In partnership with

The weekly email that keeps you up to date on exciting Retirement topics in an enjoyable, entertaining way for free.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

From Plymouth to Prosperity: Lessons in Gratitude from 1620 to Today

by Eric Seyboldt

Imagine stepping ashore on a foreign, unforgiving coastline, your future a question mark etched in the winter wind. The Plymouth Rock settlers of the 1620s didn’t know the comfort of central heating, retirement savings, or even the promise of tomorrow. Yet, they carried within them a quiet, steadfast gratitude—a gratitude not for abundance but for survival.

Today, as Americans prepare for retirement in an era of comparative ease, the echoes of those settlers remind us of the profound privilege in pausing to give thanks.

The Pilgrims, as we often call them, embarked on their journey driven by faith and the hope of a better life. Yet upon their arrival in the New World, they encountered a stark reality: bitter cold, scarce food, and disease that would claim nearly half their numbers in the first year. They had no social safety nets, no pensions, and no assurances. Their survival depended entirely on their resilience, resourcefulness, and the alliances they forged with the Wampanoag people, who taught them essential skills to live off the land.

Retirement as we know it was not part of the 17th-century lexicon. Life expectancy hovered around 40 years, and even that was not guaranteed. The settlers worked until they could no longer, with aging family members cared for within the household. Gratitude, for them, was not tethered to the material. It was about enduring one more season, sharing a meal, and witnessing the planting of new seeds—literal and metaphorical.

Contrast this with the modern retiree. We live in a time of unprecedented financial tools and social programs. IRAs, 401(k)s, Social Security, and Medicare offer a level of stability unimaginable to the settlers of Plymouth. Our biggest challenges often lie in ensuring our nest eggs outlast us, not in worrying whether we’ll have food for the winter.

Yet, despite our comforts, it is easy to lose sight of what we have. The relentless drumbeat of financial anxiety and the temptation of consumerism can drown out the simple joys. As the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving reminds us, gratitude is not about having everything; it is about recognizing the value of what we do have.

What can we, perched on the precipice of retirement, learn from the settlers who gave us our first national narrative of gratitude? First, to be thankful not only for our material gains but also for the relationships and communities that sustain us. Second, to acknowledge that life’s inevitable uncertainties can be met with resilience and hope. And third, to understand that the act of thanksgiving is itself a form of wealth—a spiritual reserve that grows the more we draw from it.

As you plan for or settle into retirement, take a moment to reflect on the privilege of choice. The settlers had little more than the clothes on their backs, yet they found ways to celebrate life. Today, we are blessed with not only longevity but the ability to shape our twilight years. Let us honor their legacy by embracing gratitude and making our lives, no matter the challenges, a testament to perseverance and hope.

This Thanksgiving season, remember: every dollar saved, every family gathering shared, every day lived with purpose is a reason to give thanks. In gratitude lies the key to a fulfilling retirement—not just as individuals but as a society that stands on the shoulders of those who came before.

Reach out to us for a complimentary, 10-minute consultation call. Let's explore together how we can help you protect your assets, ensuring your golden years are as fulfilling and worry-free as you’ve always imagined. Give us a call today at 614-943-2265 to schedule your consultation. Let's make your retirement dreams a reality!

Invest Wisely with The Daily Upside

In this current market landscape, we all face a common challenge.

Many conventional financial news sources are driven by the pursuit of maximum clicks. Consequently, they resort to disingenuous headlines and fear-based tactics to meet their bottom line.

Luckily, we have The Daily Upside. Created by Wall Street insiders and bankers, this fresh, insightful newsletter delivers valuable market insights that go beyond the headlines. And the best part? It’s completely free.

Join 1M+ readers and subscribe today.

How the Fed's Cautious Rate Cuts Impact Your Financial Future

by Eric Seyboldt

Client: "Eric, I've been hearing that the Federal Reserve is starting to cut interest rates. How does this affect my retirement and investments? Should I be concerned?"

Eric: The Federal Reserve's recent shift toward lowering interest rates marks a pivotal moment in our economic landscape. After a period of aggressive rate hikes aimed at curbing inflation, the Fed has begun a series of cautious reductions, bringing the federal funds rate to a range of 4.5% to 4.75% as of November 2024.

Impact on Borrowing and Savings:

Lower interest rates generally reduce borrowing costs, which can stimulate economic activity. For consumers, this means potential decreases in mortgage and auto loan rates, making large purchases more affordable. However, the effect on savings accounts and fixed-income investments is more nuanced. While new bonds may offer lower yields, existing bonds with higher rates become more valuable, potentially boosting the value of your bond holdings.

