BROOKFIELD, Wis., June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Planning for retirement can be a time of great anticipation as well as great anxiety. And, given the current economic climate, many individuals have changed their plans for retirement by either pushing back their retirement date or have considered working part time during their retirement to supplement their fixed incomes. This,according to Jim Cantrell, Certified Financial Planner Professional, Owner and President of Financial Strategies, Inc., a wealth advisory firm in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

While some people close to retirement have changed their goals or approach, others simply don't know what to do. Cantrell, who is also a National Association of Personal Financial Advisors' (NAPFA) Registered Advisor and current NAPFA Board President of the Midwest Region, says, "Daunting uncertainties can creep into your plans and threaten to burst your bubble before it is even fully inflated. While the current economic climate should be cause for caution and concern, careful planning will help you enjoy your retirement the way you had envisioned before the economic turndown." He provides the following five tips to help you create a solid financial plan that will get you back on track and allow you to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Tip Number 1 Know what you are going to doJim Cantrell offers that "This may seem like a strange tip, however, many people do not plan past the idea of no longer working. They don't think about what will occupy their time once they retire. Your future plans will help you create a better financial plan for your retirement." If you have grandiose thoughts of spending months in exotic destinations, you will need to put a bit more into your retirement fund than if your goal is to do volunteer work and stay close to home. One of the best ways to ensure that your future plans are appropriate for you is to get involved in activities that are of interest before you retire. For example, if you plan to spend your time volunteering, consider giving a few hours a week before retirement to see if this will work with your future plans. Additionally, if relocation is part of your retirement goal, spend time vacationing in the areas you could potential call your future home.

Tip Number 2 Know your benefits"Once you retire, there is a good chance you will not receive the same benefits you did when you were employed," states Cantrell. It is important to talk to your organization's human resources department well before you plan to retire. Consider items such as health insurance, pension and stock options. Each of these things could have a big impact on your finances once you are retired.

Tip Number 3 Diversify your stock optionsAs you approach retirement, it is important to ensure that you do not have an over concentration of stock positions. Sometimes senior management and upper level executives have a lot of their portfolio tied up in their company; however, once they retire they will not have the same level of control in the direction the company takes. Having all your eggs in one basket (or a lot of them) is never a good idea, this is why it is important to consider diversifying your investment portfolio.

Tip Number 4 Move to stable investmentsAs you approach retirement, (at some point say five to seven years prior) consider shifting your investment portfolio from a higher percentage of equities to less riskier, fixed or stable investments. This will make your portfolio a much safer place to go and get your money when you need it.

Tip Number 5 Have a solid plan"In order to enjoy a comfortable retirement, it is important to have a clear understanding of what it will take to retire," Cantrell offers as a final tip. How much will you need to put away to live the lifestyle you currently enjoy, or what things do you plan to cut out? Know what you currently have available and what you will need and put it all down in a solid and workable plan. One of the best ways to ensure that you have a solid plan is to meet with a certified financial planning practitioner (we recommend a fee-only advisor) to create a program that meets all your future needs.

"Retirement should be a time of great joy and relaxation. Planning for this time in life is vital to ensure that the goals you have set will be attainable. Don't let the uncertainty of the current economic climate stop you from planning your retirement," Cantrell concludes. For more information on planning for your retirement, visit the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors' (NAPFA) website at http://www.napfa.org or Jim Cantrell at Jim@retirementandwealth.com. They can offer you important tips and advice and help you find a reputable fee-only advisor who can help you put your plans in place.

About Jim Cantrell and Financial Strategies, Inc. Jim Cantrell, Certified Financial Planner, is Owner and Founder of Financial Strategies, Inc. (FSI). FSI is a Fee-Only wealth advisory firm. Jim is also a National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) Registered Financial Advisor and NAPFA Board President of the Midwest Region, serving North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. He has over 22 years of experience in financial planning and investment advising to top-level executives and other investment savvy individuals and retirees, as well as their families.

FSI's Fee-Only structure ensures that clients receive honest and objective advice that is not dependent upon a commission structure for the financial success of the advisor. Known by clients for their dedication, attentiveness and teamwork, the staff at FSI combines creativity, kindness and professionalism to give the best possible care and service. For more information on Financial Strategies, Inc, please visit, http://www.retirementandwealth.com.

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(MoneyWatch) "Fuhgeddaboutit"

If you're relying on an inheritance to fund your retirement, you might want to revise your plan. It's more likely all you're really going to get is a bunch of family stories, with some furniture, used cars, or jewelry thrown in for good measure -- certainly nothing you can take to the bank. At least that's the conclusion you get when you put two bits of information together: The results of a recent survey report from Allianz Life and an in-depth look at the wealth of the older population.

