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Show Page 4 The Gunnison Valley Gazette Thursday, October 22, 2009 Into all the World Elder Stuart Watson (far right) is so grateful for his mission and the lessons he is learning in windy Patigonia, Argentina. He will finish his mission this December and return home to his family in St. George. Elder Watson is the son of Chad and Julie Watson, formerly of Gunnison. The all Scouting Newsis is Sponsored Into the World sponsored by ACE Paints Sporting Goods Whirpool Appliances by An 528-7513 435 South Main • Gunnison Open House will be held Friday October 23 from 11 am to 2 pm with Refreshments and Giveaways The Outdoor Report We look forward to seeing you there! Mark Henline/Gunnison Valley Gazette Fifteen year old BrieAnn Peterson shot this 32” 4x4 buck early in the morning on the opening day of the hunt. She said she shot it just north of Mayfield. BrieAnn is the daughter of Roger and Hollie Peterson of Mayfield. 528-5001 The Outdoor Report is Sponsored by: Hwy 89 Northeast of Gunnison Open Monday - Saturday The First Word and Last Name in Log Homes! Think Satterwhite for Log Homes, Rough Lumber, Timbers, Animal Bedding and Firewood Plan for retirement - this week and every week Submitted by DARIN FRANDSEN You might not see it on your calendar, but Oct. 18 – 24 is National Save for Retirement Week. This event, endorsed by Congress, is designed to promote the benefits of saving for retirement and to encourage workers to take full advantage of their employersponsored retirement plans — so you may want to use this week as a starting point to do just that. For many of us, the need to boost our retirement savings is critical. In fact, some 53 percent of Americans report that the total value of their household’s savings and investments, excluding the value of their primary home and any defined benefit plans, is less than $25,000, according to the 2009 Retirement Confidence Survey, sponsored by the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Also, the decline in popularity of these defined benefit plans — the traditional pension plans that make payments based primarily on years of service — is one reason that saving for retirement has become such a major issue. From 1986 to 2008, participation in defined benefit plans among full-time workers in private industry declined from 76 percent to 24 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In many cases, these defined benefit plans have been replaced by defined contribution plans, such as 401(k) plans — which means that much of the responsibility of adequately funding retirement has shifted from the employer to the individual. Given these factors, it’s clear that you must be proactive in building resources to achieve the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned. So, consider taking the following steps: • Contribute to your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored plan. If possible, try to put in as much as you can afford to your 401(k) or other tax-advantaged, employer-sponsored plan, such as a 403(b) or 457(b). It’s a good idea to spread your 401(k) dollars among the available investments in a way that reflects your risk tolerance and time horizon. And as your income increases, try to increase your 401(k) contributions. At a minimum, put in enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered. Due to the prolonged economic slump, some employers have cut back or eliminated their 401(k) matching contributions, but if one is offered, take advantage of it. • Open an IRA. Even if you contribute to a 401(k), you are probably still eligible to open an IRA. A traditional IRA can grow on a tax-deferred basis, and a Roth IRA grows tax-free, provided you’ve had your account for at least five years and don’t begin taking withdrawals until you’re 59-1/2. Plus, you can usually find that an IRA provides more investment options that a 401(k) plan. • Rebalance your investment portfolio regularly. During the long bear market, many new retirees faced difficulties when they were forced to tap into investment portfolios whose value had dropped significantly. You can help avoid this problem by periodically reviewing and rebalancing your investments. So for example, if you know you’re going to retire within the next five years, you may want to consider shifting some of your assets into shorter-term investments that may not be as susceptible to market volatility. You can speak with a financial advisor, who can help you review your specific situation. By making the right moves, you can turn every week into a “Save for Retirement” week. And you’ll probably be glad you did, once your actual retirement week arrives. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. DREAMING UP THE IDEAL RETIREMENT IS YOUR JOB. HELPING YOU GET THERE IS OURS. 2007 Chevy Malibu Price Reduced! only$7999 2007 Hyundai lySonata on $9,600 2008 Chevy Impala Flex Fuel y onl$11,900 Winter is on its way, Get ready to play! ATVs and Snow Machines below dealer cost. Come visit Robert for details. Darin K Frandsen Financial Advisor . 446 South Mall Drive B-7 St George, UT 84790 435-627-2159 www.edwardjones.com Member MemberSIPC CIPF 51 W 200 N, Gunnison 528-7271 |
