Retirement is the point where we finally settle down and enjoy all we’ve worked for. The problem is that it can take years to save enough money. Smart planning is often not enough when markets go in the wrong direction, according to retirement experts like Robert Nico Martinelli and others.

How much money do you need?

The first step is knowing how much you will need to retire at your desired lifestyle level. While that may seem obvious, many people overlook this step.

What is your retirement lifestyle?

This is an important question because it helps determine how much money you will need to save each month or year. If you have a fairly modest income now but dream of cruising the Mediterranean every winter with your spouse for six months out of the year, don’t be surprised if it takes more than 30 years to achieve this goal.

How long do you expect to live in retirement?

While no one can predict longevity, most planners use 75 as the average life expectancy at age 65 for both males and females. Women are slightly longer lived on average than men are. This means that women should plan for about three years less than men who retire at 65.

How much will you withdraw annually from your savings?

Once you know how much money you need to retire, the next step is determining how much of that income can be safely withdrawn each year. The general rule-of-thumb is four percent, though this percentage was worked out many years ago when interest rates were higher. Today it may not be safe for retirees to withdraw more than three percent of their total investment portfolio per year, even if they are willing to reduce spending later in life or take a lump sum distribution all at once.

What rate of return do you expect on your retirement investments?

The average annualized return for stocks since 1926 has been about nine percent, according to Ibbotson Associates’ Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and Inflation Yearbook.

If you are planning on retiring in 10 or more years, you have a decent chance of seeing six percent returns at least once during your investment lifetime. If you plan to retire in less than five years, however, it is highly unlikely that you will earn the kind of return needed for successful retirement planning.

What risks do you accept?

Last but not least, figure out what risks will affect your portfolio and make sure they won’t hurt too much. Few people like risk – even if it can be managed – but we all need some level to stay satisfied—or even aggressive—with our investments over time.

The more risk averse you are, the more time you will need for your investments to grow, or the less aggressive you will be able to be. And this could hurt your returns significantly in many cases.

For example, if you want a portfolio that can see eight percent annualized returns and figure an investment lifetime of 25 years before retirement, it would take a very conservative approach to get there. You might end up with only six-percent annualized returns during the majority of that time because of payouts and market volatility throughout your journey.

 

During the golden age of the muscle car, there were many questions asked by enthusiasts like Eugene Bernshtam and other potential buyers. Here are some of the most common questions answered.

1). How much horsepower does a muscle car produce?

About 425-440 hp, usually on high octane gas. Some of the big block cars could make upwards of 500 hp. With modern fuels and tuning, this could be increased.

2). How much torque does a muscle car produce?

It is about 535 ft/lbs, again using high octane gas and compression ratios to get the most out of it. Some big block cars made over 600 ft/lb of torque.

3). How fast do muscle cars go?

They’re called “Muscle Cars” for a reason! Some will go over 150 mph, and others up to 175-180 mph. If you could get them on a road course, they’d be able to keep up with European and Japanese sports cars of the same era. This was usually not done, however.

4). How much do muscle cars cost?

They’re expensive! Depending on the model and year, you can buy one in decent shape for $35,000 to $55,000. However, this is just for a base model. If you want special options available in that era, expect to pay a lot more.

5). How big is a muscle car?

They’re about the size of a mid-size family sedan. The idea was for a sporty appearance and enough room inside for 4 or 5 people, with no excess amenities that would add weight or cost. Most have large engines under the hood and weigh around 3,500 lbs.

6). Why are muscle cars so collectible?

As time passes, the price of these classics continues to climb. This is because fewer and fewer are left in decent condition. They were affordable back then, but today their value only goes up as they’re harder to find for daily driving.

7). What do car collectors look for when buying a muscle car?

The condition of the engine, transmission, and suspension are very important. Most people will buy a base model muscle car and restore it to factory specs…or even better. Custom interior, paint jobs, engines – these can add to the value of your vehicle.

8). Are custom muscle cars better than original?

