IRA and 401K Retirement investment strategy

Most have multiple retirement accounts: 401K with an existing employer, 401K with a previous employer, an IRA which is the result of rolling over an old 401K plan. Most of us also don't pay enough attention to any of these funds that are going to be the bedrock of our retirement.

Your nestegg needs your attention. Increasing your returns by 6% doubles the size of that nestegg in a decade. There is a good chance that your neglected retirement plans could give you a higher income when it comes time to retire.

Fear driven from a lack of knowledge is the enemy. IRA's have too many options and 401K's may not have enough. In either case, not knowing what selections to make results in inaction and the retirement plans linger in the dark. Review your latest 401K statement (or IRA) to see what your three and five year annual rate of return is (ARR). If your ARR is below 3% there is upside for you.

To evaluate the potential upside, we are going to use a SIB - the simplest portfolios imaginable (Simpler Is Better). We take market indices for each of the market segments represented in the portfolio; no effort is spent in trying to pick the best stock; we take the whole market segment.

The SAA (Strategic Asset Allocation) --buy and hold strategy represents what many people may end up with as there is little thought put into which asset classes are represented but these are the most likely ones to be covered.

Recently, SAA has been augmented with a more active strategy Tactical Asset Allocation (TAA) which is a 'buy and modify approach. You keep the same asset classes but you may change the ratios depending on market conditions. For example a portfolio with 40% bonds, 30% US stocks and 30% international stocks may see the bond and US stock ratios increased at the cost of the international stocks when international economies are weak.

We compare the results of a 5 asset class SIB portfolio with low cost ETF funds against a leading 401K plan. You can plug in your own numbers for your own 401K or IRA.

For example, an ex IBM employee has money in the IBM retirement plan. There is no activity so it's a strategic asset allocation (buy and hold). A good result for a moderate risk approach - assuming good asset allocation choices and occasional rebalancing would deliver results in the 5% range over a five year period. Contrast this with a five asset class SIB implemented with Vanguard ETF's with a moderate risk profile with tactical asset allocation -- 14% for five years with a moderate risk profile. So the difference between staying in and rolling over to an IRA is 9% a year - that difference doubles your money in eight years.

What to do? Find your latest 401K and IRA statements and see your annual rates of return - some sites will calculate that for you. Then compare what you are getting with what's possible. Finally decide what you are going to do about it. Remember, you are talking about your retirement.

Simon Napper is President and Founder of MyPlanIQ.

-Simon Napper

Investing Property In Guam Makes Sense

Within the past decade we have seen an unprecedented increase in the purchase, interest as well as hype in owning an investment property overseas. Since the late 90's until today, there are significant surges in the value of real estate and the decline in the ticket costs of airline destinations. Due to these, middle class families now have more financial opportunities from the excess equities of their current homes to purchase properties overseas. As most of us are aware of real estate is one solid investment that increases in value overtime.

Of course, location is probably the most important factor when one considers purchasing an investment property overseas. Europe and the Americas are regarded as the major real estate destinations, but why settle for these areas if you could own a property in an area that is equally at par with these locations and could offer you more business opportunities? Guam is a little known territory of the United States is currently in the process of growth and development, propelled by its tourism and military expansion.

Strategically located seven hours away from the island of Hawaii, and just four hours short from major Asian destinations like Japan, Guam is acknowledged as the frontier where America's day begins. With that said, Guam enjoys a US dollar economy but is also a hub for diverse international flavor evident from its mixture of rich Asian and local Chamorro cultures. Though the US mainland is currently experiencing declines in economy and mortgage pricing, Guam is encountering strong real estate industry credited to the military relocation and construction that is expected to bring about $15 billion of expenditures. As such, many real estate investors are eyeing for Guam's expected growth and are looking forward to earn profits by owning an investment property overseas.

The geographic location of Guam is what makes it the ideal overseas residential location for families and business avenue for American and Asian investors. The place is highly accessible considering that it is surrounded by many routes of swift access towards main roads, stations, ferry ports and international airport. Since its technology, telecommunication and overall industry are adherent to US standards, the business climate in the area is very competitive and is able to fulfill a whole range of expectations from various industries. Hence, if you are to purchase a Guam home for sale, you will not only enjoy the pristine appeal of the location but also be able to take advantage of the business opportunities it offers.

