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It is no secret that women often outlive men. The global average life expectancy in 2021 was about 68.4 years for men. In contrast, this stood at 73.8 years for women. As such, it is far more important for women to begin planning for their golden years as early as possible. Perhaps realizing this, more women are getting into investing than ever before! Even better, women save about 5% more each month than men. A recent Max Life's India Retirement Index Study (IRIS 4.0) also highlighted a similar sentiment: women are increasingly taking charge of their retirement and finances. Per the study, urban Indian working women are now keeping pace with men, with 66% being confident that their current investments will guarantee a financially secure retirement life. In terms of health, 48% of urban Indian working women feel confident that they will continue to stay fit and healthy in their retirement years. Encouragingly, a whopping 68% of urban Indian women have already started investing for their retirement. Amongst their preferred investment avenues are life insurance (65%), bank FDs/RDs (45%), medical insurance (36%), and mutual funds and SIPs (14%). The awareness is not limited to women; young urban Indians are awakening to the realization that retirement planning should be kicked off as soon as possible. Per IRIS 4,0, 44% of Indians consider the right age to start planning for retirement to be before 35 years, a jump from 38% in IRIS 3.0. An overwhelming 93% of respondents aged above 50 regret delaying their retirement planning. Says Priyanka Bhatia, Co-Founder of Women on Wealth, "Women, by and large, live longer than men and may confront professional interferences, which influence retirement reserve funds essentially. Beginning in your 20s permits women to create strategies that account for longevity risks and potential income gaps. Investments like annuities and dividend-paying assets guarantee a consistent income stream post-retirement, permitting ladies to explore monetary freedom even in later years.". Not to mention, beginning early also permits individuals to take advantage of tax-efficient investments over a more drawn-out period. In India, instruments like the National Pension Scheme (NPS) offer tax benefits that develop over the long haul. By expanding these exceptions from a young age, women can grow their retirement reserve funds while reducing taxable income in each financial year. Bhatia notes that even if one is planning to retire early, it does not only mean putting something aside for your 60s. It is also about adaptability to pick semi-retirement choices, work in sectors driven by passion, or even pursue entrepreneurial ventures without financial pressure. "Beginning in your 20s allows you to amass funds that can allow for early retirement, empowering a change to lifestyle-oriented work or community contributions later in life," Bhatia signs off.

Planning for your retirement in your 20s? Here's why it is a smart move!

A recent report by Axis AMC shed light on the burgeoning Indian mutual fund industry. Since March 2021, the MF industry has grown at a CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) of 23.65%, touching an AUM (asset under management) of Rs 67.25 lakh crore in October 2024. <keyword id="20300870" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Equity-Mutual-Funds" source="keywords">Equity mutual funds</keyword>, which garnered Rs 41,886.69 crore during the month, saw a 58.96% YoY growth. The biggest contributor to the equity segment was sectoral funds, which captured 29.3% of net equity sales in October 2024. In all, they brought in Rs 12,278.78 crore during October 2024. The AUM of <keyword id="20890471" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hybrid-Funds" source="keywords">hybrid funds</keyword> also stood at Rs 9.24 lakh crore during the month, registering an annual growth of 47.8% and inflows worth Rs 16,863.30 crore during October 2024. Amidst this, the arbitrage funds led in net sales, capturing 3.61% of their AUM with monthly inflows worth Rs 7,181.70 crores. There and more people are entering the Indian markets, as is evident in the growing SIP corpus (Systematic Investment Plans), which saw contributions worth Rs 25,323 crore in October 2024, a 54.7% year-over-year growth. In October 2024, about 63,69,919 new SIPs were registered, taking the number of SIP accounts to a record high of 10,12,34,212 The growth in equity investments was largely led by retail investors and HNIs (high-net-worth individuals). Since March 2021, the retail segment in mutual funds has seen a 31.2% CAGR, while banks and foreign investors have recorded a CAGR of 31.8% during the same period. Corporations were the biggest contributors to debt mutual funds. Notably, the AUM of debt funds grew 14.8% over the previous year to stand at Rs 10,65,037 crore as of October 2024. The category saw net sales worth Rs 47,699 crore last month. Also testimony to the growing interest of investors in mutual funds were the figures of <keyword id="23958398" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Passive-Mutual-Funds" source="keywords">passive mutual funds</keyword>, which recorded net sales worth Rs 8,025 crore during the month. Out of this, just index funds observed net sales of Rs 7,931 crore in the previous month. AUM from the top 30 Indian cities grew at 22.6% CAGR, whereas other cities grew at 27.8% CAGR since March 2021. FY25 also seemed to be the year where NFOs received an enthusiastic response from investors. So far, a total of 124 NFO schemes have managed to collect a total of over Rs 77,932 crore.

