MOKAN Wealth Management

Overland Park, KS

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Can I Retire At 55?

A recent Yahoo! Finance article explored the idea of retiring early at the age of 55 to see if it was feasible. We’ll break down some of the issues facing folks who want to retire early on this episode, but for some additional fun let’s look at the comment section to see what questions and advice the peanut gallery has for us to consider.

Yahoo Article: https://yhoo.it/3sI6isr

Risk Management: Asset Allocation

Whether your retirement is years away or right around the corner, your investment portfolio should be designed with your financial goals in mind. It needs to be forward-thinking enough to handle the whims of the market but flexible enough to make changes on the fly.

One of the most important concepts for any investor to understand is asset allocation. Put simply, asset allocation describes the division of stocks, bonds, and cash that make up your investment portfolio. Although this concept is straightforward, it has one of the largest impacts on your financial future.

Each asset class has its own set of risks and rewards, depending on your time horizon and financial goals. You and your financial advisor may make adjustments to your portfolio over the years as your needs change.

  • Stocks, also called equities, allow you to own a share of a publicly traded company. By investing in stocks, you have the potential for a higher return on your investment. But if the company has a bad year, or if the economy takes an unexpected turn, you may also lose money.1
  • Bonds, overall, have been a steadier source of fixed income. However, bonds are subject to interest rates and inflation risks, and their rate of return tends to be lower.1
  • Mutual funds and ETFs (exchange-traded funds) are pools of multiple companies in which you can invest. While many mutual funds have a mix of stocks and bonds, some specialize in one or the other. Mutual funds offer less risk than investing directly in stocks, as diversifying your asset allocation tends to spread the risk.1
  • Cash and cash equivalents give you flexibility for any unexpected emergencies that may arise. If your hot water heater dies, having funds on hand to take care of it without resorting to a credit card is helpful. However, your cash-on-hand cannot earn you money the way other investments might.1

Finding A Balance

When it comes to managing your portfolio, asset allocation requires a more hands-on approach. “Setting it and forgetting it” may sound appealing, but changes in the market warrant a portfolio review to make sure your asset allocation still makes sense. Working with a financial advisor is a great way to make sure that your asset allocation reflects your goals, and they can help make adjustments to any changes that life throws your way.1

  1. https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/the-smarter-mutual-fund-investor/articles/how-to-understand-future-focused-asset-allocation

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

Risk Management: Dollar-Cost Averaging

Smart investors know that trying to time the market is often a losing game. Instead, you plan ahead and invest in such a way as to minimize risk and maximize your returns. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, dollar-cost averaging could be beneficial.

What is dollar-cost averaging?

In dollar-cost averaging, you invest a set amount of money into your investment portfolio over regular intervals. Rather than investing a large sum of money at once, dollar-cost averaging allows you to get into the investing game without a huge outlay of capital. Dollar-cost averaging allows you to buy more during market slumps and less when the markets are high, without trying to play the market in the short term.1

There are quite a few benefits to dollar-cost averaging as an investment strategy. Dollar-cost averaging can help you:

  • Buy more shares: Over the long term, the price of assets trends higher. By using dollar-cost averaging, you may be able to use the ebb and ????ow of the market to buy more shares over time than if you made a big one-time purchase.
  • Invest consistently: Dollar-cost averaging helps you maintain consistency with your investing strategy. If you’re setting aside pre-tax dollars to invest in a company-sponsored 401(k), for example, you’re already making use of dollar-cost averaging.
  • Set it and forget it: Rather than trying to time the market in the short term, dollar-cost averaging allows you to invest in assets that are more likely to have staying power. This is an especially useful strategy if the idea of monitoring the stock market makes you queasy.

A case for lump-sum investing

There is research that shows that over the very long term, lump sum investing can outperform dollar cost averaging. If you get a bonus or a sudden inheritance in general, you’re better off investing it as soon as possible. While returns aren’t guaranteed, it’s also more likely that you’ll see a return over having that money accrue minimal interest in a bank.

However, there are some key caveats. While lump-sum investing outperforms dollar-cost averaging most of the time, dollar-cost averaging still wins out in one-third of cases. The idea of investing a large sum of money at once can be intimidating to many investors, so it’s important to get an outside perspective to
help you think with a clear head.

Who Should Use Dollar-Cost Averaging?

Dollar-cost averaging is a strategy that can best help beginner investors, or those without much money to invest at the outset. If you’re investing for the long term and aren’t comfortable with the research that goes into the financial market, dollar-cost averaging is a safer way to get started with investing. However,
if you’re investing for the short term, or have a lump sum to invest, you might want to pursue another investing strategy.1,2

Depending on your personal financial situation, dollar-cost averaging may be a smart strategy for you—or it may make more sense to invest a large amount of capital at once. For most people, the financial strategy lies somewhere in between. Working with a financial advisor can help determine which strategy is the best for you.1,2

Regardless of the amount of money you have, the worst thing you can do is not invest at all.