Rental properties in Guam are also gaining momentum in the real estate market. The rise on the sales of Guam rental homes could be credited to the increased volume of tourists visiting the island to enjoy its panoramic beaches and culture. Notably, the rental yield in the area is up to 14%, with 220 meter residential homes earning up to $3,000 a month and up to $700 a month for 80 meter properties. Tenancy laws in the island are amicable for landlords with very low rental income tax to pay; hence, having a rental home in Guam is a very profitable business.

All in all, the real estate market in Guam will profoundly increase for the years to follow as more and more investors are taking notice of its business potentials. With this in mind, this is the right opportunity to own a property in Guam. If you are thinking of purchasing a Guam home for sale, it is now easier to finance your desired overseas property because many estate agents are now willing to help you with your investment. With the island's accessibility, excellent culture, business opportunities and unprecedented growth, owning a property in Guam is a worthwhile investment that you could definitely enjoy for the long term.

Owning an investment property overseas is now becoming a trend due to the benefits it could provide in the long term. Guam is one of the key real estate destinations today fueled by the military relocation and construction that is expected to build a multi-billion dollar industry in this island. Due to this, Guam home for sale and rental properties are being purchased by many investors who are seeing the competitive business potentials of Guam.

Why It Pays To Own A Property In Guam

Purchasing properties abroad is not out of reach anymore. With the increased interest in investment properties, lower air travel costs made it possible for travelers to easily visit one place to another, and more property ownership opportunities are achieved by many homeowners to cheaply buy overseas for their prospective properties. For these reasons, the concept of having a second home now include locations overseas. These developments are all the evidences of the booming real estate market.

Though Italy, Spain, Canada, France and Europe are among the most sought-after locations to purchase investment properties, new real estate markets are now emerging in Guam, where potential buyers could find competitively priced homes and other real estate properties. Investment Guam properties soared to great heights after the announcement of the intended relocation of Marine corps personnel and their families from Okinawa. Adding up to these, the growing military population in the island requires the implementation of construction programs that is set to exceed billions of dollars in expenditures, and would require significant number of laborers, which means more accommodations would be needed. Due to these, Guam real estate market is poised to expand for the following years.

Another factor that contributes to the growing real estate market in Guam is its tourism industry which is noted to have 1.2 million visitors annually and is generating about $1.35 billion in revenues for the island. Guam is contemplated as a melting pot of races, blending the influences of American, Chamorro, Spanish, Micronesia and Asian cultures. The combination of its natural aesthetics and modern lifestyle warranted its reputation as the place to visit and to stay for life. As this island enjoys an American dollar economy and the developments in many of its industries, many investors are seeing the value of investment Guam properties and turning them into lucrative financial businesses.

The strategic location of Guam plays an integral role for its unwavering appeal among families and businesses. As a matter of fact, the highly structured commercial and residential real estate market of Guam has persuaded many homeowners and businesses to own properties in the island. Residential real estate prices starts from $120,000 and rises to $370,000 for luxury condominiums situated in the island's center and economic hub, Tumon. Meanwhile, a residential rental property could earn $1,200 a month for town houses situated in small villages and could go as high as $4,500 per month for residential spaces operating in Tumon.

When it comes to commercial investment Guam properties prices are also dependent on the location of the properties. For example, a simple commercial structure in Hagat±a is priced at $61 per square feet. A similar property on the other hand could cost $158 per square feet if it is located in Tumon. However, if you would compare these prices to other overseas properties they are relatively competitive, which is why Guam is truly an ideal destination to own a home or a commercial property.

If you intend to buy overseas for some properties may it be for residential or commercial purposes, Guam could be the perfect location for you based from the opportunities it could provide. For businesses, Guam offers a comprehensive program of incentives for those investors who wish to operate in the island, attractive income tax structure, and modern infrastructures. For families on the other hand, the island could offer incomparable modern conveniences, high-standard educational system, cosmopolitan shopping centers and entertainment facets, and almost all comfortable means to enjoy island living. Overall, Guam brings in together a solid combination of culture, style, international business and comfortable living at a very lenient real estate cost.

Having an investment abroad is probably one of the best means to secure one's future. Hence, if you would like to buy overseas for a residential rental property, you may want to try looking at Guam. Currently, investment Guam properties are now being sold fast due to the financial potentials they present. The booming tourism industry and expected relocation of military personnel from Okinawa are the primary catalysts for the booming real estate market in Guam.

Tumon Guam: Getting The Best Investment Properties

Buying properties to get a hold of either a home or condominium unit and moving ahead of the property ladder is perhaps the best means to secure long term financial stability. There isn't any other investment today that could offer both stability and excellent returns than that of property investment. While the stock market does offer high returns, many people know that it is a volatile place that could break anytime, especially these days that it has been underperforming. As such, many people are now turning toward property investment and considering it as the best investment vehicle that could brought about long term financial wealth.

