​You may already know that it's a good idea to keep in touch with the Social Security Administration as you plan for retirement. You need to investigate information such as your full retirement age, your estimate of benefits if you retire at various hypothetical times, and how much your spouse can receive in spousal benefits.

But most people are reluctant to actually visit their local Social Security office and wait in long lines. Calling the office can be equally frustrating, as the hotline is often busy. Luckily, you now have a third option: Create an online account with Social Security, and never wait on the phone or in crowded lines again!

It's easy to sign up for your own account. Just go to the sign-up page and enter your information. You will be asked to provide your name, Social Security number, and address. You will also be asked to answer a few personal questions to verify your identity.

Once your account is active, you can perform a variety of tasks without leaving your home. If you need to change your address with the Social Security Administration, add a phone number, or provide bank account information for direct deposit of your benefits, you can do it all through your account. You can also receive estimates of future benefits, and view your earnings history. It's important to review your earnings history before you retire, to make sure Social Security will calculate your benefits correctly. You can even apply for your retirement benefits online!

If you do spot a mistake in your earnings history, or need to request a new Social Security card, you still have to complete these tasks at by calling or visiting your local office. But for most of us, creating an account on the Social Security website will save us significant time and hassle as we prepare for retirement.

This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.

14486 - 2015/5/13

When you're planning for retirement, it can be easy to get lost in a sea of advice and information. It's understandable that you might worry about one mistake costing you a comfortable lifestyle once you reach retirement. But if you follow these eight steps, you will be well on your way to planning a stable retirement

Estimate your life span. How long did your parents live? Or are they still alive? What about inheritable genetic conditions? How is your lifestyle and current health? Many retirees underestimate their life spans and find themselves running out of money toward the end of their lives. Remember it's better to have too much money than not enough – so estimate high.

Plan to work. Once your career ends, you might find yourself feeling bored and unsatisfied. Many retirees report higher levels of satisfaction after taking on a part time job. You may be able to find work in a field that always interested you, and you can boost your retirement income by a few thousand dollars – or more – each year.

Wait to claim Social Security. Try to wait until full retirement age (65 to 67, depending upon your year of birth) to claim Social Security. If you claim your benefits early, your checks will be permanently reduced. If you file your claim later, you can earn a bigger check for each year that you wait beyond full retirement age, up to age 70.

Sign up for Medicare on time. Remember to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65, or you could face a late penalty. In fact, you can apply for your benefits starting three months prior to your 65th birthday.

Streamline your finances. If you hold multiple retirement accounts, it can become difficult to keep track of your money. Many retirees choose to roll everything into one account at retirement. It makes for easier accounting, leaving you more time to enjoy your new laid-back lifestyle!

Account for the cost of health care. The average man retiring today can expect to spend $116,000 on his medical expenses throughout the rest of his life. For the average woman, the cost is estimated at $131,000. Make sure you have enough money to cover out-of-pocket costs not covered by Medicaid.

Consider the cost of long-term care. Did you know that Medicare does not cover most of the cost of long-term care? No one should bet on having good health forever. Consider purchasing long-term care insurance, or make sure you have plenty of money set aside in your retirement account to cover the cost of a nursing home.

Make sure you get everything you deserve. Did you know there is over 280 million dollars' worth of unclaimed pensions out there? The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation holds onto these forgotten pensions, from employers who went out of business or whose former employees forgot to claim their benefits. Check with your old employers to be sure you aren't missing out on some money!

 This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.

 14487 - 2015/5/13

Debit cards are convenient methods of payment, since they link to your checking account and don't carry interest charges. But due to the way fraud is handled, there are some situations in which you would be better off using a credit card.

Gas stations. In a scam called “skimming”, criminals place small card-reading devices inside gas pumps. When you swipe your debit card, your information can be stolen and used to drain your bank account.

Expensive purchases. Most credit cards offer extra protection on purchases, whereas debit cards generally offer no such help. If something is wrong with the purchase, and the vendor won't issue a refund, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company. If you used a debit card, the money is just gone. Your credit card company may even offer extended warranties on some big-ticket items.

