A successful retirement in the future can often depend on having a solid plan now. If your money isn’t working as hard as you are, it may be time to act—there are no do-overs in retirement planning. Now is the time to consider developing a strategy that can help you work toward your financial goals.

M&F Bank is committed to helping all customers plan for financial independence in retirement. Whether you are just starting your career, contemplating retirement, or currently retired, we are here to partner with you to decide plan of action. We specialize in providing comprehensive, objective financial guidance with the goal of maximizing every remaining moment of the retirement countdown. Whether its managing existing assets, building a nest egg, or creating an income stream we can help you plan for a comfortable retirement.

The aftermath of and unexpected sickness or injury, death of a loved one, or simply getting older is no doubt a difficult time for you and your family. You’re already coping with many emotions, and there are financial issues that needs addressing. We can help you identify areas of concern and guide you through the difficult times. We offer a wide variety of life, disability, and long-term care insurance to help with your protection needs. Protecting your family from a catastrophic loss is a vital part of your overall financial plan.

Whether the child in your life is 13 years old, 10 months old, or due any day, it’s never too soon to start planning. Thinking about the costs involved in a child’s education can be overwhelming, but the earlier you begin saving, the longer your money can work for you. Making prudent investment decisions can also make a big difference.

As cost for education continues to rise it’s very important to develop a college savings plan. There are many things to consider when making that decision. For example, private vs. public school, in-state or out of state, two years vs. four year, or how much do you want to pay. We can help you plan for college by examining the resources available to you and determine a plan of action.

A flurry of new investment products, the emergence of global investing, the shift from company-funded pension plans to employee driven retirement plans (like 401(k) plans), and uncertainty about Social Security have all contributed to the increased need for qualified financial advice. No matter what your level of investment experience or sophistication, you may benefit from developing a relationship with a financial adviser.

A good financial plan can serve as your road-map towards your financial goals. We us a comprehensive, holistic approach to planning by clearly defining what you are trying to accomplish. We start by helping you identify your goals, developing a plan to help you get there, implementing the plan, then tracking your progress along the way, while recommending changes where needed.

Good money habits can help you as you save and invest for the future. Bad habits can leave you treading water (or underwater) financially. When the markets and the economy are behaving badly, as they tend to do from time to time, it’s easy to feel helpless. But creating a solid financial foundation can help you gain control of your investments and possibly avoid mistakes that can sabotage your portfolio. M&F Bank provides, through its partners, access to numerous investment options and brokerage account types designed to help you achieve your financial goals.

Because you’ve worked hard to create a secure and comfortable lifestyle for your family and loved ones, you’ll want to ensure that you have a sound financial plan that includes trust and estate planning. With some forethought, you may be able to minimize gift and estate taxes and preserve more of your assets for those you care about.

Remember, estate planning is very complex. And while a simple will may adequately serve the estate planning needs of some people, you should meet with a qualified legal advisor to be sure you are developing a plan that is consistent with your objectives. In addition, be sure to recognize that estate planning is also an ongoing process that may require periodic review to ensure that plans are in concert with your changing goals. Because estate planning often entails many facets of your personal finances, it often involves the coordinated efforts of qualified legal, tax, insurance, and financial professionals.

Needing long-term care puts an enormous emotional and physical strain on your loved ones and family members. By planning ahead, you can help reduce this burden. Also, as you age, your health may change, which could make it difficult to get coverage. That’s why it’s important to start planning now while you have the most options.

Long-term care (LTC) goes beyond medical care to include all the assistance you could need if you ever have a chronic illness or disability that leaves you unable to care for yourself for an extended period of time (longer than 90 days). While older people generally require the most long-term care services, a young or middle-aged person who has suffered a debilitating illness or accident may also require care. You may require long-term care due to:

• Dementia/Alzheimer’s
• Stroke
• Complications with diabetes
• Other chronic conditions

Education is the key to gaining valuable knowledge around the area of financial planning and investing. M&F is committed to providing helpful information to the communities we serve by offering financial education seminars. Through our trusted partners we can provide seminars ranging from retirement to long term care and many other financial topics. These seminars can be held at a bank location, conference center, or in a workplace environment.