Our phones will be on Auto Attendant between 1:30 – 2:30 pm for training purposes and lunches.

Is that Education Savings Account Ready to go Back to School?

Is that Education Savings Account Ready to go Back to School?

Before we know it, tuition bills for fall semester will be due, books will need to be purchased, and school fees must be paid. The tuition at colleges and trade schools can be pricey, and student loans may not be the answer for all students. However, paying for school and school-related expenses with money from a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) can be a big help for many.

Any adult can establish an ESA for any child under 18 years old—the beneficiary does not need to be a relative. ESAs offer flexible options as a tool for saving for education:

Although ESAs are somewhat similar to 529 plans, there are a few key differences, such as income restrictions for the contributing individuals and annual contribution limits. It’s always wise to check with your tax advisor or financial planner before opening a Coverdell Education Savings Account to ensure you are opening the type of investment account that makes the most sense for your specific financial situation and goals.

Self-directing the funds in an ESA can help boost that return

Whether you want to help cover expenses for private school, college, or trade school, you can give your student extra help if you choose to self-direct a Coverdell ESA.

Savvy investors may choose to self-direct an ESA and hold real estate, precious metals, commodities and more – they may even already be invested in these types of assets outside one of these accounts. The difference is that the returns from those investments will be tax-free as they grow. Although you potentially have a maximum of 18 years in which to build up a Coverdell ESA (from a child’s birth through age 18), investors who self-direct their retirement plans know that by including alternative assets, they are able to build a more diverse portfolio that is not dependent on the ups and downs of the stock market. One can look at it as an investment strategy that could make a great high school graduation gift.

You can open an education savings account with Next Generation and fund the account via transfer, by initiating a rollover, or by contributing funds with a check. If you have any questions about self-direction as an education savings strategy, or need assistance getting your ESA open, contact Next Generation by email at NewAccounts@NextGenerationTrust.com or by calling 888.857.8058.

Alternatively, you can schedule a complimentary education session with one of our representatives.

Why Yes, Millennials are Saving for Retirement

The Millennial generation—those born between1977 and 1996—is projected to equal or surpass the size of the Baby Boomer generation over the next 20 years. They currently comprise the largest segment of today’s workforce. So what is this age group doing about saving for retirement?

Although Millennials are often misrepresented as “live in the moment” folks who prioritize life experiences over long-term financial planning, you may be surprised to find out that they are also more engaged at an earlier age with retirement savings in the workplace.

According to the Pew Charitable Trust Retirement Savings Project, Millennials had higher balances in their defined contribution plans than their Gen X counterparts did at a similar age (based on U.S. Census Bureau data). In addition, Millennials between ages 25 and 31 are saving more into retirement accounts than those right out of school.

The Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies supported this with the following statistics:

Given that the Social Security Trust Fund Reserve may be depleted by 2034 and benefits reduced, these savers are not only being proactive, they’re being smart.

Another smart savings move for savvy Millennials: Self-directed IRAs

Motivated savers can build a more diverse retirement portfolio, given the diverse types of alternative assets these plans allow. By making their own investment decisions, Millennials and others can take advantage of market shifts they are following more nimbly, or choose to invest in assets they care about or that reflect their interests—from becoming an investor in a theatrical production to owning shares in a specialty farm business.

If you’re a younger investor looking to do more with your IRA, you probably have some questions about self-directed retirement plans. As a convenience, Next Generation offers complimentary educational sessions with easy scheduling. Alternatively, you can contact us via email at NewAccounts@NextGenerationTrust.com or call 888.857.8058.

Including Precious Metals in a Self-Directed IRA for a Golden Nest Egg

Are you looking for a way to lay a golden nest egg? If you’re a self-directed investor seeking another alternative asset to diversify your retirement portfolio, you might consider precious metals. Precious metals have historically been an excellent way to diversify investment holdings and preserve capital.

