FINANCIAL EDUCATION GUIDE

Table of Contents

4 8 10
PAY
TAKE YOURSELF PAY OFF
CONTROL FIRST DEBT

14 18 24
THE POWER DISCOVER BUY THE RIGHT
OF HOME THE RULE KIND OF LIFE
OWNERSHIP OF 72 INSURANCE

32 36 40
BECOME INVEST WITH
DEFER AN OWNER, PROFESSIONAL
TAXES NOT A LOANER MANAGEMENT

We Believe a Financial Education Should be Free.

Primerica has proudly distributed more than 30 million free copies of our How
Money Works™ book to help consumers find answers to their financial challenges.

While we offer a wide variety of consumer-related financial solutions, this book is not intended as a sales solicitation, but as a general education
guide to help consumers become independent thinkers who can make their own choices about the solutions that are right for their unique situation.
For more information on specific concepts or solutions, contact the Primerica Representative who gave you this book.
2
Ask Yourself …

How can I How much If I die Can I

save for the money is prematurely, ever truly
future when enough to what become
I have so retire? What if becomes of financially
much debt? I started late? my family? secure?

You Have the Power to Become Financially Independent

You don’t need to earn a six-figure income to become

financially independent.

You don’t have to have a high-level job with a big salary.

You don’t have to receive a large inheritance or win the lottery.

You can get out of debt.

You can build investments.

You can get on the path to financial independence.

By applying the simple principles in this book, you can achieve financial security and
ultimately reach your goals. But nobody else can make it happen. It’s up to you.
You have the power to change your life forever. Ready to get started?

3
TAKE
CONTROL
Did you know one of the biggest financial mistakes
most people make is dependence? Dependence
on others allows “outside” factors in people’s lives
to control them. The secret to financial security is
learning to control the things you CAN control.

4
Pay Yourself First Adjust Your Priorities
Paying yourself first means putting yourself and It’s been said that:
your family before any other demands on your If you make $10 and spend $9 = happiness
money. Paying yourself first is a form of self- If you make $10 and spend $11 = misery
respect. You must start with the end in mind.
As you begin your journey to financial
Deposit a set amount each and every month independence, remember this key point:
into an investment program, no matter what It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep.
other financial obligations you have. It’s amazing
how your money can grow if you invest even a
small amount regularly at a good rate of return. Change Your Thinking
The way you think about money is everything.
Know Your Financial Your mindset is a powerful thing — especially
Independence Number when it comes to money.

That explains why so many of the people who

Have you heard of a Financial Independence
win the lottery … end up losing it all. It helps you
Number (FIN)? It’s the amount of money saved
understand how so many millionaires are self
that you’d need to retire or be able to stop
made.
working. The FIN factors in expenses you’ll have
at retirement, any income coming in, inflation,
What is the difference between the two groups?
and the withdrawal rate of retirement savings.
It’s how they think. If you think you don’t deserve
It’s important to calculate your FIN so you can
to be financially secure, you’ll never be financially
determine what you need to do to reach that
secure.
number before retirement.

YOU CANNOT CONTROL BUT YOU CAN CONTROL

The Future of Social Security Saving for Retirement
Your Employer Other Sources of Income
Taxes Ways to Reduce Your Taxes
Inflation Maximizing Your Savings
Rising Costs Saving More
Interest Rates Paying Off and Consolidating Debt
The Risk of a Single Investment Diversity of Your Investment Choices

Who wouldn’t like to retire early?

Retirement is an amount of money, not an age.
Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss.
5
However, if you “upgrade” your self-image and
Realign Your Assets
believe you deserve the freedom and peace of
mind that financial security provides, you’ll have a
This is another way to take control and free up
better chance of doing what needs to be done to
income for savings. There are two major areas in
start building wealth.
which families may not get their money’s worth
that are great areas to target for adjustment:
1. Low-interest savings accounts or
Adjust Your Lifestyle accumulations with banks. You can take
money from a lower interest savings plan and
Along with setting priorities comes one tough rule
invest it in an area that has the potential for
of life: You can’t have everything. You have to make
higher returns.
conscious decisions about every purchase. An
2. High-cost life insurance. You can replace your
important concept to understand is want vs. need:
expensive cash value life insurance policies
• A need is something you have to have,
with term life insurance and potentially save
something you can’t do without. You “need”
thousands of dollars in premium over time!
food. You “need” shelter.
Both of these areas are covered in more detail
• A want is something you would like to have.
later in this book.
You “want” ice cream. You “want” a bigger
house.
Avoid the Credit Trap
Credit cards are good for convenience, but that’s
it. Be careful to avoid the pitfalls of “plastic
vs.
money.” Pay your balance in full each month
and you’ll not only avoid interest charges, but
you’ll prevent your balance from escalating out
of control. To keep your monthly charges under
Want vs. Need
control, pay with cash. You’ll probably find you
spend less. If you are already caught in the credit
If you want to achieve financial independence,
trap, consider consolidating your high interest
you may have to make sacrifices for a period of
debt into a second mortgage. You DO have a
time and go without some of your “wants.” It’s
choice about your financial future.
not that tough, but it is very, very important to
your financial health.
Set Goals and Have a Plan
Earn Additional Income You can’t reach your destination if you don’t know
what it is. Setting goals gives you two things:
If your family income is very modest, things may
1. An incentive to make the necessary sacrifices
be so tight that it’s tough to invest more than
2. Benchmarks along the way to gauge your
$50 a month. If you want to make significant
progress
progress, consider taking a part-time job to
After you’ve set your goals, you need a road map
get the extra income needed to start your
to get you there. You need a financial game plan.
investment program.
Together with your goals, a game plan is the cement
that holds together your financial foundation.

6
GOAL Make a list. Whether your
goals are big or small,
SETTING current or future — get
specific. Describing them
TIPS in detail will help you
visualize success.

Get personal. The more Prioritize. Which goals are

personal you make your more easily attainable or
goal, the more likely you more important to you?
are to do what it takes to This can help you prioritize
achieve it. What’s your your list.
motivation? Write that down.

Create a timeline. Once Do the math. How much

you know what you want money will you need to
to achieve and the order save to achieve your goal?
of importance to you, Figure in any amounts
create a timeline so you already saved. Create a plan
can stay on track. and revisit it regularly.

7
PAY
YOURSELF
FIRST
PROBLEM: At the end of the month,
most people don’t have anything left to save.

SOLUTION: At the first of the month, before

you pay anyone else, commit to setting aside
10% of your income. Paying yourself first may be
the single most important concept in this book.

8
It’s Not What You Earn, It’s What You Keep
Put yourself at the head of the line. Treat your savings like any other recurring bill that you must pay each
month. Dedicate the appropriate amount from your paycheck and set it aside. While many people think
nothing of sending enormous amounts of money to credit card companies on a regular and systematic
basis, they balk at the idea of paying themselves first! Change that mindset. Get rid of your credit card
debt and put those payments into your own savings. Make a commitment to pay yourself first.

Average annual income (estimate) A

CALCULATE Times number of years worked X B

HOW MUCH
YOU’VE EARNED Equals total amount earned = C
AND
Amount of personal savings D
HOW MUCH
YOU’VE SAVED Divide D by C = % E

This equals your percentage of income saved.

The Three Accounts You Need

To have a complete savings program, most people need three types of basic accounts:

EMERGENCY SHORT-TERM WEALTH BUILDING

ACCOUNT ACCOUNT ACCOUNT

Goal: Minimum three Goal: Minimum six months of Goal: Enough money for
months of income for income for purchases within you to retire in dignity and
purchases within 0-2 years. 3-5 years. enjoy your life.
• Emergencies • Reserve for unforeseen • Retirement income
• Uncovered medical events • Long-term medical
expense • Loss of job expenses
• Major car repair • Down payment for a • Charitable giving
house • Family legacy

9
PAY OFF
DEBT
Of all the threats to your financial
security, none is more dangerous
than debt. In every family’s quest
to feel good financially, debt is
the most common enemy.
The very fact that it is so
common — who doesn’t have
debt? — makes it one of the
biggest threats to your
financial well-being.

