Some Americans may be better prepared for retirement than they realize.

About 56% of baby boomers and Generation X (people now between about ages 38 and 65) are saving enough to cover their basic retirement costs, including uninsured medical expenses, according to a recent projection by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, a Washington-based nonprofit think tank.

The bad news is that 44% aren't saving enough, and some of those people are on the lowest rungs of the income ladder, so they may have little opportunity to ramp up their savings as they age.

Still, while some people face a troubling retirement outlook, others in that 44% group can take steps to get their savings on track.

"Some Americans face a retirement crisis, but it isn't the majority," said Stephen Utkus, the director of Vanguard Group's Center for Retirement Research.

"For the longest time, studies have always pointed out that about 50% of Americans seem clearly ready for retirement," he says. But it's a mistake to assume the other half is in deep trouble.

Instead, Utkus says, people fall along a spectrum of retirement readiness, with 20% to 30% of Americans "partially ready" for retirement.

"A significant number of people can take some steps between now and retirement to move the dial and get to 'prepared,'" he says.

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How to avoid retirement crisis

07 September 2012 | last updated at 08:02AM

After showing excellent form last weekend, Faizal and Razie will be hoping to continue their scoring exploits when the league resumes today.

Faizal, an international striker bound for a stint in Spain, turned on an impeccable performance with six goals against Maybank (2-2) and Nur Insafi-MBI (5-2) last weekend.

The 21-year-old will be pumped up when TNB play Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) today and then Sapura on Sunday.

"I want to score as many goals to retain my top-scorer award. My performance has given me the confidence and self-belief for forthcoming matches," said Faizal recently.

As for Razie, the 25-year-old defender scored four penalty corner goals for KLHC in their impressive wins over Sapura (5-0) and Maybank (4-1).

Teammate Tengku Ahmad Tajudin Tengku Abd Jalil, who has registered two goals, is the other player desperate to scoop the top-scorer award for the first time.

"I've come close several times since making my debut in 2005. I hope my wait ends this season but of course, KLHC come first for me," said Tengku Ahmad, who has earned 160 international caps to date.

Former champions Sapura, meanwhile, are hoping for a change of luck this weekend.

Sapura, who have three points, will take on winless Maybank today and TNB on Sunday.

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HOCKEY / MHL: Duo on personal mission

07 September 2012 | last updated at 08:02AM

After showing excellent form last weekend, Faizal and Razie will be hoping to continue their scoring exploits when the league resumes today.

Faizal, an international striker bound for a stint in Spain, turned on an impeccable performance with six goals against Maybank (2-2) and Nur Insafi-MBI (5-2) last weekend.

The 21-year-old will be pumped up when TNB play Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) today and then Sapura on Sunday.

"I want to score as many goals to retain my top-scorer award. My performance has given me the confidence and self-belief for forthcoming matches," said Faizal recently.

As for Razie, the 25-year-old defender scored four penalty corner goals for KLHC in their impressive wins over Sapura (5-0) and Maybank (4-1).

Teammate Tengku Ahmad Tajudin Tengku Abd Jalil, who has registered two goals, is the other player desperate to scoop the top-scorer award for the first time.

"I've come close several times since making my debut in 2005. I hope my wait ends this season but of course, KLHC come first for me," said Tengku Ahmad, who has earned 160 international caps to date.

Former champions Sapura, meanwhile, are hoping for a change of luck this weekend.

Sapura, who have three points, will take on winless Maybank today and TNB on Sunday.

See the article here:
Duo on personal mission

Actress Eva Longoria says she changed oil in a mechanic's shop, flipped burgers at Wendy's, and taught aerobics to pay off her college loans. She needed a tax break back then, but not anymore.

The Associated Press

Actress Eva Longoria says she changed oil in a mechanic's shop, flipped burgers at Wendy's, and taught aerobics to pay off her college loans. She needed a tax break back then, but not anymore.

President Barack Obama will ensure that hard work and ambition are rewarded with opportunity, the "Desperate Housewives" star said Thursday at the Democratic National Convention. Obama has cut taxes for working Americans and small business owners, Longoria said, while Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney wants to cut taxes for wealthier people like her.

Romney, however, has said he will not raise taxes on the middle class.

Longoria, a co-chair for Obama's re-election campaign, says she has traveled the country for the president and has been struck by how optimistic people are.

Original post:
Eva Longoria says Obama will protect middle class

Don Nelson is deservingly going into the Hall of Fame as a coach this week he has won more games than any NBA coach ever, he was the innovator of small ball.

But at every stop he seems to be asked, are you coming back? He did have some conversations with the Minnesota Timberwolves last summer, so maybe

No. Not happening. Nelson is done coaching in the NBA, Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated reminds us. And he reminds us that Nelson retired to Maui for a life most of us dream about.

So no, the play-caller who was 1,335-1,063 in 31 seasons with Milwaukee, Golden State, New York and Dallas wont be leaving his life of poker games, shaved ice stands, coffee and olive trees, and beachfront property in order to chase yet another coaching opening. He did agree to leave the islands for Fridays induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, though, and hell do so as a man who appreciates the invite and is at peace with his legacy.

