DON’T GET BLIND-SIDED!

In times of economic uncertainty having a plan is not just helpful but critical in guiding you through the market’s zigs and zags. The key is to define your game plan sooner rather than later because time is the essential element that can smooth out the inevitable periods of market volatility – like the one we’re in now – by putting them in a more normal and understandable perspective over the course of your investing life.

Planning is a process. Today many of our clients are living almost twice as long as their forebears did only two generations ago. Spending and savings plans must take into account the impact of this longevity, together with inflation and taxes, in calculating our ability to achieve the future we want for ourselves and our loved ones.

In addition, we can no longer rely on the old rules of thumb about saving for retirement. We must now consider the costs that are outside the scope of ordinary monthly expenses. Today we are seeing more retirees struggling to help “boomerang” children – those who return home in their adult years – or aging parents, who themselves did not adequately prepare for their golden years.

Helping our clients plan for the expected – and the unexpected – has always been the guiding principle of R. W. Rogé & Company. In the past several months my team has been working with a number of major media outlets to help get the word out about the realities people are facing today and what they can do to lay the foundation for a comfortable lifestyle that works for them and their families.

Below are a few feature articles that have appeared in some of the country’s most prominent news and economic publications:

March 26, 2008, U.S. News, “6 Blunders That Ruin Retirement Plans”

April 5, 2008, Newsday, “Taking Responsibility For Your Own Retirement”

April 6, 2008, The Wall Street Journal, “Aid to Make Homes Accessible”