Best Places to Invest Now!

Reasons to Invest in the Stock Market

Yes, Gold is sky rocketing and markets around the world seem to be in a free-fall following the S&P downgrading of US Treasury Bonds to AA. But is this a sound reason to bail? Of course not! We've all heard the adage over and over, 'Buy low - Sell high.' This is not a time to let emotions and fear ruin your wise investment choices over the years. I know I probably sound like your stick broker but really. Pause, breath and think about it. I'm not suggesting you do nothing but now is a great time to really get to understand your portfolio and the market. There are many companies that will not just survive this they will thrive in the future. But due to the panic mindset they are likely under valued - that means its a great time to buy!

I know a lot of this blog is dedicated to uncovering cheap places to live and the best places to live for an optimal lifestyle. But, we're not talking about living like a hermit. Living a frugal lifestyle is what the US government needs to learn and teach - we've heard the debate. Why is it even a debate? It's simply common sense - spend less - make more - save more.

Real Estate Investment Consultant

We asked around and one Real Estate Investment Consultant we spoke with said Vancouver Real Estate is still a good option for investors. It kind of flies in the face of buy low, sell high but this consultant made a pretty convincing argument. He said,

"If you're looking to uncover a sound, stable investment for the foreseeable future you may want to consider keeping Real Estate in your portfolio. One market I'm still quite bullish on is, Vancouver British Columbia. Over the past 10 years Vancouver Real Estate has been a favourable option for real estate investors. In fact the past year proved that the gains from the Vancouver market outpaced gold and silver.

Despite the turbulence in the real estate marketplace world wide Vancouver has enjoyed very impressive numbers. The average Vancouver property increased in value year after year for the past decade providing a consistent 7.5% annual return for investors. Just a few years ago the average Vancouver home was priced at $250,000 but in 2010 the purchase price was at $660,000 - source: 2010 ReMax Housing Report.

This performance far exceeded most commodities, even gold in the later part of 2010. Until the sub-prime crisis in the U.S. Real estate has always been known as a strong and stable investment for the long term. Rising prices for Canadian homes have proved the trend real and one anomaly is keeping the Vancouver Market especially buoyant - in Vancouver Real Estate circles they call it the next "China Wave". Chinese buyers from mainland China this time are arriving flush with cash and ready to buy with no negotiation, no conditions and fast closings.

Many keep saying the coming years may prove to be more difficult for investors to recover their initial investments quickly but so far there is no sign a a slow down. However, it's always wise and our intrepid Real Estate Investment Consultant agrees, Investors need to be patient, and might see their initial investments taking greater than five years to recover. Although Vancouver appears to be the major boom town other real estate markets in Canada tare also returning compound annual rates as high as 8%. So, even if you are looking at Retirement Planning the window for a positive return is still short enough to consider real estate.

Editors Note:

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Retirement Planning - Why Now?

Secure Retirement Solutions

An issue that is quite often encountered when researching secure retirement solutions is when to begin the process of planning and preparing for retirement. Even with the constant barrage of news about the impending bankruptcy of governments and the right wing desire to cut all entitlement programs, like social security, many Americans still believe they are entitled to have social security to support them through their retirement years. Just one reason this may not be realistic is that Americans are living much longer than they did in the past when the entire social security system was created.

It's true Americans are living longer and they are also leading more active lives. The media harps on about rising obesity and it is a problem but its our youth and working adults who are at risk here. Today's retirees not so much. They are travellers, they take all kinds of courses and lessons like learning to dance and they tend to try out new things that they may not have had the opportunity to experience when they were working raising families. Now they're taking time to do many wonderful things and participate in  wonderful activities. Watch our parents live this life is setting us up for the same but it won't be a reality with out savings and a good secure retirement plan to get us there.

This is the number one reason to start retirement planning as soon as possible. The reality is you are never too young to begin. Now it's not just about putting aside cash for the retirement but about planning and implementing productive retirement strategies - ways that allow you to securely grow your retirement savings so you can increase your retirement possibilities. Whether you are just starting work, in your  middle earning years or you're getting close to retirement  - NOW! is the time to take your ideas and objectives and show them to a retirement planning adviser. Learn about the guidance they are able to offer. Get their input on establishing objectives so you are better able to determine your retirement plan. With that kind of information you are able to make the most of your investment decisions while developing accurate and repeatable investment techniques you can use each and every month.

Independent Financial Advisor

Its common to disregard the natural part bias a financial advisor can have in preparing a sensible financial future for us. When someone is being paid commission to promote a certain company it's only natural they will appear confident that their products are the best for you. This is especially true and make for a certain vulnerability when it comes to our financial retirement plan. A good independent  financial consultant will know the proper funds and techniques that many people haven't even heard about. It only makes sense to visit a specialist that makes your family's future their priority rather than one company who writes their pay check. Why is it essential to include this as part of your strategy? Well its like shopping for a house wit a relator who only shows you his exclusive listing vs one who will show you MLS listings. You can easily see the bias works against you when a realtor only shows you what he wants to sell and will make the highest commission from. The same holds true for your financial advisor.

The earlier you begin planning a broad and diverse retirement plan the more confident you can be that you are finding the best and most secure retirement solutions. The easiest way to move forward is to  establish retirement targets, create a financial plan which takes your lifestyle objectives and strategies into account and find an independent financial expert who will give you his unbiased insights. Investing now  even if you think it is too soon is a lot wiser than investing to late and hoping it will workout.