Online purchases. Most online transactions work smoothly and to the satisfaction of both customer and merchant. But occasionally, you may experience dissatisfaction with a product that does not arrive in the condition you expected. A credit card offers better protection in these circumstances. And of course, online purchases may open you up to fraud in the event that your card numbers are intercepted, so using a debit card online can result in a drained back account.

Restaurants. There have been cases of dishonest servers who quickly record customer card information, then later use the card numbers to make online purchases. If you used a credit card, you can dispute the charge. But if you used a debit card, it is much harder to recover your stolen money.

Deposits. If you rent a car, hotel room, or even a moving truck, your final bill is uncertain. If you use a debit card in these cases, the place of business will often place a hold on funds in your account. This could be a problem if you need to access the funds in your bank account. Use a credit card instead, and the charge will simply appear as “pending” on your card statement until a final amount is entered.

If you choose to use a debit card for any purchase, keep in mind that you have two days to report any unauthorized charges. Otherwise, you could be responsible for 500 dollars' worth of damages – or even the entire amount. When in doubt, use your credit card instead.

 Carstens Financial Group Sponsors Charity Pro-Am Golf Tournament

Two-day event at Emerald Hills Golf Club in July will feature players from the 
Dakota Professional Golf Tour and benefit the Wounded Warrior Project
 
ARNOLDS PARK, Iowa (April 21, 2015) – Carstens Financial Group believes in giving back to the community, which is why the financial, retirement and insurance services company announces today it will be the lead sponsor of the Carstens Financial Group Charity Pro-Am, the only local charity golf tournament that will feature current players from The Dakota Tour on July 7-8 at the Emerald Hills Golf Club in Arnolds Park.

“As a past supporter of this tournament, I knew it was a quality fundraiser. So this year, we stepped up to make Carstens Financial Group the lead sponsor and rename the tournament,” said Kirt Carstens, president of Carstens Financial Group. “It’s important to me to make giving back a part of my life and what a fun way to do it by playing golf to benefit a worthy charity.”

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) will be the benefactor of this year’s golf tournament. The vision of the WWP is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history by raising awareness and aid for the needs of injured service members.

“I considered a lot of great organizations, and had heard wonderful things about the Wounded Warrior Project. So the Carstens Financial Group Charity Pro-Am was born, with the net proceeds going to the WWP,” said Carstens. “The work they do is outstanding and it’s our service members we have to thank for our daily freedoms.”

Players from The Dakota Tour, a 19-event professional golf tour played in the Midwest states of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, will compete for a $12,000 purse and will be paired with 108 amateurs. Some changes for the tournament this year include new twists on the charity dinner the night before the tournament and the involvement of local veterans and service members.

Any company or individual interested in sponsoring, donating or playing, please contact Carstens at 712.332.5960 or Randy Rohlfsen at Emerald Hills Golf Club at 712.332.7100.

About Carstens Financial Group 
Carstens Financial Group understands that your retirement needs are as individual as you are and works to address those unique needs through estate strategies, pre-retirement and retirement funding, and business insurance services. By taking a “big picture” approach, the company provides clients with solid communication and candor, as well as a full range of products and services to meet the individual goals and objectives of each client. President Kirt Carstens has more than two decades of experience cultivating long-term relationships with those he serves and providing unparalleled service in helping clients create the retirement of their dreams. To learn more about Carstens Financial Group, visit www.kcarstens.com. Licensed Insurance Professional. Securities and Advisory Services offered through Client One Securities, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC and an Investment Advisor. Carstens Financial Group and Client One Securities, LLC are not affiliated. 

MEDIA CONTACT
Kirt Carstens, President
[email protected]
712.332.5960

We all dread tax season each year, as a year's worth of procrastination and lost records finally catches up to us. If you just finished filing your 2014 taxes, you probably don't want to think about taxes until this time next year! But if you take a few proactive steps now, you won't feel so stressed out next spring.

