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What is Sequencing Risk and What Can You Do About It?
Chelsea Sanderson • April 20, 2021
We all know that risk is inherent in investing, with some types of investments being much more risky than others. And of course, a loss within your portfolio can mean a loss of income that you would have derived from those investments. That’s why retirees often feel concerned about their risk factors; no one wants to retire, suffer a loss, and then lack access to the funds needed to cover their standard of living.
But all risks are not the same. “Sequencing risk” refers to the order in which your portfolio returns occur. Suffering a loss early in your retirement can impact your financial capabilities for the rest of your life, leaving you to perpetually play “catch up”. In some cases retirees even end up going back to work, or changing their lifestyles drastically (and feeling dissatisfied with retirement as a result).
On the other hand, losses taken toward the end of your life might or might not carry a similar impact, depending upon when they occur and how significant they are. But generally speaking, if you’re going to suffer a loss, you don’t want to do it in the early years of your retirement.
So, what do we do about sequencing risk? Analyze your portfolio in terms of predictability and safety, and assume that at some point there will indeed be market downturns. For those times, streams of revenue that are more stable can be depended upon to carry you until the market improves again.
At the same time, we know that the riskier investments are sometimes the ones with greater potential for growth. You might not wish to eliminate those entirely, but your desire for growth should be balanced with how much you can stand to lose. Perhaps more importantly, you should consider when you can stand to lose it.
These principles underscore what is always an important point in retirement planning: The planning isn’t finished when you retire! In fact, it’s just as important as ever. Continue meeting with us so that we can continually analyze your risk factors, retirement timing, lifestyle needs, and other factors that contribute to a satisfactory retirement. Then, together we will work to continually adjust your financial plan so that risks are balanced with your need for more stable income.
As a business owner, safeguarding your enterprise against unforeseen events is crucial for long-term success. Life insurance offers several strategies to protect your business, ensure continuity, and provide financial stability during challenging times. Two primary methods are buy-sell agreements and key person insurance. Buy-Sell Agreements A buy-sell agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the procedure for transferring ownership if an owner departs due to death, disability, or retirement. Funding this agreement with life insurance ensures a smooth transition and financial security for the remaining owners and the departing owner's beneficiaries. Types of Buy-Sell Agreements Cross-Purchase Agreement: Each owner purchases a life insurance policy on the other owners. Upon an owner's death, the surviving owners use the policy proceeds to buy the deceased owner's share. This method is often suitable for businesses with a few owners. Entity Purchase Agreement: The business itself owns life insurance policies on each owner. If an owner passes away, the business uses the proceeds to buy back the deceased owner's share, redistributing it among the remaining owners. This approach is typically preferred for businesses with multiple owners. Key Person Insurance Key person insurance is a policy that a business takes out on essential employees whose loss could significantly impact operations. The business owns the policy, pays the premiums, and is the beneficiary. If a key person dies or becomes disabled, the policy proceeds can be used to: Cover the costs of finding and training a replacement. Offset lost revenue resulting from the key person's absence. Reassure clients, creditors, and investors of the business's stability. This strategy is vital for businesses where certain individuals are integral to success, such as top executives, lead developers, or primary sales personnel. Additional Strategies Beyond buy-sell agreements and key person insurance, consider these life insurance strategies: Collateral Assignment: Use a life insurance policy as collateral for business loans. In the event of the owner's death, the lender is paid from the policy proceeds, preventing financial strain on the business. Executive Bonus Plans: Provide key employees with life insurance policies as part of their compensation package. This not only offers them personal financial protection but also serves as an incentive for retention. Deferred Compensation Plans: Promise to pay key employees a certain amount at retirement, funded through life insurance policies. This ensures the business can meet its obligations without affecting cash flow. Implementing life insurance strategies is essential for business owners aiming to protect their enterprises from unforeseen events. Work with us to explore your life insurance options and we can help your business remain resilient and continue to thrive.
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specified period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. If you outlive your term policy, the coverage ends, and no death benefit is paid to your beneficiaries. As you approach the end of your term, it's essential to evaluate your current financial situation and consider options to maintain life insurance coverage if needed. Options to Consider Annual Renewable Term: Some term policies offer an option to renew annually after the initial term expires. While this allows you to extend coverage without a medical exam, premiums typically increase each year based on your age, making it a potentially costly option over time. PROGRESSIVE.COM Policy Conversion: Term-to-Permanent Conversion: Many term policies include a conversion feature, allowing you to convert your term policy into a permanent life insurance policy, such as whole or universal life, without undergoing a medical examination. This option can provide lifelong coverage and build cash value, but premiums will be higher than those of the original term policy. NEWYORKLIFE.COM Purchasing a New Policy New Term Policy: Applying for a new term life insurance policy can be an option, especially if you're still in good health. However, premiums will be higher due to increased age, and you may need to undergo a medical exam. Permanent Life Insurance: Alternatively, you might consider purchasing a permanent life insurance policy, which provides lifelong coverage and accumulates cash value. This option is generally more expensive but offers additional benefits. Exploring Alternative Coverage: Final Expense Insurance: Designed to cover end-of-life expenses, such as funeral costs and medical bills, final expense insurance offers a smaller death benefit with more affordable premiums and may not require a medical exam. Guaranteed Universal Life Insurance: This type of policy provides coverage for a specified age (e.g., up to age 90 or 100) with lower premiums compared to whole life insurance, focusing primarily on the death benefit without significant cash value accumulation. Take Action Now As your term life insurance policy nears its expiration, assess your current financial needs and health status to determine the most suitable course of action. Consulting with an insurance professional can help you navigate your options and select the best solution to ensure continued financial protection for your loved ones.
