By Paul Bullock

Most people would define a happy retirement as having the freedom to do what they want, when they want. This might include traveling to new places, spending quality time with family and friends, or finally having the time to explore hobbies and interests that they didn’t have time for during their working years. A happy retirement may also include having the financial security to enjoy your retirement without worrying about money.

To achieve a stable and secure retirement, it’s important to plan ahead. This means not only planning for your finances, but also making sure to have a plan for what you want to do in retirement. Here are 6 secrets that will help you think ahead in order to make the most of your retirement years.

1. Find Your Purpose

The first secret to finding happiness in retirement doesn’t just apply to retirement. Studies show individuals who live a purpose-driven life are happier and healthier, on average, than those who don’t. Not only that, but they also live longer! A purposeful life is commonly associated with fulfillment and motivation and can be found in many ways. Volunteering for a local nonprofit or your church, spending time with your grandchildren, or even considering a second career after retiring are great ways to find purpose in your day-to-day life. 

2. Enjoy the Things That Really Matter

It’s no secret that money can buy comfort and less stress, but it is less likely to buy happiness. Your retirement lifestyle may not always mirror your pre-retirement lifestyle when your income level was at its peak.

Heavy expectations of what your life should look like—resulting from comparing yourself with others or the preconceptions of retirement imposed by the media—can be a huge mental drain and often result in feelings of failure and sadness over time. Instead, focus on what you do have (and what you have control over), and live in the moment as much as possible. 

Also, reflect on the activities that bring you the most joy and orient your time during retirement to be surrounded by people that also enjoy the same things, since you will likely need to replace the social interaction that previously came from work.

Savoring the meaningful people and experiences in our life reminds us that many of our real needs can be fulfilled in ways that don’t involve spending money, despite what our consumer-driven society might lead us to believe. 

Some of these needs include a connection with nature and with other beings (both human and non-human), the need for play and creative expression, and the need to know others and to be known ourselves. This mindset can nurture a fundamental orientation toward gratitude for the ways in which the earth and the people around us can meet our needs in non-monetary ways.

3. Take Care of Your Health

Declining health and how to pay for the associated medical bills is the biggest concern for many retirees. In fact, about 70% of Americans cite healthcare costs as the most pressing issue when planning for retirement. Incorporating long-term care planning into your overall financial plan can help ease this concern as you enter retirement. 

Once in retirement, you can alleviate your chances of becoming seriously ill by prioritizing your mental and physical health. Remember that your brain is also a muscle and needs to be regularly stimulated to avoid atrophy. Previously your work helped to keep your mind regularly engaged and active, but if you don’t provide challenges (such as a new hobby, learning a new skill, playing games, or other mental activities), you may begin to see some signs of cognitive decline.

4. Consider a Phased Retirement

Another way to increase your happiness is to work part-time or use a phased approach to retirement. Adjusting to retirement is a huge transition! Going from working 40-plus hours a week for 30-plus years to suddenly having all the time in the world is a shock to the system, to say the least. It takes time to adjust, so don’t feel pressured to rush into retirement all at once. Case in point: it’s becoming increasingly popular for people to approach retirement in phases by slowly adjusting to reduced hours, part-time work, then eventually full retirement. 

5. Make New Friends (and Keep the Old)

A Penn State study found that adults between ages 70-90 who reported more frequent and pleasant social interactions also displayed better cognitive performance on that day and the two subsequent days.

Prioritize connecting with your friends, family, and loved ones throughout retirement. Knowing that you have a strong support system can make a significant difference in your overall health and happiness, especially if you experience the loss of a spouse, fall on hard times, or suffer from declining health.  

6. Plan Ahead

One of the best ways to improve your happiness in retirement is to have a plan for what you want it to look like. Articulating your vision for the future is a great way to motivate yourself to make it happen and enjoy a sense of fulfillment once your plan comes to fruition. 

To bring some much-needed comfort during your golden years, it’s wise to prepare for potential retirement pitfalls like unexpected health issues or running out of money. These concerns can and should be incorporated into a retirement plan and thoroughly assessed by a qualified financial advisor.

Take Action Today

Your upcoming retirement will soon reward your years of hard work as you are able to finally reap the fruits of your labor. At Wellington Investment Advisors, we specialize in helping university faculty members and pre-retirees with their retirement planning. We understand the phases of retirement, along with the complexities that come with them, and we are here to help make the process easier for you. Schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting or reach out to me at paul@wellingtoninvestmentadvisors.com or by phone at (812) 333-0874. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you make the most of your retirement!

About Paul

Paul Bullock is CEO of Wellington Investment Advisors, an independent, boutique fiduciary firm serving pre-retirees and university faculty across Indiana. With over 32 years of financial experience, Paul is committed to building long-term relationships through thoughtful, personalized investment advice and guidance. He focuses on a disciplined tactical asset allocation approach to money management through a strong understanding of economic and market conditions and strives to build trust with clients by providing sound guidance. Paul understands the hard work his clients have put in to arrive at where they are today and wants to see them succeed in their goals for the future. Paul graduated from the University of Texas with an MBA, as well as a bachelor’s degree in finance, and has been dedicated to assisting clients with their financial needs ever since. When he is not working, Paul enjoys time with his family and is also an avid equestrian polo player who helps raise money for over 18 different charities through his playing. To learn more about Paul, connect with him on LinkedIn.

By Paul Bullock

When most people think about the most important things in their lives, they usually list their family, friends, and health. While money might not top the list, having financial freedom can make a lot of things easier. You can travel to see family and spend time with them, enjoy hobbies with friends, and help take care of their health. 