Some reasons to consider including precious metals in a self-directed IRA (also known as a precious metals IRA) are that gold and silver can be good hedges against inflation (when paper currency is devalued) and precious metals are a good hedge against stock/bond/treasury bill volatility, since their values typically move independently of the stock market.

What some people don’t know is that not all types of metals can be held in a self-directed IRA. In order for precious metals to be eligible, they must meet certain requirements as outlined in IRC 408(m)(3). The metals can be owned in bullion form (e.g. bars) that meet a minimum fineness, or they can be in certain approved coin form—one, one half, one quarter, one tenth ounce U.S. gold coins, and/or one ounce silver coins minted by the Treasury Department.

These coins, bars and bullion are hard assets (as opposed to investments on paper) and they are held in an off-site depository that specializes in holding precious metals. To learn more about the types of precious metals allowed in an IRA, download our free guide here. Please keep in mind that the metals cannot be stored with the account holder.

Getting started with a precious metals IRA

If you are just getting started, you must first open a new self-directed IRA with a custodian and then fund the account in one of three ways:

  1. Transfer funds from an existing IRA
  2. Roll over funds from an employer sponsored plan (401k, pension plan, etc.)
  3. Annual contribution

For clients opening a new precious metals IRA at Next Generation, our helpful guide will walk you through all the steps on how to purchase precious metals with your IRA. As outlined in the guide, once your self-directed retirement plan is open, there are a few actions to take:

You may liquidate your precious metals holdings at any time; and with a precious metals IRA, the account holder has the option of taking required minimum distributions in the form of bullion.

If you have questions about opening a self-directed IRA and including precious metals as one of the many nontraditional investments these plans allow, email us at NewAccounts@NextGenerationTrust.com, call (888) 857-8058, or visit https://www.NextGenerationTrust.com.

 

Brittany Pickell of Next Generation is Featured Guest on Target Market Insights Podcast

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Marketing Director for Self-Directed Retirement Plan Specialist Shares Insights into Real Estate Investing through this Strategy

ROSELAND, NJ, May 31, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ — Brittany Pickell, Director of Marketing and Sales for Next Generation, which specializes in self-directed retirement plans, was a featured guest in a recent episode of Casmon Capital Group’s real estate podcast, Target Market Insights. Pickell shared information for real estate investors about self-directed retirement plans and ways investors anywhere in the U.S. can include real estate investments in these plans.

Even experianced investors are not always aware of the (self-directed) concept or the many nontraditional investments these plans allow including all types of real estate.

“Since Casmon Capital Group specializes in optimizing apartment community investments, the Target Market Insights podcast typically provides insight on specific geographical and emerging markets for real estate investors; however, we wanted to bring a different perspective to listeners with a topic that applies to all markets,” said Pickell. Her episode, titled “What You Need to Know About Self-Directed Retirement Accounts” is available here.

“Although self-directed IRAs have been around for decades, we find that even experienced investors are not always aware of the concept or the many nontraditional investments these plans allow—including all types of real estate, which is the largest asset class typically held in these plans,” she added.

Real estate investments that can be included in a self-directed IRA include mixed-use properties, residential or commercial properties, rehabs, farm land, raw land, and industrial or warehouse properties.

What was once an exclusive investment vehicle for the very wealthy, self-directed retirement plans are now attainable by a wider pool of savvy investors who know and understand certain alternative assets, are comfortable making their own investment decisions and want to diversify their retirement portfolios.

“Including nontraditional investments in their retirement plans enable investors to hedge against stock market volatility in more creative ways,” noted Pickell.

In the podcast, Pickell explained the best practices when using a retirement account to buy and sell investment real estate, talked about the similarities and differences between self-directed IRAs and typical plans from brokerages and banks, and discussed how Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) can also be self-directed. Next Generation Trust Company provides custodial services for its clients’ self-directed accounts and its sister firm, Next Generation Services, provides full account administration and transaction support.

