Planning Pointers
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from FREEDMAN FINANCIAL | July 1, 2016
Freedman Financial will be Closed
Monday, July 4, 2016
in Observance of Independence Day
 
Hope you all enjoy a
safe & happy holiday
surrounded by friends & family.
Social Security Reality Check
Brace yourself for this year's Social Security announcement
 
Last week, it was announced that Social Security recipients could see a slight increase in their benefits.  Get ready for a 0.2% cost of living adjustment next year.  This equates to a little less than a $2 increase if your monthly check is $1,000. Whoopee!!  
 
Social Security remains one the most discussed, yet misunderstood, government programs in America.  Some pundits believe the program won't exist in a few years, while others believe that modest tinkering could make it significantly more solvent.  Who should you believe? 
 
When the Social Security administration began issuing benefit checks in 1940 there were about 9 million people over 65.  Today 48 million people are older than 65; and that number is expected to double by 2060. Clearly work needs to be done.  Waiting for our Congressional leaders to make some bold moves may be a long time coming.  In the interim, let's try to debunk some current myths. 
 
Saving Money on Your Cell Phone Bill
Are you wasting money each month on your cell phone plan? We were.

Admit it, you'd have a hard time giving up your smartphone, but when that monthly bill arrives, you wonder whether you could reduce your costs? 

This month we switched our cell phone carrier.  We did our research and were amazed to learn who wanted our business and who preferred to dig their heels in the sand.  It took some leg work.  In the end, we cut out monthly bill in half, increased our gigabytes by 120%, and had all of our termination fees from the previous carrier fully covered.  
                   
Our advice?  Take a look at what's out there.  Compare the network, speed of service and coverage in your area.  Don't rely on hearsay - test it out yourself.  A little due diligence could result in a significant savings. Want to know who we used?  Drop us an email and ask? 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Staying Calm in a Choppy Market
Price fluctuation is part and parcel of investing.

Over the past seven days world markets experienced pronounced up and down price movement.  Next week, they'll go up and down too.  I guarantee it!
Unless you buy investments loaded with guarantees and full liquidity (not available today), your money will never move in a straight upward line.  

Use this past week as a reminder to revisit your long term goals and objectives. Review your income needs.  Continue to participate in your 401k plan. Stop hoarding cash.  Maintain your investment allocations; rebalancing when appropriate, and remind yourself that investing is a long term process. 

And no matter what the talking heads are saying...Keep Calm and Carry On. 
You've got this.  
WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED
Freedman Financial
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The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.  To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing.

Investment advice offered through Freedman Financial, an SEC registered investment advisor.