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March 2018
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
WOMEN’S DAY - HOW CAN
WOMEN MAKE FINANCIAL
PROGRESS
O
n March 8, we observe
International Women’s
Day. This year’s
theme is “Press for Progress,”
and events around the world
will
celebrate
women’s
advancements in the political,
social and cultural arenas. But
right here in the United States,
women still face barriers to their
financial progress. If you’re a
woman, you need to recognize
these challenges – and respond
to them.
So, what are the key
obstacles to financial security
for a woman? Probably the first
thing that comes to mind is
the gender wage gap: Women
generally earn around 80 cents
for every dollar men obtain,
according to the U.S. Census
Bureau. What,
then,
can you do to
help ensure a
comfortable retirement and
achieve your other financial
goals? Here are a few
suggestions:
But women also face other
threats to their financial security.
For one thing, they are far more
likely than men to take time
away from the workforce to
raise a family – and time away
means smaller Social Security
payments and significantly
lower balances in 401(k) plans
and other retirement accounts.
And women’s roles as caretakers
don’t end when their children
are grown – in fact, women are • Take full advantage
of your employer’s retirement
plan. If your employer offers
a 401(k) or similar retirement
plan, take full advantage of
it. Invest as much as you can
afford each year, and every
time you get a raise, increase
your contributions. At the very
least, put in enough to earn
your employer’s matching
contribution, if one is offered.
• Invest for the long
I
term. Some evidence shows
that women may be more
conservative investors than
men. But if you want to reach
your long-term goals, you will
need to consider some growth-
oriented investments in your
portfolio, factoring in your risk
tolerance and time horizon. You
may want to consult with a
financial professional about the
best way to invest for the long
term.
•
Maximize your Social
Security. If your spouse is the
higher earner, you may want
to consider how you can use
this disparity to your advantage
when you collect Social
Security. Specifically, you may
be eligible for Social Security
benefits based on your spouse’s
earnings and Social Security
record. You’ll want to consult
your tax advisor before making
any moves.
• Protect yourself from
long-term care costs. More than
two-thirds of nursing home
sellers who are holding multiple REALTOR®
who
is
properties may be more inclined knowledgeable of the market in
to accept a lower purchase price. which you seek to buy. While
they might be invisible to many
But we’ve all heard that real people, skilled agents customarily
estate is in short supply, and do extensive research on local
great deals are almost non- housing trends. Even if you seek a
existent.
Ultra-tight markets, particular home and a rock-bottom
brutal bidding wars, soaring prices price, knowing where to find one
and ramshackle structures. Well, can consume countless hours
let’s not believe everything we unless you explore the market as a
see on the Internet and television, part of your daily routine.
shall we? And if you’ve started
looking for a place to call your
Yes, there still are great deals
own, you might be feeling pretty on wonderful homes out there
discouraged right now, but here’s for you. Are they hard to find?
some hope. Folks are selling or Undoubtedly. Best way to find
willing to sell reasonably priced, them? Simple . . . hire proven
relatively ready to move in homes talent.
Get a qualified and
in lovely places all around the U.S. experienced real estate agent.
HUNTING FOR BARGAINS –
ARE THEY REALLY OUT THERE?
t’s in our nature
to search high and
low for a good deal,
especially in real estate and the
stock market. We’ve all heard
the comment, “Buy low, and
sell high.” Of course, that’s just
common sense. In real estate,
whether it is a place to call
home, investment property or a
business location, everyone wants
a good deal when it’s time to
buy. Conversely, property sellers
are looking for the best margins
too, unless perhaps they are
The key is hiring a certified
Whether you are a Millennial,
overly extended and cash flow is
shrinking. That’s the time many professional and experienced Gen Xer, or Baby Boomer trying
Deon’s Do’s & Don’ts
by Deon Cannon
twice as likely as
their male siblings
to end up caring
for an elderly
parent, according
to a Princeton
University study.
residents are women, according
to the National Center for
Health Statistics. The median
rate nationwide for a private
room in a nursing home is over
$97,000 per year, according
to the Genworth 2017 Cost
of Care Survey. Medicare
generally pays very little for
long-term care, so if you ever
need these services, you’ll have
to find other ways to pay for
them. A financial professional
can suggest some ideas.
As a woman, you face special
financial challenges, and
striving to overcome them will
be a lifelong activity. But it’s
worth the effort.
Jason Witcher
Financial Advisor
Edward Jones
to figure it all out, call us at (404)
630-2985. You can put your trust in
the professionals at Deon Cannon
Realty – we’re here to serve your
real estate needs. Call us today,
and we’ll begin working with you
right now to develop a strong and
sensible plan to sell your home or
find the one that’s perfect for you.