If You're Starting Out

The number one rule to remember when you’re starting out is that it’s not too early to start saving for your retirement. There are a few strategies that can help you get into the habit early, so that you can have the retirement of your dreams:

• Contribute to your employer’s 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. While it’s always wise to contribute as much as possible, a rule of thumb is to contribute at least enough to take advantage of any contribution matching plan that your employer has in place.
• Pay yourself first. Consider having your paycheck directly deposited into your brokerage account. You can set up an automatic investment program to invest a set dollar amount every month – you’ll get accustomed to living on your net pay less your retirement contribution. In addition, the ProCash® Account allows checking and debit cards, online access and all of the tools to make managing your finances convenient.
• Consider rolling over your 401(k) plan if you change jobs. Consolidating your assets allows you to keep better track over time. In addition, your IRA will likely allow for far more investment options such as individual stocks and bonds, and a wider array of mutual funds than your former employer’s plan.  An added benefit: access to professional advice.
• Determine if a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA is best for you. Check out our comparison chart, and discuss your savings needs with your Ziegler financial advisor to help determine which type of IRA makes the most sense for you.
• Establish an emergency fund. Having cash reserves will help you avoid tapping into your retirement savings prematurely, should you have an unplanned need for income.

Our planning services are not financial planning (unless they are specifically called investment consulting services). They do not create an investment advisory or a fiduciary relationship (including under ERISA) between you and B.C. Ziegler and Company. B.C. Ziegler and Company will prepare a financial plan at your specific request through NaviPlan.

Investment consulting services are offered at B.C. Ziegler and Company only through investment advisory programs and are not available through traditional brokerage accounts and products. Please speak with a Ziegler Wealth Management financial advisor to further discuss the differences between brokerage and advisory products offered by B.C. Ziegler and Company.