Pickell speaks at many conferences and meetings and conducts educational webinars with other firms. Next Generation’s goal during these events is to educate investors and financial professionals on self-direction as a retirement strategy and the many options available through self-direction. Last spring, Pickell appeared twice on the financial services video platform, Asset TV, to talk about women and investing and to provide an overview of self-directed retirement plans.

More information about self-directed retirement plans and Next Generation is available at www.NextGenerationTrust.com.

About Next Generation Trust Company

Founded on the philosophy that every person should have control over their own retirement plans, Next Generation Trust Company educates consumers and professionals about self-directed retirement plans and nontraditional investments, a strategy at one time reserved only for the very wealthy. Next Generation Trust Company, a custodian of self-directed retirement plans, is a trust company chartered in South Dakota. Its sister firm, Next Generation Services provides comprehensive account administration and transaction support with Next Generation Trust Company acting as custodian for all accounts. The neutral third-party professionals at Next Generation Trust Company expertly guide clients and their trusted advisors as part of their white glove, personalized service for a seamless transaction experience from start to finish. For more information on self-directing a retirement plan, visit www.NextGenerationTrust.com, call toll free 1.888.857.8058 or e-mail NewAccounts@NextGenerationTrust.com.

DISCLAIMER: Next Generation Trust Company (“NGTC”) / Next Generation Services (“NGS”) does not review the merits or legitimacy of any investment. NGTC / NGS does not endorse or recommend any companies, products, services or investments. NGTC / NGS does not provide any financial, legal or investment advice.If the services of NGTC / NGS were recommended by any third party, such persons or entities are not in any way affiliated with NGTC / NGS. All information provided is for educational purposes only. All parties are encouraged to consult with their professional advisors prior to making any investments.

About Casmon Capital Group

Casmon Capital Group is a real estate investment firm focusing on apartment communities with value-add opportunities. It seeks out structurally solid, underperforming properties in proven markets, then implements a plan to optimize operations and increase cash flow. Its offerings are designed to outperform traditional investment vehicles and create alternative, turnkey solutions for qualified individuals. It is headed by co-founder John Casmon. More information is at www.casmoncapital.com.

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Published: https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/463214/brittany-pickell-of-next-generation-is-featured-guest-on-target-market-insights-podcast

Getting Educated About Self-Directed Education Savings Accounts

Thoughts of college are in the air at this time of year, with PSATs, SATs, ACTs and other tests. High school juniors are deciding where to apply to school and seniors have decided where they’ll enroll in the fall.

While college is an exciting time for students, it can be a bit stressful for parents when it comes to making those tuition payments. Even with financial aid, there are plenty of expenses to cover and in many cases, the financial aid does not go far enough.

That’s where Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) come in. Many parents and grandparents set up these accounts when a child is born, and contribute to the ESA annually to build up savings to pay education-related expenses. The 2019 annual contribution limit is $2000 per beneficiary (contributed up to age 18), which can be invested and earn tax-free income.

Here are some of the benefits that ESAs have to offer:

 

Self-directed ESAs – the flexible way to build up education savings

Did you know that when ESAs were first introduced in 1997, they were called Education IRAs?

And did you know that, like all other types of IRAs a Coverdell ESA can be self-directed, so that the funds can be invested in alternative assets?

A Coverdell ESA that is opened with a custodian of self-directed retirement plans—like Next Generation—can include the same types of nontraditional investments as other self-directed plans. That way, if the stock market tumbles, the account provides a hedge through the use of those nontraditional investments, such as real estate, precious metals, private equity, notes, and more. Parents or grandparents who already have the knowledge and experience with these types of investments can apply that experience to the student’s education savings through self-direction—and help grow their contributions over time.

Think of the high school graduation gift you could give your child or grandchild years from now, with a self-directed ESA that has grown in value through nontraditional investments. At Next Generation, we offer a plethora of resources to learn more about Coverdell ESAs and the benefits of self-direction. Because client education is so important to us, we’re here to answer your questions about self-direction as a savings strategy—for education expenses or retirement. Contact Next Generation at 1.888.857.8058 or email NewAccounts@NextGenerationTrust.com if you need assistance.

