Financial planning for retirement by Craig Wear Financial Group in Houston & Conroe, Texas.

One of the reasons I choose to live in the South is that I really enjoy our weather compared to regions that endure harsh winters. For us, its here and gone before we know it! Nonetheless, I long for spring even though the winters are mild. I love to see new growth in the plants and trees and feel the rejuvenating warmth of the spring sunshine. I prefer to stay away from places where winter is harsh and lasts a long, long time.

I've heard it said that although history doesn't necessarily repeat itself, it certainly rhymes. Humans are predictable in our habits and emotions. This is the reason that you may have noticed that economies go through predictable 'seasons' as well. We move from inflation to stability; then into periods of deflation, followed by stability again..

In his most recent book, The Great Depression Ahead, Harry Dent explains how the distribution of different ages of an underlying cultures population are highly predictive of their spending habits - and therefore economic health or demise. Our lifestyle and spending habits directly affect the economy so much that we can predict what part of our economic cycle we are entering into - summer, fall, winter, or spring; just by paying attention to how old our citizenry are. When you can identify the 'season', you can make smart decisions about retirement and investing.

Over-funding your 401k?

When you retire, you're probably going to need access to your savings, right? Why would you subject yourself to paying tax every time you have a need?

If you've saved well for retirement, the last five to ten years may be the best opportunity you have to build reserves AFTER-TAX that provide you with alot of freedom.

Tax rates are going up! Develop strategies that make this work in your favor.