Mutual funds in spotlight: Industry grew at 23.65% CAGR since March 2021

<ul><li>Skoda recently launched the Kylaq SUV, the company’s latest entry-level subcompact SUV.</li><li>The company has announced its plans to launch an electric vehicle in India in 2025.</li><li>The Skoda Enyaq EV’s updated version will debut in India next year.</li></ul>Skoda Auto will roll out its electric vehicle in the Indian market in 2025. In an exclusive interaction with ANI Skoda Auto Brand Director Petr Janeba says Skoda's European bestseller, the Enyaq EV, was initially slated for an Indian debut this year but postponed to next year for an updated version. Janeba says a significant facelift planned for the model in March has led the company to hold off until the new version, featuring Skoda's latest design language, is ready. He said, "We have one of the best-selling EVs in Europe our European Enyaq. The car was tested, and the car was prepared for India. We have actually stopped bringing the car this year. Because there will be a huge facelift of the Skoda Enyaq coming in March following the new design language." He added, "We actually can choose one of the three EV cars coming to India or all three." Skoda is closely monitoring India's changing EV policies, especially the CAFE3 (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) norms set to be introduced in April 2027. On further investment in India Janeba highlighted the importance of a consistent regulatory environment, as state-level EV and hybrid tax policies currently vary widely, impacting long-term planning. "And within this plan, we understand nobody can survive in India without having a deeper localised CKD EV in India. We are ready for this. We are ready in Pune to make another investment for the car and for the production to get it. At the end of the day, we still take our time in order to decide the right measure car for the market, seeing the new competitors coming on the EVs." Said Janeba Skoda already has two manufacturing units in India, in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Pune. EVs are planned to be manufactured in their Pune plant For the production, he stated, "In the same factory in Pune, Chakan we will be producing EVs. Currently we have increased because of the Kylaq the production capacity in Pune to 250,000 units a year and we will be increasing further once it is needed either for the current cars because of the export or because of the Indian demand or for the new cars like EVs." The facility is also set to support EV production with deep localisation efforts to make Skoda's electric lineup more affordable for Indian consumers. Piyush Arora, India CEO, Skoda Auto echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence that Skoda's expanded product offerings will capture the growing sub-four-meter SUV segment, a category that represents nearly 30 per cent of India's automotive market. "With the new Kodiaq and other upcoming models, we are aiming for a 5 per cent market share in the medium term," he added. Skoda's commitment to India extends beyond manufacturing. Arora highlighted the company's investment in local engineering talent and its dealer and supplier networks. "Our technical centre in India plays a crucial role in developing products like the Kodiaq, which was fully designed in India," he noted, calling it a testament to India's engineering prowess and the company's long-term vision for the region. With inputs from ANI. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/skoda-kylaq-suv-launched-in-india-starting-at-7-89-lakh/articleshow/115013668.cms">Skoda Kylaq SUV launched in India starting at ₹7.89 lakh</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/swiggy-ipo-gmp-risk-factors-and-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/115004939.cms">Swiggy IPO – GMP, risk factors and all you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-ipo-indias-biggest-telco-to-go-public-in-2025-retail-ipo-further-away/articleshow/114944496.cms">Reliance Jio IPO – India’s biggest telco to go public in 2025, retail IPO further away</a>

Skoda plans to launch an updated electric vehicle in India in 2025

Tensions in Middle-East are rapidly inching closer to their zenith, with Iran firing about 200 ballistic missiles at Israel late yesterday night. In response today, the Indian markets witnessed their worst decline in two months, with Sensex dipping around 1,769 points, or 2.1% to close at 82,497.10. <keyword id="19896381" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nifty" source="keywords">Nifty</keyword> followed suit and was also down by 2.1% to close the day at 25,250.10. As a result, about Rs 11 lakh crore were wiped off the market today. The decline was broad-based, with sectors like realty (dipped by over 4%) auto, and energy suffering the most. Broader indices also fell, losing nearly 2% each. The Hang Seng index, which had rallied over 14% during the last week, largely on the back of various stimulus measures announced by the central bank to stir consumption in the Chinese economy, also slumped around 1.47%. With the possibility of an all-out war between Iran and Israel looming on the horizon, threatening to happen sooner than later, markets are expected to remain volatile in near future. Even the India VIX, seen as a gauge of uncertainty and investor fear in the market, jumped over 9% during the day. The war could throw a huge spanner on India's crude oil import plans. As of August 2024, about 44.6% of India's crude oil imports came from <keyword id="19904316" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="middle-east" source="keywords">Middle East</keyword>. Israel has already promised significant retaliation, in response to Iran's attack in the days to come. And the strong possibility of a full-blown Israeli attack in Middle East, particularly major oil fields in Iran has sent the crude oil prices surging. Closer home, ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) was amongst the biggest gainers on NSE today. <h2>Should Indian investors worry? </h2>But is the impending action in Middle-East the only reason behind today's drastic fall? Vishnu Kant Upadhyay, AVP, Research &amp; Advisory at Master Capital Services notes that while it plays a significant role, other factors are also at play. "Recent regulatory changes in the F&amp;O segment by SEBI is expected to impact trading volumes, as retail participation may decline due to the increased contract size and limits on weekly expiries. Meanwhile, strength in the Chinese market, following the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) stimulus package, has also diverted foreign investment to China, where valuations remain more attractive compared to India", he noted. But Upadhyay believes that the extension of losses in Indian markets wont last long. "From a technical perspective, as long as prices hold above the 25,250–25,100 zone, any decline could present an opportunity to build fresh long positions. A stock-specific approach is advisable, with sectors such as Oil, IT, PSU Banks, Metals, and Chemicals likely to outperform in the coming days", he adds. Shrikant Chouhan, Head Equity Research, Kotak Securities observes that as long as market is trading below 25,365/82,800, the weak sentiment is likely to continue. On the down side, it could slip till 25,150-25,025/82,200-82,000 as well. On the other side, one quick technical pullback is likely if the market succeeds to trade above 25,365/82,800. Above the same, it could bounce back till 25,475-25,500/83,100-83,300. The current market texture is volatile hence; level based trading would be the ideal strategy for the day traders. <h2><keyword id="20760178" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mutual-fund-investors" source="keywords">Mutual fund investors</keyword>, stay put</h2>In the aftermath of a <keyword id="19968045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="market-correction" source="keywords">market correction</keyword>, most mutual fund investors often face a critical decision- should they stop their SIPs (<keyword id="21047553" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Systematic-Investment-Plans" source="keywords">Systematic Investment Plans</keyword>) or to view the downturn as a valuable opportunity to acquire more mutual fund units? By continuing SIPs during such downturns, investors can take advantage of 'rupee-cost averaging,' i.e. accumulating more units when prices are down. This approach not only lowers the average cost per unit, but also positions the portfolio for greater returns when the market eventually recovers, and softens the impact of short-term volatility. Swapnil Aggarwal, Director, VSRK Capital explains that alongside maintaining regular investments, revisiting your asset allocation is also essential in these turbulent times. A well-diversified portfolio, that balances equities with safer assets like bonds can withstand market fluctuations more effectively. You can consider shifting some investments into bond funds or other stable instruments, which can provide a cushion against further declines. <h2>What happens next? </h2>While the immediate impact of a market correction may lead to declines in the NAV (Net Asset Value) of mutual funds, disciplined investors can view this as a moment to reassess their strategies. Focusing on your <keyword id="20908416" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="long-term-financial-goals" source="keywords">long-term financial goals</keyword> will let you turn market volatility into opportunity! The market will remain keenly focused on the evolving situation in the Middle East. What will also be equally important are the US monthly jobs data due tomorrow, which could determine the size of Fed's next interest rate move in November.