Alternatively, you can sign-up for a complimentary educational session with one of our representatives.

Are Your Grown Kids Affecting Your Retirement Future?

We’ve all heard about boomerang children who come back to the nest after college—not yet financially independent, and sometimes staying for longer than parents expect. A financial security survey from Bankrate in early April shows that in many cases, those kids are costing parents their retirement savings. Data reveals a trend of financial co-dependence between parents and children—whether through prolonged education, helping with housing costs, or other high expenses.

All this “help” is hurting Generation X and Baby Boomer parents who should be funneling funds into their own retirement accounts instead. According to the survey, 50 percent of respondents in those generational age groups say they have sacrificed or are sacrificing their own retirement savings in order to help their adult children with finances.

What’s the right age to cover one’s bills?
Survey respondents comprised the Silent Generation down to Gen Z. Most felt that 18 or 19 year-olds (and in some cases, 20 year-olds) should take on their own car payments and auto insurance, cell phone bills, and credit card bills. All generations agreed the average age to start paying for one’s own subscription services is 20 years-old.

The higher the bills, the older the age for when individuals should begin paying on their own, such as age 23 for health insurance premiums as well as student loans. Housing costs (rent or mortgage) also had a higher average age overall, at 21 years old.

Time to pay less and save more

As noted above, the April Bankrate survey found that half of Americans are putting their own retirement savings at risk by covering their grown childrens’ expenses; and a March 2019 survey found that more than 20 percent of working Americans aren’t saving any money for retirement, emergencies, or other financial goals. Major barriers to saving included insufficient wage growth and large debt payments. For those covering grown kids’ expenses, the rising cost of a college and post-graduate education (often felt necessary to be more prepared to enter the workforce) is significant here.

But is it worth sacrificing one’s financial future to provide a financial safety net for children who could be working, at least part time—especially as one approaches retirement?

While each family has a personal perspective on this growing trend, no one can dispute the importance of preparing for a comfortable retirement. One way to combat the “boomerang child” syndrome is to self-direct one’s retirement account, and grow tax-advantaged income through investments in alternative assets such as real estate, commodities, precious metals, private equity, unsecured and secured loans, and more.

Take control of your retirement with a self-directed IRA

Self-directed investors not only know and understand certain nontraditional investments, they are comfortable making their own investment decisions. A powerful decision to make is to start controlling your retirement savings through a self-directed IRA.

Even putting a little money into a self-directed IRA every month as you wean your kids off your wallet will enable you to build a more diverse retirement portfolio. Set the example and who knows? Maybe when junior is ready to be on her own, she’ll open a self-directed retirement plan too and start investing in land or energy, a Broadway show, a startup company, or any of the creative ways to boost retirement wealth through self-direction. 

Next Generation makes it easier for you and your adult kids to get started. Our helpful team can answer your questions about self-direction in general or your account in particular. And our newsletter subscription is always available so you can learn more.

Contact Next Generation at NewAccounts@NextGenerationTrust.com or 1.888.857.8058 for assistance. We can’t help you get your kids out of the house but we can help you take more control over your investment returns through self-direction.

Alternatively, you can register for a complimentary educational session with one of our representatives.

 

 

Setting Your Retirement on FIRE with a Self-Directed IRA

A recent article by Mark Miller on wealth management.com talked about a movement that’s growing in popularity called FIRE, which stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. This concept is NOT about working for most of one’s adult life, saving a small portion of income, and retiring later. Rather, it proposes living modestly and saving as much as possible for a shorter time frame (about 20 years) in order to retire in one’s 40s. For this group, it’s about what will make them happy when they’re older—not how much they’ll need.