Owning an investment property overseas has become popular than ever. In fact, more and more people are purchasing properties abroad in order to have a getaway home for their families, assets to have them rented for good returns or just to have an investment that would acquire them capital gains in the future. There are many reasons why it pays to have a property investment abroad. First, you have the chance to experience reduced taxation by having your property rented and of course have a stable income out of it; second, you and your family could enjoy several weeks of vacation especially if you have several properties in different foreign locations; and of course, there are more chances for the price of your property to increase overtime, which you could take advantage of and have it up for higher resale value.

Now that you are aware of the many benefits that could be derived from having an investment property overseas, why not start purchasing your own property abroad? There are many places that offer good property investment opportunities and one of the most promising today is in Guam. Guam is an island territory of the US that is located at the crossroads of Asia-Pacific countries like Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong and Philippines. It is considered as a major economic force due to its location, well-developed infrastructures and modern telecommunication system.

In 2005, United States and Japan announced that the 8,000 marines serving in Okinawa along with their families would be transferred to Guam in 2010. Such event requires $10 billion of new construction and procurement of infrastructures that would support the expected growth of people in the island. Due to this, many investors from Asia, United States and other countries have seen the potentials of Guam to be transformed into one of the newest hub for investment property overseas. True enough, Guam is now experiencing an unprecedented expansion when it comes to property ownership.

Tumon of the Tamuning district is one of the best places where one could own a property in Guam since it is the island's economic and tourist center. Tumon Guam presents several major advantages for investors, individuals and families who wish to have their properties in this location. As it is the major hub of the island, it is here where notable high rise hotels, souvenir shops, malls, and upscale boutiques can be found, making it a premier shopping destination for many foreigners as well as local citizens. It is also known for its lush greenery, and the beaches surrounding it are all wildlife preserves.

In terms of financial services, Tumon has a full range of services that includes collections, letter credits, money transfers, automated tellers, money markets, and commercial and residential estate loans among others. Tumon also has a very competitive education, transportation and business outlook that could be credited to its US standard adherent infrastructures and information technology. Likewise, communities are well secured as seen from military presence and political stability. Generally, Tumon Guam is a good bet for investors and homeowners that would be worth investing in.

Buying properties is a good means to have a stable financial investment. A good method in order to do so is to have an investment property overseas. Tumon Guam is now considered as one of the best real estate hubs to invest in. Its combination of pristine greenery and cosmopolitan living is truly what makes it a destination to enjoy. With its strong economic, political, educational, business, telecommunication and technological trajectory, it is an ideal place to have a home.

Guam: Property Investment Perks

The past decade witnessed a tremendous increase in the purchase, interest and hype of buying an investment property overseas. Since the late 90's until today, there are significant surges in the value of real estate and the decline in the ticket costs of airline destinations. Due to these, average families are now experiencing excess equities from their current homes and are granted financial opportunities to have investment properties abroad. As we all know real estate is a consistently solid investment that would provide financial stability if held for the long term.

Of course, location plays an integral role when it comes to purchasing an investment property overseas. Europe and the Americas are key real estate destinations, but as a future homeowner why settle for areas that hold too many people when you could actually own a property in one of the most sought after places today? Guam is an island territory of the United States that is currently experiencing unprecedented economic and real estate growth fueled by its tourism and military expansion.

Just seven hours away from Hawaii and just four hours short from Japan and other Asian countries, Guam is considered as the place where America's day begins. That being said, it enjoys all-American benefits but also offer a diverse international appeal as seen from the prevalence of Asian and local Chamorro cultures. Although the US mainland's mortgage prices and economy have significantly plummeted, Guam is profoundly showing strong performances in its real estate industry due to the military relocation that is expected to bring $15 billion of expenditures. Hence, many real estate investors are closely looking after the said relocation and are moving forward to expand their reach by offering investment property overseas.

The geographic location of Guam is what makes it an ideal destination for families as well as American and Asian businesses. The territory is highly accessible with modern routes directly linked to main roads, stations, ferry ports and international airport. As its transportation, technology and telecommunication standards are entirely US-based, the business climate in this place is truly competitive and could fulfill the expectations of differing industries. Hence, regardless if you're looking for a holiday home or the one that you could use to earn profits through rental, you could easily find a Guam home for sale that would suit your intended purpose and be able to enjoy the abovementioned benefits.