We have had the privilege of helping our clients pursue this financial freedom with our comprehensive financial planning services—and we’re passionate about this duty. We also want to extend this help to their loved ones, and there’s no higher compliment than when our loyal clients refer us to others. 

Do you know someone who would benefit from our services? Here is what they can expect:

The Wellington Investment Advisors Difference

We’ve been fortunate to work with a wide range of clients who refer their colleagues, friends, and family members to us. We believe so many people have referred others to us for a few different reasons:

1. A personalized real-world approach. No two clients will be exactly the same, and neither will their financial needs. That’s why we create a plan focused on your unique financial goals. We take the time to outline a customized strategy based on your specific needs, goals, and circumstances. 

2. Strong relationships. We prioritize a hands-on client-centered approach, which has led us to build long-lasting relationships with so many of our clients. We’re proud to serve as a go-to resource and support system when someone faces a tough decision or goes through a life transition.

3. A long-term commitment. We recognize that financial planning and investing is not a static process. Life changes happen and investment objectives can shift over time. That’s why we provide ongoing guidance and support. Whether it’s saving for your children’s college education, planning for retirement, or preserving assets for future generations, we seek to provide the resources and continuous management necessary to keep you working toward your goals.

4. A dedicated team. As seasoned professionals, we strive to maintain a high-touch and personalized experience and to help our clients simplify complex decisions about their money. With a dedicated team of professionals on your side, we hope you can feel more confident as you navigate life’s challenges and planning opportunities.

The People We Serve Best

At Wellington Investment Advisors, we strive to partner with you and help carry your financial burden, aiming to make your wealth work for you, not the other way around. Because we like to form trusted and close relationships with our clients, we also strive to work with people we believe we can best serve, specifically successful individuals (especially university faculty members) looking for guidance on maximizing their long-term finances. Delegate your financial matters to a professional you can trust so you can simplify and focus on what’s important. 

Do You Know Someone Who Could Benefit From Our Services?

We’re here to simplify the complex and help bridge your life with your finances using a comprehensive financial plan. We want to help take financial matters off your already full plate, but we also value providing that same personalized attention and care to your loved ones. If you know anyone else who has questions or needs unbiased advice, we’re never too busy to help.

If you know someone who would benefit from our services, feel free to share this article with them. Or they can schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting or reach out to me at paul@wellingtoninvestmentadvisors.com or by phone at (812) 333-0874 to see if we’re a good fit.

About Paul

Paul Bullock is CEO of Wellington Investment Advisors, an independent, boutique fiduciary firm serving pre-retirees and university faculty across Indiana. With over 32 years of financial experience, Paul is committed to building long-term relationships through thoughtful, personalized investment advice and guidance. He focuses on a disciplined tactical asset allocation approach to money management through a strong understanding of economic and market conditions and strives to build trust with clients by providing sound guidance. Paul understands the hard work his clients have put in to arrive at where they are today and wants to see them succeed in their goals for the future. Paul graduated from the University of Texas with an MBA, as well as a bachelor’s degree in finance, and has been dedicated to assisting clients with their financial needs ever since. When he is not working, Paul enjoys time with his family and is also an avid equestrian polo player who helps raise money for over 18 different charities through his playing. To learn more about Paul, connect with him on LinkedIn.

By Paul Bullock

Our Wellington Investment Advisors team wishes you a Happy Holidays! After yet another year of ups and downs, we’re ready to enjoy this holiday season and take a moment to express how grateful we are to have clients like you. We don’t take your continued trust in us lightly, and we appreciate the opportunity to provide exceptional service. It is our goal to help you feel confident in your future and prepared for whatever comes your way. Ring in this holiday season with peace and joy, knowing that we’re here to watch over your finances.

Reflecting on 2022

As we give thanks and warm wishes and celebrate the start of the new year, it’s important to reflect on all that we’ve achieved this year. It wasn’t always easy, but we have weathered the storms and we are stronger for it! Rising inflation, continued stock market volatility, and recession concerns are still on the horizon, but we have high hopes for 2023. 

Whether or not you are glad to see this year go, take time to reflect on all that it has brought and the good things that have come from every victory and trial. 

Looking Forward to 2023

We hope you are excited for everything the new year will bring, and we encourage you to think about what you want 2023 to hold for you. The end of the year is a great time to set new goals, dream about the future, and find renewed motivation. Use this season to recharge your batteries and create a vision for the coming year so that you can hit the ground running in January. Enjoy some well-deserved rest and get excited for the new year!

A New Addition to Our Team

We have the privilege of welcoming a new member to our investment team, Greg Renn. Greg is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a teaching professor of practice at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. A leader within the university, he is also co-director of the IU-Kelley School of Business Wealth Management Workshop and faculty advisor to the Financial Planning Association student chapter. Greg’s 20-plus years of professorial experience in the financial industry includes management consulting, derivatives trading, and global banking accounts leadership. All roles have emphasized Greg’s deep desire to consistently add value to his clients and bring clarity from complexity.  

Greg earned his MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and his higher education teaching certification from Harvard University. Greg resides in Bloomington, Indiana, with his wife, Kori, and their daughter, Sophia. When he’s not helping clients and students, Greg enjoys spending time with his family and two English Springer Spaniels, Bella and Bo. While Sophia is the musically inclined (piano and French horn) member of the family, Greg and Kori, when not encouraging Sophia’s creative efforts, are avid fans of Indiana University sports and enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and running.  

Thank You for a Wonderful Year!