Nifty, Sensex in freefall today as Iran mounts attack on Israel. Here's what experts think you should do

India's investment ecosystem is undergoing a seismic shift, with index investing gaining unprecedented traction among investors, according to a report by Motilal Oswal. The younger generation, including Gen Z and Millennials, shows a stronger inclination towards index funds as compared to older investors. They also prefer index funds over ETFs for better returns and liquidity. A recent report by Axis AMC also highlighted the growing appetite for ETFs, which witnessed net sales of Rs 15,403 crore in October 2024. While 46% of younger investors favor index funds, only 35% of Gen X and Boomers do so. Millennials and Gen X investors also have a keen interest in factor or smart beta funds, reflecting their appetite for innovative, albeit aggressive investment strategies. Passive funds have become a core component of investor portfolios, with 80% of investors increasing their allocation to these funds in 2024, compared to 53% last year. The Axis report echoed similar sentiments, noting that net sales in the passive category inched up to Rs 8,025 crore in October 2024. The combined assets under management (AUM) of passive funds have surged from Rs 7 lakh crore in September 2023 to over Rs 11 lakh crore by September 2024—a 1.5x growth in just one year. The survey also noted a growing popularity of ETFs, with 57% of respondents investing in them, up from 41% in 2023. Of these, 26% invest solely in ETFs, while 31% have diversified between ETFs and index funds. This rising preference is matched by a commitment to long-term investment. A significant 81% of investors plan to hold their passive investments for over three years, highlighting sustained confidence in the growth potential of these funds. Sectoral indices like Nifty IT and Nifty Bank dominate as the top choice for passive fund investors, selected by 67% of respondents. Benchmark indices such as the Nifty 50 and Nifty 500 follow closely, preferred by 61% of investors. A recent, similar report by stock broker Angel One also throws a spotlight on how young India plans and prefers mutual funds when it comes to savings and investments. The report, titled "Young Indians' Saving Habits Outlook 2024," compiled by Fin One, stated that 45% of respondents aged 22-35 have made it a point to save up some of their savings in mutual funds. A year ago, this figure stood at just 32%. Most of these investors make their way into mutual funds via SIPs, or systematic investment plans. 52% of respondents in the age cohort of 22-35 are now using SIPs to invest in mutual funds, up from 44% in the previous year. As for what was the driving factor behind beginning their investment journey, 42% underlined the past performance of funds, while 38% noted that advice from financial advisors remained a key consideration. 38% of young Indians are now increasingly focusing on building an emergency corpus, compared to 28% the year before. This shift underscores the drastic change in financial sensibilities brought forth by the pandemic and the consequent desire for greater financial resilience. In fact, approximately 4 out of every 5 surveyed investors maintained a dedicated, separate savings account. Out of the 1,650 individuals studied under the FinOne survey, a staggering majority made their first foray into the stock market in their early twenties. Nearly 2 in every 5 investors pick stock as their preferred choice of investment, followed by mutual funds and then savings bank accounts. While 45% of those surveyed picked stocks as their chosen investment avenue, 20% preferred mutual funds, and 15% wanted to keep their money in a savings bank account.

Gen Z and Millennials prefer stocks and mutual funds; index funds trump over ETFs, say recent reports

The State Bank of India (<keyword id="19898108" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sbi" source="keywords">SBI</keyword>) in its latest report has asked for <keyword id="20213295" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tax-reforms" source="keywords">tax reforms</keyword> after concerns were flagged over the recent decline in <keyword id="20202062" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="bank-deposits" source="keywords">bank deposits</keyword>. The report says tax Reforms for Deposits can accentuate the banking system's stability and resilience to the next level. SBI attributed the fall in deposits to the varied rates of return offered by different <keyword id="20139443" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investment-options" source="keywords">investment options</keyword> for similar time frames and different tax rates on <keyword id="22837794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="returns-on-deposits" source="keywords">returns on deposits</keyword>. The <keyword id="20352499" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SBI-report" source="keywords">SBI report</keyword> said that "<keyword id="20658792" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tax-treatment" source="keywords">Tax treatment</keyword> of bank and non-bank channels are non-uniform, even as bank deposits have a wider and denser pass-through effect across the populace sensitivity of Deposits on Tax is as much as 7 per cent" The report noted that a bank deposit of Rs 10 lac in a Savings Bank (SB) account at an investment return of 3 per cent would generate Rs 30,000 in returns and after accounting for taxes and exemptions, the <keyword id="22837795" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="net-return" source="keywords">net return</keyword> would be Rs 16,000. The report adds that the net returns vary significantly if deposits are made in different instruments like <keyword id="21041176" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="term-deposits" source="keywords">term deposits</keyword>, short and long-term investments in debt funds, liquid funds or bonds. The tax rates on these deposits also favour saving banks or term deposits. The report illustrates a term deposit of up to one year with the same principal amount of Rs 10 lac at a yield of 6.25 per cent would result in a net return of Rs 50,000 after taxes. But for term deposits exceeding one year the interest rate is higher and with an interest rate of 7.25 per cent, the gross return would be Rs 72,500. After taxes, the net return would be Rs 58,000. The data highlights that similar type of investments for the same period generates significantly different returns because of different tax treatment by the government. Similar variations are observed in other <keyword id="20105084" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investment-plans" source="keywords">investment plans</keyword> as well. For instance, investments in equity and mutual funds with a 2 per cent dividend income of Rs 10,00,000 generate Rs 20,000, which after taxes the net return is Rs 16,000. However, Short-term investments of less than one year in equity and mutual funds, offering an 11 per cent return generate Rs 1,10,000, with a net return of Rs 88,000 after taxes. This investment if made in Long-term investments of more than one year the return increases to 15% on Rs 10,00,000 and generates Rs 1,50,000 annually. With a lower tax bracket of 12.5 per cent tax on long-term investments and applicable exemptions, the net return is Rs 1,43,750. These variations in returns across different deposits and investment options highlight the complexity and thus investors are choosing the higher return options over the bank deposits which in turn poses a threat to the deposit growth in the banking sector.