  1. https://www.businessinsider.com/dollar-cost-averaging
  2. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/dollar-cost-averaging/

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

What’s In Your Estate Plan?

What’s In Your Estate Plan?

Kyle Hammerschmidt  | 

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The older we get, the more critical it is to ensure our affairs are in order and have an estate plan. But what exactly is an estate plan, and what should be included?

Estate Plan Basics

An estate plan is the management and organization of your assets should you pass away. It also includes documentation determining who can make medical and financial decisions should you become incapacitated.

Most people think that estate planning just includes a will. While a will is a beneficial document, other documents should be included in your estate plan.

  • A will (also called a last will and testament) specifies how you want your estate to be distributed. Besides dividing up your assets, a will also appoints guardianship for minor children. This last item is essential to designate; you don’t want a court determining who your children should live with in the event of your death. If your estate includes a revocable trust, a will is still needed. Called a “pour-over will,” the goal of this document is to cover any assets that may have not made it over to the trust.1
  • An advanced medical directive (medical power of attorney) establishes who can make medical decisions for you should you become unable to do so. A medical power of attorney also allows you to designate a conservator should you become mentally incapacitated.1
  • A living will details to your physicians what type of care you want to receive at the end of your life when you face a terminal illness or are in a vegetative state. Do not resuscitate (DNR) and do not intubate orders are listed here. While a last will and testament is designed to specify your wishes upon your death, a living will determines what happens to you while you’re still alive.1
  • A financial power of attorney, much like a medical power of attorney, appoints someone to handle your financial affairs should you become unable to do so. There are two different types of financial powers of attorney: a durable power of attorney and a springing power of attorney. A durable power of attorney goes into effect as soon as the documents are signed, whereas a springing power of attorney only goes into effect if you become mentally incapacitated.1
  • A revocable living trust is a more detailed document that details not just what happens after you’re gone or incapacitated but what happens while you’re alive, too. At its core, a revocable trust is a vehicle to hold your assets; meaning that until assets are moved over, it’s essentially just an empty vessel. If you have a more complicated estate, a revocable living trust can help manage a variety of assets and beneficiaries. As the trustee, you’ll still have control over your assets while they’re in the revocable living trust, and assets held in the trust will avoid probate after your death.1,2

Estate plans are a necessary part of life, albeit one that no one really wants to think about. But having an estate plan is one of the kindest things you can do for your loved ones. You’ll gain peace of mind knowing that your family is taken care of, no matter what life throws at you.

  1. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/07/estate_plan_checklist.asp
  2. https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-a-revocable-living-trust-3505191

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

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[Infographic] Why You Need an Estate Strategy

[Infographic] Why You Need an Estate Strategy

Kyle Hammerschmidt  | 

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The Most Important Birthdays In Retirement Planning

There are certain age milestones where you should really pay attention to your retirement planning progress. On this episode, we’ll look at the most important birthdays as you approach retirement and cover the exact things you should be checking off your to-do list at each age.

Contact Us

Call Us

913-257-3991

Connect With Us

kyle@mokanwealth.com

Visit Us

14221 Metcalf Ave, Suite 102
Overland Park, KS 66223

Schedule a Right Fit Call

To determine if MOKAN Wealth is a good
fit, schedule a 20 minute call below.

Retire Ready Media

MOKAN Wealth Management is an Investment Advisor registered with the State of Kansas. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold, or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets, or developments mentioned. Please contact us at (913) 257-3991 if there is any change in your financial situation, needs, goals or objectives, or if you wish to initiate any restrictions on the management of the account or modify existing restrictions. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Kyle Hammerschmidt

Kyle Hammerschmidt

Founder/Investment Advisor Representative

Professional Focus

Since 2014, Kyle has helped pre-retirees reduce taxes, invest smarter, and retire on their terms. As MOKAN’s founder and principal advisor, he is our clients’ go-to partner for tax-efficient retirement planning and investment management. Whether he’s presenting to a room full of pre-retirees at a retirement workshop or visiting with clients one-on-one, his objective is to help others pursue their retirement goals in a way that supports their best interests.

Many of his clients previously worked with (what Kyle calls) “disguised financial advisors” who offered them a stack of statements, a diversified pie chart, hidden and confusing fee schedules—and no real plan. Kyle’s goal is to provide massive value to pre-retirees through comprehensive, tax-efficient retirement planning and investment management.

WHAT KYLE DOES DIFFERENTLY

Kyle believes the financial industry is structurally flawed, and consequently, pre-retirees are not properly educated or prepared for their transition into retirement. That’s why he takes a “K.I.S.S.” approach to planning—he makes everything as simple and straightforward as possible—meaning no surprises, no hidden fees, and no fancy jargon or investment terms.

