pension. Today, retired people are living longer and better, and many plan to enjoy their golden years. The problem is that those fixed pensions, for many, have disappeared–which has put much more emphasis on the importance of pre-retirement planning (which, for our purposes here, refers to a plan for an individual’s transition to retirement).

Retirement Is Not Predictable

Today, many people transition into retirement gradually over a period of months or even years. Unfortunately, for many, this transition occurs abruptly and unexpectedly, through either a layoff or disability. Few can predict with certainty which day will be their last on the job.

In the absence of predictable retirement dates, many people put off the serious planning that should take place before retirement. Instead of planning for the changes in their lifestyle that their changed financial circumstances may require, they wait until it’s too late to properly plan. This can lead to hasty, ill-conceived decisions, and a rocky start to their golden years. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to start serious retirement planning at least one year before the transition period begins. This allows adequate time to obtain professional help, understand the many choices available, and make well-thought-out decisions.

Key Issues and Decisions

What issues and decisions should you evaluate in this pre-retirement planning process? Consider the following:

• Investment asset allocation

• Income from investments

• Social Security benefits

• Health benefits

• Retirement distributions

• Estate planning

Don’t wait until you’ve reached the point where you feel pressured to make major retirement decisions. Be sure to obtain the information and guidance you need to calmly consider all your choices well ahead of time. Competent financial and legal professionals can help you chart a course for retirement, as you try to project the levels of income and assets you’ll need to maintain your desired lifestyle. In pre-retirement planning, you will make some of the most important financial decisions of your lifetime. Don’t make them in haste–or on your own.

Prepared by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. The information contained in this article is for general, informational purposes only. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents or employees do not give tax or legal advice. You should consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your individual situation.

Michael Klotz is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), supervised from 800 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook, NY 10573 914.288.8800. Securities, products/services and advisory services are offered through PAS a registered broker dealer and investment advisor. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) New York, NY. PAS is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Strategies for Wealth is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents or employees do not give tax or legal advice. You should consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your individual situation.PAS is a member FINRA/ SIPC.

For a complimentary planning consultation, please call (914)288-8959

Filed Under: Words & Wisdoms From Our Sponsors Tagged With: investments, retirement

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