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Balancing Risk and Return

Do you know the rate of investment return on your retirement plan account? You may want to consider whether choosing some investment options with a potential for higher returns might be appropriate for your overall retirement savings strategy.


Find Your Personal Comfort Zone

Generally, investments that offer the highest potential for return have a high potential for risk. Investments that are the most stable and offer the lowest risk also offer a lower potential return. That’s where risk tolerance comes in. It’s up to you to decide how much risk you’re willing to accept for the possibility of larger returns. Just be aware that lower returns could pose a different risk — savings that won't keep pace with inflation. All investments possess some element of risk, including the possible loss of principal.
 

Let's assume a 30-year-old with an annual salary of $25,000 contributes 5% (about $24 a week) to her employer’s retirement plan. Here’s how those weekly contributions could add up at hypothetical 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% annual rates of return.

Hypothetical Rate of Return chart

In this hypothetical scenario, the same annual contribution amount generated over $150,000 more with a return of 10% than with 4% over 30 years. That's quite a difference. So, while selecting investments with the potential for higher returns may be right for you, don’t forget that there’s also the potential for much greater losses.

*Example is hypothetical and does not predict the future performance of any investment option available in your employer’s retirement plan. Example assumes weekly before-tax contributions of $24.03 earning hypothetical 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% annual returns over 30 years. Actual returns and principal values will fluctuate.

  

Keep the Big Picture in Mind

When choosing your investment options, you’ll want to carefully consider your retirement savings goals and your time line until retirement as well as your personal tolerance for risk. By balancing these factors, you can explore the potential for higher returns without leaving your comfort zone. For help with figuring out your personal investing style, take our online risk tolerance quiz. You may also want to consult with a financial professional before making your decision.

 

 

Many tax planning strategies emphasize the deferral of current income taxes, on the basis thaty our federal income tax rate may be lower at retirement. Please keep in mind that federal incometax rates are unpredictable and may be higher when you take a distribution than at the time of deferral. Other factors, including state tax rates and your income, may also affect your overall taxr ate upon distribution. Please consult with your tax advisor for individual tax planning strategy and advice. The Hartford does not predict or in any way guarantee favorable tax results.

This information is written in connection with the promotion or marketing of the matter(s) addressed in this material. This information cannot be used or relied upon for the purpose of avoiding IRS penalties. These materials are not intended to provide tax, accounting or legal advice. As with all matters of a tax or legal nature, you should consult your own tax or legal counsel for advice.

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