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	<title>WIRL Project &#187; Savings</title>
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	<link>http://www.wirlproject.com</link>
	<description>What It&#039;s Really Like.</description>
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		<title>One Successful Couple</title>
		<link>http://www.wirlproject.com/one-successful-couple/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wirlproject.com/one-successful-couple/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2015 09:00:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Guest WIRL]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Work/Money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[assets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[INVESTING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[investors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[savers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stocks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wirlproject.com/?p=6592</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I met Hugo and Gert Ehlers in late 1994. I quickly discovered they were hard working people. Hugo worked at a steel factory and Gert taught physical education at a public school. Their two kids were already grown and living in different parts of the country. The Ehlers were always very careful with their money, dedicated savers, and good investors. They went to church each Sunday and were always involved in the community. They made it look easy. They had both recently retired and started traveling more. They traveled to a total of 43 countries together and saw lots of interesting things. I asked them why they traveled so much. Gert said, &#8220;because we can afford it and we&#8217;re still healthy.&#8221; They continued to travel until their health wouldn&#8217;t allow for it. They were constantly active in the community. Always exercised. And rarely missed a Sunday at church. When I first met the Ehlers, they had a lot of money in cash, some bonds, and no stocks. Being a portfolio manager at Shearson Lehman Brothers, it seemed like a strange mix. Over the next year, I brought most of their investments together in one place. We then decided how much cash they needed for emergencies, how much for income, and how much to put into growth. I put over 80% of their assets into a stock portfolio that I personally managed. I almost felt like one of the family. Whenever their kids were in town, we&#8217;d all visit and talk about all kinds of things. I discovered they were a lot like their parents. Hard working, good savers, church and community minded – it was like they were carbon copies. Mom and dad had been a good model for them to follow. As the markets did well, the Ehlers did even better. Their assets continued to increase going into the year 2000. Having seen such amazing growth, I sold most of their stocks near the end of January. I was thankful that they had done so well. Cycles can change quickly. The markets continued to move higher, making me feel like maybe I&#8217;d made a mistake. I began hearing predictions of the markets doubling in the next few years. It was the new normal. Then came redemption. In late March of 2,000, the markets started a long, downward move. I didn&#8217;t know it was going to happen, but it did. The markets lost about 60%, and it looked like the end of the world. Lots of people lost a lot of money. And just when things were starting to look better, 9/11 happened. Another new normal was created, terrorism in America. However, it wasn&#8217;t the end. Over time, we reinvested and continued their journey of investing. It was a very hard time to be a portfolio manager. And even a harder time to be a good investor. The Ehlers never got excited about much of anything. Buying a car or going to dinner, it was just one more thing to do. In their planning, we set up trust accounts and methodically decided how to pass their legacy on to the next generation. They were successful savers and investors. They lived a rewarding life and both lived into their 90&#8217;s. Even after they had passed away, the kids had me continue to manage the assets until the estate could be closed. Wonderful people, just like their parents. Hugo and Gert have passed on, but their legacy will always remain. &#160; Join the conversation! Easily contribute your story here. &#160; About the Author… This WIRL was contributed by Phil Gleason, who is a Portfolio Manager and President at Gleason Asset Management. Phil can be found via WIRL Project or his website. ]]></description>
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		<title>How to Calculate Retirement Age</title>
		<link>http://www.wirlproject.com/how-to-calculate-retirement-age/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wirlproject.com/how-to-calculate-retirement-age/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2015 18:00:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Phil Gleason]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Work/Money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heath Care Costs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[investments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Plan Ahead]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retirement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retirement Age]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stocks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wirlproject.com/?p=5509</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Calculate Your Retirement Age Early retirement? Normal retirement age used to be 65. With changes in pension benefits, health care expenses and other factors, there is no normal retirement age. Social Security was created in August 1935. It was intended to supplement other income sources for retirement. What&#8217;s changed? Everything. People are living much longer. In 1935, life expectancy was 61. Today it&#8217;s around 80. Many now count on something that was intended to be a supplement. Here&#8217;s the factors to determine if you can retire: 1. How healthy are you? Good health is now the number one factor as individuals consider retirement. Poor health can force a person retire, while good health can make your retirement. Create a healthy life style: 1. Exercise Regularly 2. Eat Healthy 3. Drink Water 4. Reduce Stress Healthcare costs continue to rise quickly. If you are currently 65 years old, you will need about $320,000 to cover health care costs during your retirement years. If you are 55 years old, in 10 years you will need $465,000. Either way, it&#8217;s a lot of money to cover health care. &#8220;Better health is central to human happiness and well-being. It also makes an important contribution to economic progress, as healthy populations live longer, are more productive, and save more.