
12 minute read
Ask The Expert
ASK THE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Q. How much should I save for retirement?
A. This is a question on many people’s minds. The question, reshaped, is how much do I need to retire or to be fi nancially independent? In calculating how much you need to save, look at how much you spend for your standard of living. To replicate your income when employed to meet expenses, studies have shown that a 3-5 percent distribution rate provides a higher degree of asset longevity. So, at a 4 percent distribution rate, you would need $1,000,000 saved for each $40,000 of annual income.
Q. Should I invest in the market now?
A. The volatility has many investors nervous. Establishing an investment strategy that aligns your values, goals and risk tolerance to develop a diversifi ed portfolio can help reduce the emotions of fl uctuations in the markets. Understanding what you want your money to do for you is a shift from what you do to earn money. Your dreams of fi nancial independence can be more attainable with careful planning. For example, many fi nd using their 401(k) for systematic savings (called dollar cost averaging) is a more comfortable way to invest during volatility. They may even feel that sometimes they are getting their investments on ‘sale’ because their same contribution amount can acquire a larger number of investments when the values are reduced.
Q. Should I rollover my old 401(k)?
A. It is not uncommon to have several jobs, even careers, in the course of your working years. The excitement of new positions and professional growth can sometimes lead to several 401(k) accounts that get little attention. There are pros and cons to rolling over a 401(k) account or consolidating
Your personal financial goals deserve a personal approach.
Putting the needs of clients first is the approach I believe in. I’ll work with you to find the right financial solutions to help you plan for your unique goals. And together, we’ll track your progress over time, adjusting your plan along the way to help get you where you want to go.
Renee A. Hanson CFP®, CEP®, CDFA®, CFS®, ChFC®, APMA®
Private Wealth Advisor
Affinity Wealth Advisory Group
A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
602.923.9800
7010 E. Chauncey Ln Ste 200 Phoenix, AZ 85054 renee.a.hanson@ampf.com affinitywealthadvisor.com
Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. © 2018 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (11/18) accounts. Please call us for a free brochure called “Leave It or Roll It.” If you have more questions, we are happy to provide further education on your choices.


Q. When should I take Social Security?
A. What appears to be a simple answer is really quite complex. It depends on whether you are married, for how long, and what other guaranteed income you have. Additionally, the ages of you and your spouse infl uences your choices. And, whether or not you have legacy wishes. The big unknown is how long you expect to receive benefi ts (life expectancy). We help our clients evaluate their options and would be happy to help you determine the best approach for your life goals.
Q. What is a fi duciary? Are all fi nancial advisors fi duciaries?
A. A fi duciary is a person or organization that puts their client’s interests before their own. They act in good faith and trust and are bound ethically to act in the client’s best interests. They avoid confl icts of interest and will disclose any that may exist. No, not all fi nancial advisors are fi duciaries however as a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise I am bound to these ethical fi duciary standards.
Q. How do I learn more about money issues?
A. There are dozens of books on fi nancial topics and television programs available daily. Over the years we have discovered that people prefer to learn from a professional in an educational environment that allows for questions. That is why we offer seminars on various topics. Visit www. affi nitywealthadvisor.com to learn more about our upcoming seminars and visit often to see what’s new.
PROMOTION Renee A. Hanson, CFP®, ChFC®, CEP®, CDFATM, CFS®, is a Private Wealth Advisor with Affi nity Wealth Advisory Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona. She specializes in feebased fi nancial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 27 years. To contact her visit www.affi nitywealthadvisor. com or call (602) 923-9800. Her offi ce is located at 7010 E. Chauncey Lane, Suite #200, Phoenix, AZ 85054-3115. Illustrations are hypothetical and is not meant to represent any specifi c investment or imply any guaranteed rate of return. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future fi nancial results. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. and its affi liates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specifi c situation. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. 2371801ACMR0119









TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR KIDS INVOLVED IN SPORTS
By Jill “MamaBug” Frier
One of the many wonderful things about living in Arizona is that your kids can participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor sports all year round. There are many great options for getting your kids involved in local sports programs here in the Valley of the Sun. And not only are sports a great way for your kids to have fun, get exercise and stay active, they also teach kids important life lesson like sportsmanship, teamwork and respect.
Whether you want them to participate in team sports or as an individual, here are a few things to keep in mind when you are selecting a sport for your child.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPORT FOR YOUR CHILD
Expose your child to a variety of sports activities, but help them choose a sport that is well suited to their age, interests and abilities. Don’t force your child to participate in a sport that doesn’t really interest them or that isn’t a good fi t for their skillset – it’s a waste of both time and money, plus it can have a negative affect on your child’s attitude towards sports. Be sure to pick something that fi ts your budget and your schedule, to reduce your family’s stress level and make it an enjoyable experience for everyone. And don’t forget to include the cost of equipment, clothing and gear in your budget when you choose a sport!
Here is a short list of some of the popular sports available locally, to give you some ideas about different types of sports that may be fun for your youngster: • Archery • Baseball and Softball • Basketball • BMX • Football • Golf • Gymnastics • Horseback Riding • Ice Skating and Hockey • Martial Arts • Rock Climbing • Soccer • Swimming • Tennis • Volleyball

BE A GOOD FAN AND TEACH GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
A great way to get your kids to have more fun and be excited about playing sports is to be excited for them. Make sure they get to practice on time, stay to watch, attend games, volunteer to help with the team or individual events if you can and always cheer them on. Make sure that both you and your child understand the basic rules of the sport and be a good role model for your child by not overreacting when the competition doesn’t go your way. Show them that it’s okay to be competitive and disappointed when you don’t win, but that sports are meant to be fun, even if you don’t always beat the opposing team or competitors.
MAINTAIN A BALANCE WITH SCHOOL, SPORTS AND FAMILY
It’s important to keep your child from becoming overwhelmed with sports or competition. Participate in activities that work with your schedule and allow you to balance athletics with school, family and non-athletic hobbies. If your child feels stressed out, hates going to practices and games, or just participates to make you happy, it’s probably a good idea to call it quits.