Set up an account on IRS.gov. If you've ever had a difficult time locating old tax records, you know that the IRS system can be slow and difficult to navigate. Don't wait until the busy tax season to set up an online account, when the website may be subject to freezing and crashing. Do it now, and you may thank yourself later.

Check in with your accountant. Your accountant is available to you throughout the year, not just in April! Don't save all of your tax questions for the last minute and then find yourself in a bind the evening of April 14. Take note of your tax questions throughout the year, and give your accountant a call any time you have concerns you need to discuss.

Talk to your financial planner, too. Are you taking maximum advantage of all retirement savings opportunities? Considering some of these options carry pretty serious tax advantages, you should investigate them throughout the year. Don't wait until tax time to stash money for retirement.

Establish a better record-keeping system. If you wait until April to locate old receipts and account statements, it's no wonder you feel pressured. Create a better system now, and commit yourself to using it throughout the year. If you love technology, try scanning and uploading everything to a cloud storage system. If you prefer the old-fashioned method, there is nothing wrong with a filing cabinet or fireproof box.

Keep track of your deductions. In particular, charitable donations can cause a headache at tax time, as you try to remember every contribution and sift through a mountain of receipts. Create a budget for charitable giving now, and decide upon a schedule for writing those checks. Then simply slip a copy of each check into your filing system, and you're done!

Pay early. If you're shocked by your tax bill each spring, pay more of your taxes throughout the year. Adjust your payroll withholding upward. Or, if you're self-employed, establish a quarterly tax payment system. Talk to your accountant about the amount you should be paying throughout the year in order to avoid a large bill next April.

Carstens Attends Exclusive Elite Advisors Summit with Fellow Top Producers

ARNOLDS PARK, IOWA (March 23, 2015) -- Kirt Carstens attended the Ninth-Annual Elite Advisor Summit held March 1-4 in Austin, Tex., at the Four Seasons Hotel. This exclusive gathering focused on the exchange of ideas with top producers from around the country and featured motivational speakers.

The most valuable lesson Carstens learned at the Summit? Gaining new strategies to overcome self-inflicted roadblocks. Attendance was imperative for networking with peers and vendors because of the benefits it brings him and his business, including the ability to learn new strategies, acquire knowledge of product changes and discover new marketing opportunities.

“Producers at summits like these are always the best of the best, so it’s an honor to be invited,” Carstens said. “Coming from Northwest Iowa, the Elite Advisor Summit was a great way to measure what we’re doing at Carstens Financial Group compared to others around the country, and to see all the really great things we—and everyone else—are doing for clients.”

The collaboration with other top producers opened Carstens up to new ideas to implement in the coming years to improve the client experience.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend time with such great people. We share ideas and really motivate one another for the years ahead,” said Carstens. “The people here really make the difference!”

Featured speakers included Captain J. Charles Plumb, Vietnam War POW and survivor. He drew parallels between his POW experience and the challenges of everyday life, revealing a story of hope, validating the strength of the human spirit.

“It was incredible to hear Charlie’s story. He was so powerful and made us all realize life is always better than it can seem sometimes. His resolve, and the other POWs he shared his 2,103-day captivity with, was beyond words,” said Carstens.

As a thank you, Elite Advisor Summit attendees were sized for a custom-fitted Stetson hat to go with the Texas theme of the Summit.

Carstens, a long-time resident of the Iowa Great Lakes region, has been offering financial services to area residents since 1991. His full-service business specializes in providing asset management, estate planning and life insurance solutions for retirees and pre-retirees. A Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), he received recognition as a qualifying and lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), an international, independent association comprised of the world’s top life insurance and financial service professionals.

