Do You Know Your Number?
While extreme market volatility continues and the length of the recession remains uncertain, investors are understandably scared about their investments and their ability to retire comfortably. Whether you invest on your own or use an advisor, my recommendation is that you should review your retirement plan to determine where you stand personally.
One of the best methods to model your retirement plan is using the Otar Retirement Calculator (ORC). It is straightforward to use and answers the following questions.
• Do I have enough money to retire?
• How long will my money last?
• When can I retire?
• How much do I need to save for my retirement?
• Do I need a life annuity?
• What is my optimum asset mix?
It arrives at the answers in a unique way that is different than any other retirement planning program that I have ever used or reviewed. It does not use “forecasting” i.e. expected rates of return or expected inflation as predictions for the future. Instead, the ORC uses “aftcasting” by using actual market history to show the client’s potential outcomes. Jim Otar, the designer of this program recognized this phenomenon many years ago and in 2001 published, “High Expectations & False Dreams: One Hundred Years of Stock Market History Applied to Retirement Planning”.
I urge you to visit his website at www.retirementoptimizer.com. You can read numerous articles as well as download a free trial version of his software. He is a very soft-spoken man with a powerful message.
Kudos to Jim Otar in developing a revolutionary new method for retirement income planning.
Don Maycock, P. Eng, CFP, CIM is an independent financial advisor …advising you to and through retirement! Don is licensed for mutual funds which are provided through Armstrong & Quaile Associates Inc and insurance which is provided through Armstrong & Quaile Insurance Agency Inc. If you have a question or comment, email Don at dmaycock@a-q.com, call (613) 966 8289, or go to www.donmaycock.com for more information. Subscribe to “The MAYCOCK e-Newsletter” to receive valuable financial planning tips each month.
Disclaimer:” “Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.”