Decline in bank deposits because of non-uniform tax treatment on various investment options: SBI report

Top monthly income investment plans in India

Markets regulator <keyword id="19901201" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sebi" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Sebi" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Sebi">SEBI</keyword> has asked the <keyword id="20677983" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mutual-fund-industry" source="keywords">mutual fund industry</keyword> to proactively conduct stress tests, a key component of <keyword id="20383727" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="risk-management" source="keywords">risk management</keyword> for the financial sector, which will help strengthen the ecosystem, its whole-time member Ananth Narayan Gopalakrishnan said on Friday. The regulator's stress testing emphasizes the need to assess and manage liquidity risks, especially in small and midcap equity schemes. Speaking at a mutual fund event, Gopalakrishnan highlighted the importance of modelling stress scenarios not just for individual schemes or fund houses, but for the entire mutual fund ecosystem. "It is also important to model stress scenarios for the entire composite mutual fund ecosystem. I would strongly encourage the industry and <keyword id="20090036" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AMFI" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="AMFI" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="AMFI">AMFI</keyword> to take the lead and proactively conduct objective and credible industry wide stress tests. themselves," Gopalakrishnan said. He also emphasized the need to find better ways to communicate the risks associated with different mutual fund schemes. The SEBI official mentioned that while the current risk measurement system is straightforward and has had a significant impact, it doesn't fully capture the differences in risks among various investment schemes. According to him, many schemes are just labelled as high risk, even though they have different kinds of risks. The goal is to improve this system to better reflect those differences, while keeping it simple and easy to understand. One possible approach is to consider the portfolio's volatility and liquidity from stress tests to give a clearer picture. "While ensuring simplicity and ease of understanding remains a key objective, perhaps the underlying volatility of the portfolio along with the liquidity of the portfolio from stress tests could be used to provide better colour all around," he added. This comes at a time when the holdings of mutual funds by <keyword id="20234284" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="domestic-institutional-investors" source="keywords">Domestic Institutional Investors</keyword> (DIIs) and individuals have risen from about 54.3% of free float of all mid cap and small cap companies, as of March 2020 to 60.6% as of March 2024. Several fund houses have proactively stopped lump sum investments in some small-cap schemes and also capped the amount that can be invested through <keyword id="20675888" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="systematic-investment-plan" source="keywords">Systematic Investment Plan</keyword> (SIP) into small-cap schemes. He also highlighted the potential mismatch between the demand for paper and the supply of fresh paper coming into the ecosystem. Gopalakrishnan said the industry can make more progress in streamlining operations and improving efficiency for investors. "At a time when instantaneous fund transfers have become ubiquitous in our country, perhaps we should look to improve our internal processes and the security settlement ecosystem, to ensure that funds are passed on to investors on the day of the settlement itself, rather than a day after or two days after," he added. Over the last few years, the mutual fund industry has made impressive strides, and is now playing a crucial role in channeling financial savings towards risk capital formation. This was driven by stable macros, increased formalization, robust corporate earnings, digitisation and user friendly access. Moreover, the number of mutual fund investors has grown significantly from about 2 crore as of March 2019 to nearly 4.7 crore as of June 2024, an impressive compounded annual growth rate of 18% during that period. Gopalakrishnan mentioned that several exciting initiatives are in the works, developed with input from all stakeholders. These include a proposed low-ticket SIP, further breaking down regular SIPs into smaller, more accessible units (sachetisation and tokenization), and the introduction of "mutual funds lite" regulations. These new regulations will simplify rules for passively managed funds, reducing the compliance burden and encouraging competition and innovation. Additionally, a new class of higher-risk schemes is proposed for investors with a greater capacity to handle risk.