PUBLICATIONS

Kyle has a distinct passion for retirement education, and from the start of his career, his objective has been to teach pre-retirees how to be proactive and take charge of their financial futures. In 2017, he founded Retire Ready Academy, an educational program that teaches pre-retirees and retirees about tax-efficient retirement planning, Social Security, and investment management. In 2020, he published his book, Retire Ready, and today he contributes regularly to Kiplinger and Rethinking 65.

THE KYLE NINE

  1. Kyle lives in Overland Park with his beautiful (and incredibly patient) wife Amy and their three young children, Jovee, Jace, and Jordyn.
  2. Kyle and Amy met while attending K-State but didn’t start dating until six years later when Amy was about to leave the country for two years.
  3. Kyle’s dog Murphy once ate 24 chocolate-chip cookies in one sitting—and lived to tell the tale!
  4. Kyle and Amy enjoy staying active and going to the gym together whenever possible. (Their biggest incentive? The gym’s free two-hour daycare.)
  5. When thinking of a name for his first child, Kyle remembered a unique name from the Christmas movie, Elf—and now Jovee Hammerschmidt is the new head of the household.
  6. Kyle has an incurable sweet tooth. He will never turn down a fresh batch of cookies or a trip to get ice cream.
  7. Kyle is an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and tries to attend the Thanksgiving Day game every year. When he was 12, he had heart surgery in a Cowboys-sponsored hospital and got to visit the players.
  8. His favorite date-night spots are Bristol and J. Gilbert’s.
  9. Kyle’s favorite place in the world is his home.
Megan Harris

Megan Harris

Office Manager

Professional

Megan joined MOKAN Wealth Management as the Office Manager in 2018.
She is responsible for working on all of the back-end aspects of the client experience, maintaining an efficient and organized office so that Kyle is able to focus on client relationships and providing our clients with the best service possible! She will be the first friendly face you see when you visit our office!

Megan graduated from Ottawa University, earning a BS in Human and Social Services, minoring in Marketing and going on to pursue her MBA in Marketing. Prior to working with MOKAN Wealth Management, she spent time working for a local school district and also worked for some time in the wellness/fitness industry.

Personal

Some of Megan’s community involvement includes volunteering with the YMCA to assist in raising funds for their Annual Mission Campaign and serving for a few years on the committee for the Young Friends of Olathe Health Charitable Foundation.

Megan grew up on a farm in the small town of Spring Hill, KS. She just recently moved to the Overland Park area. She has 3 children close by and a granddaughter who just celebrated her 1st birthday! In her spare time, she loves being outdoors, yoga, fitness, gardening, the arts, travel, playing with her 2 dogs- Kona and Luna, and spending time with friends and family!

Kolin Hayes

Client Services Advisor & Lead Paraplanner

Professional

Kolin is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a degree in Business Management. Prior to working at MOKAN Wealth Management, he worked in financial education. He is passionate about helping people with their money before and during retirement.

Personal

Kolin lives in Prairie Village with his fiancee Liz, and their two dogs, Aggie and Georgia. He was a long snapper at The University of Kansas, and enjoys running and watching sports. During the summer, he enjoys spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Altruist

MOKAN Wealth Management has selected Altruist as the primary custodian for our clients’ accounts. Having Altruist act as custodian for client assets provides us access to a wide range of services to help serve our clients. MOKAN Wealth Management & 3,000 other advisors have partnered with the all & one custodian, which is built for RIA’s.

Advisor 123

Advisor 123 provides MOKAN Wealth with financial planning support & dividend portfolio management and strategy services.

Derek

Derek Prusa, CFA, CFP®

Derek

Benjamin Webster, CFP®

Derek

Andrew VanDerSchaaf, CPA

Thinking About Retirement

Meet Mark and Susan

How We Helped

  • Retirement Planning

  • Investment Management

  • Employer benefit

  • Tax Planning

  • Social Security Maximization

  • Income Planning

This is a hypothetical example provided for illustrative purposes only; it does not represent a real-life scenario and should not be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation.

Enjoying Retirement

Meet Bill and Martha

How We Helped

  • Retirement Planning

  • Investment Management

  • Tax Planning

  • Legacy Planning

  • Income Planning

This is a hypothetical example provided for illustrative purposes only; it does not represent a real-life scenario and should not be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation.

Work Optional

Meet Carrie

How We Helped

  • Retirement Planning

  • Investment Management

  • Tax Planning

  • Legacy Planning

  • Income Planning

This is a hypothetical example provided for illustrative purposes only; it does not represent a real-life scenario and should not be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation.

Disclaimer

MOKAN Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser with the state of Kansas and Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold, or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services.