Skip to main content
_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_new_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_newGroup 9
Back
Scroll to top

Planning the Right Mix for Retirement

Personal Finances 3 min read
Retirement piggy bank

Ready to talk to an expert?

by Allen D. Smith, Executive Vice President at First Bank

As the head of First Bank’s wealth management group, I know that many of our business customers need help preparing for retirement. As you enter this important stage in your financial well-being, are you setup to leave the workplace one day financially empowered?

Small business owners are often at the greatest risk of under-saving. Some may even withdraw from their retirement savings too soon to cover business expenses. In a period of flat interest rates, stretched monthly expenses, and recovering real estate equity, financial growth feels impossible at times.

So what’s the best way to approach your retirement, especially when your focus is on your business right now?

It starts with a plan. That sounds simple and is often overstated. But too often, small business owners enter retirement or semi-retirement without a thoughtful or updated long-term plan. Some principals we review with our clients whether you are 35 or 65 include:

Investment Risk Grading

Not everyone is moving toward a conservative approach in the later years. Have you graded your investment behavior recently? We develop a market plan and risk spread that help you analyze where, when, and how you want to invest your retirement funds.

Savings Optimization

Diversified savings options make allocation and analysis of CDs or other long-term saving options as important as ever before. Our advisors map interest and savings potentials for clients to help inform a safe and effective retirement strategy.

401k and IRA Planning

401Ks and IRAs remain important options for long-term financial well-being. These accounts have varying advantages and disadvantages and warrant expert analysis every few years as you near retirement.

Insurance Optioning

Life insurance and long-term care planning are a balancing act between now and the future. We include these options as part of a larger analysis of where to spend or save.

Trust and Estate Legal Analysis and Planning

Legal expertise is pivotal when planning estates or trusts. Our expert legal team provides detailed, but understandable guidance in shaping family and generational financial planning.

As a small business owner or employee, you understand the pressures on long-term financial gain. You’ve experience it firsthand.

Thousands of Baby Boomers are retiring each year, unsure if there money will work for them. Many Generation X-ers have relied to their savings to soften home equity loses. And Millennials still struggle to find a good starting point for retirement savings in their twenties thanks to a slow recovering job market.

These challenges are not going to disappear in the next decade. But a strong financial partner and expert in your local community can provide the best financial track to combat these external pressures.

We won’t sell you any “surefire” secrets about timing the market. And we won’t sell you any off-the-shelf solutions. Instead, you’ll get personal advice on retirement from professionals who really listen to you.

We live in an uncertain investing climate. But one thing that never changes is our desire to earn our clients’ trust with every interaction.

We’re in the business of planning for tomorrow. That’s why we know the importance of starting today.

Sincerely,

Allen D. Smith

[investment_disclaimer]

Ready to talk to an expert?

Share:
First Bank’s Good To Know Logo
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about new tips, insights, and products from First Bank.
First Bank may use this email address to contact you about products, services, and promotions.

You may be interested in...

Mobile Check Deposits from Anywhere Before mobile phones and tablets, checks had to be cashed in person or by mail. Now, mobile check deposits allows you to deposit your checks from anywhere, so long as your mobile device has Internet or cellular service. Most banks provide mobile apps to make the process easier, and First Bank* is no exception. First Bank provides mobile check deposits** for businesses and individuals so that you can deposit a check from anywhere, safely and securely. How Mobile Check Deposits Work Mobile check deposit use digital technology to deposit money into your account. All you need is a smartphone or tablet with a good camera. Here’s how it works: Sign Checks and Find a Flat Surface Even with digital deposits, the back of a check needs to be signed by the account holder. For added security, you can also include a restricted endorsement, such as, “For Mobile Deposit Only” underneath your signature. Next, find a flat, well-lit surface. This will help you get the best possible image. Take Photos Using the App Using the secure camera within First Bank’s mobile banking app snap a picture of the front and back of the check. You’ll see prompts on the screen that will help guide you. Make sure to wait for the camera to focus before taking the picture so that numbers and letters are clear. Deposit multiple checks per day using your mobile app. At First Bank, individuals can deposit up to $5,000 in mobile checks in one day, and business accounts can deposit up to $10,000 per month*. Deposit Your Checks When you press deposit, the pictures of your checks are sent to our databases and reviewed. At First Bank, if you deposit your checks before 6 PM on a normal business day, your funds will appear in your account the next day (if approved). Check Your Email for Verification First Bank sends an email verification for all mobile check deposit transactions for your records. Get More with Mobile Banking First Bank offers comprehensive mobile banking** options for the modern consumer. Our app is available in both the iTunes and Google Play stores, and can be used to deposit checks, transfer funds, manage accounts, stop payments, and link to external 3 min read
Image for tile. How to Avoid a Scam: 5 Essential Steps to Protect Yourself 1. Block Unwanted Calls and Text Messages One of the most common tactics scammers use is impersonation. They may claim to represent government agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare, or pose as trusted businesses, charities, or utilities. These fraudsters often manipulate caller ID to display fake names and numbers, making it seem legitimate. To minimize risk: Use tools provided by your phone carrier or third-party apps to block unwanted calls and messages. Be cautious of unsolicited communication, even if it seems familiar. 2. Protect Personal and Financial Information Scammers thrive on obtaining sensitive information through deception. Whether they claim you owe money, have won a prize, or face an urgent issue, their goal is the same: to access your details. Here’s how to avoid their traps: Never share personal or financial information in response to an unexpected request. Verify the legitimacy of any claims by contacting the organization directly using official channels. 3. Resist the Pressure to Act Immediately Scammers rely on urgency to cloud your judgment. They might demand immediate action, threaten legal consequences, or warn of impending disaster. This pressure is designed to prevent you from thinking critically. Stay safe by: Taking a moment to breathe and assess the situation. Refusing to make hasty decisions, no matter how alarming their claims may seem. 4. Recognize Suspicious Payment Requests Fraudsters often demand payment through unconventional and hard-to-trace methods like cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. These requests are major red flags. Protect yourself by: Questioning any payment request that feels unusual or overly complicated. Refusing to share gift card numbers or send money through untraceable means. 5. Talk to Someone You Trust Scammers count on their victims feeling isolated and uncertain. Breaking their spell is often as simple as confiding in someone you trust. Here’s why it helps: Explaining the situation out loud can help you see inconsistencies in their story. Friends, family, or neighbors can provide valuable advice or reassurance. Empower Yourself Against Scams Scammers prey on fear and confusion, but with the right knowledge and habits, you can protect yourself and your finances. By blocking unwanted calls, safeguarding your personal information, resisting high-pressure tactics, recognizing suspicious payment methods, and seeking trusted advice, you can stay one step ahead. Your security matters, and we’re here to help. If you ever suspect fraudulent activity, don’t hesitate to reach out to the First Bank customer support center at 1-866-792-4357. Together, we can ensure your financial safety. 3 min read
First Bank logo
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website are the most popular and useful.