10
The Bad News About Compounding
Compound interest is one of the most powerful financial forces in existence. When you are building
savings, its power works in your favor. However, when you have debt, the power of compound interest
works against you. When you pay just the minimum balance on your credit cards each month, interest
charges are added to the remaining principal. This means your new balance is the principal PLUS the
interest… and that amount gets compounded again and again. It’s easy to see how small debts grow
large quickly with compound interest.

DID YOU KNOW IF YOU MADE

A ONE-TIME $3,000 CREDIT
CARD PURCHASE WITH A 20%
INTEREST RATE WITH NO NEW
PURCHASES AND MADE THE
MINIMUM PAYMENTS, IT WOULD
TAKE AT LEAST 10.5 YEARS TO
$3,000 $2,350 $5,350
+ =
PAY OFF AND YOU WOULD
END UP PAYING MORE THAN Credit Card In Interest Total
Purchase Charges Cost
$2,350 IN INTEREST CHARGES?

Is the Power of Compound Interest working for you or against you?

Assumes 20% APR, and a minimum monthly payment of 3.5% of the balance or $20, whichever is greater.

Revolving Debt vs. Fixed Debt

Credit card debt is what is known as “revolving” debt. The interest compounds daily instead of monthly,
which means you can pay much more in interest. Because there is no fixed amount that you pay each
month, your debt can go on forever. Additionally, your interest rate could change at almost any time
and there is little a consumer can do beyond paying off the entire balance at once.

LOOK AT HOW REVOLVING DEBT CAN ERODE YOUR FINANCIAL SECURITY:

REVOLVING DEBT
$17,000 @ 18% $12,500 in interest paid
$595/month1 17 years and 2 months to pay off

FIXED DEBT
$17,000 @ 18% $5,370 in interest paid
$595/month fixed2 3 years and 2 months to pay off

1. Assumes revolving payment (minimum) is 3.5% of the remaining balance or $20, whichever is greater. First month’s payment is shown and term
assumes continued payment of minimum amount with no additional amounts paid. Also assumes no additional debt is incurred and payments
decrease over time period. 2. Assumes payment of 3.5% of initial loan amount, no additional debt incurred and initial payment amount remains
fixed throughout term of loan.
11
Work to Become Debt Free account’s payment, and so on, until all debts are
paid off. This allows you to make the same total
payment each month toward all of your debt and
Eliminating debt is key to your long term financial
works best when you do not accrue new debts.
success. Depending on how much debt you have,
this can feel overwhelming, but there are two
simple money concepts that can help you pay off Debt Consolidation
your debt: debt stacking and debt consolidation.
When you consolidate a debt, you typically use a
Debt Stacking new loan to pay off your debts and consolidate
those balances into a single loan, with one payment
to one creditor. Debt consolidation may lower
By taking into account the interest rate and
your total minimum monthly debt payments and
amount of debt you have, debt stacking can help
help you avoid thousands in interest. It can also
you identify an ideal order to pay them off. The
improve your credit score, lower your monthly
target account is the debt that debt stacking
payment, reduce your overall interest rate, make
suggests you pay off first. Pay all your debts
payments more manageable with fewer creditors to
consistently while focusing your efforts on paying
satisfy, and free up money to save and invest. When
off the target account with extra payments to the
evaluating a debt consolidation solution, which is
principal. When you pay off the target account,
typically a first or second mortgage, consider your
you roll that payment amount to the next target

DEBT STACKING AT WORK

As each debt is paid off, you apply the amount you were paying toward that debt to the payment that
you were making on the next target account.
Target Account
+$220 Extra Debt Payment Amount
Retail Card 1: $220

Credit Card 2: $353 Credit Card 2: $573 +$573

Car Loan: $551 Car Loan: $551
Car Loan: $1,124 +$1,124
Credit Card 1: $303 Credit Card 1 : $303
Credit Card 1 : $303 Credit Card 1: $1,427
+$1,427
Mortgage: $1,293 Mortgage: $1,293
Mortgage: $1,293 Mortgage: $1,293 Mortgage: $2,720

Total: $2,720 Total: $2,720 Total: $2,720 Total: $2,720 Total: $2,720

This example is for illustrative purposes only. The Debt Stacking

Without With concept assumes that: (1) you make consistent payments on all of
Category Debt Stacking Debt Stacking
your debts, (2) when you pay off the first debt in your plan, you add
the payment you were making toward that debt to your existing
Payoff 24 Years 9 Years payment on the next debt in your plan (therefore you make the
15 Years Sooner
same total monthly payment each month toward your debts), (3)
Interest Avoided $0 $130,050 you continue this process until you have paid off all of the debts in
your plan. In the example above, when Retail Card 1 is paid off, the
Interest Paid $212,164 $82,114 $220 payment applied to Retail Card 1 is applied to Credit Card 2,
accelerating its payment to $573. After Credit Card 2 is paid off, the
Monthly Payments $2,720 $2,720 $573 payment applied to Credit Card 2 is applied to the Car Loan for a
total payment of $1,124. The process is then continued until all debts
are paid off. Note that the total payment per month remains constant.

12
blended interest rate for all your debt — including the existing mortgage. The other half is invested
and excluding — any existing first mortgage. each month. The loans are paid off 19 years faster,
avoiding more than $103,600 in interest!
In the example below, all non-mortgage debt
is consolidated into one new loan with a lower Debt Freedom Day
interest rate and monthly payment — freeing up
$1,071 each month. Half of that ($535) is used to A key ingredient to a successful retirement is
target the new loan with extra payments toward getting out of debt. Know when you will be debt
principal and then taking the amount that was free. As long as you know you’re in debt, you
being paid toward the new loan and applying it to aren’t fully in control of your financial future.

THE POWER OF DEBT CONSOLIDATION

Once the debt is paid off, adding the total

monthly amount that was being paid toward
debt to the ongoing monthly investment helps
accumulate over $1 million in investments
within 10 years of paying off the debt. This is an
example of how paying off your debt can help
create wealth and financial independence.

Without Debt Consolidation With Debt Consolidation

and Debt Stacking and Debt Stacking
Category (Balance @ Rate) (Making Minimum Monthly Payments) (Making Monthly Payments)

Retail Card ($5,200 @ 28% Revolving) $220 $0

Credit Card 1 ($7,570 @ 18% Revolving) $303 $0
$1,558
Credit Card 2 ($8,830 @ 22% Revolving) $353 $0
total
Car Loan ($15,754 @ 8% Fixed) $551 $0
Personal Loan ($12,854 @ 12% Fixed) $131 With debt $0
Home Equity Loan (New Loan: $50,208 @ 10.075% Fixed) $0 consolidation, $487
Mortgage ($232,568 @ 4.5% Fixed) $1,293 the $1,558 is $1,293
Minimum Monthly Payment $2,851 used towards $1,780
a home More than
Additional Monthly Payment $0 $535
equity loan, $103,600
Total Monthly Payment $2,851 $2,315
additional in interest
Total Interest Paid $214,058 monthly $110,392 avoided.
Time to Payoff 33 Years, 4 Months payment 14 years, 3 months Paid off
Number of Debt Payments 6 and monthly 2 19 years
Monthly Investment While Paying Off Debt $0 investment. $535 sooner.
Investment Balance at Debt Payoff Date $0 $186,026
Monthly Investment After Paying Off Debt $0 $2,850

Investment Balance 10 Years After Debt Payoff Date $0 $1,011,863

Refinancing or consolidating debt does not eliminate debt, only paying off debt does. A refinance or debt consolidation loan may lower the monthly debt
payment obligation by lowering the blended interest rate on included debts, moving from revolving to fixed debt, and/or changing the duration of the
payment term. While refinancing and consolidating existing debt(s) may reduce monthly payment obligations, the total finance charges may be higher over
the life of the loan and/or may result in a longer payment term than the existing debt(s). Mention of savings over the life of the debt assumes payments are
made timely for the entire term and that no new debt is added. This hypothetical assumes the continuation of monthly payments and contributions made
in the indicated amounts every month for the stated terms. Hypothetical investment assumes a constant 9% rate of return, compounded annually, and
is not indicative of any specific investment. Any actual investment may be subject to taxes and fees, which would lower performance. This example shows
a constant rate of return, unlike many types of investments which will fluctuate in value. It is unlikely that an investment would grow 9% or more on a
consistent basis. Investing entails risk including loss of principal. This hypothetical is for illustration purposes only. Individual results will vary.

