Invest

Investments play a crucial role in any financial plan. A well-structured portfolio, combining diverse investment products, income sources, and retirement plans, helps individuals work toward both short- and long-term financial goals.

For employers, offering retirement and savings plans can attract and retain top talent while providing valuable financial benefits to employees.

Investment Options & Retirement Strategies

✅ 401(k) Retirement Plans & Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
✅ 529 College Savings Plans
✅ Annuities
✅ Mutual Funds
✅ Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
✅ U.S. Treasury Securities
✅ Group Retirement & Savings Plans

401(k) Retirement Plans & Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

Retirement planning is essential, but it can also be complex. Our goal is to simplify the process by designing tailored investment strategies that align with your financial aspirations.

401(k) Retirement Plans (Employer-Sponsored)

A 401(k) plan is one of the most effective ways to save for retirement. These tax-advantaged accounts allow employees to contribute a portion of their pre-tax (Traditional 401(k)) or after-tax (Roth 401(k)) salary to a diversified investment portfolio.

Key Benefits:
✔️ Employer Contributions – Many employers offer matching contributions, boosting retirement savings.
✔️ Tax-Deferred Growth – Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce taxable income today, with taxes paid upon withdrawal.
✔️ Roth 401(k) Option – Contributions are made post-tax, but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.
✔️ Diverse Investment Options – Choose from mutual funds, ETFs, and other investment vehicles.

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) (Self-Directed)

For those seeking additional retirement savings beyond a 401(k), an IRA provides another tax-advantaged way to invest. Options include:

  • Traditional IRA – Tax-deferred growth with pre-tax contributions (taxes paid upon withdrawal).
  • Roth IRA – Tax-free withdrawals in retirement, with contributions made after taxes.
  • Non-Deductible IRA – Similar to a Traditional IRA, but contributions are not tax-deductible.

Considerations:

  • Early withdrawals (before age 59½) may incur penalties.
  • Roth IRAs require the account to be at least five years old before tax-free withdrawals.
  • Income limits apply for Roth IRA eligibility.

For those with specialized employment situations, additional options like 403(b), 457 plans, and Deferred Compensation Plans may be available.

�� Let’s discuss the best retirement savings plan for you.

529 College Savings Plans

A 529 Qualified Tuition Plan helps families save for future education expenses in a tax-advantaged way. Whether for a child, grandchild, or even yourself, a 529 plan offers flexibility and potential growth.

Two Types of 529 Plans:

1️⃣ Prepaid Tuition Plans – Lock in today’s tuition rates at participating colleges.
2️⃣ College Savings Plans – Invest in a portfolio of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds to grow savings tax-free.

Key Benefits:
✔️ Tax-Free Growth – Contributions grow tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.
✔️ State Tax Benefits – Some states offer deductions for 529 contributions.
✔️ Flexible Use – Funds can cover tuition, books, room & board, and other education costs.

�� A financial planner can help optimize your 529 contributions to balance education savings with other financial goals.

Prior to investing in a 529 Plan investors should consider whether the investor's or designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program. Withdrawals used for qualified expenses are federally tax free. Tax treatment at the state level may vary. Please consult with your tax advisor before investing.

Other Investment Products

Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

For those seeking low-risk investments, Brokered Certificates of Deposit (CDs) offer fixed returns over a specified period. CDs typically:

  • Provide higher interest rates than standard savings accounts.
  • Are FDIC-insured, offering principal protection.
  • Have fixed terms (ranging from a few months to several years).

�� CDs redeemed before maturity may be subject to penalties.

CDs are FDIC insured to specific limits and offer a fixed rate of return if held to maturity, whereas investing in securities is subject to market risk including loss of principal.​

U.S. Treasury Securities

In uncertain markets, U.S. Treasury Securities offer a secure, government-backed investment option. These include:

  • Treasury Bills (T-Bills) – Short-term securities (1 year or less).
  • Treasury Notes & Bonds – Fixed-rate investments with maturities from 2 to 30 years.
  • Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) – Adjusted for inflation to protect purchasing power.

✅ Backed by the U.S. government for safety and reliability.

Government bonds and Treasury bills are guaranteed by the US government as to the timely payment of principal and interest and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and fixed principal value.

Group Retirement & Savings Plans (For Employers)

Employers can enhance benefits packages by offering group retirement and savings plans. These plans help employees save for retirement while providing tax advantages for business owners.

Employer-Sponsored Options:

✔ 401(k) Plans – Standard employer-sponsored retirement savings plans.
✔ Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Plans – Great for small businesses and self-employed individuals.
✔ Qualified Retirement Plans – Customizable options tailored to business needs.

Why Offer a Group Plan?
✅ Attract & retain high-quality employees.
✅ Provide tax-efficient savings for employees and business owners.
✅ Offer employees financial confidence.

�� Let’s discuss the right retirement benefits for your business.

Take Control of Your Financial Future

Whether planning for retirement, education, or investment growth, our team at Financial Focus is here to help. We take a fiduciary approach to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals.

�� Contact us today to discuss investment strategies that fit your unique needs.