March 2019
Baby Boomers Change the Nature, Timing of Retirement
Portrait of smiling senior female worker standing with hands on hip
With unemployment at an all-time low, Baby Boomers are continuing to work at the highest rate since the 2008 recession. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts this trend will continue to grow, redefining what retirement looks like in the future.

Why this shift?

People are healthier and better educated. Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) have longer lifespans, extending the “golden years” well beyond the traditional retirement age of 65. Inadequate retirement savings or portfolios hit hard by the recession may require people to work longer. Others want to stay engaged in their professions or enjoy “encore careers” without the pressure of having to generate a large income. 
The biggest change, according to Squared Away, a blog supported by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, will be among older populations. The number of 65- to 74-year-olds will increase by 4.5 percent and those workers over 75 will increase 6.4 percent by 2024. In January, 65.1 percent of Americans between ages 55 and 64 were employed, up from 63.9 percent in 2015.

The Impact on Social Security
Senior engineer
Those who continue to work longer have some things to consider before choosing when to file for Social Security benefits. Higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits and anyone who retires at 62 (the earliest possible age to qualify for Social Security) will receive a lower benefit than if they keep working. Delaying retirement can mean higher benefits based on your contributions as well as based on when you start receiving benefits until you reach age 70. For more details, download this PDF on “Retirement Benefits” from the Social Security Administration.
Let Us Help You Plan
Whatever your age and whatever your goals for retirement, let us help you plan for the future. The formula for how long you want to work, your Social Security benefits and your taxable income is one that we can help you design. We are here to help you with your "golden years," however you choose to spend them.  
Wealth Wellness at Any Age
Speaking of saving for retirement, our own John Vires, CFP ® , CFA ®, was featured in this month's issue of 25 West, a niche publication of the Daily Herald. John was the lead source in the story "A Wealth Wellness Checkup."

John shared his perspective on adjusting an investment portfolio based on goals during different stages of life. He challenged some conventional thinking about the ratio between stocks and bonds. "While we expect higher returns from stocks, we also expect greater uncertainty of those returns, and this past December was a perfect example," he said. "What you should do, then, differs depending on your stage of life."

The story included recommendations from John and other financial advisors for people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s, with ideas for how to invest as you move closer to retirement. If you'd like to talk with John about your own projections for retirement, please call 630-653-1616 or email John at jvires@mmaadvisors.com.
Our People Make a Difference
The Student Accountancy Society (SAS) at Northern Illinois University invited us to participate in a panel for the students called " Beyond the Big Four" on March 27. Brian Eisenmenger, CPA, partner, adjunct professor at NIU and an NIU alum himself, represented the firm. [Brian is pictured here as he was welcomed warmly by Linda Matuszewski, Ph.D., CPA, associate professor of accountancy at NIU and faculty advisor for the SAS.]

Some forty eager students attended the meeting, asking questions ranging from "What do you look for from an intern or first-year employee?" to "How should we choose which area we might want to specialize in?" Brian shared about the benefits of working for a firm our size, highlighting our focus on quality of life and close client contact. He mentioned from his own experience that obtaining a CPA provides broader career options whether the students pursue public accounting or move into private industry.
From career fairs to meet-and-greets to offering our CPA experts for panels like this one, we are honored to be on campus with talented young students who are aspiring to become accountants. We know they are the future of the profession and we're delighted to participate in their learning. Go Huskies!
Congratulations to Alice Berardi, CPA

Another NIU alum, Alice Berardi, CPA, was recently promoted to senior accountant here at MMA & Co. Alice has been with Mathieson, Moyski, Austin & Co. since July of 2016 and she works in audit, accounting and tax. "Alice is a great contribution to our team and we are happy to acknowledge her for her hard work," said John Straus, CPA, partner.

Alice is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society. She and her husband Zach live in St. Charles and are expecting their first child in June.
The Mathieson, Moyski, Austin & Co. team showed up in force for Casino Night, an evening of fun and fund-raising for the DuPage Historical Museum Foundation. This event, held in the auditorium of the DuPage Historical Museum, offered casino games, raffles and silent auctions, all for a good cause. [Photo of Helen Demsher, CPA, and her husband John, courtesy of the Wheaton Park District.]

The foundation's mission is "to raise funds to support DCHM’s mission to educate the general public through the collection, preservation, interpretation, and exhibition of materials which document the history of DuPage County and its relationship to Illinois and the nation, and to provide local history services for historical organizations and for scholarly endeavors." For more information about the museum and its foundation, contact Margie Wilhelmi.
A New Grandbaby Born

Shannon Bachara, CPA, took a whirlwind trip with her partner Vince Salinas to Virginia Beach, VA, to welcome grandbaby Jaxson Lee, born on March 15 to daughter Ariel and Jaxson's dad Brandon. Jaxson made his entrance into the world at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth on the date that corporate tax returns are due. Shannon met those deadlines then flew down for the weekend to meet this adorable bundle of joy. His mom, Ariel, is currently serving in the Navy. Congratulations to all!
Finally, FINALLY... Spring Has Sprung
It's official--March 20 was the first day of spring. In Illinois, we know better than to celebrate spring too soon. After all, April has been know to bring snowstorms. But for now, people are enjoying warmer temperatures and the first flowers of the season.

For most of our team, celebrating will have to wait. We are hunkered down, working on tax returns for our clients in order to meet that April 15 deadline. Thanks to those of you who have brought snacks to help sustain us through our "busy season." We are grateful for the work we do, the referrals we receive and the clients for whom we work. Happy Spring!
Ron Austin, CPA
Brian Eisenmenger, CPA
Brian Hagene, CPA
Brett Mathieson, CPA
Mike Moyski, CPA
John Straus, CPA