Joe Lucey

At this time of year, many of us are shopping the post-holiday sales. But no matter what time of year it is, the way we buy things has changed dramatically over the last decade. Sure, there are those who still enjoy the rush of finding a great in-store deal, joining the throngs of shoppers during big sale days, and ducking in and out of stores and parking lots.

But for those who don’t, alternatives abound. These range from voicing an Amazon order through a tabletop Alexa device, shopping online on their computers or using their phones or tablets to make purchases.

Some people combine their retail and online shopping resources. A recent survey found that 43 percent of mobile shoppers of electronics buy products on their phones right inside a store after searching for a better price. And nearly 70 percent of shoppers say they want retailers to offer a variety of channels to buy a product, including in-store, online, or buying online and picking up in the store.

Another new trend embraces the idea that cherished experiences are more important than physical products. These may include concerts, weekend vacations or a spa day.

In fact, since 2005, spending in restaurants and bars has grown twice as fast as all other retail spending. Even more remarkable is that 2016 was the first year ever that Americans collectively spent more money dining out than on groceries.

Many investors who have participated in the eight-year bull market have done well. But those approaching retirement may wonder if it’s time to transition assets to more conservative holdings.

Here are factors to consider before making a decision about changing your portfolio: The U.S. economy and markets are still in good shape. U.S. stock valuations continue at above long-term averages, interest rates and unemployment are low and consumer confidence is high. It’s also important to remember that today’s 65-year-olds are statistically likely to live into their 80s.

Based on these factors, some investors with substantial financial resources and who are comfortable with leveraging market risk for longer-term financial goals may want to discuss with their financial advisor whether they should stay the course in their equity allocation even after they retire. Give us a call at (952) 460­-3260, and we’ll be happy to help you weigh the potential risks vs. rewards of your current strategy.

The content provided here is designed to provide general information on the subjects covered. It is not, however, intended to provide specific legal or tax advice. Contact us at info@securedretirements.com or call us at (952) 460­-3260 to schedule a time to discuss your financial situation and the potential role of investments in your financial strategy.

Aging can be big business for companies that find ways to tap into it. People in the U.S. age 50 and up collectively spend as much as $7.1 trillion a year, and that amount is expected to double by 2020 as more people age.

However, there’s still a need for innovations that would help millions of Americans age more gracefully, more comfortably and, preferably, in place. There’s a big push right now to tap into the aging market to provide those goods and services.

Demographic experts believe the aging boom has created a transformational business opportunity that will permanently change the commercial landscape. This is because after baby boomers have entered retirement, they’ll eventually be followed by Generation X and then millennials — currently the largest demographic. Each of these generations is expected to live progressively and measurably longer than the one before. As such, there is a huge demand, and thus far a small supply of companies, focused on serving the needs of the oldest Americans, who yearn to live an enriched lifestyle in retirement.

The next generation of older adults doesn’t want to simply live longer; it wants to live better. The latest trends in aging studies innovation call for more focus on transportation, housing and fun – and less on pill reminder systems and home security systems.

One such innovation is the housing development plan for Margaritaville-themed retirement communities — the brainchild of singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who himself is age 70. The idea is to update the tired old idea of retirement communities with a paradise-themed setting. The first two Buffett neighborhoods, complete with beachfront access, live entertainment, lap pools and spas, are planned for Daytona, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Another type of innovation involves generational engagement. A nursing home in Great Britain recently embarked on an experiment to place a preschool inside a nursing home, where children interact with elderly residents. The benefits were remarkable for both groups. Children enjoyed one-on-one attention while putting together puzzles, making crafts, drawing, singing and dancing. Retirees worked right alongside the children, enjoying the questions, the creativity, the small-hand coordination and the joy of engagement — including the gentle touch of just holding hands with little ones. Elderly participants showed improvements in alertness, social connection, physical mobility and mood.

Whether engaging with young folks or hanging out with peers, the challenge moving forward is on ways to improve the quality of life for millions of aging Americans. And with so much consumer money at stake, you can bet corporate America will find a way to do it.