SEBI asks mutual fund industry to proactively conduct stress test

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Trump wants to cut taxes on Social Security benefits, impacting current and future beneficiaries.</li><li>Experts warn these cuts could deplete the Social Security fund three years earlier than expected.</li></ul>Donald Trump plans to make changes to America's Social Security system with his return to the White Housein January. The president-elect promised on the campaign trail to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trumps-tax-plan-social-security-retirement-medicare-2024-8">cut taxes on Social Security benefits</a> in his second term. "People on Social Security are being killed, and one of the things I'm doing is no tax for seniors on Social Security, and I'll get it done quickly," Trump told "Fox &amp; Friends" in August. For some baby boomers, lower <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retirement-savings-social-security-baby-boomers-without-savings-401k-poverty-2024-8">Social Security</a> taxes could mean larger monthly checks in the short-term. But experts predict that the <keyword id="23944791" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Social-Security-tax-cuts" source="keywords">Social Security tax cuts</keyword>, along with other campaign promises made by Trump, could quickly drain the national Social Security fund. That would put benefits at risk for low-income retirees and younger generations, who may <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retirement-savings-social-security-baby-boomers-without-savings-401k-poverty-2024-8">rely on that income</a> as they age. "It's designed to help retirees, but the people it's going to hurt are people that rely on Social Security the most," Taylor Lee, a certified financial planner at Belmont Capital Advisors, told BI of Trump's Social Security tax cut. More than 72 million Americans receive Social Security and the estimated average monthly check is <a target="_blank" href="https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-01903">$1,92</a>4.35 a month, per the Social Security Administration. Americans can begin taking Social Security at age 62, or wait until their full benefits kick in at 67, the national retirement age. Trump's campaign promise comes as Business Insider has <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/older-americans-regret-retirement-savings-taking-social-security-early-investments-2024-10">heard from older adults</a> with limited retirement savings, many of whom are struggling to afford necessities like housing and groceries on their fixed Social Security income. Income taxes on Social Security apply to all beneficiaries with an annual household income above $25,000, and most pay taxes on at least <a target="_blank" href="https://www-origin.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/taxes.html">50%</a> of their benefits. Lower-income beneficiaries pay less in taxes. <h2>Social Security tax cuts would hurt low-income retirees, younger generations</h2>US Social Security will be depleted<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/when-will-social-security-benefits-run-out-retirement-crisis-boomers-2024-5">in the next decade</a> without Congressional action. The fund is largely financed through payroll taxes that Americans contribute to throughout their career. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.crfb.org/blogs/what-would-trump-campaign-plans-mean-social-security">A report</a> published in October by the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget said that Trump's campaign promises — which alsoincludes ending taxes on tips, reducing <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tax-plan-tarriffs-benefits-top-earners-study-2024-10">some income taxes</a>, expanding deportations, and imposing tariffs — would take a toll on the Social Security fund, making it "insolvent" within the next six years. That's three years earlier than the Congressional Budget Office's current estimation. Those policies would also lead to a 33% <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.crfb.org/blogs/what-would-trump-campaign-plans-mean-social-security">benefit cut</a> in 2035, a 10% increase from what the Congressional Budget Office projects under the current law. Lee said that low-income boomers and younger generations are likely to feel the brunt of these cuts. Low-income boomers living on Social Security already pay less income taxes, so they wouldn't see the benefits Trump promised. Lee said that many don't have other <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/social-security-no-savings-snap-benefits-debt-boomers-experiences-2024-6">retirement savings </a>to fall back on if their benefits are slashed. He added that older Americans who are wealthy or middle class would feel less stress from Social Security cuts, and may benefit in the short term from Trump's tax plan. "It would help people in the middle class, people that have the luxury of having a 401(k) or an IRA and have multiple sources of retirement income," Lee said. "But the people that's going to hurt the most are people that don't have that traditional retirement income." Lee said it's possible that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-social-security-insolvency-medicare-donald-trump-biden-mcconnell-2023-3">younger generations</a> will have lower Social Security benefits, requiring them to rely more heavily on retirement savings. To be sure, any changes Trump hopes to make the tax or Social Security systems would need to be approved by Congress. Working in his favor is that the<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/republicans-win-senate-election-majority-election-2024-11">Senate will have a Republican majority</a>.(Votes for House representatives are still being counted.) Lee added that tax funding is also not the only challenge facing Social Security: people are living longer, meaning that more benefits funding is required per person. As for other retirement finances, like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/what-is-401k">401(k) accounts</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-election-victory-impact-investments-costs-housing-taxes-childcare-2024-11">investments</a>, it's unclear what impact a second Trump term will have. The president-elect plans to impose tariffs on foreign goods and make broad tax cuts, a move that is likely to drive inflation and make the cost of living <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tariffs-higher-inflation-fed-interest-rates-taxes-mortgage-rates-2024-11">more expensive</a>. With the <keyword id="23944794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="future-of-Social-Security" source="keywords">future of Social Security</keyword> uncertain, Lee said it's important for retirees to build a strong financial plan. "There's a lot of planning that we can still do," Lee said. "Government policy — we really can't affect that. So we just have to control what we can control." Are you relying on Social Security in retirement? Are you adjusting your retirement plans based on Trump's return to office? If so, reach out to this reporter at <a target="_blank" class="" href="mailto:allisonkelly@businessinsider.com">allisonkelly@businessinsider.com</a>.

Trump's plan for Social Security will help baby boomers in the short term and cut benefits for anyone younger

