Stock Market Retirement Investment Plan

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For a successful retirement investment plan to work in the stock market, some ‘reasonably sure’ assumptions would have to be made:

The retirement investment plan must take into consideration the one prevailing constant in any stock market security – risk and uncertainty. Understanding that risk and uncertainty
are the key factors that propels the return on investment in the stock market far beyond the returns of Passbook Savings Accounts, CD’s or Bonds are a start. The plan’s key factor would be to use the risk and uncertainty of a stock market security to its advantage.

The retirement investment plan should be founded on the belief that no one can successfully retire without financial freedom. Therefore, the retirement investment plan’s main role would be to supply you with income during your retirement years, while
also taking into consideration the risk of inflation. This should be accomplished without having to touch the principle.


The retirement investment plan would require discipline to accomplish its goal. The goal should be clear and specific, and the discipline necessary to accomplish the goal, just as clear and specific. Also, the retirement plan should not be financially out-of-reach, allowing as little as 100 dollars to
begin, with as little as 10 dollars a quarter to continue.

The retirement investment plan’s return on investment should be aimed toward providing income, and the income from the holdings in the plan should accelerate every week of the year,
until retirement. This should be the case, no matter what the price of the security at any given time in the market place.


The retirement investment plan should be proven to you. Once proven, you must have the confidence in yourself to carry the plan forward. This do-it-yourself confidence means that the
retirement plan’s ROI benefits only you and your family and no one else. A no-fee plan enhances the return on investment, allowing every cent put into the plan to work for you.

Companies owned in the retirement investment plan should have a historical record of raising their dividend every year. Therefore, a future dividend increase for the 10th or the 35th consecutive year in a row can be ‘reasonably sure.’ The guide
for the selection of each security is its historical performance of rising dividends every year.

To receive the best return in the retirement investment plan, all companies in the plan would be purchased commission-free. All dividends from the companies would purchase more shares of each company commission-free. Therefore, every cent earned in ever-increasing cash dividends every quarter and any extra
cash put into the retirement plan would work toward increasing the cash dividend.

Why bother beginning a retirement plan is best expressed, in my opinion, by a quote by Charles Kettering:

“I expect to spend the rest of my life in the future, so I want to be reasonably sure of what kind of future it’s going to be. That is my reason for planning.”

To read the PREFACE from the book ‘The Stockopoly Plan – Investing for Retirement’ visit http://www.thestockopolyplan.com

Owning A Second Home Is Easier Than You Think

Buying a second home is a serious financial commitment, but it is can also lead to a feeling of complete freedom. It can provide you with a vacation home, a place to escape from your mundane routine and an investment in the future for when you retire. Aging and wealthier households, smaller families and new technologies that allow professionals to work from remote places are all significant demographic trends. These trends indicate that buying a second home is becoming a more reasonable option for many Americans. The recent changes in tax laws are also making second home purchases more affordable. Strategically planning your purchase, consulting a trusted professional and taking your time are the keys to making the perfect investment.

Strategies For Retirement Investments

Planning for retirement early is smart, especially now. Many experts believe that as the Baby Boomer generation gets closer to retirement property values will increase at a rapid rate. More people will be buying second homes in high demand locations so locking in a lower price now can save thousands. If you are buying a house you want to retire in later be certain to consider all the possible changes and growth for the area. Many times development and increased populations change the face of a seemingly perfect location within just a few years. Another alternative to consider is investing in a home and using it as rental property first. At retirement you can choose to improve and make the rental home your primary residence. You can then sell or exchange and buy the retirement home of your dreams.

Tax Advantages Can Be Found Everywhere

Regardless of the avenue you take to invest in your retirement, the IRS offers tax advantages in a wide variety of ways. Mortgage interest and local and state real estate taxes are all deductible if you live in your second home a portion of the year. Write offs are limited to two homes. If you rent the home for less than 15 days you do not have to claim the rental income or pay taxes on it. If you rent your second home more than 15 days you must report the rental income. However, now all of the expenses used to run the property are deductible. Property taxes, interest, insurance, repairs, utilities, supplies, cleaning and maintenance are all considered expenses. Equity in your first home can also help with the purchase of a second home as a retirement investment. A home equity loan or line of credit can be used to cover the down payment on a second home. Be aware however, that borrowing in this way only allows the first $100,000 of equity debt to be written off.

Get Creative About Your Investments

Another tax strategy is using the IRS Code, Section 1031. Section 1031 says no gain or loss will be recognized in the exchange of property held for use in an investment. This allows savvy investors to purchase a property and later exchange it for one of like kind. For those planning to retire this means you can purchase a second home as a rental property/vacation home and build your investment. At retirement you can then exchange the property for the dream home you have always hoped for and defer the capital gains tax. The savings is incredible. Of course, real estate deals like this can be tricky so always take advice from a real estate professional and be certain all the transactions are done legally.

On Your Way To The Retirement Plans You Hoped For

Retirement can be a stressful topic for many people. However, more and more middle aged Americans seem to be using forethought and common sense to build the life they know they want to have after 65. Education, creativity, clear thinking, asking questions and knowing the kind of future you want to invest in is the way to achieve success. Using the tax system strategically to reach your goals will lead to a retirement full of joy, comfort and quality time to do what truly matters. When you are ready to search for a second home, or a place to start your retirement, enlist the help of a seasoned REALTOR. One that knows the market of the area you have targeted for your purchase and an SRES or ABR designation after their name. The SRES designation is the most important qualification to help you find the assistance you need. Now that you are ready don’t wait, start making your dreams come true!

Elaine VonCannon is a REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she manages investment property. Elaine is also an Accredited Buyer's Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. She has helped numerous clients invest in and make money on property in Southeastern Virginia. She can be reached at www.voncannonrealestate.com.