Im having so much fun not coaching in a life that I didnt know about, doing all these interesting things, Nelson said. I didnt know that I was going to have so much fun not coaching. There is life after basketball. I didnt know that. I know it now. And I would not go back.

Is that clear enough for you?

Some owner is going to reach out to Nelson next summer when he is looking for a new coach. Its inevitable. But the part of Nelson that entertained those calls and ideas is distracted by the Maui sunsets now.

Original post:
As he enters Hall of Fame, Don Nelson again says he’s done coaching

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbFee1Hd4d0

06-09-2012 06:42 Learn exercises to get those abs. Dearin is a top Health and Fitness Presenter, and Consultant. He has presented at the Worlds Top Health and Fitness conventions in over 25 countries. He is much sought after for his Inspiration and Strong sense of physical movement as well as stage presence. Dearin has been the Fitness Director of Boston Body, 3 Gold�s Gym, Group fitness Manager for Equinox Fitness Miami Beach and Program Developer for WorldClass gyms in Sweden!

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CHRIST-EL 101: Get Those ABS with Dearin Priester, Top Health and Fitness Presenter, and Consultant - Video

NEW YORK, Sept.6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --EBOOST, the vitamin-infused natural energy drink, today announced that health, fitness, and nutrition expert, Jillian Michaels,has joined EBOOST as a company investor and has assumed the role of "Chief Energy Officer" for the brand.

(Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120906/NY69284)

"EBOOST is redefining the energy drink industry with a responsible product that consumers can feel good about drinking," says Michaels. "As a business woman, mother of two and athlete I was looking for something to help me boost my energy, performance and mental sharpness. EBOOST does all of these things naturally. I was thrilled when I discovered it and am excited to join the EBOOST team."

Known for her health conscious ways, it was not a shock that Michaels refused to turn to traditional energy drinks known to contain questionable ingredients and less than desirable side effects. When she was introduced to EBOOST and learned that it provided both a natural boost derived from green tea, plus immunity support thanks to a vast supply of essential vitamins and minerals, she instantly incorporated the drink into her daily routine and felt compelled to get involved to help build the brand.

Michaels is the latest health conscious celebrity to join EBOOST as an investor, with pro athletes including New York Knick, Amar'e Stoudemire, the Miami Dolphin Anthony Fasano and the Cincinnati Bengal Terrence Newman having been on board from the beginning.

"We were thrilled that someone as highly regarded in the health and fitness space as Jillian came to us excited to find out what she could do to get involved in EBOOST," says Josh Taekman, co-founder of EBOOST. "We immediately created a role for her as Chief Energy Officer and look forward to having her lend her support as we grow the EBOOST brand," he adds.

"As we continue to build Empowered Media and the Jillian Michaels brand, we look to partner with brands that share our mission to make the world a better and healthier place," says Giancarlo Chersich, Co-Founder and CEO of Empowered Media. "When we discovered EBOOST, we knew it was the perfect company for Jillian to align with," he adds.

A responsible boost in an otherwise irresponsible category, EBOOST is designed to provide energy, focus, immunity and recovery, any time of day. Available in the convenience of a shot, or an easy-to-mix powder packet, EBOOST contains 100% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C, D, B-12 and Folic Acid included in each serving, keeping boosters healthy as well.

About EBOOST

EBOOST is a premium, vitamin-infused drink that provides energy, immunity, recovery and focus.A responsible boost in an otherwise irresponsible category, EBOOST provides natural energy from green tea and the suggested daily allowance of essential vitamins and minerals.Offered in four delicious flavors including Super Berry, Orange, Pink Lemonade and Acai Pomegranate, EBOOST is available in effervescent powder packets and liquid shot form. For more information, please visit http://www.eboost.com.

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Health and Wellness Expert Jillian Michaels Announces Partnership with All-Natural Energy Drink, EBOOST

(MoneyWatch) Earlier this year, I wrote about a study from Boston College's Center for Retirement Research (CRR) that suggested the vast majority of households will be financially ready to retire by age 70, and that almost half of households could retire at age 65.

Not so fast, says the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI). EBRI recently released a report that suggests that the lowest-paid quartile of workers will need to work until age 84 before the majority would have a 50/50 chance of success in retirement, and that the second-lowest paid quartile would need to work until age 81 to have the same odds. Those in higher-paid groups have a better chance of success: The top-paid quartile would need to work until age 65, and the second-best paid quartile would need to work until age 72 for a majority of people in these groups to have a 50/50 chance of success.

So what are the differences between these two studies? And do either of the results apply to you?

First, it's important to consider that the primary audience for these studies is policymakers and analysts at government entities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses; individuals planning their retirement aren't who these studies are aimed at. Policymakers and analysts need this type of analysis to determine if changes are desirable or needed in government and employer-sponsored retirement programs, and if they need to encourage additional levels of savings.

Second, it's important to realize that any study needs to make a number of assumptions regarding a variety of important factors, such as rates of return on retirement savings, levels of future contributions to retirement savings, the age when people begin drawing their Social Security benefits, how long citizens will live and so on. When reviewing the results of these studies, you need to first determine if these assumptions apply to your circumstances.