<ul class="summary-list"><li>This post originally appeared in the Insider Today newsletter.</li></ul>Welcome back! The fast-moving, big business of weight-loss drugs is already shifting to its next stage. Here's a rundown of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/upcoming-glp1-weight-loss-drugs-to-watch-2024-11">five upcoming pills and injections</a> to keep an eye on.In today's big story, Microsoft's massive bet on AI with Copilot <a target="_blank" href="https://businessinsider.com/microsoft-ai-artificial-intelligence-bet-doubts-marc-benioff-satya-nadella-2024-11">has yet to live up to the hype</a>, potentially raising alarms for everyone else investing in the space.What's on deck:<ul><li>Markets: You can still bet on politics <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/top-political-prediction-bets-trump-2028-nominees-election-kalshi-polymarket-2024-11">even though the election is over</a>.</li><li>Tech: Why the Trump-Musk relationship is unlike anything <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-donald-trump-elected-shadow-president-2024-11">we've ever seen in US politics</a>.</li><li>Business: Spirit Airlines has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spirit-airlines-chapter-11-bankruptcy-restructure-low-cost-airlines-2024-11">tells customers it'll keep flying</a>.</li></ul>But first, is this thing even worth it?If this was forwarded to you, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/subscription/newsletter/insider-today">sign up here.</a><h3 id="7fa5f018-5b05-4a37-a8dc-d3f89138bcb3">The big story</h3><h2 id="5fd547b9-ec52-41fc-8e08-4f4b27dd8097">A Copilot conundrum</h2><div type="image" title="Microsoft logo glitching" height="1000" width="1334" msid="115423174" hostid="261" sizebytes="160900"></div>Microsoft's challenges with its flagship AI product could be another red flag for an industry with high hopes for the tech.Business Insider's Ashley Stewart, our resident Microsoft expert, has a deep dive on Copilot <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-ai-artificial-intelligence-bet-doubts-marc-benioff-satya-nadella-2024-11">coming up short on the big expectations laid out for it</a> when it launched over a year ago.CEO Satya Nadella didn't hold back initially, describing Copilot as something that would "fundamentally transform our relationship with technology" when it was unveiled.But internally and among clients, that doesn't always feel like the case. One Microsoft executive told Ashley that Copilot offers useful results about 10% of the time."The rest of the time it's: Why do we even try?" they said.It's an unsettling realization considering the stakes of AI. Many companies — and arguably the entire US stock market — are banking on generative AI being revolutionary. And while Microsoft's bet on AI dwarfs almost everyone else's, its hangup with the tech is something a company of any size can relate to: Is this stuff worth it?It's also not the only challenge the generative AI space is navigating.Reports about OpenAI's newest AI model struggling to show big improvements raised questions about the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/openai-orion-model-scaling-law-silicon-valley-chatgpt-2024-11">tech hitting a performance wall</a>. CEO Sam Altman appeared to address it with a cryptic tweet: "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sam-altman-ai-wall-slowdown-openai-2024-11">there is no wall</a>."Still, it's feeding concerns about the timeline for artificial general intelligence. AGI is the concept that autonomous computer systems outperform humans at most economically valuable work, but it appears <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/agi-predictions-looking-stretched-openai-sam-altman-google-ai-2024-11">harder to achieve than previously anticipated</a>, writes BI's Alistair Barr.<div type="image" title="AI robot hand gripping a time bomb, displaying a countdown timer set to expire in 2025" height="1500" width="2000" msid="115423171" hostid="261" sizebytes="122298"></div>The counterargument is straightforward: It's still the early innings.Microsoft is adamant its Copilot investment is already paying off. Jared Spataro, a vice president of marketing for Microsoft 365, pointed Ashley to Copilot success stories like Lumen Technologies, which projects $50 million in annual savings from its sales team's use of Copilot.Some customers aren't necessarily worried either, as they continue to plow money into AI. A Flexera survey found OpenAI ranked fourth among vendors that IT leaders plan to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/openai-top-vendor-it-leaders-2024-11">spend the most with next year</a>.But tech players won't have forever to figure things out. Earlier this year, analysts at Barclays highlighted an under-the-radar risk to AI bets: <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/ai-stocks-risk-nvidia-gpus-blackwell-tech-outlook-depreciation-accounting-2024-8">the depreciation costs related to AI chips</a>. As firms look to stock up on GPUs, they run the risk of the tech no longer being relevant as new iterations emerge.And then there's the possibility of internal drama. Ashley previously reported on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-pay-data-shows-how-much-more-ai-workers-make-2024-8">the pay disparity at Microsoft</a> between AI-focused employees and everyone else."AI is great and it might be the future, but when are you going to focus on your billpayers?" one employee told Ashley.<h3 id="77f31a4c-8462-4e3d-a71f-838cb79493fb">News brief</h3><h2 id="1fcd294b-3f53-425f-9f20-4093e8623b59">Top headlines</h2><ul><li>Meet the top four candidates Trump is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-treasury-kevin-warsh-marc-rowan-howard-lutnick-scott-bessent-2024-11">considering for Secretary of the Treasury</a>.</li><li>Biden authorizes Ukraine to use powerful ATACMS to strike inside Russia. The move is a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-ukraine-russia-atacms-authorization-2024-11">significant shift in US policy</a>.</li><li>Trump, Musk, and new cabinet picks celebrate election victory with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-musk-celebrate-election-victory-ufc-309-cabinet-picks-2024-11">surprise appearance at UFC</a>.</li></ul><h2 id="8120060b-ae66-48dc-b149-f0489a30ffa2">3 things in markets</h2><div type="image" title="Photo illustration of judge's gavel on colorfulbackground" height="960" width="1920" msid="115423175" hostid="261" sizebytes="501366"></div><ol><li>A lawsuit about trade secrets has a corner of Wall Street's data industry enthralled. Yipit, a Carlyle-backed provider of credit-card data, filed a lawsuit accusing two former salespeople of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-yipits-lawsuit-against-2-former-employees-who-joined-mscience-2024-11">stealing intellectual property to use in their new roles at rival MScience</a>. The suit has the attention of the young, fiercely competitive industry that sells non-traditional data to investors looking for an edge.</li><li>Just because the election is over doesn't mean you need to stop betting on politics. Who will be the Republican nominee in 2028? Will Matt Gaetz be confirmed as attorney general? Will Trump create a national Bitcoin reserve? The prediction markets <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/top-political-prediction-bets-trump-2028-nominees-election-kalshi-polymarket-2024-11">have plenty of political outcomes</a> to scratch your gambling itch.</li><li>It's giving the year 2000 for one legendary investor. Rob Arnott compared the current market to the dot-com peak in 2000. Arnott told BI <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stock-market-crash-rob-arnott-warns-bear-market-tech-bubble-2024-11">why a bear market could be forthcoming in the next couple of years</a> thanks to high valuations and AI optimism that is largely priced in.</li></ol><h2 id="f4b54806-7f81-450c-ba32-92560d4fae9b">3 things in tech</h2><div type="image" title="Elon Musk" height="900" width="1200" msid="115423177" hostid="261" sizebytes="159876"></div><ol><li>Elon Musk's incredible hold on US politics. Politics and money have always been intertwined, but the current relationship between the world's richest man and the president-elect is unprecedented. The result is Musk <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-donald-trump-elected-shadow-president-2024-11">acting almost as a shadow president</a>.</li><li>A potential Trump trade plan beneficiary: US semiconductor jobs. If Trump's proposed trade plan is enacted, the American semiconductor industry could see hiring growth. Industry experts told BI that tariffs on foreign-made chips <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trumps-tariffs-chips-could-create-more-american-jobs-increase-prices-2024-11">could help level the playing field for US chipmakers</a>, which have faced tough competition from their global counterparts.</li><li>The OpenAI mafia swells its ranks. Nearly two dozen former employees have left the AI juggernaut and founded startups of their own. The latest defectors include OpenAI cofounder and former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever and former chief technology officer Mira Murati. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/former-openai-employees-who-left-launch-vc-backed-ai-startups-2024-1">See what they're up to now</a>.</li></ol><h2 id="9260fa45-d397-4b3c-b4f8-4bb193976216">3 things in business</h2><div type="image" title="A $100 bill on top of a house" height="1500" width="1992" msid="115423179" hostid="261" sizebytes="339688"></div><ol><li>Four ways Trump's housing plans could hurt homebuyers and three ways it could help. Trump promised to make housing more affordable in part by deporting millions of immigrants, slashing construction regulations, and building houses on federal land. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-high-home-prices-housing-mortgage-rates-deregulation-tariffs-immigration-2024-11">Here's how experts think that would actually pan out</a>.</li><li>Spirit Airlines has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The budget airline has struggled since a planned merger with JetBlue was called off in March. In an open letter to customers, it said people can continue to book tickets and fly as normal as it <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spirit-airlines-chapter-11-bankruptcy-restructure-low-cost-airlines-2024-11">undergoes financial restructuring</a>.</li><li>Walmart might be just fine under Trump's proposed trade plan. Target, not so much. As America's grocery king, Walmart US makes nearly 60% of its revenue from groceries, which are predominantly domestic. But Target often relies on imported merchandise, such as apparel and beauty. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/target-walmart-trump-tariffs-exposure-analysts-2024-11">Walmart also has another key advantage: scale</a>.</li></ol><h2 id="1ad7b482-3f4b-44b4-81b6-a864aa386478">In other news</h2><ul><li>Disney CEO Bob Iger is moving to cement his legacy <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bob-iger-disney-earnings-guidance-succession-legacy-chapek-media-analysis-2024-11">by undoing his biggest mistake</a>.</li><li>Shoppers and businesses are <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://l.businessinsider.com/a/click?_t=c8e10479a20f45bba5aad6c5f6fbb009&amp;_m=c30b8703d160410398dd34e9584c94a3&amp;_e=i25E5ONB4tMiXtE06VeSaaFdC9RBeKEf6Am3QwaEcB2E4JdSqnDqmYr-387ig-ruhUxPoPCaat-voaDbfD_6S9r_lRX7w-hriYUuLZLf0oBVVklUgTGSC4rQQEsaV2VrmBmyEJBbhb5t_4ii9kzf5mGNs24JHBU4kD2t77qvgLde0_hccfFyZJGyX-HSEOcVt3hm2j3fy4fJUboGG4PKvgV09z0iPgS9Sd9YYBa5vfJF0tPkg6nqTPSf_-4F-a8aB1csTjQJYq2n-O1Ho511puOlxNeZs4WzL5ZST0WJkZqjescVMWVojaLY68-GnLbrAONhAtYwR4sRYyo_gVAswrtOyO2OjgTQ7GPu_kEO5SvlrvfmHChZsIOFVxvPWR7cGcH5q-QsclhVCpi1tyVirT8OKMZUsBjylVY0fJJZOSkOO4NwglFhyDOfQDrbf0_ErXhpUTPhEJeNs9bRlNwOVGxCBs2oCYN7T81FPiuSVJw%3D">stockpiling to avoid potential price hikes</a> before Trump takes office.</li></ul><h2 id="9f5d80ac-3466-429f-a50a-2ffbb70c65ff">What's happening today</h2><ul><li>G20 summit begins in Rio de Janeiro.</li></ul>The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in Chicago. Ella Hopkins, associate editor, in London. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. Amanda Yen, fellow, in New York.Milan Sehmbi, fellow, in London.

