Looking forward to retirement?  Please don’t be like the many millions of Americans who say, “ I wish I would have just taken the time to prepare early”.  According to the 2010 Retirement Confidence Survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, though 69 percent American workers have saved for retirement, only 16 percent are very confident that they have enough money for a comfortable retirement.

If you are among the 84 percent, and approaching retirement, don’t repent for what was gone undone; instead, gear up to get retirement planning back on track.   Here are five tips from The Money Times:

1.    Downsize Lifestyle- Is your budget stretched out to thin?  Or do you have a budget?  Look for areas where you can cut expenses and redirect that money into savings.  To ensure there are enough funds to last your entire retirement, look for areas where you can cut expenses and redirect that money into savings.  Cost cutting can include relocating to regions where cost of living is low, trading big homes for small ones, replacing big cars with economical ones, or opting for public transport to work, etc.,

2.    Delay Retirement- Postpone retirement by working a for a few more years, and for longer durations.  You do not have to have the same job. Opt for part-time jobs that are less strenuous if you have health issues.  Not only will you pile up cash into your savings account, but you may also lessen years from retirement, thus enabling you to comfortably spend long collected cash.

3.    Consider Asset Allocation- The biggest mistake that most prospective retirees make is replacing shares for conservative bonds. But they are likely to run out of cash as bonds might fail to reap expected returns amid inflation.  Review assets to ensure that your investment portfolio is diversified.  Don’t put too many eggs in one basket.  Retirees should have a mix of shares and bonds.  Also, investment in liquid assets like Certificates of Deposits, etc., is important to keep assets close to home in case an emergency strikes.

4.    Opt for Long Term Care Insurance- The biggest drain on your retirement will probably be a catastrophic illness.  While planning retirement, sign up for long term care insurance  that provides for cost of activities like adult daycare, home care, visiting home nurses, convalescent care among others.  Do not opt for least expensive plans as they might exclude important benefits.  The cost does not vary much and the earlier you purchase the policy the more affordable and cost effective it will be.  Statistics say that 2 out of 4 will need long term care.

5.    Sign Up for Healthcare- As you evaluate retirement needs, check if you have a health insurance plan as healthcare proves most expensive for retirees.  Know if your employer offers health benefits for retirement.  If not seek private insurance as soon as possible.  The Federal Government program (Medicare) has an enrollment period which starts three months before you turn 65, covers hospital, medical, and drug costs.  Remember Medicare does not cover 100 percent of everything.  For instance, it does not provide for the cost of dental care, hearing aids, personal care and non medical services, etc.,

And remember, life insurance is one of the most important feature of a family’s overall financial plan.  Contact a licensed life insurance agent like Vickie Stephens for free life insurance quotes today.   

phone: 510.796.8164
email: vickie@vickiestephens.com
web: www.vickiestephens.com
Serving the Eastbay & Fremont Area | Auto Home & Life Insurance

I am both honored and excited to be a supporter of the 7^th Annual Take Wings Angel Awards Benefit Gala. This event is held annually in San Francisco, CA to honor Scholarship recipients who are graduating high school seniors in support to further their formal education. The event will be hosted by Take Wings founder and renown actress, Terri J. Vaughn. 

As a community service professional and mentor, I take pride in honoring these young ladies who have through triumph raised to try and reach their full potential. I applaud Terri and these lovely ladies in their efforts to be EVERY woman and most importantly all they can be. To learn more about Take Wings Foundation  as well as to acquire about tickets to the gala, please check out the link to their website!

phone: 510.796.8164
email: vickie@vickiestephens.com
web: www.vickiestephens.com and www.vickieAstephens.com
Serving the Eastbay & Fremont Area | Auto Home & Life Insurance

I’m celebrating 10 Years of serving the Fremont area and I’m inviting all of my current clients and friends to come celebrate with me at my 10 Year Anniversairy Open House. On July 31st from 2-5 pm I will be your hostess, providing games, prizes, a meet-and-greet and champagne refreshments.

• Who: Vickie Stephens’ Agency
• What: Open House for current friends and clients.
• When: July 31st, 2010 from 2 pm – 5 pm.
• Where: 3100 Capitol Ave, Suite E, Fremont Ca, 94538.
• Why: To celebrate my 10 Year Anniversary of service to the Fremont area.

While you are here I’d love for you to also enjoy the 22nd Annual Fremont Art & Wine Festival, which is being held adjacent to my office! Visit www.FremontFestival.net for more information.

phone: 510.796.8164
email: vickie@vickiestephens.com
web: www.vickiestephens.com
Serving the Eastbay & Fremont Area | Auto Home & Life Insurance

Summer is almost here and I hear the current economy will affect two thirds of Americans’ vacation budgets. Are you planning to escape during the summer, or will your only sunny activity will be watching the thermometer rise?

Don’t resign yourself to being sick and shut in – take a staycation! That is, stay close to home but still get away. Everyone’s doing it, and after all, we are near some spectacular places.

To practice what I preach, I decided to experience my own staycation to see if the hype is justified. Thirty minutes from the Bay Area you’ll find Napa, Redwood Forest and of course your home.

I just completed my staycation at Sonoma just a few days ago and it was spectacular.

I searched the Internet and found Tips for a Successful Staycation.

For an optimal experience, this article advises:

• Schedule start/end dates: Easily done – my staycation starts the minute I log off my workstation, and ends when the sun sets and I can no longer read my magazine.
• Plan activities: Does a nap count? I unfold my lounge chair and assume a semi-horizontal position. I figure as long as people see me breathing, no one will call Search and Rescue.
• Declare a “choratorium”: No chores? No problem. I have no intention of bringing my laundry, soap and washboard, recreating a clothes-cleaning scene from the Old West.
• Create a vacation atmosphere: Beverage cooler? Check. iPod? Check. I’m ready to get this staycation party started.
• Invite people over: This gets tricky – I observe my fellow bay area dwellers, and it appears their definition of staycation is different from mine – a bit more long-term. I ignore this tip and maintain solo staycation status.

I read, relax and fantasize about  blue prestine waters in the Caribbean and attractive natives walking/ drifting by. I consider lecturing them on Stella got her groove back safety, but abstain. A dog stops by and introduces himself. As long as these visits don’t involve the reptile family, I’m untouchable in this mode.

Two hours pass – my experience is brief, yet relaxed. Time to pack up my vacation-in-a-bag and head home, mission accomplished. Who’d believe I’m only 45 minutes from home or an hour from work?

If I can’t manage a summer vacation, a few staycations may do the trick. The best part is, I can leave my toothbrush at home. 

A Great Staycation Near You

Need a staycation? Here are recommended spots near the Bay. They include a drive to Monterey or Carmel, Bodega Bay, San Rafael, Tiburon, Lafayette and if you are really brave a day trip to Lake Tahoe. Don’t forget there are some nice hotels and restaurants near SFO. The Elephant Bar in Burlingame is my favorite. I arrive close to sunset and get a table with a view of the water and the airplanes. I enjoy a simple meal and a beverage while thinking of future hopes and dreams. It really works!

So log off, gas up, get away from the office, and regain your sense of Inner Calm

phone: 510.796.8164
email: vickie@vickiestephens.com
web: www.vickiestephens.com
Serving the Eastbay & Fremont Area | Auto Home & Life Insurance

Hey everybody!  Here is my new “VS” logo.  I’d love to hear feedback and receive input, so please leave a comment.

phone: 510.796.8164
email: vickie@vickiestephens.com
web: www.vickiestephens.com
Serving the Eastbay & Fremont Area | Auto Home & Life Insurance