For example, the CRR study assumed that citizens would make optimal decisions regarding when to start drawing Social Security benefits and how to deploy retirement savings to generate retirement income, and that people would use their home equity to enhance their security in retirement. Actual experience suggests, however, that most people don't make the wisest choices regarding Social Security commencement and deploying their retirement savings, and that many people don't tap into their home equity to fund their retirement.

One key difference between the two studies is that the EBRI study takes the potential for high expenditures for medical and long-term care expenses into account, whereas the CRR study didn't. But long-term care is the wild card of retirement: If you incur long-term care expenses, your financial resources might get drained quickly, whereas you might fare quite well in retirement if you are lucky enough to escape these expenses.

One critical assumption that both studies make is that individuals and households will maintain the same standard of living in retirement that they did before retirement. "Maintaining the same standard of living" usually means having the same amount of after-tax income during retirement that you had while you were working.

But that just won't be the case for the vast majority of Americans, who will need to adopt some combination of working in their retirement years and drastically reducing their living expenses in order to have enough money to live on during their retirement. The number one strategy named by retirees for surviving in retirement is management of their living expenses, and both of these studies confirm that this strategy will be needed for future retirees.

How much longer do you need to delay retirement? A retirement plan for the working 99 percent Retiring baby boomers: Dropping out to make every dollar count? The biggest retirement planning mistake of all

Read more here:
Do you need to delay retirement to age 70...or 84?

CHICAGO, Sept 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --According to a recent report conducted by The American College, forty percent of small business owners have no retirement savings or pension plan in place. Furthermore, the study found that three-fourths of those owners have no written plan as to how they intend to fund their retirement.1

Small business owners know the value of a solid business plan. Unfortunately, too many of those entrepreneurs neglect to place the same effort in planning for their retirement. Business owners focus so much on growing and maintaining their business, that often their own retirement is put on the back burner.

"It's important to have personal retirement savings outside of your business because the value of that business can fluctuate significantly over the years," says Margie Lawless, Senior Vice President of Small Business Banking, BMO Harris Bank. "Additionally, having a retirement nest egg is important should the unexpected arise, such as a major health issue or needing to sell the business sooner than expected."

Tina DiVito, Head of the BMO Retirement Institute, offers these tips for small business owners on how to effectively save for retirement:

As with any investment, you should consult with a tax advisor to determine what works best for your personal goals and financial situation.

"Although it's tempting to concentrate solely on investing in their business, small business owners owe it to themselves and their family to have personal retirement savings to help ensure a comfortable retirement," says DiVito.

To learn more about how to financially prepare for retirement, please visit: http://www.bmoharris.com/retirementinstitute

About BMO Harris Bank

Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank N.A. provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through over 650 branches and approximately 1,350 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. Deposit and loan products and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris BankSM is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with 1,600 branches, and a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.

United States Department of Treasury Regulation Circular 230 requires that we notify you that this information is not intended to be tax or legal advice. This information cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. This information is being used to support the promotion or marketing of the planning strategies discussed herein. BMO Harris Bank, a part of BMO Financial Group and its affiliates do not provide legal advice to clients. You should review your particular circumstances with your independent legal and tax advisors.

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Entrepreneurs: Fund Your Retirement, Not Just Your Business

MILWAUKEE, Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --According to a recent report conducted by The American College, forty percent of small business owners have no retirement savings or pension plan in place. Furthermore, the study found that three-fourths of those owners have no written plan as to how they intend to fund their retirement.1

Small business owners know the value of a solid business plan. Unfortunately, too many of those entrepreneurs neglect to place the same effort in planning for their retirement. Business owners focus so much on growing and maintaining their business, that often their own retirement is put on the back burner.

"It's important to have personal retirement savings outside of your business because the value of that business can fluctuate significantly over the years," says Kara Kaiser, Regional President, M&I, a part of BMO Financial Group. "Additionally, having a retirement nest egg is important should the unexpected arise, such as a major health issue or needing to sell the business sooner than expected."

Tina DiVito, Head of the BMO Retirement Institute, offers these tips for small business owners on how to effectively save for retirement:

As with any investment, you should consult with a tax advisor to determine what works best for your personal goals and financial situation.

"Although it's tempting to concentrate solely on investing in their business, small business owners owe it to themselves and their family to have personal retirement savings to help ensure a comfortable retirement," says DiVito.

To learn more about how to financially prepare for retirement, please visit: http://www.bmoharris.com/retirementinstitute

About BMO Harris Bank

Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank N.A. provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through over 650 branches and approximately 1,350 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. Deposit and loan products and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris BankSM is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with 1,600 branches, and a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.

United States Department of Treasury Regulation Circular 230 requires that we notify you that this information is not intended to be tax or legal advice. This information cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. This information is being used to support the promotion or marketing of the planning strategies discussed herein. BMO Harris Bank, a part of BMO Financial Group and its affiliates do not provide legal advice to clients. You should review your particular circumstances with your independent legal and tax advisors.

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Save For Retirement Or Invest In Your Business?