13
THE POWER
OF HOME
OWNERSHIP
The dream of home ownership is as true today as it ever was,
but did you know that owning a home could also be one of
the wisest financial decisions you make?

14
Don’t Pay to Put Your Landlord’s Kids Through College
There are a lot of benefits to owning your own home. It’s one of the best assets you can acquire, and
you have the added benefit of enjoying your investment while making your home your own! Plus, you
can benefit financially from home appreciation — not just on the money you put down, but also on the
overall value of the home including the portion financed. There is power that comes through home
appreciation, which has averaged 4.5% over the last 30 years.1

As a result of this powerful multiplier effect, home equity represents 50% of middle-income families’
net worth or almost twice that of all their retirement savings combined.2 So take steps today to start
enjoying all the benefits of homeownership and stop paying to put your landlord’s kids through college!

1 “House Price Index Datasets,” fhfa.gov, viewed on September 5, 2023

2 “Trends in the Distribution of Family Wealth,” cbo.gov, September 2022

THE POWER OF BUILDING HOME EQUITY

Over 30 years,
Mortgage Balance home equity grows to

Home Equity $925,000

$800k
n
atio
ppreci
eA
Pric
Home
ual
$600k
$250,000 Ann
4.5%
Home purchase with
20% down ($50,000
in home equity)
$400k

$200K

0
Year 1 10 20 30

Mortgage rate of 5.6% based on average 30-Year fixed rate 1994-2023 (Freddie Mac). Home price appreciation of 4.5% is based on average
annualized appreciation from 1994-2023 (FHFA). The appreciation figures shown reflect continued appreciation at the same rate annually and does
not take into consideration locality, taxes, or other factors, which could impact results. This example uses a constant rate unlike actual home values
which will fluctuate over time. This hypothetical is forward looking and does not represent an actual home value appreciation or reflect any specific
market period and is not intended to represent any particular home purchase and value appreciation. This hypothetical is for illustration purposes
and does not reflect an actual client example. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Tax-related information is based on the current IRS tax code at the time of publication, which is subject to change. Neither Primerica nor its
representatives are financial or estate planners, tax advisors, budget planners, credit counselors, or debt managers and neither offer tax advice or
services. For related questions, please refer to an appropriately licensed professional.
15
 ADVANTAGES OF OWNING A HOME VS. RENTING

Build Equity and Tax Advantages: Your Home, Your Emotional Stability: Planting
Wealth: Each Take advantage Way: You don’t Benefits: Being roots could save
full mortgage of potential tax have to answer a homeowner you money. Rent
payment on a savings. Unlike to a landlord to can bring you is typically raised
fully amortizing rent payments, decorate, organize, happiness and or adjusted each
loan increases the interest you have pets, or a sense of pride, year as the market
the equity in your pay on your improve your make you feel fluctuates, where
home. A home is mortgage can be home. You have more secure, and the principal and
most Americans’ tax deductible. an opportunity to provide a lot of interest payment
most valuable make your home satisfaction. It can on a fixed rate
asset. your own. also become one mortgage won’t
of your greatest change for the life
financial assets! of the loan.

Reduce Your Income Taxes buyer to purchase a home with little to no money
down. Many assume that you must have a 20%
down payment to purchase a home. Few home
Did you know that interest payments and
buyers can save 20% of a home’s value for a
property taxes may be deductible for federal and
down payment, but don’t worry — there are other
state income tax purposes up to certain limits?
options that may be available to you.
That’s another potential benefit of owning your
own home.
Make it Happen
Save for a Down Payment
Home ownership doesn’t have to remain a dream.
Sit down and make a plan, potentially consult with
Once you have established and funded an
a licensed financial professional on your options
emergency account, you can fund a short-
and then work to make your dream come true.
term account to buy a home. There are several
You got this!
mortgage programs that allow a qualified home

Tax-related information is based on the current IRS tax code at the time of publication which is subject to change. Neither Primerica nor its
representatives are financial or estate planners, tax advisors, budget planners, credit counselors, or debt managers and neither offer tax advice or
services. For related questions, please refer to an appropriately licensed professional.

16
Save Thousands by Paying Your Mortgage Biweekly
Did you know that you could easily make an extra mortgage payment each year by switching to biweekly
payments? As a result, you can accelerate your mortgage payoff timeline by years and save thousands of
dollars in interest. Biweekly payments are half of your monthly payment paid every two weeks.*

Because a year has 52 weeks, this works out to 26 biweekly payments. Since these payments are half
of the full amount of your monthly payment, they equate to 13 full payments. It’s a good idea to confirm
with your lender and service provider on how biweekly payments are accepted and that the extra
payment is applied to the principal balance.

PAY OFF YOUR MORTGAGE FASTER

MONTHLY VS. BIWEEKLY PAYMENTS

$52,044 $82,996 Monthly Payments

Saved Saved
Biweekly Payments

Biweekly Payments with

$50 Extra per Payment
$257,117

5.2 Years 8.5 Years

Saved Saved
$205,073

$174,121

30 Years

24.8 Years

21.5 Years

Total Interest Years to Pay Off

Based on purchase price of $300,000 with 20% down payment. Mortgage rate of 5.6% based on average 30-Year fixed rate 1994-2023 (Freddie Mac).

* Any mention of time or interest cost savings over the life of the loan assumes that the indicated payments are made timely in accordance with
the terms of the loan. Biweekly payment arrangements may not be available with all lenders and all servicers.
17
DISCOVER
THE
RULE
OF 72
Albert Einstein called compound interest
the most powerful force in the universe.
Why weren’t we taught this in school?
You can’t win the game if you don’t
know the rules.

18
Do You Know The Rule of 72?
Divide the rate of return into 72 to find the approximate number of years it takes your money to double.

Years 3% 6% 12%

0 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000

6 — — $20,000

12 — $20,000 $40,000

18 — — $80,000

24 $20,000 $40,000 $160,000

Based on The Rule of 72,
30 — — $320,000 a one-time contribution
36 — $80,000 $640,000 of $10,000 doubles
six more times at 12%
42 — — $1,280,000
than at 3% over 48 years.
48 $40,000 $160,000 $2,560,000

This table serves as a demonstration of how The Rule of 72 concept works from a mathematical standpoint. It is not intended to represent an
investment. The chart uses constant rates of return, unlike most investments which will fluctuate in value. It does not include fees or taxes, which
would lower performance. It is unlikely that an investment would grow 10% or more on a consistent basis.

It Pays to Start Investing Early

Suppose your parents had invested $1,000 on the day you were born. Applying The Rule of 72, if you
left the account untouched until you turned 67, that $1,000 could grow to $406,466 at a 9% annual rate
of return — without you ever having to add another penny!

AMOUNT ACCUMULATED BY AGE 67 IF YOUR PARENTS INVESTED $1,000:

Invested at $406,466
Birth

Invested at
Age 16 $96,822

Invested at
Age 40 $11,256

For illustrative purposes only to demonstrate the principal of compound interest using The Rule of 72 formula. The chart uses constant rates
of return, unlike many types of investments which will fluctuate in value. This example uses a constant 9% rate of return and assumes that no
distributions were made. The illustration does not include fees and taxes that would lower results. The 9% rate of return is a hypothetical interest
rate compounded on a monthly basis. It is unlikely that an investment could grow at 9% or more on a consistent basis. Investing entails risk,
including loss of principal. Shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original value.

19
Use Time and Consistency born? The simple interest would be $90 (and $90/
year, when multiplied by 67 years, is $6,030 in
total interest). Then how did you withdraw more
It has been said that the only two things life gives
than $406,400 at age 67? Because of one of the
you are opportunity and time. Time, combined
most important keys to wealth you can ever learn:
with rate of return and consistency, are powerful
the power of compound interest.
keys to achieving financial security.