Everything our team at Wellington Investment Advisors achieves as a firm is all due to you. Your loyalty brings new clients to our doors, and your trust helps us build strong relationships that last a lifetime. We hope that in serving you, we have provided your family comfort in knowing that we are here to help whenever you have questions or concerns. We understand that life changes can happen at any moment, and we want you to rest easy knowing that when you need advice, guidance, or simply someone who will listen, we’re here for you.

As we prepare to enter a new year, we look forward to continuing to help you pursue your financial goals in 2023. Here’s wishing you joy and laughter during the holiday season and a happy new year!

Let’s Connect

Is there anything causing you financial worry over the holidays? Don’t forget that we’re here to help! If you’d like to check in on your financial plan before the end of the year and make sure your finances are prepared for a successful 2023 and beyond, reach out to us at paul@wellingtoninvestmentadvisors.com or (812) 333-0874. We look forward to hearing from you!

About Paul

Paul Bullock is CEO of Wellington Investment Advisors, an independent, boutique fiduciary firm serving pre-retirees and university faculty across Indiana. With over 32 years of financial experience, Paul is committed to building long-term relationships through thoughtful, personalized investment advice and guidance. He focuses on a disciplined tactical asset allocation approach to money management through a strong understanding of economic and market conditions and strives to build trust with clients by providing sound guidance. Paul understands the hard work his clients have put in to arrive at where they are today and wants to see them succeed in their goals for the future. Paul graduated from the University of Texas with an MBA, as well as a bachelor’s degree in finance, and has been dedicated to assisting clients with their financial needs ever since. When he is not working, Paul enjoys time with his family and is also an avid equestrian polo player who helps raise money for over 18 different charities through his playing. To learn more about Paul, connect with him on LinkedIn.

By Paul Bullock

Financial plans aren’t just for investors. They are plans for anyone looking to build wealth, create better money habits, or to fund life goals. But if you think a financial plan is a one-page spreadsheet with some numbers in boxes, think again. Financial planning takes a deep dive into your finances as well as your personal life goals to help you understand what you have now and what you need to do to have all you want in the future.

We develop custom financial plans for each client, so it’s no easy task to provide one without working with you extensively. However, we wanted to create something that could help you better understand what your potential financial plan could look like so you can see the benefits a plan could bring to your financial life. If you choose to work with us, here is a sample of what you can expect. 

What Does a Financial Plan Include?

First, you may be wondering about what goes into a comprehensive plan. Financial plans often address a myriad of concerns and goals, from tax planning to retirement income strategizing. Depending on your needs, your plan may narrow in on one element or address multiple goals you’d like to pursue over time. Whatever you choose to focus on, your financial plan is designed to serve as your road map, helping you pull all the moving parts of your finances together so you can navigate the years before, during, and after your transition to retirement.

We believe a good financial plan should give you a detailed, complete view of your current financial situation, a thorough modeling of where you want to be, and the actions you need to take to reach those goals. It should address all the pieces of your financial puzzle, from stresses and fears to your values and dreams, and include risk factors, cash flow, retirement, estate planning, taxes, education, and income strategies to help bring you clarity and guidance. It is through our planning process that we help you prepare for life’s expected and unexpected circumstances.

The result is a simple yet powerful road map to guide you toward financial freedom. 

See a Sample Financial Plan

We’ve developed a sample financial plan that reflects our planning process. It looks at a fictional person’s lifestyle income plan and how we developed it, including identifying their goals, creating a balance sheet, reviewing their cash flow, and more. 

Keep in mind that this is only a hypothetical plan presented to illustrate what a client’s plan may resemble should they work with us. The characters and circumstances are completely fictional and are for illustrative purposes only. The data in these reports are collected from reliable sources believed to be accurate. However, there is no absolute guarantee as such. You should always reference your official statements and any supporting documentation for verification. All future results may be more or less than what would be illustrated. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Securities and investment products may lose value. Be sure to seek the advice of a qualified professional for your particular situation and not rely upon any of the information herein to make personal financial decisions. 

Ready to Get Started on Your Financial Plan?

Take a look through our full sample plan here to see how our proven process helps you pursue your goals and financial freedom. Once you’ve reviewed, give us a call so we can discuss further how we can create a tailored financial plan for you. Schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting or reach out to me at paul@wellingtoninvestmentadvisors.com or by phone at (812) 333-0874.

About Paul

Paul Bullock is CEO of Wellington Investment Advisors, an independent, boutique fiduciary firm serving pre-retirees and university faculty across Indiana. With over 32 years of financial experience, Paul is committed to building long-term relationships through thoughtful, personalized investment advice and guidance. He focuses on a disciplined tactical asset allocation approach to money management through a strong understanding of economic and market conditions and strives to build trust with clients by providing sound guidance. Paul understands the hard work his clients have put in to arrive at where they are today and wants to see them succeed in their goals for the future. Paul graduated from the University of Texas with an MBA, as well as a bachelor’s degree in finance, and has been dedicated to assisting clients with their financial needs ever since. When he is not working, Paul enjoys time with his family and is also an avid equestrian polo player who helps raise money for over 18 different charities through his playing. To learn more about Paul, connect with him on LinkedIn.

By Paul Bullock

Retirement planning looks different depending on what stage of life you’re in. As you progress in your life and your career, it’s important that you make sure your retirement plan keeps pace and experiences growth.

From the beginning of your career through the end, here’s what you need to know for each stage. 

Stage 1: Accumulation

During your 20s and early 30s retirement seems so far off, that some of us fail to plan at all. Plus at this time in your career, income is typically lower and you are simply trying to build up assets as much as possible. It’s important at this stage to maximize your contributions and leave your retirement funds alone. Resist the urge to take an early withdrawal and think about exploring other retirement accounts outside of the ones your employer offers.