According to the Allianz report, 86 percent of boomers (those age 47 to 66) and 74 percent of elders (those age 72 and over) state that family stories are the most important aspect of their legacy, ahead of personal possessions (64 percent for boomers, 58 percent for elders). Financial assets, which you can take to the bank, are cited as most important by only 9 percent of boomers and 14 percent of elders. In addition, only 14 percent of elders feel they owe their children an inheritance, down from 22 percent who reported they felt this way in 2005.

These results make a lot of sense, given the modest retirement savings of most boomers and retirees. They'll need to use all their savings to avoid another unfortunate legacy -- the need to move in with their children because they've run out of money.

This leads us to the numbers I referred to earlier. According to the 2012 Retirement Confidence Survey from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), less than one-fourth -- only 22 percent -- of households headed by someone aged 55 and over have retirement savings of $250,000 or more. We can use numbers from my April 2012 retirement income scorecards to see just how much retirement income $250,000 in retirement savings will generate for a couple both age 65, using various methods of producing a retirement paycheck.

This couple could buy a fixed immediate annuity that would generate an annual payout rate of 5.8 percent, or $14,600 per year. They could also buy an inflation-adjusted annuity with an annual payout rate of 3.9 percent, or $9,688 per year. Add in Social Security income, and it's possible this couple will make ends meet in retirement, but they certainly won't be living high off the hog. And no financial legacy would be left if they used these methods of generating a retirement income.

Retirement income scorecard: Immediate annuities Retirement income scorecard: Managed payouts Retirement income scorecard: Interest and dividends

This couple could also use the four percent rule to generate retirement income: They would invest their savings, withdraw four percent in the first year, and give their retirement paycheck an increase for inflation each year. Their initial retirement income would be $10,000 per year.

This method offers pretty good odds of allowing your savings to last for the rest of your life, but the amount you could leave as a legacy would vary widely. If you live a long time or experience poor investment returns, you could experience "money death" before you pass away, and you'd leave no financial legacy. On the other hand, if you experience favorable investment returns or pass away before your estimated life expectancy, you could leave a substantial legacy.

One more thing: Given the current low interest rates on bonds and expectations for stock market returns, some analysts consider annual payout rates of 3.5 percent or lower to be safe if you don't want to outlive your money; a 3.5 percent payout rate would produce an annual income of $8,750 per year with $250,000 in retirement savings.

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Will an inheritance bail out your retirement?

Retirement woes continue to haunt Americans as the cost of living continues to increase. From paying for medical insurance to paying the bills, retirement continues to be a sticky subject in America. Another major concern for many citizens is finding an affordable retirement home to live in. While many retirement homes are priced to meet the needs of financially-strained retirees, others boast prices and amenities that are simply off the chart in terms of luxury and cost. With the wide range of prices and options available, one must argue the question: Do you have to pay a lot of money to be satisfied with your experience in a retirement home? Here is a look at two of the most expensive and three examples of affordable retirement homes in the United States for an in-depth comparison of whether you really need to pay a lot of money for a quality retirement experience.

SEE: The Complete Guide To Retirement Planning For 50-Somethings

Two of the Most Expensive Retirement Homes in the U.S.Vi at La Jolla Village A retirement home that certainly offers retirees a piece of the luxury is Vi at La Jolla Village in San Diego. Vi at La Jolla Village provides spacious floor plans available from one bedroom to three bedrooms. Some standard features of the homes include an emergency call system, expanded digital cable television, patio or balcony, and spacious closets. Additionally, Vi at La Jolla Village provides 24 hour valet parking services, weekly housekeeping, healthy dining options and Phillips Lifeline alert system in each unit. All this luxury has quite a price tag attached to it. Entrance fees start at $225,200 and max out at $753,700, while monthly costs can range from $2,720 to $4,440.

SEE: Finding A Retirement-Friendly State

Valencia Shores Another amazing example of a retirement community that offers up luxury and relaxation with a steep price tag is Valencia Shores in Lake Worth, Fla. Some of the impressive amenities that Valencia Shores offers include a full-scale athletic club with fitness center, tennis courts, whirlpool spa, and full-service hair and nail salon. Valencia Shores has a broad selection of homes available, each massive in size and with all the modern amenities you could ask for. List prices start at $239,000 and max out at $625,000.