RESOURCES FOR SPORTS IN THE VALLEY
How do you fi nd a sport that works well for your kid and their unique interests and skills? There are many resources to help you fi nd sports programs here in Phoenix. A few of the non-profi t resources include: • The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Commission Youth Sports provides affordable programs and resources for youth basketball, baseball, football, soccer, tennis and volleyball, and provides sports complexes, facilities and Community Centers around the Valley. www. phoenix.gov/parks/sports/phoenixplays
• One non-profi t organization helping kids through sports is Sports Kids AZ. This group provides quality coaching and athletic programs to home schooled families, after school athletes, and homeless children throughout Arizona. www. sportskidzaz.org
• The Valley of the Sun YMCA, one of the oldest and largest nonprofi t organizations in the Phoenix area, offers youth sports programs to help children build skills, learn about teamwork, and focus on sportsmanship. The YMCA offers a variety of sports and fi tness programs throughout the year to keep kids active and engaged. www.valleyymca. org/programs-activities/youth/

So do your homework and get your kids off the couch, away from their screens and interested in one of the many great sports programs available right here in Phoenix. And be sure to check out Ladybug’s Blog for more articles and recommendations for fun things to do outside with kids everywhere in Arizona! www. ladybugsblog.com

5 WAYS PARENTS AND COACHES CAN TAKE THE TOXICITY OUT OF YOUTH SPORTS
For many kids, organized sports aren’t much fun anymore. Overbearing parents, over-the-top coaches and overzealous competition are frequent images associated with youth-athletic leagues today. Though playing ball often used to embody the enjoyment of being a kid, the experience for many youngsters is too serious and stressful – and ultimately not worth it. One study revealed 70 percent of U.S. children drop out of organized sports by age 13, with pressure and burnout among the main reasons cited. Get Yo critics in the stands hurling profanities and insults during a game,” Castro says. “Parents should set the right example for their kid – and for adults who obviously haven’t grown up.” ur




Kids
“The politics, as well as the overemphasis adults put on kids to see a college scholarship as the ultimate goal, is ruining a kid’s ability to get the most out of sports,” says Maya Castro, author of The Bubble: Everything I Learned as a Target of the Political, and Often Corrupt, World of Youth Sports (www. thebubbleweb.com).
“This over-emphasis has created an environment amongst the parents and coaches that is similar to a mafi a. We badly need changes in this toxic, political and corrupt environment. And it must start with the parents.”
Castro, who says her own experience as a young soccer player was tainted by misguided and misbehaving adults, offers ideas on how adults can improve the youth-sports culture:
STRIVE TO BE A MENTOR
Castro says parents and coaches have a great opportunity to use sports as a teaching tool for life. “The learning aspect of the game needs to be the focal point of youth sports,” Castro says. “Sports should be an extension of family values and behaviors. Good parents and coaches tie in the ups and downs of competition with the challenges in navigating adult life.”
MODEL POSITIVE BEHAVIORS
Part of the negative image of youth sports is related to parents yelling at coaches, referees, opponents, or even their own kids. “There are enough





OutENJOY THE MOMENT Too many parents and their young athletes are fretting the future. “Too often it’s all about winning and getting side!! the scholarship,” Castro says, “but my parents told me there was a time when kids actually enjoyed playing for the Want to reduce sake of playing, and parents won just by getting to watch them play. We need to screen )me for your kids and get some fresh air? Are you looking for fun ac)vi)es to do all get back to that. Without it, memories are wasted.” BE ENCOURAGING “Celebrate the effort, not just the result,” Castro says. “This goes for youth coaches as well as parents. When kids do some good things, don’t let the mistakes cloud your post-game Get Your Kids Outside! year long right here comments. Be honest in discussing in our state? Check out Ladybug’s Blog room for improvement, but not at the expense of making them feel like they have to play perfectly to get praise.” Want to reduce screen ti me for your kids and get some fresh air? Are you looking for fun acti viti es for ar<cles highligh<ng fun MAKE EDUCATION FIRST Castro and many observers of youth sports say parents have lost perspective by thinking their kid is on the fast to do all year long right here in our state? Check out Ladybug’s Blog for Arizona adventures track to a scholarship or a pro career. arti cles highlighti ng fun Arizona for the whole family! Statistics show few advance that far. “In the meantime, kids are exhausted adventures for the whole family! from travel leagues and tournaments,” she says, “and the way their future through sports is emphasized, education becomes a distant second.” ladybugsblog.com ladybugsblog.com Dedicated to getti ng Arizona kids outdoors and excited about nature, science and the world outside.“Whether a kid decides to keep playing sports or to walk away,” Castro says, “he or she should be able to do so without deep regret in having wasted Dedicated to ge+ng Arizona kids outdoors and their time.” NORTH TATUM TIMES • February 2019 excited about nature, science and the world outside. • 11