​This year has been a rollercoaster ride. COVID has dominated the headlines and impacted every aspect of our lives. It has shut down businesses, schools, and workplaces. It’s changed the way we interact and socialize. And of course, it has deeply impacted the economy and the financial markets.
 
It can be hard in 2020 to find the good news, but there actually are a few economic developments for which we can be grateful. There’s also quite a bit of uncertainty ahead of us. As we approach the end of 2020, now may be a good time to reflect on what has transpired over the past 11 months, and what steps you may need to take to prepare for what comes next.
 
Below are three positive developments that you may want to consider as you prepare for 2021:

COVID ended the longest bull market and longest economic expansion in history. The previous bull market started in 2009 and lasted for nearly a decade before crashing in just a few short weeks over February and January of this year.1
 
Between February 19 and March 23, the S&P 500 fell 33.93%. Since that point, though, the markets have surged. From March 23 through October 29, the S&P 500 is up 47.94% and is nearly back to its pre-COVID levels.2
 
As mentioned, though, there is still uncertainty ahead. The COVID pandemic is far from over. There’s also uncertainty about how the results of the election will impact the markets, the economy, and the country’s COVID response.
 
While the market's rebound is a fortunate turn of events, there’s no guarantee that it will continue. Now is a good time to evaluate your strategy and lock-in any gains before another potential downturn occurs. A financial professional can help you explore options.

In the second quarter, GDP fell by 31.4%, the largest quarterly drop in history. In the third quarter, it rebounded by 33.1%, the largest quarterly gain in history. That number easily beat the previous record of 16.7% in the third quarter of 1950.3
 
Much of the rebound was driven by the service industry and the reopening of much of the economy. Of course, the continuing rise in COVID cases may threaten the economic rebound. Twenty-nine states hit record levels for daily new cases in October. Forty states had an increase of 10% just in the last week of October.4

The COVID pandemic and its economic fallout have created financial challenges for millions of Americans. While the government is still debating a second round of stimulus, the first round, known as the CARES Act, continues to provide financial flexibility for those facing difficulties.
 
As part of the CARES Act, you can withdraw up to $100,000 from your 401(k) or IRA without facing early distribution penalties. The taxes on the distribution can even be spread out over a three-year period.5
 
Granted, withdrawing money from your 401(k) or IRA isn’t the best strategy for your retirement. However, it is an added measure of flexibility that didn’t exist prior to this year and it could be a blessing if you’re struggling due to the COVID pandemic.
 
The end of 2020 is approaching. It’s been a rollercoaster ride, but there have been some positive developments, especially in the second half of the year. Let’s talk about how to protect what you have and limit your exposure to future risk and uncertainty. Contact us today at Boston Independence Group and let’s start the conversation.
 
1https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/11/investing/bear-market-stocks-recession/index.html
2https://www.google.com/finance/quote/.INX:INDEXSP
3https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/29/us-gdp-report-third-quarter-2020.html
4https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/28/health/us-coronavirus-wednesday/index.html
5https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/coronavirus-related-relief-for-retirement-plans-and-iras-questions-and-answers
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.

​The COVID pandemic has changed nearly every aspect of society. It’s changed the way we work, the way we learn, and even the ways in which we travel and dine. The pandemic also disrupted the economy and the financial markets, triggering record unemployment and bringing the longest bull market in history to an end.
 
Given the financial volatility we have seen during the pandemic, you might think that Americans are also changing their retirement strategies. However, a new survey from Forbes and YouGov suggests that’s not the case.
 
The survey reached out to 9,675 people to learn more about their retirement planning. Many of the questions and answers focused on three main areas:

As the COVID pandemic hit the economy, the government passed the CARES Act to provide assistance to those who were impacted. One piece of the CARES Act allows 401(k) and IRA account holders to withdraw up to $100,000 without paying an early distribution penalty. They can also pay the taxes over a three-year period.1
 
While the pandemic may have created unemployment and other financial emergencies, few Americans are tapping into their retirement savings. According to the survey, only 4% of respondents took a 401(k) hardship withdrawal and 5% took a hardship withdrawal from an IRA.2
 
Most of those who took a withdrawal were younger in age. Among those ages 25 to 34, 8% reported taking a withdrawal. However, among those 55% and older, only 2% said they took a withdrawal from a retirement account.2

While few respondents said they had tapped into their retirement savings, 11% said they planned to work longer before retiring. Those ages 45 to 54 were most likely to give this response.2
 
The decision to work longer may be due to market volatility in 2020. However, it also could be due to a surprising reason - employers suspending their 401(k) matching contributions. Nearly 4% of respondents said their employers had suspended matching contributions, but that number could increase.2 In the years following the 2008 financial crisis, nearly 20% of employers with more than 1,000 employees suspended their matching contributions.3
 
If you’re concerned about volatility or if your employer has suspended contributions, consider meeting with a financial professional. Working longer is an option, but it’s not your only option. A financial professional can help you implement the strategy that’s right for your goals and needs.

In the survey, only 5% of respondents said they had made a significant change to their asset allocation and only 4% said they had lowered their 401(k) or IRA contributions. In fact, 72% of respondents said they hadn’t made any changes to their retirement strategy at all.2
 
While sticking to a long-term strategy is generally a good idea, there may be times when a change is warranted. If you haven’t reviewed your strategy recently, now may be a good time to do so.
 
Let’s talk about your strategy and whether it’s still right for your goals. Contact us today at Boston Independence Group. We can analyze your strategy and help you make adjustments where needed. Let’s connect today and start the conversation.
 
1https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/coronavirus-related-relief-for-retirement-plans-and-iras-questions-and-answers
2https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/05/11/how-covid-19-has-changed-retirement-planning/#7f6080b6830d
3https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/04/10/covid-19-employers-suspending-401k-matching-contributions/#30e0b7cd285f
 
Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency. 20418 - 2020/9/17