Microsoft Copilot's underperformance is the latest red flag for investments in AI

Capital markets regulator <keyword id="35210" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="SEBI" source="Orion">SEBI</keyword>'s proposal for introducing a new asset class for high-risk profile investors can help them gain access to a newer set of strategies including long-short equity funds and inverse <keyword id="187070" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Exchange-traded-Funds" source="Orion">Exchange-traded Funds</keyword> (<keyword id="19930506" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ETF" source="keywords">ETF</keyword>). The new asset class is aimed at bridging the gap between mutual funds and <keyword id="20155415" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="portfolio-management-services" source="keywords">Portfolio Management Services</keyword> (PMS), in terms of flexibility in portfolio construction. SEBI's consultation paper floated on Tuesday on 'new asset class' and creating a structure for differentiated, higher risk strategies looks very promising, <keyword id="19954203" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="radhika-gupta" source="keywords">Radhika Gupta</keyword>, MD and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund said. "India is finally opening up to different investment products, styles and approaches. Passive, factor, inverse ETFs, alts and more. There is no single way to invest," she added. In its consultation paper, the regulator said the new asset class will provide a regulated product with features like SIP (<keyword id="6359303" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Systematic-Investment-Plan" source="Orion">Systematic Investment Plan</keyword>), higher risk-taking capability, and a higher ticket size, to meet the needs of the emerging category of investors. The regulator suggested a minimum investment of Rs 10 lakh for the new asset class, which could be permitted to invest in derivatives for purposes beyond just hedging and rebalancing. This higher threshold will deter retail investors from investing in this product, while attracting investors, with investible funds between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, who are being drawn to unauthorised and unregistered portfolio management service providers," the regulator said. "SEBI's consultation paper for introducing new product classes with higher investment minimum than mutual funds and more freedom to invest can help investors gain access to a newer set of strategies like Long-short equities, inverse ETFs, etc which can help them express specific views on the market," Kaustubh Belapurkar, Director - Manager Research of Morningstar Investment Research India, said. <keyword id="22445326" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Long-short-equity-fund" source="Orion">Long-short equity fund</keyword> seeks to deliver returns by taking long and short positions in equity and equity-related instruments. For example, the fund may be bullish on the automobile sector and bearish on the IT sector and may invest in both these sectors by going long on the automobile sector and short on the IT sector. Inverse ETF aims to generate returns that are negatively correlated to the returns of the underlying index. Dezerv Co-Founder Sandeep Jethwani said higher-risk profile investors can now access regulated opportunities without the high minimum thresholds of PMS and AIF or resorting to unregulated structures that bode really well for the protection of wealth that India creates. This new asset class is poised to leverage the exponential growth expected in managed assets (MFs, PMSs and AIFs) in the next 5-7 years, he added. SEBI believes that over the years, a notable opportunity for a new asset class has emerged between mutual funds and PMS, in terms of flexibility in portfolio construction. "The absence of such an investment product appears to have inadvertently propelled the investors of this segment towards unregistered and unauthorised investment schemes. Such schemes often promise unrealistically high returns and exploit the investors' expectations for better yields, leading to potential financial risks," it added.