Three of the Most Affordable Retirement Homes in the U.S.American House American House in Dearborn Heights, Mich. is one great example of an affordable retirement home that is looking out for the cash-strapped retiree. American House offers a variety of floor plans up to two bedrooms, and offers a hearty helping of comfort with amenities such as an emergency response system, month-to-month leases and weekly housekeeping. American House offers many programs that help save tenants money on living costs, including programs for veterans and low-income seniors.

SEE: Will Your Retirement Income Be Enough?

Atria Kennebunk Located in Kennebunk, Maine, Atria Kennebunk is an affordable retirement home with much to offer seniors. Amenities include a very active social community, beautiful interior and scenery, emergency call system in every unit, and concierge. Atria Kennebunk determines cost based on your income and has programs available to work with low-income retirees.

Meadowood Meadowood in Worcester, Pa. is another affordable retirement home that offers tenants considerable bang for their buck. Housing options include spacious apartments or carriage homes and some of the attractive amenities include an expansive library, fitness room and pool. Best of all, Meadowood has a broad range of financial options available to tenants, making Meadowood an easy choice for any budget.

SEE: Will You Have To Delay Your Retirement?

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Some Of America's Most Expensive And Affordable Retirement Homes

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels will receive a big pay raise when he leaves office in January and takes over as president of Purdue University, possibly earning more than five times as much salary.

A memorandum of understanding between Daniels and the university calls for a salary comparable to those earned by university presidents at peer institutions, as well as performance bonuses. Outgoing Purdue President France Cordova earns $465,000. Indiana University President Michael McRobbie earns $533,120, which IU spokesman Mark Land says put him roughly in the middle for pay among university presidents in the Big Ten.

Ohio State University President Gordon Gee is reported to be the highest paid university president, making nearly $2 million a year. That includes a base salary of $834,530, deferred annual compensation of $225,000, performance compensation of $143,179, a supplemental executive retirement plan of $616,635 and other employer retirement benefits of $100,500.

University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman earns $585,783 a year. Michigan State University President Lou Anna Simon earns $520,000 a year.

According to the state auditor's office, Daniels' annual salary is $95,000. With other compensation, he was paid nearly $108,000 last year.

Morris Levy, a biological sciences professor who just completed a term as University Senate chairman on June 1, says he has concerns about the 10-member board of trustees, eight of them appointed by Daniels, setting his salary.

"I believe the phrase 'conflict of interest or the appearance of conflict of interest' is the most accurate statement," he said.

Levy said faculty members will be watching closely to see what Daniels is paid, especially because he is expected to streamline costs at the university.

Levy said the university works to try to make everyone feel as though they are all on the same team.

"If we pay Mr. Daniels an extraordinary salary, it's going to be hard to make everyone feel that way under him," he said.

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Daniels to receive large personal pay as Purdue president

LONGWOOD, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

DoMark International Inc. (DOMK) (the "Company" or "DoMark"), through its wholly owned subsidiary, MuscleFoot Inc., is pleased to announce that it has donated revolutionary Noraxon equipment to Sean Pea, physio and biomechanics expert to the worlds top track athletes, to assist in developing his clients ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games. In addition to helping his track and field clients, Mr. Pea will have the opportunity to harness the advanced performance measurement capabilities of the Noraxon system to aid his world class athletic clientele from the equestrian, NFL football, and US Olympics and Track & Field arenas. In combination with patented Barefoot Science technology by MuscleFoot Inc., which rehabilitates weak foot muscles and improves athletic performance, the donated Noraxon technology will vastly aid Mr. Pea in optimizing his clients biomechanics and adjusting their training regimens.

Sean Pea is the personal physio and biomechanics expert for many of the worlds top track and field athletes. Notable clients who by the release of this announcement had secured places on the US Olympic team include Justin Gatlin, Mike Rogers, William Claye, Joel Brown, and LoLo Jones. Mr. Pea also works with Olympic hopefuls, Brittany Reese and David Oliver, who continue to pursue spots on the US team. All of the previously mentioned athletes are using Barefoot Science insole system to prepare for the 2012 London Olympics.

Using this high level technology will allow me to improve the performance and decrease the risk of injuries to my clients by observing in an utterly accurate way the motion and performance of the athlete. Along with Barefoot Science, I will be able to fine tune both the highest level athlete and the average person to correct biomechanics. Technology like this was previously only available in a clinic or lab setting and will now be implemented real time towards functional activities, said Sean Pea.