You also may find yourself leaving one job and going to the next. What do you do with the retirement plan from your prior employer? Understanding transfer strategies is important at this stage since you may encounter this a few times in your career. 

Stage 2: Growth

From your mid-30s to your mid-50s are the years when most are raising children and working full time. Saving for the future becomes more of a priority and concern, but since you still have some years ahead of retirement, you may be able to tolerate investment strategies that tend toward aggressive. Make sure you are maximizing your 401(k) plan contributions and/or IRA contributions. This may also be a time when you might consider real-estate investments. Working with a knowledgeable financial advisor can help you navigate the pros and cons of these types of ventures.

Stage 3: High-Earning Years

During your 50s, you will likely launch your kids into adulthood and experience your highest earning years, which gives you more to work with. But that extra money you aren’t used to having can result in “lifestyle creep,” where your expenses grow along with your pay raises. (1) These increased expenses may not always be nonessential either, as you might become responsible for increased housing costs, education expenses, healthcare costs, and even eldercare costs. 

Despite these financial strains, the inflow of new money into retirement accounts must not cease; your retirement plan assets should not be drawn down through loans or withdrawn too early. Rather, these should be the years where you maximize your retirement plan contributions. If you are over 50, you can make catch-up contributions to beef up your nest egg. 

If you find yourself in this phase, it’s time to get realistic about the near future. Do you know what you will do next? How will you make it a reality? For example, will you be able to keep up with your current expenses while on a fixed income? Be sure to test out different budgets to make sure your finances are set. Do you want to volunteer or start an encore career? Start mapping out the details now. If you do not have a set plan for the next chapter of life, a phased retirement may give you more of an opportunity to figure it out.

Usually, this is the time to dial down risk in your portfolio. Market downturns have a greater impact on your long-term success as you don’t have the same time to recover. This is what is called the sequence of negative return risk. You should speak with an advisor to make sure you have the correct mix of investments that will provide cash flow in the short term and growth in the long term. You also can’t afford to be too conservative as lower growth will be eroded by the rising cost of living.

Stage 4: Retirement

The first year or so of retirement is akin to a “honeymoon phase.” You have the time and perhaps the money to pursue all kinds of dreams, so the key is not to spend wildly. Lifestyle creep also affects new retirees, and free time often means more chances to spend money. 

When it comes to your investments, your portfolio looks very different than it did when you were in your 20s and 30s. Bond funds and fixed income may make up a larger portion of your investments. Your focus is on generating cash flow to live on and preserving what you’ve worked so hard to save. However, you should still consider exposure to the stock market. If you retire at age 65, there is a good chance you have a 30-plus-year retirement ahead of you. As such, you should consider keeping exposure to stock funds for their growth potential. 

Up until now, you’ve probably received healthcare coverage from your employer. When you retire, it’s a new ball game. Medicare eligibility begins at age 65. You have plenty of choices for your Medicare plan, such as original Medicare coverage, prescription drug plans, and supplemental insurance. Your premium costs will depend on your coverage choice and your income. Medicare can be complicated and overwhelming, so if you are in this chapter, start researching now to make informed choices. 

Which Stage Are You In?

It can be extremely beneficial to partner with an experienced financial professional no matter which stage you’re in. Having an objective advisor who can answer your questions about income, investments, wealth protection, and wealth transfer is paramount to a successful retirement plan. Learn more today: schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting or reach out to me at paul@wellingtoninvestmentadvisors.com or (812) 333-0874 to get started. Be sure to check out what some of our clients say about working with our team at Wellington Investment Advisors to learn more about how we can help you.

About Paul

Paul Bullock is CEO of Wellington Investment Advisors, an independent, boutique fiduciary firm serving pre-retirees and university faculty across Indiana. With over 32 years of financial experience, Paul is committed to building long-term relationships through thoughtful, personalized investment advice and guidance. He focuses on a disciplined tactical asset allocation approach to money management through a strong understanding of economic and market conditions and strives to build trust with clients by providing sound guidance. Paul understands the hard work his clients have put in to arrive at where they are today and wants to see them succeed in their goals for the future. Paul graduated from the University of Texas with an MBA, as well as a bachelor’s degree in finance, and has been dedicated to assisting clients with their financial needs ever since. When he is not working, Paul enjoys time with his family and is also an avid equestrian polo player who helps raise money for over 18 different charities through his playing. To learn more about Paul, connect with him on LinkedIn.

_____________

(1) https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-is-lifestyle-creep/

By Paul Bullock

You likely know who manages your money. But do you understand what kind of advisor is managing your money? Your financial advisor may be a fiduciary—or he or she may not be. 

It’s important to know whether or not your financial advisor is held to the fiduciary standard, which lets you know that he or she truly has your best interests in mind.

Let’s discuss the basics of what a fiduciary is and how one can help you reach your financial goals.

Fiduciary, Defined

A fiduciary is a person or organization who is legally and ethically bound to act in the best interests of another party. In other words, a fiduciary must always put the needs of the other person ahead of his or her own. (1)

There are many different types of fiduciaries, but, in the context of financial advisors, the term usually refers to investment advisers. Investment advisers are regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) (2) and are held to a fiduciary standard, which means he or she must always put his or her clients’ needs first and disclose any potential conflicts of interest. 

The fiduciary standard is generally considered to be higher than the suitability standard that some other types of financial advisors are held to. Under the suitability standard, (3) advisors only need to recommend investments that meet your objectives. But just because they can accomplish the goal doesn’t mean they are best fit for your unique situation.