SEBI's proposal on new asset class for high risk takers looks promising, note experts

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Chris Mott, a veteran, decided to retire at 57 after he became unemployed and couldn't find a job.</li><li>Mott and his wife sold their California home, downsized, and invested in a travel trailer.</li></ul>I'm a veteran who has worked for various organizations and government jobs, including, at times, building and running companies. Like most people, I didn't really start <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/planned-retirement-until-discovered-fire-2024-04">thinking about retirement</a> until I was past my mid-40s. My plan was to work until I was 65 or 70, but my wife apparently had a different idea.When I became unemployed in 2022, my wife saw this as an opportunity for us to retire and live on the road full time. This had been her dream since we bought a small camping trailer in 2002. We spent many summers and holidays <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-plan-perfect-american-road-trip-across-southwest-region">traveling the Western United States</a> and Canada with our son.At 57, I was too young to start <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/what-is-social-security">drawing from Social Security</a> or our retirement accounts, so our finances were at the forefront of my mind, but I decided we could make her dream a reality. Almost a year later, my portfolio has generated almost as much as I made at my last job.Here's how I managed my early retirement.<h2 id="a9c4091b-1102-4746-b4f1-8c7cb984913a">I didn't realize my life was about to change</h2>We <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tarek-el-moussa-says-he-cant-make-money-on-california-starter-homes-2024-2">owned a house in California</a> on a large lot in the Orange County city of Yorba Linda. When my granddaughter was just a year old, my wife went up to Vancouver, Washington, for a visit by herself. A few days into that trip, my daughter-in-law sent me some photos of my wife with the baby, and she was smiling like I'd not seen her smile in a very long time. I knew then that my life was about to change. I just didn't realize how much.<div type="image" title="Chris Mott and his wife Kim at Bryce Canyon National Park." height="3060" width="4080" msid="114773505" hostid="261" sizebytes="1113370"></div>When she returned from that trip, we started making plans to move. Our house was nice but wasn't quite ready to put on the market. I was still employed at the time. I made arrangements to work remotely for my company, and my wife's sister had agreed to move in with their mother to provide care. After several months of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/should-you-sell-your-house-now-bank-of-america-2024-7">getting the house ready</a> to show, we got the house listed and in escrow within a week. Things were really starting to move fast.Somewhere in the middle of all of this, my mother-in-law became gravely ill and passed. Then my employers had buyer's remorse on the remote-work arrangement, and I ended up unemployed.<h2 id="8480490b-cd82-4817-8cc9-cc2067e79c2d">We sold our home, and I created a budget for our travels</h2>After we settled my mother-in-law's estate with my wife's siblings and closed escrow on our Orange County home, I added those proceeds to our <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/best-ira-accounts">other savings and IRAs</a>. Most of our money is professionally managed, but I have a small amount in a self-directed account plus a savings account.We spent $200,000 buying a new 30-foot Grand Design fifth-wheel trailer and a Dodge Ram 2500 truck to tow it. We have downsized from a 2,400-square-foot house on ¾ acres to a 290-square-foot trailer. We are now houseless but not homeless.<div type="image" title="A silver Dodge Ram truck parked with a small trailer home attached to it." height="3024" width="4032" msid="114773507" hostid="261" sizebytes="1678006"></div>I created a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/road-trip-national-parks-camping-budget-for-a-week-2023-3">budget for our travels</a> using our home accounting software. We have 20 years of camping experience, so I was able to create an all-inclusive budget. Even costs like using a coin laundry every few weeks or paying for a campground shower. We also pay for Starlink internet, so we can always stay connected.With no house or vehicle payments, utilities, or property taxes, our investment income exceeds our budgeted monthly living expenses. So we are living off the income, not the principal.<h2 id="3c18eb25-9e36-407e-9a0e-de34622aaab6">Paying For Retirement</h2>The one thing I didn't want to do in retirement was become a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/best-stock-trading-apps">full time investment broker</a>, so I hired one. The bulk of our investments are professionally managed in various municipal bonds and a mix of moderate-growth equities. My goal for the portfolio was income and asset retention. It costs about $6,000 a year in brokerage fees but is worth not having to personally manage all those transactions.Much of the income from this portfolio is non-taxable, which helps our bottom line. Outside of that, we have our IRAs, savings accounts, and a small <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/investment-portfolio">self-directed investment portfolio</a>.I communicate regularly with my broker and keep a close watch on everything. I've set up automatic monthly disbursements from the portfolios sufficient to cover our living expenses. I even make a few bucks with my writing. It's not a fortune, but we live comfortably.Eventually, we'll have to start thinking about <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/ira-early-withdrawal-without-penalty">taking draws from our IRAs</a> and when to apply for Social Security. But we've got a few years for that.<h2 id="33429322-fea5-4e8f-bef5-d911e60c8658">Life Is What You Make It</h2>Looking back, I wish I'd started sooner, but I was fortunate. Despite my late start at planning for retirement, I ended up OK.Every morning when I wake up, I open the shade next to my bed. Partly to see the morning light and partly to remember where I am. It changes all the time. We <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/van-life-road-trip-convinced-nomadic-lifestyle-is-for-me-2024-3">travel from place to place</a>, one campground to the next. We hike in new places, try local cuisine, and go to museums, exhibits, national monuments, parks, and special events like the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Lake Havasu. We also manage to pick up a gift or book for our granddaughter and mail them to her.<div type="image" title="Chris Mott and his wife Kim hiking." height="1592" width="3264" msid="114773508" hostid="261" sizebytes="312364"></div>No matter where we are or what we are doing, one thing is the highlight of every week: our weekly video call with our granddaughter. She is always excited to see Gigi and Papa and always has something to show or tell us about something special that happened that week.There is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/older-americans-regret-retirement-savings-taking-social-security-early-investments-2024-10">life in retirement</a>, and it's pretty good.If you have a unique retirement experience and want to share your story, please email Manseen Logan at mlogan@businessinsider.com.

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I was laid off and forced to retire in my 50s. I wish I'd started planning sooner, but my investment portfolio helped — and life is good.

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