Posted: 03.23.2012
Retirement Planning Tips for 2012

Safely Navigating the Seas of Economic Instability

The year 2011 was a turbulent one across the globe. We saw numerous countries hit by a tidal wave of financial instability; multitudes of investors made seasick by the precipitously high crests and devastating low troughs of world stock markets; and all helplessly watched as the U.S. was swamped by a downgraded credit rating. It’s safe to say that many of us hope 2012 will bring calm to these economic seas.

So how will all the events of 2011 affect your retirement planning? Here are our top three thoughts for how people will be managing and investing their money in 2012:

1. Increased interest in income-generating investments
Now more than ever, consumers are searching out income-producing investments, such as annuities and those old-fashioned utility stocks because they aren’t getting the income like they used to (whether it’s a retiree or mid-career manager who’s still trying to re-enter the workforce). In 2012, consumers will be much more interested in having a guaranteed income than in years past. Advisors have become increasingly successful in selling annuities and dividend-paying stocks. We predict this trend will continue into next year.

2. Family Members Moving In
In tough economic times, people manage their money differently. They put more of it into savings and choose not to buy homes but to live with family members. And it’s not just the recent college grads who are moving in, but the young adult, mid-career and retiree as well. This trend will continue in 2012.

3. Taking retirement more seriously
Across the board, one of the biggest trends we’ve seen is that more people are taking their finances, investments, and retirement planning more seriously than ever before. Washed over by wave upon wave of financial setbacks, people are now taking a more active role in their retirement planning, attempting to eliminate financial stress and to gain peace of mind.

Looking ahead

As many have now personally experienced, managing your financial future is nothing to be lackadaisical about or worse, to ignore. It’s serious business, work best done yourself with the guidance of a trusted advisor.

Bill G. Smith – Investment Advisor Representative
Brown & Brown, Detroit

Posted: 04.01.2013
Save Health Care Costs BY OFFERING AN ON-SITE PRIMARY CARE CLINIC...

Posted: 04.01.2013
Insurance Costs Rising Across Many Categories...

Posted: 04.01.2013
BE PROACTIVE TO PREVENT WORKPLACE VIOLENCE...

Posted: 04.01.2013
401(k) Fiduciaries: Is Your Plan Putting You At Risk?...

Posted: 04.01.2013
DOL Delays “Notice of Coverage Available Through the Exchanges” Requirement for Employers...

Posted: 12.18.2012
Save money on your retiree health insurance with an EGWP...

Posted: 12.18.2012
Protect Yourself with EFT Fraud Coverage...

Posted: 12.18.2012
How to Use Individual Driver Motor Vehicle Records to Manage Risk...

Posted: 12.18.2012
Great News!...

Posted: 09.04.2012
Major Trends Driving Need for LTC as an Employee Benefit...

Posted: 09.04.2012
The decision has been announced....

Posted: 09.04.2012
Credit Insurance...

Posted: 09.04.2012
Why borrowing from your 401(k) may not be in your best interest...

Posted: 06.19.2012
Changes in Worker’s Comp Calculations Will Cost You $1,000’s of Dollars...

Posted: 06.19.2012
Not all Marine Vessels (or Insurance Policies) are Created Equal...

Posted: 06.19.2012
How Effective is Your Wellness Education?...

Posted: 06.18.2012
Supreme Court Hears Affordable Care Act Arguments...

Posted: 03.21.2012
Do You Know the Six Factors Affecting Your Property Insurance?...

Posted: 03.21.2012
Rebating Health Insurance Premiums to Employees...

Posted: 12.30.2011
Secure Your Assets with a Micro Captive...

Posted: 12.30.2011
Texting While Driving...

Posted: 12.30.2011
Helping Employees Bridge the Gap with Accident Insurance...

Posted: 10.04.2011
Disease Management...

Posted: 10.04.2011
What is your Cyber Risk?...

Posted: 10.04.2011
Control Workers Comp Costs...

Posted: 10.04.2011
Steps to Filing a Flood Claim...

Posted: 10.04.2011
Should I Invest in a Roth 401(k) or a Traditional 401(k)?...

Posted: 07.05.2011
The Sky Really Can Fall...

Posted: 07.05.2011
Directors & Officers Liability Insurance...

Posted: 07.05.2011
Health Care Reform...

Posted: 07.05.2011
For Your Information...

Posted: 04.06.2011
Repealing Health Care Reform...

Posted: 04.06.2011
Help Your Employees Comply with New Over the Counter Rules...

Posted: 04.06.2011
Tax Act - President Significantly Changes Federal Estate Tax Law...

Posted: 04.05.2011
Solving the Myster Behind Equipment Breakdown Coverage...

Posted: 12.20.2010
"Everything you need to know" about Grandfathering your Health Plan...

Posted: 12.20.2010
The Importance of Employee Benefit Liability & Fiduciary Liability Due to Health Care Reform...

Posted: 12.20.2010
IRS Delays: W-2 Health Cost Reporting Requirement...

Posted: 12.20.2010
Preventive Care Coverage for Adults & Children...

Posted: 12.20.2010
Brown & Brown of Detroit is honored for the third time...

Posted: 10.05.2010
Understanding Fiduciary Liability and why ERISA bonds are not enough...

Posted: 10.05.2010
Affordable Care Act - Sept. 23rd...

Posted: 10.05.2010
Renting a Car? Make Smart Choices Before You Visit the Rental Counter...

Posted: 06.21.2010
Health Care Reform - Are You Ready?...

Posted: 06.21.2010
Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association Assessment Increases...

Posted: 06.17.2010
Health Care Reform Time Line...

Posted: 06.17.2010
For Lease Property Vacancy...

Posted: 03.22.2010
Wellness Incentives - How They Work Through Encouragement and Reward...

Posted: 03.22.2010
Tuition Insurance Program Keeps Students in School “While Protecting School’s Cash Flow”...

Posted: 03.22.2010
Estate Tax Changes: What does it mean?...

Posted: 03.22.2010
When is Flood Insurance Needed? ...

Posted: 03.22.2010
HIPAA Breach Notification Requirements...

Posted: 02.10.2009
ALCOS Transitions Name to Brown & Brown of Detroit...

Posted: 11.06.2008
Food Drive to Replenish Gleaners Community Food Bank Supplies...

Posted: 10.31.2008
Leading Detroit-area Insurance Firm Celebrates Golden Anniversary...

Posted: 03.17.2008
ALCOS Celebrates 50 Years of Serving Our Community...

Posted: 11.15.2007
Crain’s Detroit Business ranks ALCOS as the 6th largest Business Insurance agency in Michigan for the year....

Posted: 04.17.2007
What You Need to Know About Our Acquisition...

Posted: 10.27.2006
ALCOS ACCOLADES...

Posted: 08.29.2005
Crain's Detroit Business name ALCOS a Cool Place To Work...

Posted: 06.15.2005
Team ALCOS Retains ACS Trophy...

Posted: 03.16.2005
ADVISOR Wins National Recognition...

Posted: 10.08.2004
Mundus & Mundus of Ann Arbor merges with ALCOS...

Posted: 10.07.2004
ALCOS is chosen as a Future 50 of Greater Detroit winner for 2004...

Posted: 10.06.2004
ALCOS is Top Corporate Contributor at the Relay for Life...