The author cites concerns that this strategy is strictly for those of high-income households who can afford to put away a lot of money more quickly than other workers. However, he adds that many FIRE folks are adopting the strategy by not fully retiring in their 40s. Instead, they are turning their energies towards entrepreneurial pursuits, leaving the corporate hamster wheel for part-time employment (while living off savings), or earning income through investments in alternative assets such as real estate.

Spending less and living more modestly while working seems to be a good way for many people to save for the future. Syndicated radio host and author, Jill Schlesinger, says that the FIRE conversation is positive because it gets people to think about how to save more and reach goals. She also says that, “Most people in the FIRE movement are just saying they want options—they want to get rid of their debt; they want a financially secure life and to do something they feel really good about.”

Given that every individual’s work and financial situations are different, planning your retirement goals within the FIRE model is highly subjective. Alternatively, if you’re someone who wants to take control of your future, you can adopt a self-directed investment strategy to support your lifestyle throughout retirement.

Fuel your retirement savings through self-direction

You can ignite a more diverse retirement strategy with a self-directed IRA, which allows for a broad array of nontraditional investments. If you’re on track to save enough during your working years to enjoy full or semi-retirement on the early side—and you already know and understand certain nontraditional investments—you could spend your free time investing in real estate, precious metals, private equity, or one of the many other asset types that can be self-directed.

Self-direction is a powerful way to save for retirement, and ideal for individuals who are comfortable making their own investment decisions or want to diversify their portfolios. For younger workers in their 20s and 30s who are looking to kick back earlier in life than their parents did, opening a self-directed IRA could be a great way to reach your goals.

Want to know more? Next Generation is here to help. Sign up to access our whitepaper library, sign up for our monthly newsletter, or follow us on social media. You can also email us at NewAccounts@NextGenerationTrust.com or call 1.888.857.8058 with your questions.

Alternatively, you can register for a complimentary educational session with one of our representatives.

 

Next Generation to Sponsor 2019 Next Gen Summit, Which Focuses on Millennial Entrepreneurs

Custodian and Administrator of Self-Directed IRAs will Provide Education to Startups and Entrepreneurs on How to Leverage Those Plans as Funding Source

 ROSELAND, NJ, April 12, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/Next Generation, which specializes in self-directed retirement plans, has announced an upcoming sponsorship with Next Gen—a global entrepreneurial community and online resource for millennial entrepreneurs. The company will sponsor the 2019 Next Gen Summit, held from June 7-9 in New York City. The event, which draws thousands of participants from around the world, offers access to the resources, mentorship, knowledge, and network entrepreneurs need to succeed.

As a Next Gen Summit sponsor, Next Generation will provide education to startup founders and entrepreneurs about how to leverage investors’ self-directed IRAs as a funding source for their businesses. Self-directed retirement plans can hold an array of non-publicly traded assets such as private equity, unsecured and secured loans, real estate, limited partnerships and many others. Self-directed investors can also build a more diverse retirement portfolio with the nontraditional investments these tax-advantaged plans allow. Next Gen Summit attendees will have an opportunity to meet with members of the Next Generation team and learn more about this unique wealth building strategy.

“The concept of self-directed retirement plans is still not widely known or understood, even by some of the most experienced investors,” explains Brittany Pickell, Next Generation’s Director of Marketing and Sales. “Education on self-directing is the key to ensuring success. Whether using your account to make alternative investments, or marketing investment in your business to SDIRA account holders, the value of tapping into this network is immeasurable.”

What was once an exclusive investment vehicle for the very wealthy, self-directed retirement plans are now attainable by a more comprehensive pool of savvy investors who know and understand certain alternative assets, and are comfortable making their own investment decisions.