Have you been thinking about your best retirement options for your golden years? Good! Now take action and consider secure retirment solutions by looking at: your target retirement income, the local - state and federal taxes which will impact your retirement fund and property prices that will determine if and when you can retire to the lifestyle you really want.

Best Retirement Options - Luxury Retirement Villages - Demand More Luxury for Less Money

Have you ever fantasized about living in one of those posh retirement communities? Are they really as  good to live in as they claim? Does living in a luxury retirement village actually make you appear like you're better than others? Will you feel spoiled? When you hear about how 2 hour concierge services; award winning cuisine; anti-aging health spas; tennis courts; pools and more do wonder how you can trust in these extreme claims? Are these luxury retirement villages really all they claim to be?

It seems these retirement havens go all out in their marketing to make you believe you really can have it all and at a fraction of the price. The best retirement places? One example is one of the most successful housing construction firms in the US opening 4 luxury retirement villages somewhere in the country every year! One such community in Florida is the Sarasota Bay Club. There they boast a community theater where they have live broadcasts of the Philadelphia Orchestra - not a few but every concert they play! In another Arizona retirement village all of the houses are built around a big  pro designed golf course and a facility for continuing care.

So how can they do all fo this and offer all of that at prices which seem to be too good to be true? The answer is not a conspiracy and its a lot simpler than you might think - the bottom line is supply and demand and with the price sensitive home market we are in at this moment even those catering to the wealthy retiree can't afford to raise prices. It's true - in more than three dozen markets across the nation there have been no price raises in managed living facilities for the past three years.

What to do when you Retire

Over the years the quality of life retirees have come to expect has been rising consistently. The new retiree now looks for things like: organic dining options; full service well equipped gyms and fitness centers; onsite entertainment options; luxurious surroundings and on top of that they expect this and more  as standard offerings. They don't expect to pay a premium but they demand these premium conveniences. The reality is that the cost of entry into one of these luxury retirement villages is only one part of the final cost. Someone has to pay so residents need to be prepared to pay each month for additional maintenance and security in addition to the extras they desire. These communities commonly have residents sign a detailed contract which deals with healthcare costs as well. But, living in one of thee villages may still be well worthwhile just for the quality of life and living they represent in your later years. Think about it: top-rated chefs and massage therapists available anytime of the day or night. Sounds like a nice way to spend your final years.

Your Best Retirement Plan

Retirement Planning

I live in what I consider to be one of the Best Places in the World - Canada. A long time ago, I was just 23 at the time, I met a Vice President (VP) of Canada's largest bank.  I was working as a reporter at the time and had scheduled an interview with him. After the usual introductions and chit chat he asked how old I was and then he asked if I had Personal Retirement Plan. At the time I was a little confused. What on earth would a 23 year old be doing worrying or even thinking about retirement? But I remembered his question and after a some years it occurred to me how wise and important that question really was. In fact this wise banker was giving me both a very big hint and a very big gift. I was just too young and naive to get it at the time.

Your Investment Retirement Account

The key lesson here is you are never too young to start savings or to start investing. It may seem like a big word and a mature thing to do but saving, even if only a little at a time, is the best way to be certain  you will have enough to retire comfortably when you are ready. Investing just $10 a month can make a huge difference. After 20 years the magic of compounding interest will amaze you. This lesson is all about not worrying how much you have to invest. It doesn't have to be a big amount to get started.  the habit of setting aside money is obviously the first skill to acquire but making sure your money actually grows is quite another thing. Let's face it, ten dollars stuffed under your mattress every week for 20 years may amount to a pile of cash but what value will it really have if it hasn't grown? No your mattress is not one of the best places for your retirement savings.

A Personal Retirement Plan

When it comes to investing for your retirement one of the key features is making sure they are secure. Yes, its true secure investments don't necessarily earn you the highest return but they will grow consistently over time and you can sleep comfortably knowing you won't lose it all. Avoid dabbling in the stock market and other high risk investments. Remember this is your Personal Retirement Plan.  It's all about you! The goal of your plan is to make sure your post-retirement life is one with financial independence and a comfortable standard of living after you have stopped earning.

How to Invest for Retirement

Finding a good advisor who knows their way around the wild and wooly world of investing and retirement planning is always a good idea. Financial professional like investment advisers and financial planners have the knowledge and experience to assist you in making the correct choices for the best investments.

Other Retirement Investing

Although starting small by saving and investing even a small amount of money consistently works well over the long run you may want to consider a more aggressive approach when you have a little extra cash on hand. Some financial advisers say that its a good idea to use 60%  of your net income for your living expenses and then allocate the other 40% to savings and investments. As your income grows with age and work experience the 40% will grow too. But also your saving and retirement investment fund doesn't necessarily have to come from just your income. Money is money and it could be a bonus, a gift, an inheritance, maybe even a prize. Many people call that 'found money' and they like to go spend it on something luxurious - something they never would have bought otherwise. I consider that to be a waste. Sure, go buy yourself something nice but I encourage you to flip the ratio and invest the rest in a higher risk investment. So consider spending 60% of your 'found money' on the luxury of a higher risk investment.

In conclusion, for the best retirement investment results start saving and investing as early as possible. The more money you save and invest the more secure you are in living a comfortable life in the future. The best way to achieve your retirement goals - consult an investment adviser or financial planner who can help you make the right choices with your Personal Retirement Plan.

Editors Note: Be sure to check out this Special Report of 44 Things you Must Know before you Relocate, Retire or Invest Offshore -