How Do You Know If Your Advisor Is a Fiduciary?

There are a few ways to tell if your advisor is a fiduciary. One is to look at his or her disclosures: Most fiduciaries must disclose their status to their clients. Another is to ask about his or her compensation: If he or she is paid commissions for selling certain products, that could create a conflict of interest. If your advisor charges commission-based fees, he or she can still act as a fiduciary as long as the conflict of interest is disclosed and you give your approval.

Ultimately, the best way to know if your advisor is a fiduciary is to ask directly. If he or she is hesitant or unwilling to be transparent about his or her actions or compensation, that’s a red flag.

Benefits of Working With a Fiduciary Financial Advisor

When it comes to your finances, working with a fiduciary financial advisor can be one of the smartest decisions you make. Here are a few reasons why:

• A fiduciary financial advisor can help you develop a comprehensive financial plan that considers all aspects of your life. This includes your current situation, goals, risk tolerance, and a detailed plan to help you make sound financial decisions and stay on track to reach your goals.

• A fiduciary financial advisor can help you save for retirement, invest in the stock market, and safeguard your assets from unexpected expenses. He or she has the experience and knowledge to help you grow your wealth while minimizing risk.

• Working with a fiduciary financial advisor can give you comfort knowing someone is looking out for you, which can help you focus on other essential aspects of your life, such as your career and family.

Risks of Not Working With a Fiduciary Advisor

It’s critical to rely on a fiduciary advisor when it comes to financial planning and investment. Because a fiduciary acts in your best interests, his or her incentives are in line with yours. Because not all financial advisors are held to the fiduciary standard, here are some of the risks you may face when working with a non-fiduciary advisor:

• They may have conflicts of interest: Non-fiduciary advisors may have financial incentives to steer you toward certain investments. For example, they may earn commissions on the products they sell you or are paid by third parties for selling their products. This can mean their interests are no longer necessarily aligned with yours.

• They might not have to represent your interests: Non-fiduciaries may not always behave in your best interests because they are not required by law to do so. They can suggest assets inconsistent with your objectives or incur unnecessary financial risks.

• You may not be protected in case of fraud: If you work with a non-fiduciary advisor and he or she defrauds you, you may not have any legal recourse. However, if you work with a fiduciary advisor and he or she commits fraud, you may be able to sue and recover your losses.

• You may not be able to access certain investments: Some investment opportunities, such as hedge funds and private equity, are only available to fiduciaries. If you work with a non-fiduciary advisor, you could miss out on potential investments that could help grow your wealth.

Don’t Gamble With Your Future

It’s up to you to do your research and find an advisor who is a fiduciary. Not only are we fiduciaries at Wellington Investment Advisors, but our goal is to build a lifelong relationship with every client. We invite you to entrust your financial future with us. Schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting or reach out to me at paul@wellingtoninvestmentadvisors.com or by phone at (812) 333-0874. With a fiduciary financial advisor by your side, you can feel confident knowing your investments are in good hands. 

About Paul

Paul Bullock is CEO of Wellington Investment Advisors, an independent, boutique fiduciary firm serving pre-retirees and university faculty across Indiana. With over 32 years of financial experience, Paul is committed to building long-term relationships through thoughtful, personalized investment advice and guidance. He focuses on a disciplined tactical asset allocation approach to money management through a strong understanding of economic and market conditions and strives to build trust with clients by providing sound guidance. Paul understands the hard work his clients have put in to arrive at where they are today and wants to see them succeed in their goals for the future. Paul graduated from the University of Texas with an MBA, as well as a bachelor’s degree in finance, and has been dedicated to assisting clients with their financial needs ever since. When he is not working, Paul enjoys time with his family and is also an avid equestrian polo player who helps raise money for over 18 different charities through his playing. To learn more about Paul, connect with him on LinkedIn.

_______________

(1) https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fiduciary.asp

(2) https://www.sec.gov/about/offices/oia/oia_investman/rplaze-042012.pdf

(3) https://www.investopedia.com/articles/professionaleducation/11/suitability-fiduciary-standards.asp

By Paul Bullock

Albert Einstein said it best: “A dream without a plan is just a wish.” We all have goals and dreams, especially when it comes to our retirement, but have you ever thought about how you will make those dreams a reality? There are many things we plan for in life: daily tasks, monthly chores, meals, vacations … the list goes on. As an educator, you wouldn’t walk into a classroom without a lesson plan; yet, many of us don’t take the time to plan for one of the most important stages of life—retirement. 

While you will spend the majority of your life in the working and wealth accumulation stages, your retirement years are the next biggest segment of time, lasting typically up to 30 years. You need a rock-solid plan so that your retirement years are as secure and enjoyable as possible. That’s where we come in. At Wellington Investment Advisors, it’s our mission to provide sound advice, exemplary service, and superior portfolio management. 

What We Do

We are a team of thoughtful, hardworking investment advisors who help our clients clearly define a vision for their financial futures and work closely with them on a plan to achieve that vision. 

We primarily work with university faculty who are nearing retirement and need help navigating their employee retirement plans and preparing for their retirement years. Our clients are well-educated but not necessarily financial experts. They are open to guidance in matters of investing and financial planning and trust us to keep them on track with their financial plans, regardless of what the market looks like. 

How We Can Help

We always put our clients first and take the time to listen to their needs, challenges, and desires so we can work together to find the best path to achieve their financial goals. We help our clients in a variety of financial planning areas, including retirement planning, tax management and estate planning, investment management, and funding a child or grandchild’s education. 