Here is how it works: The first year’s earnings on

You’ve seen how time can be the best friend of
the investment, 9% or $93.81, was added to the
growth. But most people don’t have $1,000 to
balance of $1,000 to make $1,093.81. The next
invest all at once. They must depend on smaller
year, $102.61 was earned on the $1,093.81. The
amounts, invested on a schedule, to build wealth.
total in the account was then $1,196.42. As the
If that’s your situation, consistency can be the fuel
account grew each year, the return was calculated
that makes your investment grow exponentially.
on the total in the account, including all the past
earnings. The compounding of the interest is how
$1,000 grew to more than $406,400.
The Power of
Compound Interest With the power of compound interest at
work for you, you’ll be amazed at how a few
Remember your parents who invested $1,000 at hundred dollars can become a thousand. See
a hypothetical rate of return of 9% when you were The Rule of 72 at work in the chart below.

THE POWER OF COMPOUND INTEREST

($1,000 invested at birth to age 67) $406,466

$400K

$300K
Simple Interest
Compound Interest

$200K

$100K

Initial
Investment
$1,000 $7,030
Birth Age 67

This table serves as a demonstration of how the Power of Compound Interest concept works from a mathematical standpoint. It is not intended to
represent an investment. The chart uses constant rates of return, unlike most investments which will fluctuate in value and is based on the principal
of compound interest with no distributions. It does not include fees or taxes, which would lower performance. It is unlikely that an investment would
grow 9% or more on a consistent basis.
20
 Monthly
JUST A LITTLE MORE Contribution
HAS A BIG IMPACT
Take a look at the difference
between saving $20 a month
versus $100 a month. While
saving $80 more a month
may be a challenge financially,
the increased dollar amount
definitely pays off.

Years $20 $100

Just $100 a month
compounding at a 10 $3,900 $19,500
hypothetical 9% rate 20 $13,460 $67,300
totals more than 30 $36,890 $184,450
$470,000 after 40 $94,330 $471,650
40 years.

This table serves as a demonstration of how the Power of Compound Interest concept works from a mathematical standpoint. It is not intended to
represent an investment. The chart uses constant rates of return, unlike many types of investments which will fluctuate in value. It does not include
fees or taxes, which would lower performance. It is unlikely that an investment would grow 9% or more on a consistent basis.

Don’t Pay the High Cost of Waiting

If you’re like most people, you don’t have a lot of money. That’s why time is so critical. When you’re
young, you can save small amounts and still end up with thousands of dollars. If you wait to begin saving,
you must save much more. If you want to be financially independent, you don’t have a choice — you must
start now. One thing is certain: You can’t afford the high cost of waiting.

IF YOUR GOAL IS TO SAVE $1,000,000 THE SOONER YOU BEGIN TO SAVE,

FOR RETIREMENT AT AGE 67, LOOK THE GREATER THE GROWTH ON
AT THE DIFFERENCE TIME MAKES: YOUR INVESTMENT:

Monthly Savings Required The High Cost of Waiting ($100/month at 9%)

Begin Save Cost to wait Begin Total at Age 67 Cost to wait

Age 25 $177 — Age 25 $566,920 —
Age 35 $448 more than 2.5 times more Age 26 $517,150 $49,770
Age 45 $1,203 nearly 7 times more Age 30 $357,240 $209,680
Age 55 $3,852 more than 21 times more Age 40 $137,780 $429,140

These examples serve as a demonstration of how the Power of Compound Interest concept works from a mathematical standpoint. It is not
intended to represent an investment. The chart uses constant rates of return, unlike many types of investments which will fluctuate in value.
It does not include fees or taxes, which would lower performance. It is unlikely that an investment would grow 9% or more on a consistent basis.

21
The Importance of Rate of Return
Rate of Return in Action
There’s another critical key to building financial Now you can see why the rate of return you
security that’s often overlooked. It’s the rate of receive on your savings or investment account is
return (sometimes referred to as the interest rate). so important. Your main objective in saving is to
The difference of a few percentage points may accumulate as much savings as possible. You can
seem minor, but the impact of the rate of return reach the same objective in one of two ways:
when combined with time is significant. You
might think that if you could earn a 9% rate of 1. Save more $ and accept a lower %
return instead of 4.5%, your money would double.
Not so! Remember the “power of compound OR
interest?” That 4.5% difference adds up to much
more over time — and can mean thousands of 2. Save less $ at a higher %
dollars for you and your family.

A ONE-TIME $1,000
INVESTMENT WITH A
9% $406,466
3%, 6% AND 9% RATE
OF RETURN: We’ll use
the example of your parents
investing $1,000 at your birth
6% $55,146
on page 15. Let’s look at their
one-time $1,000 investment
with a 3%, 6% and 9% rate
of return. Look at what you
could have withdrawn at age
3% $7,445
67 at various rates of return.

$746,040
HOW DOUBLING $750K
YOUR RATE OF
RETURN CAN
QUADRUPLE $500K
YOUR SAVINGS
$100 per month at:
$250K $175,250
4.5%
9%
0 YRS 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

These examples serve as a demonstration of how the Power of Compound Interest concept works from a mathematical standpoint. It is not
intended to represent an investment. The chart uses constant rates of return, unlike many types of investments which will fluctuate in value.
It does not include fees or taxes, which would lower performance. It is unlikely that an investment would grow 9% or more on a consistent basis.

22
SAVING
“You’ll have the most success
growing your wealth when you

AND
have a mix of accounts that are
both high and low risk, as well as a

INVESTING
mix of short- and long-term goals
that you’re working toward.”
CNBC.com, “There’s ‘a lot of life to live’ before age
59: How to invest your savings for both short- and
long-term goals,” February 29, 2024

“In general, you should save to “To make the process less
preserve your money and invest intimidating, start small when
to grow your money. Depending saving for retirement and slowly
on your specific goals and when increase your savings rate over
you plan to reach them, you may time... Regardless of how much
choose to do both.” money you start with, any amount
Fortune.com, “Saving vs. Investing:
is better than none.”
How to Choose the Right Strategy to
CNBC.com, “Here’s why it’s so important to start
Hit Your Money Goals,” March 7, 2023
saving and investing in your 20s,” July 30, 2023

“Using a savings account and “Unless you are independently

an emergency fund for short- wealthy, setting aside money today
term expenses is important, to see that you have enough for
but investing for retirement the years down the road by
and the future is arguably starting a retirement fund is not
just as crucial.” an option — it’s mandatory.”
CNBC.com, “Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Shy Investopedia.com, “Retirement Fund:
Away from Investing, Even If You Only Have a How to Start Saving,” December 7, 2022
Small Amount of Money,” February 27, 2023

23
BUY THE
RIGHT KIND
OF LIFE
INSURANCE
One of the most important expenditures the average
family should make is life insurance. It is also one of the
most misunderstood. It is absolutely critical that you
make the right decision about the kind and amount of life
insurance to buy. In fact, the wisdom of your life insurance
purchase could make a major difference in your family’s
security, should you die, and your quality of life if you don’t.

This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a solicitation of a life insurance policy.
24
The Importance of Life Insurance

How much is How much is How much is

your car worth? your house worth? your life worth?
Do you insure it? Do you insure it? Probably a lot more than
your car or your house!

Can you afford NOT to insure your life?

What’s Its Purpose? What Should You Buy?

