Why is it never too early to plan? Because financial planning experts recommend having 70% of your annual salary at retirement saved for each year of retirement, which requires serious effort and forethought.

And don't forget the importance of periodically reviewing and reevaluating your financial choices, to accommodate changing goals and circumstances. Every time you make one financial change, it affects your entire financial picture. For example, if you borrow to finance a car, you're assuming a financial obligation that didn't exist before. That will impact your other financial decisions.

Investing is what happens when you put your savings to work, generating income or appreciating in value. Bonds or other fixed-rate investments rely on the stability of financial markets.*

Many people are confused by the number of saving and investment options available to them. They may not feel they have the time to carefully study each option. So they stick with the tried and true - which may not be the best way for them to attain long-term goals. Or they may jump into investment opportunities they don't really understand, which can be an even bigger mistake.

Certain factors come into play when making investment decisions:

Let's take a closer look at retirement planning:
Planning for retirement requires a different perspective today than it did in earlier generations. Many people change careers several times, some try the self-employment route, or working part-time. People are living longer and many are retiring earlier. Retirement can also mean different things ... a gradual retirement with part-time hours or even a new career. Career decisions such as these will have an impact on your retirement planning strategies. So will your age, and how close you are to retiring. And there are new tax advantages for retirement savings. (Consult your tax advisor)

The important thing to consider is the value your First Midwest Financial Consultant can create by crafting your savings and investments to meet your particular needs, while adding convenience and managing overall risk. Contact your Financial Consultant today to review your financial goals.

First Midwest Financial Network is a division of First Midwest Bank. Securities are offered by UVEST Financial Services. Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products are offered by licensed insurance agencies UVEST Financial Services Group, Inc in IA and IN and UVEST Investment Services in IL. UVEST and First Midwest Financial Network are independent entities.

NOT FDIC Insured	Not Bank Guaranteed	May Lose Value
Not Guaranteed by any Government Agency	Not a Bank Deposit

Smart Tip:

RISK OR RETURN? Just as time is the ally of value, risk is its enemy. While searching for ever higher rates of return on their investments, most people pay little or no attention to the risks. Even commonly understood investments, such as stocks and business or real estate ventures, can result in total loss. Of course, few investments are actually risk-free. The key is to determine an acceptable level of risk and count that directly against the potential value of any strategic financial decision you consider. In terms of meeting your financial needs over a lifetime, risk is an element that must be continually managed.