Our process starts with scheduling a consultation where we meet with you to discuss your concerns, goals, and dreams for your future. This is where the relationship-building begins and we gain a deeper understanding of your life and financial situation. The next step is to match you with one of our experienced advisors who will best fit your needs and concerns. He or she will look at your situation closely, consider the best strategies to meet your goals, and develop a customized plan to achieve those goals. Finally, we will help you implement your plan and follow up with you periodically to make sure you are staying on track. 

What Makes Us Unique

What sets us apart from other advisory firms is our personalized approach to financial investing and sound, trustworthy guidance built on decades of experience. As a fiduciary financial services provider, we have a legal and ethical obligation to manage your assets in a way that works in your best interest. We do this in the following ways:

• Create personalized portfolios for each client
• Determine risk tolerance based on age and income needs
• Utilize wealth strategies focused on preservation and growth
• Utilize individual stocks versus mutual funds or ETFs to reduce costs and avoid excessive fees

The difference comes down to a client relationship built on trust and understanding. Our clients know we will do what is in their best interests because of our fiduciary duty and our 32 years of experience navigating good and bad markets. We take all this knowledge and experience, along with a thorough understanding of our clients’ goals, and create a customized plan to help them achieve their desired financial future. 

Ready for the Next Step?

If you are nearing retirement and beginning to think about what that might look like for you, Wellington Investment Advisors is here to help you transition into your next phase of life. Whether you have significant assets to manage or are still in the wealth accumulation stage, we can help you create a solid foundation that prepares you for the financial future you’ve always dreamed of. When you’re ready to get started, schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting or reach out to me at paul@wellingtoninvestmentadvisors.com or (812) 333-0874. Be sure to also check out what some of our clients say about working with our team at Wellington Investment Advisors and learn more about how we can help you.

About Paul

Paul Bullock is CEO of Wellington Investment Advisors, an independent, boutique fiduciary firm serving pre-retirees and university faculty across Indiana. With over 32 years of financial experience, Paul is committed to building long-term relationships through thoughtful, personalized investment advice and guidance. He focuses on a disciplined tactical asset allocation approach to money management through a strong understanding of economic and market conditions and strives to build trust with clients by providing sound guidance. Paul understands the hard work his clients have put in to arrive at where they are today and wants to see them succeed in their goals for the future. Paul graduated from the University of Texas with an MBA, as well as a bachelor’s degree in finance, and has been dedicated to assisting clients with their financial needs ever since. When he is not working, Paul enjoys time with his family and is also an avid equestrian polo player who helps raise money for over 18 different charities through his playing. To learn more about Paul, connect with him on LinkedIn.

By Paul Bullock

Is the state of the world and the roller coaster stock market making your head spin? Does it feel like you’re constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop? It’s no secret that things are a bit uncertain these days. If you’re like most people, living with this level of uncertainty can be stressful. But, as much as we may not like living with instability, the market likes it even less. 

For example, stocks have been plummeting lately, which is not helped by investors purging stocks out of recession fears. As of June 1, stocks rose slightly with the S&P 500 gaining 1.8%, breaking a two-day losing streak. (1) The overall outlook, however, is that there is a downward trend. As of mid-May, the S&P 500 was down nearly 20% from January’s high, briefly dipping into bear market territory. (2) Even the big guns were not immune to a drop; among others, Amazon and Apple posting declines. (3,4) As a result, many economic leaders are predicting a recession in our near future. (5) There are many factors we can point to as the cause of all this unpredictability—rampant inflation, the Fed’s solution of increasing interest rates, and international unrest—but the fact remains that we have no control over any of that. 

At Wellington Investment Advisors, we’re here to help you worry less by walking you through whatever happens. Here’s how we are watching over your finances and taking proactive steps to help secure your wealth.

Big-Picture Planning

We don’t make investment decisions based on what everyone else is doing or what’s popular in the investment industry. Whenever we make planning decisions with you and offer investment recommendations, we do it with your goals in mind. When the markets get shaky, we go the extra step of reviewing your objectives to make sure you’re still on track and make educated decisions that are not based on panic or emotion. 

This starts from the very beginning of our relationship with you. We use conservative return numbers when analyzing the potential outcomes of your plan because we know that corrections and bear markets will happen. We also use asset allocation “buckets” that divide your wealth into short, intermediate, and long-term strategies to help you make the most of a volatile market. 

And, in times like this, it’s important to have an emergency fund or a percentage of your portfolio that is either in cash or liquid enough should you need to access the funds. While cash investments may not provide a lot of growth, having a cash contingency fund with at least one year’s worth of living expenses will help protect you against having to sell investments at low values to free up cash. 

We Know Your Risk Tolerance

Do you know that feeling in the pit of your stomach when you make a decision that was too risky for your comfort? Our goal is to help you avoid that feeling when it comes to your investments. Before investing any of your money, we determine your risk tolerance—the amount of risk that an investor is comfortable taking or the degree of uncertainty that an investor can handle. 

Like most things in life, your risk tolerance may change with age, income, and financial goals. We don’t want you to lose sleep at night, so we review your risk tolerance and how much risk you can afford to take and adjust your investments over time. 

We also watch over your money, and when it’s time to get out of an investment because the risk is rising, we will contact you about adjusting your allocation.

Timing Matters

During bear markets, it’s important to remember that investors only realize losses when they sell, so it’s critical not to sell when the market is down. When you need to access your money is an important factor in avoiding those losses. 

For example, if you are a decade or more away from retirement, you can likely wait out a recession or correction and benefit from the recovery. If you need access to your funds in the next five years or are within your first five years of retirement (frequently known as the “fragile decade”), a recession will make more of an impact on your money and your plans. 