Life insurance should really be called “income Inexpensive term life insurance. A common
protection” because its purpose is to protect misconception about life insurance is that it is a
the family against the premature death of a permanent need for each family. Most financial
breadwinner or a caregiver. It acts as a substitute experts see it as a way to simply “buy time” until
for income. Remember when you calculated how you accumulate savings, not as a permanent
much you’ll earn in your lifetime? It was a fortune, fixture in your financial program.
wasn’t it? The potential risk of losing that earning
power is what makes life insurance a necessity.
All Life Insurance Is
Not Created Equal
Who Should Buy It?
Group life insurance can be a wonderful benefit
Mainly people who have others depending on
from your employer, but did you know?
them for income support. If you have a non-
• You don’t OWN your group life policy, so if
earning spouse and/or children, or some other
you are no longer a full-time employee for any
significant financial obligation, you need life
reason, you may no longer be covered and
insurance. Your spouse may also need coverage,
your family is at risk of losing those benefits.
even if he or she doesn’t work, if child care or
• There may be full-time work provisions on
other expenses would result from the spouse’s
your group life insurance that could force you
death. If you’re single or have significant cash
to lose your coverage if you have to go on
resources, you probably don’t need it.
short-term or long-term disability.

This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a solicitation of a life insurance policy.
25
How Life Works
According to the Theory of Decreasing Responsibility (illustrated below), your need for life insurance
mirrors family responsibilities. When you’re young, you buy low-cost death protection, term life
insurance, enough to protect the loss of your earning power, and put the maximum amount you
can afford into a promising investment program. When you’re older, you may have much less need
for insurance coverage. If you’ve saved and invested wisely you should have a significant amount of
accumulated cash. You’ve become “self-insured” and eliminated your need for life insurance. When you
reach retirement age, there really is no substitute for cash.

THE THEORY OF DECREASING RESPONSIBILITY

In the early years, you may need a ears, you’d better have money
lot o he later y
f cov In t
era
Today ge At Retirement
...
• Young children • Grown children
• High debt • Lower debt
• House mortgage • Mortgage paid
Loss of Income Would Retirement Income
...
Be Devastating
oney Needed
fm
a lot o
e
In the early years, you may not hav In the later years, you may not

How Much Is Enough?

If you’re like most Americans, probably more than you have! Ten times your annual salary is a good
rule of thumb.

CONSUMER TIP: Buy life insurance exactly like you buy other kinds of insurance —
auto, homeowners, health — for protection only.
Wouldn’t you think it was silly if someone tried to sell you auto insurance that included a long-term
savings plan? The same is true for life insurance. It pays to buy your insurance separately from your
investments.

REMEMBER: Do not combine your savings with your life insurance.

This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a solicitation of a life insurance policy.
26
Concerns About Buy Term and
Cash Value Invest the Difference
When it comes to life insurance, you have two With the “Buy Term and Invest the Difference”
basic choices: some form of cash value life model, you have greater control over your
insurance (including indexed universal life) and benefits. Because protection and savings are
term life insurance. In cash value insurance, as a completely separate, you can better control the
“bundled” policy, you buy both your death benefit death benefit and the investment portion. Buying
and a cash value feature. However, this doesn’t term insurance typically allows you to get more
enable you to maximize the benefits of the Theory insurance coverage for less money. Then you can
of Decreasing Responsibility. These concerns use that money you’ve saved to invest for the
have led many leading financial experts to direct future, pay down debt or use toward achieving
consumers away from cash value life insurance. other financial goals.

CASH VALUE TERM

Typically higher initial premium Lower initial premium

Includes an No investment component

investment component (You can control your investment on your own.)

In traditional plans, you can receive your Pure death protection

cash value OR your life insurance, NOT BOTH.
In certain plans only, you can get your
cash value IF you pay extra fees.

Cash value life insurance can be universal life, indexed universal life, whole life, etc., and may contain features in addition to death protection, such
as dividends, interest, or cash value available for a loan or upon surrender of the policy. Cash value insurance usually has level premiums for the
life of the policy. Term insurance provides a death benefit and its premiums increase after initial premium periods and at certain ages.

QUESTION: With cash value life insurance, how do you know what you are paying?
ANSWER: This can be hard to determine in a bundled product, especially with indexed universal
life and variable life. In addition to the cost of death protection, cash value policies may have
significant fees. And with the “two-in-one” approach, it’s difficult to separate the cost of insurance
from the other elements of the policy. This makes it difficult to comparison shop.

REMEMBER: Any time you’re not sure what you’re paying, you risk making a bad decision.

This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a solicitation of a life insurance policy.
27
Never Buy Life Insurance as an Investment —
Buy Term and Invest the Difference
We believe saving should never be bundled with a life insurance policy. Compare what you get with
whole life insurance to term life insurance and a separate investment account.

WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE BUY TERM AND INVEST THE DIFFERENCE

$183,868

You only get ONE sum – 3 times the death benefit

EITHER the death benefit if for less premium PLUS you
you die OR the cash value. get to invest the difference.

$100,000
$92,371
9%

6%

48,235 3% $43,608 $48,700

$30,492
$21,737 $21,643

Age 35 55 70 100 Age 35 55 70

$100,000 whole life insurance policy $300,000 term life insurance policy
Level death benefit and 35-year term; level death benefit and
level premium to age 100 SAME level premium for initial term
Insurance Premium:
$123.16 monthly
$1,478 Insurance Premium:
$58 monthly
ANNUALLY
WITH $782 to invest each year

Traditional — “Cash Value” Whole Life Insurance Term Life Insurance Investment Account
• Accumulation/Cash Value can be borrowed • Higher death benefit for a • Opportunity for a higher
from the account, but you’ll pay fees and lower cost when you need it rate of return
interest on any loan. Plus, if you surrender the the most • Freedom to control your
policy later or die without repaying the loan, • Flexibility to adjust your accumulation
the outstanding balance will be subtracted coverage • Allows you to get BOTH
from any payout. the protection your family
• Retirement Income is funded by the final needs AND savings
savings balance, also called the cash • You don’t have to pay to
surrender value. borrow your own money

Monthly premium and accumulated cash value for whole life policy is an average of whole life policies from three major North American life insurance
companies for male, age 35 and standard risk. Monthly premium for term life policy is an average of term life policies from four major North American life
insurance companies for male, age 35 and standard risk.
Cash value life insurance can be universal life, whole life, etc., and may contain features in addition to death protection, such as dividends, interest, or
cash value available for a loan or upon surrender of the policy. Cash value insurance usually has a level premium for the life of the policy. Term insurance
provides a death benefit only and its premiums increase after initial premium periods and at certain ages.
Hypothetical investment assumes a constant 9% rate of return, compounded annually, and is not indicative of any specific investment. Any actual
investment may be subject to taxes and fees, which would lower performance. This example shows a constant rate of return, unlike many types
of investments which will fluctuate in value. It is unlikely that an investment would grow 9% or more on a consistent basis. Investing entails risk
including loss of principal.
This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a solicitation of a life insurance policy.
28
 WARNING: CASH VALUE LIFE INSURANCE
MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU THINK IT IS

Cash value life insurance may “Living Benefits” are not exactly
1
not be right for you. Be careful 3 what you might think.
with these types of “products:”
• Cash Value Life Insurance It takes the average policy many
• Whole Life Insurance 4
years to build cash value – and
• Permanent Life Insurance the surrender value in the first few years
• Universal Life Insurance is generally a fraction of the money you
• Variable Universal Life Insurance have already paid into the policy.
• Indexed Universal Life Insurance
• Infinite Banking If you own any of the products
5
listed above, or are approached by
Cash value grows “tax deferred” someone marketing these products, you
2 NOT “tax free.” need to get the facts.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

“
’Consumers should avoid IUL because the insurers and agents who sell the product have no obligation
to work in the consumer’s best interest. Mix in massively complex products designed to juice illustrations
with opaque and unaccountable features and you have the recipe for future financial disaster,’
said Birny Birnbaum (executive director of the nonprofit Center for Economic Justice)
in a July 2020 statement that warned consumers against buying IUL.
Forbes.com, “Sounding the Alarm on Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL),” November 11, 2022

Committing to a permanent Indexed universal life insurance is But critics say indexed universal
life insurance policy of any kind is known for having a lot of costs, life insurance is being sold
rarely the best financial move. administrative expenses, sales dishonestly. ‘They are complex
Most financial experts advise fees and commissions, the cost of products sold with false promises
against high-cost whole life insurance, surrender charges and and deceptive marketing,’ says
insurance and recommend that more. These all impact the cost Birny Birnbaum, executive
individuals purchase low-cost term of your premiums and how much director of the nonprofit Center
life insurance and invest the savings. you can build in cash value. for Economic Justice.
Fool.com, “Indexed Universal Forbes.com, “Explained: ‘Stay away from them.’
Life (IUL) Insurance: What It Is Indexed Universal Life Insurance Forbes.com, “Sounding the Alarm
and Whether It’s for You,” (IUL Insurance),” May 10, 2022 on Indexed Universal Life Insurance
February 21, 2023 (IUL),” November 11, 2022

This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a solicitation of a life insurance policy.
29
 FOUR PROBLEMS WITH CASH VALUE LIFE INSURANCE
PROBLEM #1: It is an expensive form of life insurance, and typically provides less coverage
for your family.
PROBLEM #2: You have to borrow your own money.
PROBLEM #3: It typically has a low rate of return.
PROBLEM #4: You lose your cash value if you die, with traditional policies.
In certain plans only, you can get your cash value IF you pay extra fees.