Rental properties in Guam are also considered as hot commodities nowadays. The appreciation for owning rental homes in Guam is driven by the increased number of tourists visiting the island to enjoy the sand, sea and culture of this US territory. The rental yield in the island is up to 14%, wherein a 220 meter rental home could earn up to $3,000 per month, and $700 per month for an 80 meter property. Rental income tax is very low and tenancy laws are very lenient for landlords; hence, you could easily earn profits from Guam if you own a rental home in this location.

Generally, the real estate market in Guam will bolster for the following years as more and more investors would like to take advantage of the developments in the relocation currently taking place in the territory. By all means, this is the right time to cash your money in for an investment in Guam. If you decide to purchase a Guam home for sale, there are many estate agents who are willing to help you find the right investment in the island. Based from the island's accessibility, rich culture, business opportunities and uncapped economic growth, purchasing a home in Guam is one sure investment that you would never regret.

Owning an investment property overseas is now becoming a trend due to the benefits it could provide in the long term. Guam is one of the key real estate destinations today fueled by the military relocation and construction that is expected to build a multi-billion dollar industry in this island. Due to this, Guam home for sale and rental properties are being purchased by many investors who are seeing the competitive business potentials of Guam.

Taking Advantage Of Guam's Booming Real Estate Industry

Purchasing properties abroad has never been easier. With the profound attention given towards investment properties, lower airfare made traveling much accessible and the possibility to buy overseas for properties is now possible for many homeowners. For these reasons, the concept of having a second home now include locations overseas. These can all be seen from the immediate boom in the industry of real estate.

While Italy, Spain, Canada, France and Europe are among the most usual destinations for investors longing to own overseas properties, new real estate markets are expanding in Guam, where potential buyers are afforded incredible value homes and other real estate properties. Investment Guam properties soared to great heights after the announcement of the intended relocation of Marine corps personnel and their families from Okinawa. In addition, the continuous profusion in military population requires construction programs that is expected to exceed billions of dollars of expenditures and would require significant additional laborers, which in turn would require more accommodations. Due to these, Guam real estate market is poised to expand for the following years.

Another driver for Guam's real estate market is its tourism industry which has been gaining about 1.2 million visitors annually, generating approximately $1.35 billion in revenues. Guam is contemplated as a melting pot of races, blending the influences of American, Chamorro, Spanish, Micronesia and Asian cultures. Its powerful combination of natural beauty and modern conveniences, as seen from its well lined beaches and contemporary infrastructures, appealed to people as the place not only for vacation but the destination to stay for life. As this island enjoys an American dollar economy and the developments in many of its industries, many investors are seeing the value of investment Guam properties and turning them into lucrative financial businesses.

Due to its geographic location which is within the reach of nearby Asian countries as well as the US, it has become one of the most ideal locations for families and businesses. Its well developed commercial and residential real estate market has since been enticing many investors and homeowners from around the globe to own properties in the island. Price range of residential real estate properties could start from $120,000 and rises to $370,000 for high-end condominiums located in Tumon, which is the island's major tourist center. Meanwhile, a residential rental property could earn $1,200 a month for town houses situated in small villages and could go as high as $4,500 per month for residential spaces operating in Tumon.

For commercial investment Guam properties, prices also depends on the location. For instance, a commercial building in Hagat±a could cost about $61 per square feet. A similar property in Tumon could value at $158 per square feet. Basically, the prices of properties in Guam are comparably competitive than other overseas properties, which is why it is a suitable location for families who wish to have a second home abroad, and for businesses that wish to expand their financial reach.

If you intend to buy overseas for some properties may it be for residential or commercial purposes, Guam could be the perfect location for you based from the opportunities it could provide. For businesses, Guam provides perks ranging from comprehensive incentive programs for businesses, a good income tax structure as well as modern infrastructures. For families on the other hand, the island could offer incomparable modern conveniences, high-standard educational system, cosmopolitan shopping centers and entertainment facets, and almost all comfortable means to enjoy island living. Generally, Guam integrates high-end comfort, culture, luxury and international business without actually breaking your budget outlay.

If you would like to buy overseas for some properties, Guam might be the location you are looking for. Investment Guam properties, especially their residential rental property, are now becoming hot commodities due to their business potentials. Guam has developed into a major destination for tourists and investors since the announcement of the relocation of military personnel from Okinawa. Hence, the real estate market in Guam is now in full swing and is expected to expand for the following years.