Effect on Retirement Portfolios:

For retirees and those nearing retirement, the Fed's cautious approach to rate cuts requires careful attention. Equity markets may experience increased volatility as investors react to changing economic signals. While lower rates can support stock prices by reducing corporate borrowing costs, they may also indicate concerns about economic growth. It's essential to maintain a diversified portfolio that balances growth-oriented investments with more stable, income-generating assets.

Strategic Considerations:

In this environment, consider the following strategies:

• Diversification: Ensure your portfolio includes a mix of asset classes to mitigate risk.

• Income Generation: Explore investments that provide reliable income streams, such as dividend-paying stocks or real estate investment trusts (REITs).

• Flexibility: Stay prepared to adjust your investment strategy in response to economic developments and policy changes.

Client: So, is this a time for caution or opportunity?

Eric: It's both. The Fed's measured rate cuts reflect a balancing act between supporting economic growth and controlling inflation. For investors, this presents opportunities to reassess and realign portfolios to take advantage of lower borrowing costs and potential market shifts. By staying informed and proactive, you can navigate these changes effectively and keep your financial goals on track.

Remember, economic landscapes are ever-evolving. Regularly reviewing your financial plan and staying adaptable are key to securing your financial future in times of change.

Contact us for a free, brief 10-minute consultation. Together, we can discuss ways to safeguard your wealth and ensure your retirement years are as enjoyable and stress-free as you've envisioned. To arrange a complimentary 10-minute consultation call us today at 614-943-2265. We're here to help turn your retirement aspirations into reality.

Fixed annuities can be an essential component of a well-rounded retirement strategy, offering security, predictability, and efficiency in financial planning.

Here are current fixed annuity rates and their durations from Top A-rated carriers (subject to change at any time, not FDIC insured):

Rates Remained Steady! Don’t Wait To Lock These Fixed Annuity Rates In Today!

3-year: 5.20% (under $100k Deposited)

3-year: 5.15% (over $100k Deposited)

5-year: 5.15% (under $100k Deposited)

5-year: 5.35% (over $100k Deposited)

Please feel free to call Eric at 614-943-2265 if you’d like to ask any questions or request information on these fixed annuities or other retirement topics that are on your mind.

REAL ASSETS, Invest Like the Ultra-Wealthy

Have You Considered Adding ‘Real Assets’ like Gold or Bourbon to Your Investment Portfolio?

Given the current economic uncertainties, many wise investors are opting for physical assets to protect their retirement savings. Tangible investments such as gold and even bourbon barrels are growing in popularity. These Real Assets serve as a robust defense against the consequences of excessive money printing and rising prices. They also provide excellent diversification opportunities during periods of economic stability.

Historically, physical assets have consistently outperformed other types of investments during economic downturns and market instability. They offer reliable protection against potential financial upheavals. Including tangible assets in your investment strategy can be both wise and rewarding.

Considering today's economic volatility, investing in physical assets could be a prudent way to maintain the resilience of your financial plans. Would you like to explore how these tangible investments might enhance your portfolio?

Allocating funds into the asset class known as “Real Assets” may be a strategy that you should consider.

Ask us how to Rollover a portion of Your IRA or 401k To A BOURBON IRA (www.bourbon.fund/how-it-works/) or a GOLD IRA (see link below) and:

• Safeguard your assets from the collapsing dollar

• Incorporate the ‘REAL ASSET’ class into your portfolio like the ultra-wealthy

• Hedge against the current high-inflation conditions

• Protect your retirement assets against economic crises

Just get in touch. We make it easier than ever.

Feedback or Questions?

You’re invited to get in touch with us if you’d like to find out how the Novus Financial Group can help you on your journey to a happy, fulfilling life in Retirement. 

Office: 614-943-2265

Feel Free To Forward Retirement Examined To A Friend and Have Them Subscribe By Clicking The Button Below:

Reach out if you’d like to advertise your business on Retirement Examined or would like to be a sponsor.

Investment advisory services are offered by duly registered individuals on behalf of CreativeOne Wealth, LLC a Registered Investment Adviser.

The content we provide here isn’t financial advice and cannot be taken as such. Please speak to your financial advisor before making any investment decision. Also, note that every investment comes with its risks and drawbacks. Lastly, we would like to remind you that past results cannot guarantee future returns.

This website contains one affiliate link. When you click on the link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. We only promote companies that we have personally used or researched and believe will add value to our readers