INDEXED UNIVERSAL BUY TERM AND INVEST THE

LIFE INSURANCE DIFFERENCE IN A ROTH IRA
$250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000

$300,649
Face Face Face Face
Amount Amount Amount Amount

$163
@ 9%
invested
SAME in a
Roth IRA
$251
$127,051

$88
term
$251 insurance
premium

John Mary Monthly Cash Value John Mary Monthly Investment

Age 35 Age 35 Premium at Age 65 Age 35 Age 35 Spend at Age 65

Which program would you want?

Indexed universal life insurance (IUL) premiums and cash value may vary based on a number of factors and guaranteed and non-guaranteed
assumptions. Hypothetical IUL policy premiums and cash value in this example are based on an average monthly premium from five insurance
companies for male and female (both age 35 and standard risk) and assume an indexed interest rate of 5.21%, non-guaranteed. IUL policies may
have benefits such as interest or cash value available for a loan or upon surrender of the policy.
Monthly premium for term life policy is an average of term life policies from four major North American life insurance companies for male and
female, both age 35 and standard risk, 30 year term. Term insurance provides a death benefit only and its premiums increase after initial premium
periods and at certain ages.
Hypothetical investment assumes a constant 9% rate of return, compounded monthly, and is not indicative of any specific investment.
Any actual investment may be subject to taxes and fees, which would lower performance. This example shows a constant rate of return, unlike
many types of investments which will fluctuate in value. It is unlikely that an investment would grow 9% or more on a consistent basis. Investing
entails risk including loss of principal.

OUR PHILOSOPHY: The Three “Nevers” of Buying Life Insurance

NEVER #1: Never buy any kind of “cash value” or whole life insurance, including universal life.
NEVER #2: Never buy life insurance as an investment.
NEVER #3: Never buy a life insurance policy that pays dividends.

This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a solicitation of a life insurance policy.
30
 WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY ABOUT
TERM INSURANCE

Term insurance is pure protection, like fire insurance or

auto insurance, its sole function is to support your family
if you die. You can buy large amounts of coverage
for modest amounts of money — and big policies
are what your spouse and children need.
Jane Bryant Quinn, Making the Most of Your Money Now, 2009

In my opinion, there is only one kind of life insurance that

makes sense for the vast majority of us: term life insurance.
Suze Orman, The Road to Wealth: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Money, 2009

Experts typically recommend term Term life insurance is cheaper

life insurance over both universal than whole life and covers
and whole life insurance. you for a set period of time.
Time.com, “What Is Universal NerdWallet.com, “Term Life vs.
Life Insurance: A Complete Guide,” Whole Life Insurance: Differences and
January 14, 2022 How to Choose,” March 20, 2023

This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a solicitation of a life insurance policy.
31
DEFER
TAXES
Do you have a job? If yes, then you have a tax
problem! The harder you work to get ahead and
build your income, the more taxes you pay. In
order to have the maximum cash at retirement,
you need to find a way to minimize taxes.

32
The Power of Tax-Deferred Savings
As you begin “paying yourself first,” you can invest money you’ve earmarked for your long-term goals
through a tax-deferred retirement account. This allows you to postpone paying taxes on your earnings.
That means more money is allowed to compound and work for you than if income taxes were taken out
of each year’s earnings. Take a look at the power of tax deferral:

$500 MONTHLY INVESTMENT

$2,340,700
No Taxes Deferred
Taxes on Return Deferred

$1,825,700
$1,047,700
Taxes on Contribution and Return Deferred Until Distribution

$915,400
$719,300
$486,500
$333,900
$260,500
$205,200
$96,800
$75,500
$67,800

10 Years 20 Years 30 Years 40 Years

You should consider your personal investment time horizon or income tax bracket, both current and anticipated, when making a decision that
could impact the results of this comparison. The chart uses constant rates of return, unlike many types of investments which will fluctuate in
value. Assumes a federal 22% income tax bracket. Lower tax rates on capital gains and dividends would make the investment return on the taxable
investment more favorable, thereby reducing the difference in performance between the examples shown. Any tax-deductible contributions are
taxed as ordinary income upon withdrawal and tax-deferred growth may be taxed as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Earnings on the investment
are at 9% constant nominal rate, compounded monthly and do not include taxes, fees, or expenses. This hypothetical assumes no distributions
until retirement. Actual investments will fluctuate in value. The above amounts are based on monthly contributions of $500 (earned income,
adjusted for taxes). Investing entails risk, including loss of principal. Shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original value.

TAX DEDUCTION TAX DEFERRAL

A DEDUCTION is an amount of money you A DEFERRAL means that you can

can subtract from your gross income before “postpone” payment of current taxes until
you calculate taxes. The more you can reduce a later date in the future, commonly at
your gross income with deductions, the less retirement. The great thing about deferring
the amount you’ll pay income taxes on. It PAYS taxes to retirement is the expectation that you
to deduct. Remember to consult your tax will be in a lower tax bracket when you have
advisor regarding your personal tax situation. to pay taxes on the money.

Tax-related information is based on the current IRS tax code at the time of publication which is subject to change. Neither Primerica nor its
representatives offer tax services. For related questions, please refer to an appropriately licensed professional.
This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security or to adopt a particular
investment strategy.
33
Which IRA Do You Prefer?
You have a few choices when it comes to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
Which one works best for your situation?

TRADITIONAL Benefit: Tax savings now and tax deferral until retirement. Saves you money by
IRA giving you and your spouse the potential to contribute $7,000 each (if you meet
(DEDUCTIBLE)
certain requirements) of your gross income, which reduces your taxable income.
You postpone payment of taxes on any earnings until they are withdrawn at a
date in the future, commonly retirement.1

TRADITIONAL Benefit: Earnings on your IRA are tax-deferred until retirement. If you exceed
IRA certain income limits, your Traditional IRA contributions may not be deducted
from your current tax bill. However, your non-deductible contributions will grow
(NON-DEDUCTIBLE)
on a tax-deferred basis.

ROTH IRA Benefit: Contributions are not deductible, but you receive tax deferral on
earnings and tax-free withdrawals later. Contributions are made with “after-tax”
money. However, when you withdraw the money from a Roth IRA, none of it will
be taxed so long as certain parameters are met.2
Key advantages: Your contributions can be available any time, without penalty
and there aren’t required minimum distributions.

1. Keep in mind that withdrawals from traditional IRAs are subject to income taxes at your ordinary tax rate, and early withdrawals, made before
reaching age 59 1/2, may be subject to a 10% penalty unless a qualifying exemption applies. You may be eligible for annual income tax deductions
based on your Annual Gross Income. Please consult a tax professional to see if you qualify. 2. Earnings on a Roth IRA may be tax-free if you hold the
account for five years and obtain the age of 59 1/2 before taking withdrawals. As long as the account has been open at least five years and you are
age 59 1/2 when you begin withdrawing the proceeds.

