HELPING EDUCATORS

Protect Yourself from the Inflation Economy

As if the trauma of COVID wasn't enough, the economy is in an inflation death spiral and the world is in chaos. When our partner Frank passed away we decided to focus our efforts on helping teachers. Educators and the children they serve are suffering and need our support. Keep scrolling to discover the truth about the threats to your finances - and what you need to do to protect your family. Please reach out to us. We can help. - Steve Carter

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"Awesome help to Trenton educators...

Steve has been an awesome help to all educators in the Trenton School District. He is very knowledgeable and has gone beyond the call of duty to assist in every aspect of retirement planning. As my situation has changed he has always been there to help me. My retirement years will be much better because of his honest advice.

Sharron Grady, Trenton

"Options to increase retirement savings...

Steve was able to answer all the questions that I had concerning my retirement. He explained the various options I have available to me and showed me ways that I could increase my retirement savings. I was not aware of these options and I now feel more confident of my future, especially as I reach retirement age.

Denise Moran, Winslow

6 Threats to Your Finances, Family, & Future

Everything is about to get much worse.

We've talked, chatted with, or emailed with about 4,000 teachers in the last 4 years. We know that your situation has been extremely difficult. We are so sorry for that and are doing what we can to help.

There are 6 big threats to teacher's finances right now. If you understand them, you will be better able to protect yourself, your family, and your finances.

I've been helping educators for 30+ years and will share with you what the insiders know. You'll see a lot of Sam on video, since he's more comfortable on camera. When you schedule a meeting, I'll help you review your pension, policies, and get some things in place.

- Steve Carter


 #1 Cost of Inflation

Inflation is Like Getting a Huge Pay DECREASE

Today, inflation is up 6%. That's like getting a 6% reduction in your pay. Some experts think inflation could go as high as 20%. What would you do? Buy less food? Not pay for college? You can't afford to lose money on bad insurance, retirement or investment policies.

 #2 Stock Market Crash

Market Losses Right Before Retirement Are Devastating 

If the market crashes 20% right before you retire, you don't just need it to go up 20% to earn that back. Because you are starting with less money now, you would need it to go up 37%. Contact us before it's too late to prevent this from happening.

 #3 High Risk Policies

Variable Annuities Sold to Teachers are Risky & Costly

Most teachers' 403(b)s consist of variable annuities that are at the risk of the stock market swings AND have high fees. Why? Companies and salesmen make more money on these. If you have a Variable Annuity you probably have lost a lot of money already.

"A great help for me & my family...

Steve was a great help for me who delivered a very good presentation to me about retirement. He explained to me a few options that would benefit me and my family after I retire. Mr Carter knows the business and I recommend him to anybody who needs assistance with PLANNING for their retirement.

L. Marty Johnson, Pennsauken

"Reducing market crash risk….

I like to just summarize in a few short sentences how Mr. Carter helped me with my tax shelter. When I had questions about my 403(b), Mr. Carter sat with me and broke down the information that I needed to know. I decided to proceed with changes to increase my investment and put in less of a risk on the market.

Maria Lalave, Camden

#4 High Fee Policies

High & Hidden Fees Are Wiping Out Your Gains

It isn't just 403(b) plan Variable Annuities that have high fees. 401(k) plans are notorious for making people invest in Mutual Funds that make the companies more money but earn less for you. Insurance policies are a little clearer but can have similar problems.

 #5 Policy Complexity

Confusion Leads to Buying of Bad, Costly Policies

Do you understand your policies? When is the last time you've even looked at them? It's not your fault. Everything is so complex because companies want you to be confused. If you are confused you will trust their "simple" recommendations - that are costly for you but good for them.

 #6 Inaction

The Cost of Inaction Can Be Devastating

You aren't alone if you are so stressed out that you'd rather avoid these issues. Being financially stressed now is bad. Losing all your money just prior to retirement is devastating. The worst thing - is if you or your spouse died leaving your children unprotected. 

"Genuinely cares about teachers.

Steve was very informative about educating me in the transition from a 401K plan to a 403B plan. Steve was very patient with me and thoroughly answered all my questions and addressed my concerns. It was a pleasure working with Steve because he genuinely cares about his teachers!

Stacey Diggs, Winslow

"Personable, clear and succinct...

My Meeting with Steve was just PERFECT! He was organized, professional & very personable which helped me feel quiet comfortable. He presented the information in a way that was clear and succinct, clearly detailing aspects of my pension. I feel much better prepared going forward and appreciate his help very much!

Bob MacCausland, Gloucester

So what can you do?

Step #1. Understand your policies' details.

We've described the problems and solutions as best we can in this website. But, you really need to understand the policy details and we need to do some math. Don't worry, we like math. Let's just start with quick call or chat online.

Step #2. Create a plan to protect your family from what is happening.

The world and economy is changing for the worse. You need to stop losing money on bad policies and figure out how to earn and save more. Doing this can prevent a lot of suffering and bring you a lot of joy.

Step #3. Get support to take action now and in the future.

Many teachers we talk to hear from the 403(b) salesman once a year. He'll call to pressure them to put more money into their Variable Annuity. Oof. We can help you make changes now, and will stay in touch monthly to make sure we are helping you when you need it. Steve sometimes gets calls at 2am and, yes, usually picks up the phone.

Have a quick question...
Ask it here and schedule a review...

5 Star Ratings (Read Reviews)

I met with Steve wondering what would come of our conversation. Steve examined my financials including what I would possibly get from TPAF in retirement. He made several helpful suggestions and asked nothing from me, nor did he pitch me any product. I came away understanding my retirement situation more. I am always suspect of altruism but in this case, I believe it was real! :)

Beth
*Name & School withheld by request

"Made process easy…patient...

Steve was very helpful in explaining my 403B to me and calculating when I can retire. He came to me at my school and was very accommodating with the time of our meeting. I know he lives very far away and it meant a lot that he made the process so easy for me to do. He had some issues with my old company and he was very patient and walked me through the process of what to do step by step. I was so pleased with him that I referred him to a co-worker and she too was very pleased with his work. Thanks again Steve!

Amy Nicholls, Kindergarten Teacher

"Explained in terms I understand…quick...

Steve Carter was extremely helpful during my TPAF and retirement review. It was all brand new information for me, and Steve was able to explain everything in language and terms that I could understand. He works around your schedule and makes sure his appointments are quick! I am very pleased with my experience!

Bridget, Ocean Township

Step 1

Schedule Quick Chat

Step 2

Make a Plan

Step 3

We'll Help You Do It

What's the process like?

The process is very easy - especially since we've switched to web conferences via Zoom or Google Meet during COVID times.

Schedule a meeting online.

We can review your policies and make a plan. Then Steve will give you whatever support you need to implement it.

About  IvyWest Financial

Steve Carter has focused on helping educators with their financial planning and retirement planning for more than 25 years. He has talked to thousands of teachers and is passionate about helping them take simple steps to improve their financial situations. Steve and his wife reside in Manasquan, New Jersey and travel frequently to South Carolina. 

Sam Ingersoll has worked with numerous non-profits and after spending time in the financial services, real estate, and mortgage industries, is now a passionate advocate for consumers. Sam's wife is a physician and they have four children including one with Down syndrome and two adopted through state social services.

While IvyWest Financial serves many affluent families, our practice has become increasingly devoted to supporting educators and teachers who do so much to help our children.