Stock Market Soars | Retirement Planning | Grandma Deadlift

Soaring Stocks: Even amidst the continued pandemic recovery and ongoing battle against the delta variant, an unusual amount of money is being invested into stocks. Annualized inflows to global stocks soared in 2021 (see chart). That’s larger than the cumulative inflow for the last 20 years. Some signs show that investors could be directing some cash away from stocks, but the recent influx is largely contributed to retail investors.

U.S. Retirement Crisis: The National Retirement Risk Index suggests that about half of today’s working-age households are at risk for not being able to maintain their standard of living in retirement. A survey conducted by the Society of Actuaries in 2019 documented the retirement concerns and preparedness of older Americans—about 40% of retirees were very concerned or somewhat concerned about running out of money. If you fall into one of these categories, please reach out to your advisor today. And then get planning on that six-month post-pandemic Paris vacation!

Social Security Rundown: If you’re thinking about retirement, you’re likely also thinking about Social Security. It can be confusing to navigate, especially for widows and widowers. The time frame for receiving full SS benefits is dependent on one’s birthdate, with widows/widowers receiving partial benefits as early as age 60, full benefits at 66 (retirement age). There are many factors affecting timing and amounts. This helpful graphic shows the four basic questions the SS Administration uses in determining validity and amounts of claims:

August Jobs Report: Labor demands increased again in July as job openings increased again for the 5th straight month. The number of openings went from 749,000 to 10.93 million. To make matters stickier, there were a record low 0.8 unemployed individuals (supply) per job opening (demand). Employers from virtually all industries are having difficulty filling job openings. The renewed surge in Covid infections will likely delay the return of some individuals to the job market. Time to brush up that resume if you’re looking for a job!

Can your grandma do this?: A 100-year old grandma has set a Guinness World Record as a powerlifter. Yes, 100-years-old. Deadlifting 150lbs. Edith Murway-Traina has secured the title as “oldest female powerlifter.” To add to this impressive resume, she only started lifting nine years ago … at the young age of 91. Wanting to try some new exercises, Edith got started with weightlifting when she dragged her friend Carmen along with her to the gym. She was sidelined by doctors during the Covid-19 pandemic, but is back at the gym, working with a trainer and aiming for another trophy and title in November.