About Next Generation Trust Company
Founded on the philosophy that every person should have control over their own retirement plans, Next Generation Trust Company educates consumers and professionals about self-directed retirement plans and nontraditional investments, a strategy at one time reserved only for the very wealthy. Next Generation Trust Company, a custodian of self-directed retirement plans, is a trust company chartered in South Dakota. Its sister firm, Next Generation Services provides comprehensive account administration and transaction support with Next Generation Trust Company acting as custodian for all accounts. The neutral third-party professionals at Next Generation Trust Company expertly guide clients and their trusted advisors as part of their white glove, personalized service for a seamless transaction experience from start to finish. For more information on self-directing a retirement plan, visit www.NextGenerationTrust.com, call toll free 1.888.857.8058 or e-mail NewAccounts@NextGenerationTrust.com.

DISCLAIMER: Next Generation Trust Company (“NGTC”) / Next Generation Services (“NGS”) does not review the merits or legitimacy of any investment. NGTC / NGS does not endorse or recommend any companies, products, services or investments. NGTC / NGS does not provide any financial, legal or investment advice.

If the services of NGTC / NGS were recommended by any third party, such persons or entities are not in any way affiliated with NGTC / NGS. All information provided is for educational purposes only. All parties are encouraged to consult with their professional advisors prior to making any investments.

About Next Gen
Next Gen is the premier business hub that cultivates the knowledge, resources, and mentorship to empower the world’s greatest entrepreneurs, energizing them to create and grow meaningful businesses. Learn more and apply to attend Next Gen Summit 2019 at ngsummit.com.

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“Whether using your account to make alternative investments, or marketing investment in your business to self-directed IRA account holders, the value of tapping into this network is immeasurable.”

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Contact Information

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call toll free 1.888.857.8058
e-mail NewAccounts@NextGenerationTrust.com.

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Women and the Retirement Shortfall – are Your Savings up to Par?

According to a recent survey by Aon, many women who are planning to retire at age 67—the full retirement age for people born in 1960 and later—may also be facing a difficult choice: to ramp up their retirement savings between now and then, or delay their retirement date.

Aon, a retirement consulting firm, analyzed 2017 records for 1.3 million individuals as well as data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the survey. They concluded that 70 percent of the women surveyed will have retirement income shortfalls if they retire at 67 years old. That savings shortfall is significant—by at least twice the participants’ annual salary.

One contributing factor is the enduring wage gap; women in the U.S. generally earn 80 cents to each dollar a man earns. Additional factors are the work hiatus many women take to raise children or care for family members, and women’s longer life expectancy (around 81 vs. 76 for men). For women who have struggled to save, these all add up to less-than-ideal retirement finances.

Aon’s analysis states that on average, women should have saved an amount 11.6 times their last annual salary by age 67 in order to retire. Women’s current savings rates are actually much lower, with an average of approximately 7.6 times their salary saved by then. Overcoming that shortfall means delaying retirement or saving more money while they are still working. When saving money for retirement, they should invest it well to earn more return on those savings.

Closing the retirement savings shortfall through self-direction

Of course, planning to save starts with a financial plan and an idea of how much you will need to live comfortably during retirement. Once your financial plan is in place, it’s time for the investment strategy to reach your savings goals. It would be wise to consult with your trusted financial advisor to develop this plan.

Although workplace retirement plans are a helpful savings and investment vehicle, anyone can open an IRA to save for retirement. For those women who want to take control of their investing more directly, and who know and understand alternative assets, opening a self-directed IRA is a great start; self-direction puts the power of one’s investing savvy to work.

In addition to putting 10-15 percent of your salary in a 401(k) with its limited investment options, you could fund a self-directed IRA and invest in a more diverse range of assets. These include real estate, secured or unsecured loans, private equity, precious metals, limited partnerships, and more. You can grow your retirement savings in more diverse ways than with traditional brokerage accounts that only allow stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, and self-direction puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to making your own investment decisions.

When you open a self-directed IRA with Next Generation, you’ll also get a high level of client service and education about the many options and benefits of self-direction as a retirement strategy. You’ll find a plethora of information on our website, from our whitepaper library to our on-demand webinars. Our helpful team is also available to answer your questions and help get you started. Contact Next Generation at NewAccounts@NextGenerationTrust.com or call 1.888.857.8058.

 

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