&#8221; &#8211; World Health Organization 2. How long will you live? Find out what the life expectancy is in your family. It&#8217;s common to see previous generations living into their 90&#8217;s. How can you live longer? 1. Exercise Regularly (+5 years) 2. Eat Healthy (+12 years) 3. Drink Lots of Water (+8 years) 4. Floss Regularly (+8 years) 5. Reduce Stress (20-30% healthier) 6. Don&#8217;t smoke (+8 years) 7. Drink Wine (+5 years) Obviously it&#8217;s not a perfect science. However, your actions can greatly determine how healthy you are and how long you will live. 3. How much income will you need? Estimate retirement income from all sources. Determine what your annual expenses will be during retirement. You may have paid off your mortgage, but your health care costs could be a lot higher. Make sure you pay off all debt as quickly as possible. When your income exceeds your expenses, you should be in a position to save. When your savings can generate enough income to replace your &#8220;work&#8221; income, you can retire. About 3% of all Americans retire financially independent. That means they can replace 100% of their income when they retire. 97% lower their income at retirement. 4. How long will your income last? That depends how on how you have your assets invested. If you are very conservative and have your assets in guaranteed investments, you&#8217;ll need a lot more saved. You need to do an evaluation of your asset allocation strategy and make sure it meets your long term needs. Your annual returns need to exceed inflation and taxes. Otherwise, you will not reach your financial goals. To make sure you have enough for retirement save 15% of your income. Invest it in long term investments like stocks and do it for 30 years. Summary: 1. Live a healthy life style 2. Determine how much income you&#8217;ll need in retirement. 3. Invest properly so your income will last. Start Today! Other Options? Save more than 15% and you can retire earlier. Lower your current expenses. Work longer. Don&#8217;t ever retire. &#160;]]></description>
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		<title>SAVE AND INVEST FOR YOUR FUTURE</title>
		<link>http://www.wirlproject.com/save-and-invest-for-your-future/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wirlproject.com/save-and-invest-for-your-future/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2015 09:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Phil Gleason]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Work/Money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[INVESTING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retirement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[REWARD]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RISK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[STOCK MARKET]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wirlproject.com/?p=5260</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; SAVE AND INVEST FOR YOUR FUTURE. Today, I saw that the average family in the U.S.A. makes almost $54,000 per year. They have saved an average of $3,800. That is shocking to me. It&#8217;s obvious that Americans have greater concerns in front of them. As a direct result of the great recession starting in 2007, many people are worse off today. If people were forced to save money at an early age, and then taught to invest it properly, there&#8217;d be no issues. Saving money for the future is one of the most important things a person can do for themselves. Saving money is important, but where you save it is just as important. The typical conservative will save their money at a bank. They get paid almost zero, so each year they lose value to inflation. People are living a lot longer today, which means they will need their money to last much longer. The idea of paying yourself first makes sense. People need to understand the concepts of investing in something that produces something. Stocks produce profits and are paid to shareholders in dividends and share appreciation. Gold, silver and other commodities don&#8217;t produce anything. Their price fluctuations result fear and volatility. BANKRATE recently did a survey on March 19-22 of this year. Here&#8217;s some of their results: Average family invested in the stock market: 46% &#8211; Yes 52% &#8211; No Reasons for not investing in the stock market: Lack money 53% Lack knowledge 21% Distrust advisors 9% Too risky 7% High fees 2% Invested in the stock market: 2014 54% 2007 58% 2002 67% 2000 62% Those currently invested in the stock market: 78% of those making $75,000 or more 21% of those making $30,000 or less If you are not investing in the stock market, you are losing out. Most people have a bank account, an IRA or a 401(k) savings plan. Unfortunately they don&#8217;t spend very much time understanding what their choices are and how they should allocate their choices. Most people don&#8217;t have a financial plan. Based on a recent survey, most people would rather clean their toilet than to review their financial plan. What are my alternatives? 1. Company pensions are being phased out. 2. Social Security is suspect, at best. 3. Save on your own and have a great financial plan. Investing in the stock market works. Since 2008, the market has had an annual compounded return of over 17% per year. Unfortunately, the past market corrections have scared people, not educated them. Don&#8217;t let fear or what you don&#8217;t understand prevent you from investing in the stock market. Get started today! &#160; Gleason Asset Management, LLC]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
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		<title>How to Become Financially Independent</title>