Comparing Tax Treatments

CATEGORY TRADITIONAL IRA ROTH IRA

Contribution Limit Up to 7000 Up to $7,000

(for 2024) (Age 50 and above: up to $8,000) (Age 50 and above: up to $8,000)

Deductibility Deductible Non-Deductible

(Income limits apply)

Earnings Tax-Deferred Tax-Deferred

Retirement Withdrawals Taxable Tax-Free

(After age 59 1/2) (If the Roth IRA is held at least five years)

Distributions Required at Age 73 No Age Requirement

Income limitations may restrict the amount that you may contribute to a Deductible IRA or a Roth IRA. Additionally, the amount you may contribute
to an IRA is reduced by contributions to other IRAs. Withdrawals before 59 1/2 may be subject to ordinary income tax and a 10% tax penalty.
Primerica representatives do not offer tax advice. Consult your tax advisor with any questions. Tax-related information is based on the current IRS
tax code at the time of publication which is subject to change.
This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security or to adopt a particular
investment strategy.

34
 The High Cost of Waiting
It can’t be stressed enough: The sooner you start to save, the less you will have to put away.
Look at how investing in an IRA today can help you secure a comfortable retirement.

THE TIME VALUE OF MONEY

Individual A: Contributes from Ages 22-29 Individual B: Contributes from Ages 30-67
Age Annual Contribution End-of-Year Accumulation Age Annual Contribution End-of-Year Accumulation
Started
Contributing 22 $7,000 $7,660 22 0 0
Age 22 23 $7,000 $16,030 23 0 0
24 $7,000 $25,190 24 0 0
25 $7,000 $35,210 25 0 0
26 $7,000 $46,170 26 0 0
27 $7,000 $58,160 27 0 0
Stopped 28 $7,000 $71,270 28 0 0
Contributing 29 $7,000 $85,610 29 0 0 Started
Age 29 30 0 $93,650 30 $7,000 $7,660 Contributing
31 0 $102,430 31 $7,000 $16,030 Age 30
32 0 $112,040 32 $7,000 $25,190
33 0 $122,550 33 $7,000 $35,210
34 0 $134,040 34 $7,000 $46,170
35 0 $146,620 35 $7,000 $58,160
36 0 $160,370 36 $7,000 $71,270
37 0 $175,420 37 $7,000 $85,610
38 0 $191,870 38 $7,000 $101,300
39 0 $209,870 39 $7,000 $118,460
40 0 $229,560 40 $7,000 $137,230
41 0 $251,090 41 $7,000 $157,760
42 0 $274,650 42 $7,000 $180,220
43 0 $300,410 43 $7,000 $204,780
44 0 $328,590 44 $7,000 $231,650
45 0 $359,420 45 $7,000 $261,030
46 0 $393,130 46 $7,000 $293,170
47 0 $430,010 47 $7,000 $328,330
48 0 $470,350 48 $7,000 $366,790
49 0 $514,470 49 $7,000 $408,850
50 0 $562,730 50 $7,000 $454,860
51 0 $615,520 51 $7,000 $505,190
52 0 $673,260 52 $7,000 $560,240
53 0 $736,410 53 $7,000 $620,450
54 0 $805,500 54 $7,000 $686,310
55 0 $881,060 55 $7,000 $758,340
56 0 $963,710 56 $7,000 $837,140
57 0 $1,054,110 57 $7,000 $923,320
58 0 $1,152,990 58 $7,000 $1,017,590
59 0 $1,261,150 59 $7,000 $1,120,710
60 0 $1,379,450 60 $7,000 $1,233,500
61 0 $1,508,860 61 $7,000 $1,356,860
62 0 $1,650,400 62 $7,000 $1,491,800
63 0 $1,805,220 63 $7,000 $1,639,400
64 0 $1,974,560 64 $7,000 $1,800,840
65 0 $2,159,780 65 $7,000 $1,977,430
66 0 $2,362,390 66 $7,000 $2,170,590 Stopped
67 0 $2,584,000 67 $7,000 $2,381,860 Contributing
Age 67
Total Contributions: $56,000 Total Contributions: $266,000
Total Accumulation at Age 67: $2,584,000 Total Accumulation at Age 67: $2,381,860

Would you rather be Individual A or Individual B?

The hypothetical 9% rate of return, compounded monthly, and tax-deferred accumulation shown for both IRA accounts are not guaranteed or
intended to demonstrate the performance of any actual investment. Unlike actual investments, the accounts show a constant rate of return without
any fees or charges. Any tax-deductible contributions are taxed and tax-deferred growth may be taxed upon withdrawal. Withdrawals from an IRA
prior to age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10% penalty tax. Assumes payments are made at the beginning of each year. Investing entails risk, including
loss of principal. Shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original value.
This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security or to adopt a particular
investment strategy.
35
BECOME
AN OWNER,
NOT A
LOANER
Many people fail financially because
they don’t understand the key
concept of becoming an owner, not
a loaner. Most people are “loaners.”
They deposit their money in
what they consider to be
“safe” investments,
usually a local bank or
credit union. But here’s
what happens.

36
Bypass the Middleman
Banks usually pay a low interest rate on their customers’ deposits and then loan that money out or
invest that money directly in the economy. The bank gains a higher rate of return on its investments and
is happy to pay you a lower interest rate for the use of your money. As a general rule, what you really
have there is a “loaning” account, rather than a “savings” account. You are lending money to the bank
and they are making a profit off your money. You have no choice but to reverse the situation if you want
to make your money work for you. You must become an “owner,” not a “loaner.” You must learn to
“bypass the middleman.”

Your Money Bypass the Middleman Global Economy

Are You Earning a Guaranteed Loss?

Even though you may feel comfortable with the fact that deposits in banks and savings and loans
are “guaranteed” against loss by the FDIC, what you are purchasing with that kind of “guarantee” is
something you hadn’t counted on — a guaranteed loss!

YOU DEPOSIT $10,000 AT A 1.5% INTEREST RATE AT YOUR LOCAL BANK...

You earn interest for the year: $150

But you pay $33 in taxes on that interest at 22% : -$33
So, your net earnings are: $117
Your resulting balance would be: $10,117
…but if inflation is 5%, your buying power would be reduced to: $9,635

You would have actually LOST buying power. Never underestimate

inflation risk. Remember, the key is what your money can buy.
This 22% tax rate is hypothetical. The example provided assumes a 22% federal tax bracket. Each circumstance differs based upon individual tax
brackets. A different tax rate will change the result. Savings and CD accounts are generally FDIC insured up to $250,000 per bank.
This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security or to adopt a particular
investment strategy.
37
The Broken Three-Legged Stool
For years, financial experts used the analogy of a three-legged stool to demonstrate the primary sources
that provide retirement income. However, gone are the days when you can count on a pension and health
insurance from your employer in retirement. Plus, Social Security doesn’t seem so “secure” anymore.
Altogether, these three “legs” used to represent a stable source of income and protection, but not
anymore. Simply put, it’s up to you to fund your retirement.

Social Security Company Sponsored Pensions Personal Savings

and Health Plans

With this kind of uncertainty, it’s time to take control and

not rely on other sources to fund or protect your retirement.

Don’t Just Save, Invest

QUESTION: With the problem of low returns QUESTION: How much will the average
in “safe” investments, where can you go to have senior spend on health care related expenses
the opportunity to get the kind of rate of return in retirement?
you need to keep ahead of the savings game?
ANSWER: On average, a senior may spend
ANSWER: Equity investments (the stock $157,000 in retirement. The right supplemental
market). Investing in the market takes you out of health plan can make a world of difference.
the “savings” mode and into the “investing” mode.
“Retiree Medical Costs Are Expected to Moderate, but Still High,”
NYtimes.com, June 30, 2023
QUESTION: Are stocks guaranteed?
ANSWER: No. There is always a potential for REMEMBER: You have learned why you
loss, as well as gain. But for a greater potential
should be an “owner” versus a “loaner.”
If you want a “guarantee” on your money, be
rate of return, many investors are willing to
willing to accept a relatively low return.
accept a greater degree of risk.

This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security or to adopt a particular
investment strategy.
38
Rate of Return Is the Key
While saving is important, that alone won’t typically be enough to see you through your retirement years.
Investing is one of the best ways to grow wealth over time.