From a practical perspective, we make sure your portfolio’s allocation is set up with your time horizon in mind. If you need money in the short term, your portfolio will hold safe investments like cash or short-term bonds. Because retirement can last decades, you still want some of your money in investments that will produce long-term growth, but your portfolio will look very different from that of a 40-year-old in the peak of his or her working years. 

We Are Your Emotional Support System

When investing, it’s important to avoid making emotional decisions. Of course, this is easier said than done. It’s easy to get carried away as you watch stocks rise and fall, but you’ll avoid the risk of losing even more if you stay true to your investment strategy and avoid making decisions when emotions are running high. 

Remember, bear markets have happened before and they will happen again. As long as you have created a disciplined financial plan and have a trusted advisor who is monitoring your money, you are doing your part to prepare. 

If you don’t have someone you can turn to when the market gets wild, we’d love to support you and help you build your finances for a strong future. Schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting or reach out to me at paul@wellingtoninvestmentadvisors.com or (812) 333-0874 to get started. Be sure to check out what some of our clients say about working with our team at Wellington Investment Advisors to learn more about how we can help you.

About Paul

Paul Bullock is CEO of Wellington Investment Advisors, an independent, boutique fiduciary firm serving pre-retirees and university faculty across Indiana. With over 32 years of financial experience, Paul is committed to building long-term relationships through thoughtful, personalized investment advice and guidance. He focuses on a disciplined tactical asset allocation approach to money management through a strong understanding of economic and market conditions and strives to build trust with clients by providing sound guidance. Paul understands the hard work his clients have put in to arrive at where they are today and wants to see them succeed in their goals for the future. Paul graduated from the University of Texas with an MBA, as well as a bachelor’s degree in finance, and has been dedicated to assisting clients with their financial needs ever since. When he is not working, Paul enjoys time with his family and is also an avid equestrian polo player who helps raise money for over 18 different charities through his playing. To learn more about Paul, connect with him on LinkedIn.

_________________

(1) https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/01/stock-futures-are-little-changed-as-investors-dwell-on-health-of-the-economy.html

(2) https://www.forbes.com/sites/sergeiklebnikov/2022/05/12/dow-falls-600-points-sp-500-hits-new-2022-low-as-staggering-market-losses-continue/?sh=6cce11121bef

(3) https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/23/stock-market-futures-open-to-close-news.html

(4) https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/24/5-things-to-know-before-the-stock-market-opens-tuesday-may-24.html

(5) https://fortune.com/2022/05/20/recession-economy-stock-market-expert-predictions-jamie-dimon-carl-icahn-elon-musk/

By Paul Bullock

You’ve worked your entire life to finally retire and live out your golden years stress free. But now that you’ve reached your goal, how are you going to spend your time? 

With increased life expectancies and medical advancements, you potentially have 30-plus years to do all the things you want to do in retirement. And, while this may sound like a dream come true, for many, it can quickly turn into boredom, loneliness, and even depression. This is why many of my clients consider a second career in retirement. 

Since I primarily serve university faculty members, my clients have many options in front of them, and I’ve found that the earlier they plan, the better their chances are of making their dreams a reality. 

If you are considering a second career in retirement, here are three ways to tell if it’s a good choice for you:

You Enjoy What You Do

One of the most commonly suggested things to do in retirement is to find purpose in your new phase of life. But what do you do if you’ve already found purpose in your career? For many educators, it’s hard to step away from their careers because it has become such a meaningful and fulfilling part of their everyday lives. 

One client of mine enjoyed the traveling, research, and education aspects of his position so much that he decided to continue consulting for the university and other organizations in retirement. 

If you find that you truly love what you do, there is no rule that says you have to give it up just because you’ve reached retirement age. In fact, continuing to work after retirement can help you lead a purpose-driven life, which research shows improves your overall quality of life both mentally and physically. (1)

You’re Not Ready to Fully Retire

Adjusting to retirement is a big transition! Going from working 40-plus hours a week for 30-plus years to suddenly having all the time in the world is a shock to the system, to say the least. It takes time to adjust, so don’t feel pressured to rush into retirement all at once. If you’re not ready to fully retire, working part-time can be a great way to slowly transition into full retirement. 

It is becoming increasingly popular for people to approach retirement in phases, slowly adjusting to reduced hours, part-time work, then eventually full retirement. Studies have shown that gradual retirement and a sense of control over your timeline can actually lead to increased levels of happiness among retirees. (2)

You Want to Diversify Your Income

Another reason to consider a second career after retirement is to improve your portfolio longevity and make your retirement funds last longer. This is because the money you earn from a second career will help diversify your retirement income sources. 

The truth is, no matter what your net worth, your income will always be your greatest wealth-building tool. That’s why a solid income stream is great, but having multiple streams of income is better. 

Diversified income streams act in much the same way that diversified investments do: They allow for less demand and stress on any one income source so if an unforeseen event were to occur, the remaining income streams can pick up the slack. 

Continuing to earn active income in retirement will provide financial flexibility and diversification that will allow you to keep your retirement savings intact for longer. If you are worried about outliving your money in retirement, a second career could be the buffer you need to feel confident about your financial future.

Learn More About Your Retirement Options

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to retirement, so it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to plan ahead. Many of the faculty I’ve worked with don’t know all the options and opportunities they have to retire the way they want to and end up not making the most out of their golden years. At Wellington Investment Advisors, we can help you design the best retirement plan for your specific needs. To learn more about your options, schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting or reach out to me at paul@wellingtoninvestmentadvisors.com or by phone at (812) 333-0874.