		<link>http://www.wirlproject.com/how-to-become-financially-independent/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wirlproject.com/how-to-become-financially-independent/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2015 09:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Phil Gleason]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Work/Money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[3 basic concepts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial indepence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How to Save]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retirement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[steps to retirement]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wirlproject.com/?p=4856</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Retirement is a concept that continues to experience transitions. Becoming financially independent is difficult, but it is also possible. Historically, only 5% of people are able to retire and maintain financial independence. Most have never created a financial plan. A plan is critical for achieving your financial goals. &#8220;Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstance.&#8221; &#8211; Bruce Barton First, what is financial independence? Based on recent surreys it means you have no debt, you have saved enough to meet your needs, and have on-going income to fund the rest of your life. Getting to this point is different for each person. Here&#8217;s three basic concepts to apply: 1. Save up to 20% of your gross income into a tax qualified plan. Each dollar saved into your retirement account automatically gives you a 25-30% return, just from savings in the taxes. Any positive return on your portfolio creates a significant compounded total return. If you can&#8217;t do 20%, start at 10% and increase it each year until you get to 20%. 2. Give away at least 10% of your income to your church or a non-profit agency. Learning to live a generous life style has many positive. Giving is a personal matter determined in your heart. Giving requires resolve. It needs to be planed and deliberate. It should be done privately, not publicly. Giving helps everyone. Matthew 10:8 says, &#8220;You have been treated generously, so live generously.&#8221; 3. Live on whatever is left over. Crazy? Not at all. Think about it. If you are spending 100% of your income today, how will you replace it when you no longer have the ability to produce income? Let&#8217;s assume that your have your home mortgage paid before you retire. Inflation never retires. your expenses will actually increase. Many fear the rising costs of healthcare. You have to have a plan. Start today. 1. Pay off all debt, including your mortgage. 2. Set up a plan that will provide you income for retirement. 3. Keep your living expenses as low as possible and look for additional ways to save. 4. Follow the basics. Save 20% of your income, give away 10%, and live on whatever is left over. 5. Develop a sound investment strategy that will work for the long term. Don&#8217;t allow fear and uncertainty to move you from your objectives. Start today. http://www.gleasonam.com/Our-Firm.2.htm]]></description>
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		<title>Are You Saving Enough?</title>
		<link>http://www.wirlproject.com/are-you-saving-enough/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wirlproject.com/are-you-saving-enough/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2015 15:11:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[WIRL Project]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Work/Money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retirement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Savings]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wirlproject.com/?p=3166</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ever wonder if you&#8217;re saving enough money for retirement? Even if you&#8217;re in your 20&#8217;s, most experts say you should be saving 10-15% of your annual income each year! Setting aside a little bit every month can be a hard thing to do, and even when you&#8217;re doing all the right things, it&#8217;s still hard to feel confident about it. Should it sit in a savings account, 401K, or should you invest it some other way? There are so many questions with so few definitive answers! So, how can you tell if you&#8217;re on the right track? An article from Fool.com titled, How Much Money Should You Save Every Year? Our Retirement Experts Weigh In, gives some great advice and tips to help you figure out if you&#8217;re on the right track. We&#8217;ve listed some of their great points below: 1) By the time you&#8217;re 35, you should have a savings equivalent to your annual salary. So, if you make $80,000 per year, you should have at least that in your savings account(s). If you&#8217;re under 35, are you on the right track for that? Or, think back to when you were in your 30&#8217;s, was this the case for you? 2) By the age of 45, you should have three times your annual salary. By the age of 67, a person should have at least eight times their annual salary to retire comfortably, depending on their lifestyle. 3) Listen to the savings advice that professionals are giving! The National Institute on Retirement Security recently reported that the average retirement-aged American Household has $100,000 in savings &#8211; nowhere near the suggested advice of eight times the annual salary ($52,000/year)! 3)  When saving for retirement, you should start as early as possible! According to a Forbes analysis, if you start in your 20&#8217;s you can save 10%-15% annually to reach enough for retirement. However, if you start in your 30&#8217;s that percentage goes up to 20.1%,  and if you wait until your 40&#8217;s, it jumps all the way up to 43.2%! 4) Even if you don&#8217;t make very much money, the best way to save is it get in the habit of saving. Set up another bank account to automatically transfer a certain amount of money each month. This will take the pressure off of you to physically do it, and you won&#8217;t be able to spend money that isn&#8217;t as easily accessible to you in your primary checking account. So, visit the link below to read the entire article containing all of the expert advice and ask yourself if you&#8217;re setting yourself up for retirement savings success. If you are, great job! If you aren&#8217;t, recalculate, adjust and make some changes; it&#8217;s never too late to start to make a positive change in your life!]]></description>
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