ABOUT CARSTENS FINANCIAL GROUP
Carstens Financial Group understands that your retirement needs are as individual as you are and works to address those unique needs through estate strategies, pre-retirement and retirement funding and business insurance services. By taking a “big-picture” approach, the company provides clients with solid communication and candor, as well as a full range of products and services to meet the individual goals and objectives of each client. President Kirt Carstens has more than two decades of experience cultivating long-term client relationships and striving to help them create the retirement of their dreams. To learn more about Carstens Financial Group, visit www.kcarstens.com.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through Client One Securities, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC and an Investment Advisor. Carstens Financial Group and Client One Securities, LLC are not affiliated.
 
14225 – 2015/3/12

CONTACT INFORMATION:                                                  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kirt Carstens, President
712.332.5960, [email protected]

Carstens Qualifies for Annexus® Inner Circle Network;
Plays in Annexus Pro-Am Golf Event with PGA Pro Rickie Fowler

ARNOLDS PARK, Iowa (February 10, 2014) – Kirt Carstens’ dedication toward helping his clients reach their dream of a comfortable retirement recently earned him two prestigious honors. Carstens qualified for the Annexus® Inner Circle and he took part in the Annexus® Pro-Am tournament that featured professional golfers and celebrities.

The Annexus® Pro-Am was played January 29, 2014, at the TPC Scottsdale, which hosts the Waste Management Phoenix Open, an annual PGA Tour tournament. The pro-am event was played the day before the four-day tournament teed off.

The pro-am featured teams of four amateurs who were joined by a professional golfer. Many of the amateurs were celebrity athletes and performers, including former Major League Baseball pitching great Randy Johnson, NBA legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving, country music star Jake Owen, NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, former all-pro quarterback Jim McMahon, and actor Joel Murray (brother of Bill Murray).

Carstens was teamed with Rickie Fowler, a 25-year-old up-and-comer on the PGA Tour who was named Rookie of the Year in 2010 and earned a spot on that year’s U.S. Ryder Cup team.

“It was a dream come true for me to play in this event,” said Carstens. “It was a lot of fun playing with Rickie. He’s extremely talented and a real nice young man. I really appreciate Annexus® for giving me this opportunity.”

Carstens was chosen to appear in the pro-am by qualifying for the Annexus® Inner Circle. The honor is reserved for the top 150 financial professionals representing Annexus®, which provides retirement income planning solutions using innovative technology to enhance product performance.

Annexus® is unique in that it hand-picks 5,000 out of 400,000 financial professionals worldwide to represent the company. Of the 5,000, only 150 succeed in reaching the Annexus® Inner Circle, which the company reserves for its “best of the best.”

To qualify, Carstens had to achieve production goals in his business. As part of the Annexus® Inner Circle, Carstens earned exclusive access to benefits and programs hosted all over the world.

“This is a huge honor for me,” Carstens said. “Plus, best of all, it will benefit my clients as I help them reach their dreams of a comfortable retirement. I’ll now have more access to some of the top minds in the industry on how to even better serve my clients.”

Carstens, a long-time resident of the Iowa Great Lakes region, has been offering financial services to area residents since 1991. His full-service business specializes in providing asset management, estate planning, and life insurance solutions for retirees and pre-retirees. A Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), he received recognition as a qualifying and lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), an international, independent association comprised of the world’s top life insurance and financial service professionals.

ABOUT CARSTENS FINANCIAL GROUP

Carstens Financial Group understands that your retirement needs are as individual as you are and works to address those unique needs through estate strategies, pre-retirement and retirement funding, and business insurance services. By taking a “big picture” approach, the company provides clients with solid communication and candor, as well as a full range of products and services to meet the individual goals and objectives of each client. President Kirt Carstens has more than two decades of experience cultivating long-term relationships with those he serves and providing unparalleled service in helping clients create the retirement of their dreams. To learn more about Carstens Financial Group, visit www.kcarstens.com.

 Securities and Advisory Services offered through Client One Securities, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC and an Investment Advisor. 

Carstens Financial Group and Client One Securities, LLC are not affiliated.

13183 - 2014/2/10
​
CONTACT INFORMATION: 
Kirt Carstens, President
712.332.5960, [email protected]