How you choose to invest your money is also important, as some investment vehicles offer greater
potential for growth and potentially higher risks. The rate of return (the amount of growth on your
initial investment) will be different depending on how you decide to invest, so make sure you choose an
investment strategy that suits your goals, timeline and risk tolerance.

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT AT DIFFERENT RATES OF RETURN

(December 31, 1993 to December 31, 2023)

S&P 500 TR
10.14%
$181,763

Bonds
$36,534
4.41%

30-Day T-Bills
2.29%
$19,728

U.S. Inflation $21,081

2.52%

What kind of return do you need to reach your goals?

Source: Morningstar. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This chart is for illustrative purposes and does not represent an
actual investment. Further, the returns do not reflect the past or future performance of any specific investment. All investments involve
risk including loss of principal. The figures in the chart above assume reinvestments of dividends. They do not reflect any fees, expenses
or tax consequences, which would lower results. Because these indices are not managed portfolios, there are no advisory fees or internal
management expenses reflected in their performance. Investors cannot invest directly in any index. The figures represent an initial investment
of $10,000. The Standard & Poor’s 500®, which is an unmanaged group of securities, is considered to be representative of the stock market in general.
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index: Often referred to as “the S&P 500 Index of bonds,” the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index represents the
dollar-denominated, investment-grade, fixed-rate, taxable U.S. bond market. The index includes government and corporate securities, mortgage-
backed securities, and asset-backed securities, with maturities of at least one year. The U.S. 30-Day T-bills are government backed short-term
investments considered to be risk-free and as good as cash because the maturity is only one month and are represented by the IA SBBI US 30 Day
T-Bill TR index. Treasury Bills are secured by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and offer a fixed rate of return, while an investment in the
stock market offers no such guarantee. Inflation history is represented by the IA SBBI US Inflation index. Investors cannot invest directly in any index.
This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security or to adopt a particular
investment strategy.
39
INVEST WITH
PROFESSIONAL
MANAGEMENT
Mutual funds are a great way to
become an “owner,” not a “loaner.”
They give average families the
advantage of investing in the
economy, with the opportunity
to reduce risk with professional
management and diversification.
There’s no doubt that there is risk —
after all, you’re buying a little piece
of the economy, and the economy is
influenced by many factors. But, as
you’ve learned here, in exchange for
that risk, you have the potential
for a higher rate of return.

This material is intended only for general educational

purposes and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or
hold a security or to adopt a particular investment strategy.

40
What Is a Mutual Fund?
A mutual fund is an opportunity for you, together with many other investors, to pool your money.
Professional money managers invest the “pool” for you, keeping the investments under professional
supervision. The money managers use their knowledge of securities and changing market conditions to
invest the pooled assets in many different companies within a variety of industries.

INDIVIDUAL PROFESSIONALLY SAMPLE MUTUAL FUND HOLDINGS

INVESTORS MANAGED MONEY
The Procter & Gamble Company Verizon Communications, Inc.
Consumer products including Febreze, Telecommunications including wireless
Crest, Downy, Gillette, Tide voice and data, broadband Internet

Microsoft Corporation Technology Netflix, Inc. Entertainment including

including Windows computer software, subscription memberships for TV shows,
Xbox video game system films and games, streaming services

Pfizer, Inc. Pharmaceuticals including Amazon.com, Inc. Technology

Advil, Lipitor, Celebrex including e-commerce, cloud computing,
online advertising, digital streaming,
McDonald’s Corporation Global and AI
fast-food operator and consumer brand

Did you know the typical mutual fund holds more than 150 stocks on average?
Each mutual fund invests differently. Read the mutual fund’s prospectuses to determine how a fund may invest and to determine its current holdings.
Mutual funds are actively managed portfolios and incur fees and internal management costs. The value of a fund fluctuates and, shares, when
redeemed, may be less than the original value. Investments in mutual funds involve risk including loss of principal. Source: Morningstar. Average
based on 3,276 U.S. domestic equity open-end funds. The list above is an example and does not represent the holding of an actual mutual fund.

The Three “Ds” of Investing

DISCIPLINE thing which is to build your each month, regardless of what’s

By staying focused and staying portfolio by balancing a variety happening in the stock market.
invested through all market of investments. Together these This eliminates having to predict
activity, you can increase your investments help you achieve when to invest as you will be able
long-term potential because your goals and reduce your to take advantage of the market
missing even a handful of the best- portfolio’s risk. This may also highs and lows — by purchasing
performing days in the market over work to increase returns by fewer units when the prices are
time can considerably diminish offsetting losses in one asset high and more units when the
your returns. Experts say market class with an opportunity for prices are low. While dollar-cost
“timing” is a bad way to invest. The gains in another. Diversification averaging can’t assure a profit or
key is to maintain a long-term view does not assure a profit or protect against loss, it does show
and stay focused on your goals. protect against loss. how a systematic investing plan,
sustained over a period of time has
DIVERSIFICATION DOLLAR-COST the potential to pay off, relieving
Because there is no single, AVERAGING your worries about whether the
perfect investment, take Dollar-cost averaging means market is up or down.
advantage of the next best investing a certain fixed amount

Dollar-cost averaging is a technique for lowering average cost per share over time. Dollar-cost averaging cannot assure a profit or protect against
loss in declining markets. Investors should consider their ability to continue to invest in periods of low-price levels. These values are hypothetical
and not intended to reflect any specific market period.
This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security or to adopt a particular
investment strategy.
41
Who Do You Think If you picked Investor A, you’re wrong!
Investor B was able to take advantage of the
Earned More Money? downturn in the market and use his $100 monthly
investment to purchase shares at a lower price,
Dollar-cost averaging is one of the most important which meant more shares purchased. With his
principles in this How Money Works™ financial $600 investment he purchased 125.95 shares at
education book. an average price of $4.76 per share.

Investor A began purchasing his shares as the Investor A’s $600 investment purchased 42.28 shares
market soared. Right after Investor B started at an average price of $14.19 per share. In a fluctuating
purchasing his shares, the market fell and then market, Investor B was able to accumulate more
recovered to where it was at the beginning of his shares at a lower price than Investor A did in a rising
investment period. market. That’s the power of dollar-cost averaging.

DOLLAR-COST AVERAGING AT WORK

Rising Market Fluctuating Market

$20

OR A
$15 INVEST
SHARE PRICE

$10
B
ST OR
$5
INVE

$0
Month 1 2 3 4 5 6

Invests RETURN ON $600

$100 a month Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 TOTAL INVESTMENT

Average
Cost Per Share $10.00 $12.00 $14.00 $16.00 $18.00 $20.00 Cost Per Share: $14.19 42.28 shares
multiplied by
$20 share price =
No. of Shares 10.00 8.33 7.14 6.25 5.56 5.00 Shares
Accumulated: 42.28
INVESTOR A Accumulated fewer shares as the cost per share rose
$845.60
Average
Cost Per Share $10.00 $7.00 $4.00 $2.00 $6.00 $10.00 Cost Per Share: $4.76 125.95 shares
multiplied by
$10 share price =
No. of Shares 10.00 14.29 25.00 50.00 16.67 10.00 Shares
Accumulated: 125.95
INVESTOR B Accumulated more shares as the cost per share dropped
$1,259.50
Dollar-cost averaging is a technique for lowering average cost per share over time. Dollar-cost averaging cannot assure a profit or protect against
loss in declining markets. Investors should consider their ability to continue to invest in periods of low-price levels. These values are hypothetical
and not intended to reflect any specific market period.
This material is intended only for general educational purposes and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security or to adopt a particular
investment strategy.
42
YOU CAN DO IT
At first glance, achieving financial security may seem
overwhelming. But, as you’ve seen in these pages, the path to
financial independence starts with understanding a few basic
concepts — and implementing them in your life. Winning the
financial “war” is the result of winning tiny battles day to day.
Whatever your present situation, it’s important to get started
today. If you put together a simple plan and follow it,
you’ll be amazed at the progress you can make.

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