Broadcaster Press 11 October 4, 2016 www.broadcasteronline.com Small Steps to Take Today to Improve Your Retirement Tomorrow (StatePoint) While it is never too early or too late to prepare for retirement, today is always the right day to take action. “Saving for retirement can seem overwhelming, but don’t wait to get started,” says Jamie Ohl, president, Retirement Plan Services, Lincoln Financial Group. “The sooner you start making contributions to a retirement account, the more opportunity you have to grow your savings.” Unfortunately, only 19 percent of Americans say they are very prepared for retirement, according to the “2016 M.O.O.D. of America Survey” from Lincoln Financial Group. This National Save for Retirement Week, held October 16-22, learn some valuable steps you can take today to count yourself among the prepared. Can Healthy Habits Contribute to Financial Security? (StatePoint) When it comes to feelings about finances, working Americans are practically split down the middle, according to a recent study. Fifty-five percent of employed Americans feel they are on the right track to achieving financial well-being, while the other 45 percent feel they are not headed in the right direction, according to the 2016 Lincoln Financial Group Measuring Optimism, Outlook and Direction (M.O.O.D.) of America study. So what are those individuals on the right track doing so well? The study found five key factors -- behaviors and influencers -- in their lives that correlate to positive feelings about money. “Right trackers” differ from their counterparts who are not on the right track because: • They are more likely to have created formal financial plans -- more than 70 percent of them, in fact. • They are forward-looking in general, with nearly 100 percent saying they are focused on the future. Also, 90 percent of those in the “right track” camp say they feel in control of their lives. • Meet the match: Sixty-eight percent of Americans say trying to understand their retirement • They exercise more. Those with positive plan options can be an overwhelming process, according to a recent Lincoln Financial study. If feelings about money tend to be active. About there is one principle to remember when mulling over your options, it’s to take advantage of a 80 percent of this group exercises at least match if it is offered by your employer. Not doing so is leaving money on the table. once a week, and typically more often. Compare that with those who are not on the right • Increase your contribution: Whenever there is an opportunity to put more into your retire- track -- just 60 percent of that segment works ment fund, take it. When you get a raise or a bonus, consider increasing your contribution. If out on a consistent basis. Physical health can you save money on other expenses in your budget, for example, canceling a cable subscription correlate to financial health. you don’t use, try to set aside a portion of the saved money for your retirement fund. • They’re more likely to feel good about • Meet with an advisor: Consider turning to a professional. The great majority of Americans themselves. Financial health and emotional -- 95 percent -- trust their financial advisors and 90 percent say their advisor helps them achieve health go hand-in-hand, too. Those on the financial security. Relying on their expertise can help position you for a more comfortable right track are more likely than their counretirement. terparts to say they are optimistic because they feel good about themselves and their More retirement tips and resources can be found at LincolnFinancial.com. relationships with family and friends. They’re Whether you plan to take it easy in your retirement or travel the globe, you will need sufficient also positive about their careers and their reresources to have the retirement you envision. As you make plans to meet your short- and lationships with coworkers. longer-term savings goals, remember that saving for retirement is important. • They take advantage of workplace benefits. Indeed, the more benefits you enroll in Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Credit Card Rewards (StatePoint) With so many options to choose from, it would seem that finding a credit card that is right for you should be easy. Often overlooked, however, is the importance of finding one with a rewards program suited to your spending habits. A recent study conducted by ORC International on behalf of Ally Bank explored consumer preferences when it comes to rewards. Of the 1,005 respondents nationwide, 589 had a major credit card in their name, qualifying for the survey. The following themes were consistent with many respondents -- and they could help you choose a card that will deliver the greatest rewards that matter to you. Beyond health insurance and retirement savings, “right-trackers” are enrolling in insurance plans to cover dental and vision care, as well as life insurance and disability insurance (which can help replace a portion of your paycheck while you recover from an injury or illness). They’re also taking advantage of other nonmedical benefits that can help boost financial security, such as accident insurance and critical illness insurance, which can help cover expenses that medical insurance does not, like high deductibles, or day-to-day expenses such as food or mortgage payments. The future is unknown, but certain insurance coverages offered at work can help safeguard you against a broad scope of unexpected expenses, and can help you feel and be more financially secure. This is something to think about during annual open enrollment for medical insurance and beyond. For more insights and tips to help you take control of your financial future, follow Lincoln Financial Group on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. Feeling good about your finances is about the big picture, not just your bank account. From a healthy lifestyle to a positive attitude, taking a cue from those who are on the “right track” may help you get your footing on the path to financial well-being. Hartington Tree LLC PRECISION PAINTING TREE TRIMMING, REMOVALS & TRANSPLANTING •Interior •Exterior •Commercial •Residential TREES FOR SALE EVERGREEN • SHADE • ORNAMENTAL Quality Workmanship, Reasonable Rates Since 1983 through the workplace, the better you will feel financially, suggests the study. 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Whether it is hotel points, miles or cash back, a rewards program puts extra money in your pocket and may be the right enticement to use a credit card instead of cash to pay for everyday purchases. Get Rewarded for Loyalty Eighty percent of consumers with credit cards surveyed said they would prefer to have multiple financial products, such as a bank account, loan or credit card, with the same bank if they earned rewards for doing so. For example the Ally CashBack Credit Card (ally.com/cashback) rewards program offers cash back on all purchases as well as a ten percent bonus on rewards when those rewards are redeemed into an eligible Ally Bank account. Don’t Miss Out Interestingly, only 36 percent of consumers with credit cards use their card for daily purchases, often missing out on rewards on purchases like gas and groceries. Another 28 percent of respondents admitted to losing out on rewards because they expired or were too difficult to cash in. 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