Be sure to check out what some of our clients say about working with our team at Wellington Investment Advisors to learn more about how we can help you.

About Paul

Paul Bullock is CEO of Wellington Investment Advisors, an independent, boutique fiduciary firm serving pre-retirees and university faculty across Indiana. With over 32 years of financial experience, Paul is committed to building long-term relationships through thoughtful, personalized investment advice and guidance. He focuses on a disciplined tactical asset allocation approach to money management through a strong understanding of economic and market conditions and strives to build trust with clients by providing sound guidance. Paul understands the hard work his clients have put in to arrive at where they are today and wants to see them succeed in their goals for the future. Paul graduated from the University of Texas with an MBA, as well as a bachelor’s degree in finance, and has been dedicated to assisting clients with their financial needs ever since. When he is not working, Paul enjoys time with his family and is also an avid equestrian polo player who helps raise money for over 18 different charities through his playing. To learn more about Paul, connect with him on LinkedIn.

_____________

(1) https://www.inc.com/scott-mautz/a-27-year-study-says-1-thing-is-key-to-happiness-longevity-in-work-life.html

(2) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249630767_Gradual_Retirement_Sense_of_Control_and_Retirees%27_Happiness

By Paul Bullock

Choosing a financial professional to help you navigate your current stresses and future dreams is not an easy decision. And, whatever it is that’s motivating you to ask for help, we want you to know that we at Wellington Investment Advisors are ready to be your advocate. We put our clients first—always—and we tailor our services to your unique needs. 

But don’t just take my word for it. Here are 4 case studies of clients I’ve helped over my 32-year career as a financial professional.

Bill S. 

I’ve had the privilege of working with Bill for 28 years—earning him the award for my longest client! Bill worked as an electrical engineer at Westinghouse for 35 years before retiring. Together, we were able to come up with a plan that has allowed Bill to make the most of his retirement years, which primarily means spending time with his family (including 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren!).

Bill says: “One of the most important things is to meet someone like Paul and let him take care of your finances. I knew nothing about the stock market. At my first meeting with Paul, I knew that I could trust him, and that’s important. Trust the person you’re working with.”

Lynn J.

Lynn recently retired after 50 years of working in public parks and recreation and higher education. Before retiring, she was looking for a more flexible investment approach and more personalized service than what she was receiving from her employer-sponsored retirement plan. Once she transitioned her investments to our firm, Lynn was able to get the active engagement and proactive advice she desired.  

Lynn says: “It’s a real freedom. The account is still as strong as it was when it was moved over to Wellington Investment Advisors, and it remains strong after three years of retirement. If I’m concerned about something, I get an immediate response. I’m able to immediately know how I’m doing. I’m very happy with the fact that someone is overseeing the account. It’s not impersonal; it’s active engagement.”

Lloyd and Maryellen K.

Lloyd and Maryellen always wanted to live along the coast, and they hoped their finances would give them the ability to retire sooner rather than later. I helped them assess their financial situation and we reviewed the upsides and downsides to early retirement. After our meetings, Lloyd and Maryellen made a fully informed retirement decision that honored their values and their goals and allowed them to retire early with confidence. 

Lloyd says: “We both knew that we didn’t have the expertise. We didn’t know how to plan for retirement. We interviewed five people to see if we could find a financial advisor. The last person we talked with was Paul Bullock, and I felt really good with the way Paul was responding to our questions. We would not have pulled the trigger to retire as early as we did unless we talked to Paul.” 

Maryellen says: “We always felt confident that Paul helped us make the right decisions, and it’s made all the difference in the world.”

Steve W.

Steve currently works as a teaching faculty member at the University of Indiana in the parks and public lands field. He travels all over the country working with people who manage local, state, and national parks. He loves this lifestyle and wants to maintain his ability to travel and stay active throughout retirement. I helped Steve develop a retirement plan that will allow him to slowly phase out of the workforce. He will start with a partial retirement, while still consulting for the university before fully retiring. This will enable him to maintain his active lifestyle for as long as possible without losing his active income earlier than necessary.

Steve says: “I want somebody that I can contact and I can reach out to them and the communication is easy and informed. So there’s a lot of trust but also a lot of interpersonal conversation that allows me to feel like I’m being treated as a partner. I go in there maybe quarterly to look and see how the fund is doing, but I’m not too worried about it. I have a lot of faith in [Paul’s] recommendations.”

Take the Next Step

I hope these case studies give you a more personal look at what it’s like to work with the Wellington Investment Advisors team. If you’re ready to learn more and see if we’re a good fit for your financial needs, schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting or reach out to me at paul@wellingtoninvestmentadvisors.com or by phone at (812) 333-0874.

All case studies are non-paid client responses.

About Paul

Paul Bullock is CEO of Wellington Investment Advisors, an independent, boutique fiduciary firm serving pre-retirees and university faculty across Indiana. With over 32 years of financial experience, Paul is committed to building long-term relationships through thoughtful, personalized investment advice and guidance. He focuses on a disciplined tactical asset allocation approach to money management through a strong understanding of economic and market conditions and strives to build trust with clients by providing sound guidance. Paul understands the hard work his clients have put in to arrive at where they are today and wants to see them succeed in their goals for the future. Paul graduated from the University of Texas with an MBA, as well as a bachelor’s degree in finance, and has been dedicated to assisting clients with their financial needs ever since. When he is not working, Paul enjoys time with his family and is also an avid equestrian polo player who helps raise money for over 18 different charities through his playing. To learn more about Paul, connect with him on LinkedIn.