The full system consists of a Clinical DTS (wireless EMG) 4-channel, instrumented treadmill with MyoVideo, and a FDM-SX pressure plate. The goal of this three component system is to provide complete insight into the full body mechanics that control the athletes gait. This system measures vertical force and ground reaction forces, underfoot pressure, temporal and special gait parameters, and provides insight into muscle innervations, symmetry and coordination. The systems 2D kinematics functionality can track height, distance, and angular data. In short, the Noraxon technology donated by DoMark provides a complete, inside and out picture of what is happening within the human body, and allows training staff to modify training routines and make performance adjustments based on real-time intelligent data.

Noraxon systems have recorded an instant decrease of 50% in postural sway or increase in balance/ stability as well as a significant increase in major gait related muscle efficiency and strength in subjects tested after using the patented Barefoot Science insole system. This donation is part of a drive on the part of MuscleFoot Inc. to demonstrate the power of Barefoot Sciences patented foot technology as an integral component of performance enhancement and pain relief for individuals from across the spectrum of amateur, elite, and professional athletics.

Donating this piece of technology to Sean will enhance his clients performance immensely, and we are pleased to help him attain even more credibility in his field as one of the top sports physios on the planet and help his clients to maximize their full potential, said VP of Corporate Development, Patrick Johnson.

Barefoot Science is revolutionizing the $223 billion global footwear and $3.5 billion foot care markets with its patented insole technology. For over 15 years, Barefoot Science has studied foot biomechanics, as well as the capabilities of its products to actively stimulate, strengthen, and restore the foot. This is significant disruptive foot therapy technology that will revolutionize the foot care industry. Applied either through an insole placed inside the shoe, or by integration directly into the design of the shoe, Barefoot Science technology prevents and rehabilitates a wide range of foot, leg, and back ailments, and enhances athletic performance. Barefoot Science backs these claims with a wealth of scientific research and endorsements from thousands of customers who currently use Barefoot Science insoles.

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Posted by Steve Rogers | June 28, 2012 / 08:18am | Political, Business, Faith & Family By Jeff Amy/The Associated Press JACKSON-- In another bad sign for Mississippi's economy, the state was one of only two where personal income shrank in the first three months of 2012.

Personal income fell 0.3 percent, the worst performance among the states, the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis said Wednesday. Kansas was the only other state where personal income shrank.

The announcement comes less than a month after the same agency concluded that Mississippi's overall economy dipped back into recession in 2011, shrinking more than all states but Wyoming.

Personal income is all of the income received by everyone from every source, including wages, business owner profits, interest, dividends, rent and government transfers. It's not the same as a measure of the size of the overall economy, but can be a rough proxy.

Shrinking personal income in the first quarter could mean that Mississippi remains in recession, a possibility reinforced by a stagnant job market.

Nationwide, personal income grew 0.8 percent in the quarter, outstripping estimated inflation of 0.6 percent during the period. North Dakota performed strongest, with personal income rising 2.3 percent.

The three major categories of personal income--work-related earnings, investment income and government transfer payments--all fell in the state.

Of the 0.3 percent decline, 0.1 percent was caused by falling work income and 0.2 percent was caused by falling transfer receipts.

Mississippi was one of only four states where work-related earnings fell, one of only three states where transfer receipts fell, and the only state that saw a drop in investment income.

Sectors that shrank in the state's work-related earnings included farming, real estate, forestry and fishing, utilities, federal civilian agencies and the military. Of those, farming was by far the biggest contributor to the decline.

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Personal Income Shrank in State Last Year

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- In another bad sign for Mississippi's economy, the state was one of only two where personal income shrank in the first three months of 2012.

Personal income fell 0.3 percent, the worst performance among the states, the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis said Wednesday. Kansas was the only other state where personal income shrank.

The announcement comes less than a month after the same agency concluded that Mississippi's overall economy dipped back into recession in 2011, shrinking more than all states but Wyoming.

Personal income is all of the income received by everyone from every source, including wages, business owner profits, interest, dividends, rent and government transfers. It's not the same as a measure of the size of the overall economy, but can be a rough proxy.

Shrinking personal income in the first quarter could mean that Mississippi remains in recession, a possibility reinforced by a stagnant job market.

Nationwide, personal income grew 0.8 percent in the quarter, outstripping estimated inflation of 0.6 percent during the period. North Dakota performed strongest, with personal income rising 2.3 percent.

The three major categories of personal income work-related earnings, investment income and government transfer payments all fell in the state.

Of the 0.3 percent decline, 0.1 percent was caused by falling work income and 0.2 percent was caused by falling transfer receipts.