Depends. Most people want a muscle car to look like it did back in the 1960s and 1970s, so they’ll look for factory originals if possible. On the other hand, some people want power and speed with good looks, so they might consider a well-done custom job if it’s done right.

9). What are the most collectible muscle cars?

The 1967-69 Camaro SS, 1968 Shelby GT500 (especially ones with four speed transmissions), 1970 Challenger R/T, 1971 Hemi Cuda Convertible, 1969 Chevelle SS396. Some other collectible muscle cars are the 1969 Charger R/T convertible, 1966 Nova SS, 1970 Chevelle SS454 LS6, and 1971 Boss 429 Mustang.

10). Can I race a muscle car?

Yes, in stock class racing series. Events are held all over the country throughout the year, so check with your local track to see when they have an event coming up or check out this schedule. You can also find a local car club in your area or via online forums.

Everyone loves a good birthday cake, whether it’s chocolate, vanilla, or Colin the Caterpillar, but if you’re a large family whose birthdays all seem to fall around the same time of year, birthday cake fatigue can quickly set in.

The humble birthday cake may be a long-established tradition, but every now and then it’s perfectly fine to break with tradition and opt for something that your family will actually be excited to gather around and tuck into.

Here are a few suggestions for tasty alternatives to the classic birthday cake.

Pie

Pie has more variety than cake, meaning its much harder to get bored of.

If the birthday haver has a favourite pie, you can bake and put your candles in that. It might be fruit, chocolate, banoffee, custard, pumpkin, or even savoury (not everyone has a sweet tooth after all). Either way, it’ll be more special for them than an old-fashioned cake with vanilla icing.

Cheesecake

This is another option that can easily be adapted to suit different tastes.

There’s the classic New York cheesecake, or you can top it with fruit coulis, or make the filling with lemon or chocolate, or bake it or make it burnt.

If you don’t want to make it yourself, you can always order a professionally made cheesecake online. Companies like Desserts Delivered Bakery deliver fresh cheesecake direct to your front door within 24 hours of ordering. It’ll be a delicious, impressive birthday treat.

Doughnuts

For an eye-catching, deep-fried alternative to the birthday cake, make doughnuts.

Doughnuts piled in pyramid and topped with a drizzle of colourful icing and sprinkles makes a centrepiece that’s just as impressive as any birthday cake. You can make a variety of fillings and cut them into quarters so that everyone present can sample every flavour. It’ll be a birthday to remember.

Sundaes

This is the perfect option for children (though it works for adults as well), as it’s easy to set up and gives them the freedom to choose what they want.

Set up a sundae bar in the corner of your kitchen, with the toppings in separate bowls, where guests can get creative by concocting their perfect ice cream.

For toppings you can have different sweets and candies, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sprinkles and sauces. Just be prepared for the clean up afterwards.

Trifle

Trifle is filling, flavourful and easy to make look impressive.

For spring and summer birthdays, layer summer berries in jelly, sponge, fresh cream and custard on top of each other or, for autumn and winter birthdays, winter berries, ginger sponge, cream and chocolate custard.

Brownies

A plate piled high with chocolate brownies, decorate with edible flowers, sweets or fruit makes for a surprisingly attractive – not to mention easy to make – birthday cake alternative.

Cupcakes

Cupcakes are simple, light and come in a variety of flavours.

In fact, just like ice cream sundaes, you can let your guests create their own cupcakes, with a simple vanilla base, then different icings, candies, sprinkles, fruits, chocolate and nuts. It’ll keep you full, and keep you, your friends and family entertained.

Chocolate fondue

Will anyone complain when the find out the traditional birthday cake has been replaced with a chocolate fountain? We don’t think so.

Chocolate fountains will keep birthday guests occupied for hours as they dip marshmallow, fruit, and savoury bites like cheese into a curtain of melted chocolate. It’s a fabulous centrepiece that will ensure any birthday party will be one to remember.

There are many alternatives to the birthday cake, any one of which will satisfy your sweet cravings and possibly start a new and exciting birthday tradition.