Mississippi was one of only four states where work-related earnings fell, one of only three states where transfer receipts fell, and the only state that saw a drop in investment income.

Sectors that shrank in the state's work-related earnings included farming, real estate, forestry and fishing, utilities, federal civilian agencies and the military. Of those, farming was by far the biggest contributor to the decline.

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Personal income shrinks in Mississippi

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28-06-2012 07:46 Fundamental: Success is a repeatable approach to personal or professional success, based on industry best-practices and personal experience. The program covers five foundational concepts, defines "success", identifies common obstacles, and presents a five-step process that you can use in pursuing your own success. These materials are free of charge, and have been developed with the simple intention of sharing what I feel are important concepts that can significantly improve the lives of people. The concept of self-help (or self-education) has an odd huckster or "woo woo" reputation, and I find this holds a lot of people back from achieving their potential, hence this no-nonsense approach. This video presentation isn't exactly "action packed", and I encourage you to download the slides from and view them as you listen along. For daily shots of positive wisdom, like us on Facebook:

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FundamentalSuccess 05 Prepare Mind 2nd - Video

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vURMN5NHBjw

28-06-2012 08:00 Fundamental: Success is a repeatable approach to personal or professional success, based on industry best-practices and personal experience. The program covers five foundational concepts, defines "success", identifies common obstacles, and presents a five-step process that you can use in pursuing your own success. These materials are free of charge, and have been developed with the simple intention of sharing what I feel are important concepts that can significantly improve the lives of people. The concept of self-help (or self-education) has an odd huckster or "woo woo" reputation, and I find this holds a lot of people back from achieving their potential, hence this no-nonsense approach. This video presentation isn't exactly "action packed", and I encourage you to download the slides from and view them as you listen along. For daily shots of positive wisdom, like us on Facebook:

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By Tony Daltorio - June 28, 2012 | Tickers: FB, GLUU, ZNGA | 0 Comments

Tony is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinions of our bloggers and are not formally edited.

Traders buying Facebook (NASDAQ: FB) looking for a quick pop have certainly been disappointed. But what about longer-term investors? Is Facebook a company worth owning? The answer may lie in whether the company is able to come up with a mobile strategy.

On the surface, Facebook looks like a web powerhouse, with hundreds of thousands of apps and sites building on its social network site. But in the mobile world, it looks like just another applications developer. And one that, like others, is dependent on platforms owned by Apple or Google for distribution. Facebook management has recognized this and has made some moves including a series of acquisitions and a new app store as part of its attempt to adapt to the mobile device world we live in.

Data from research firm Gartner reinforces the idea that Facebook had better adapt and quickly if it is to be a profitable company. It estimates that revenue from non-mobile social media will climb to $10.2 billion in 2015 from the $1.3 billion level in 2010. But mobile social media revenue is forecast to rise to $29.1 billion in 2015 from $7.3 billion in 2010.

Clearly mobile social media is a sector in which Facebook has to become a major player. Facebook itself admitted before the IPO that growth in advertising sales isn't keeping pace with the gains in the number of users, many of which are logging on via mobile devices. Facebook sent more than 160 million visitors to mobile apps in April 2012 alone! This is a colossal opportunity for the company and it has to simply find a way to monetize those visitors.

One way Facebook can try to catch up fast in the mobile world is through acquisitions of companies rooted in mobile technology. It has already acquired mobile tech companies Tagtile and Glancee, not to mention Facebook's $1 billion offer for Instagram.

But of course, Facebook has to acquire the 'right' type of mobile technology companies from the myriad of choices out there. Many of these companies use the old-fashioned method of throwing a bunch of stuff against the wall and seeing what sticks. Mobile gaming companies, like Zynga (NASDAQ: ZNGA) and Glu Mobile (NASDAQ: GLUU) use that strategy. Zynga, with more than 290 million active users, spent over $56 million in the first quarter acquiring new users.

Glu Mobile is a leading global developer and publisher of freemium games for smartphones and tablets. Some of its most popular games are available now at the new Facebook App Center. It is well positioned in a market forecast to grow to $16 billion by 2015. But it still follows the strategy of building and hoping. Also think of the creator of the highly successful Angry Birds game, Rovio Entertainment. It was another 'build it and they will come' company that had a lot of losers before hitting upon Angry Birds.

It should be mentioned though that Zynga to date has been successful, providing Facebook with many of its most popular games including Farmville and CityVille. In fact, Zynga supplied Facebook with 12 percent of its revenues in 2011, its largest source of income.

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Facebook's Future Success Lies in Mobile