2017 – Lots of Enhancements!

When the 2017 version is fully live you will see a significant number of enhancements – maybe not initially because we still want you to “see green” and “get the red out”. But there are lots of things you’ve asked for and now they’re here! Many of these enhancements are things you have brought to our attention, requested, hoped and prayed for – we aim to please, so here’s hoping your request made the initial list.

Here’s a list of (most of) the 2017 Updates:

For ALL Editions:

  • Basic 2017 branding changes.
  • Files can now be opened and edited on both MAC and PC computers.
  • Updated Help file with new 2017 tax tables and Social Security changes.
  • Updated Social Security algorithm and related data points to 2017 data for bend points, national average earnings, maximum creditable earnings, average wage index series, and cost of living adjustment.  Now using 20 year average of 2.13% for the COLA in the built-in estimate.  If you do not use the built-in estimate, make sure you consider using the 2.13% COLA under Settings – Social Security.
  • Major improvement in the printed report using professional design, alternate shading, and color.
  • Added clear note “After Taxes in Today’s Dollars” for the Retirement Income Goal.
  • Maximizing main window now has resizable buttons.
  • Maximizing main window now increases font size of the Spreadsheet for better readability.
  • Added “Simple” Spreadsheet that only has most important color columns. Use Ctrl-R to switch to it.
  • The executable file has been renamed from Planner.exe to RetirementView.exe so you can find it more easily in the list of Processes if you need to.
  • Added a built-in Print Preview screen for the printed reports.
  • Added a built-in PDF printing and saving option for the printed reports.
  • Changed old Most Recently Used file menu items to Open Recent menu.
  • You can now run the plan out to age 117 – the age of the oldest person in the world.  Good luck and good health!
  • If couples plan and one spouse still working, we now deduct Social Security Tax at 6.2% (Subject to the Max Earnings test) and Medicare Tax at 1.45% (thanks Peter Plant).
  • Updated EBRI.org retirement factoids that pop up if you click returns in unregistered demo mode.
  • Re-added the Backups routine that backs up data file changes in case you need to recover lost data.
  • Removed built-in AppUpdate since it failed on most computers. Now just point to online download pages.
  •  Fixed bug where spouse was already retired but the spouse tab was not disabling job income and other “Not Applicable” fields (thanks Nick Seltun).
  • Fixed bug where clicking on spouse Job Income field or Retirement Age field would call SetAlreadyRetired which would by mistake set the primary client Job Income to zero (thanks Nick Seltun).
  • Fixed bug in print out on Investments page where the blended return BEFORE retirement did not make any sense if it was a Couples plan and one spouse was already retired. The program would average a 0% return for the retired spouse since they had no “before” retirement period. We now just print “N/A” since that return does not make any sense when the retirement has already started (thanks Nick Seltun).
  • Fixes long time bug for “Invalid Type Mismatch” on the secondary grid controls on Investments, Cash Infusions, and Special Expenses.
  • Fixes long time bug where program could not print in color if your default printer was set to “black and white” printing only (i.e. you could not switch to color and get the reports to print in color).

For the PROFESSIONAL EDITION:

  • Advisors with a CFP can now print the Registered Trademark symbol with their name.

For the PERSONAL/COUPLES Editions:

  • Added ability to use files to create multiple scenarios as needed (File New, Open, Save, Save As, Close).  Note that it is still locked to the one name and/or spouse name.

Full list of all current updates and enhancements will be located on our help desk.

If you are just learning about our software, you can find us at www.torrid-tech.com. Also check out our video tutorials and our YouTube channel.

If you have any questions about our software give us a call at 888.333.5095 or email us at support@torrid-tech.com.

Make Retirement Simple Book Hits #1 on Amazon.com Kindle

My first book has been published on Amazon Kindle and hit #1 on several of the charts!  It’s very exciting.  The print version will be coming out in the next couple of weeks.

I’d just like to thank my co-authors Travis Evans, Craig Cassidy, and Jeff Biro.   Congratulations to you guys too for being a “Best Selling Author”!Book-AmazonBestSellerCollageScreen

If you want to check out the KINDLE version here it is on Amazon.com:  http://amzn.to/2cffv2J

WOULD YOU LIKE THIS BOOK FOR FREE? Get our LABOR DAY SPECIAL and we will mail you a PRINTED COPY once it is ready later this month.  You will get ALL of the following if you get going this Labor Day weekend:

1). Full RetirementView software
2). The Latest 2016 Edition (and 2017 edition when it is ready in January)
3). you get 1 year of updates from date of purchase
4). you get our QuickStart Guide
5). you get unlimited support by e-mail and phone.
6). you get our iron-clad 100% 90-Day Unconditional Money Back Guarantee (new customers only).
7). you get our online training videos that teach you how to use the software.
8). BONUS: LIVE Q&A Call with Tim Turner – bring all your questions
9). BONUS: $25 TARGET GIFT CARD
10). BONUS: FREE 2016 CD IN THE MAIL
11). * BONUS *: Copy of Print Verion of Tim’s Best Selling Book “Make Retirement Simple” (once it is ready in print)

If you’d like to get this, click here to order!

New Mac Version of RetirementView – 2016.3

Torrid Technologies, Inc., a company based out of Marietta, Georgia, has recently released the 2016.3 version of their award-winning Retirement View software for Mac computers. The new version includes several important enhancements and improvements. The software has been in circulation and consistently updated since 1994 when it first appeared for the Mac operating system.

The software was designed to help individuals plan their retirement, even if they aren’t that good with a computer and know little about financial planning. It is also used by financial advisors to create visual retirement plans for their clients. Torrid Technologies founder Tim Turner says, “Our Retirmenet View software is for anyone concerned about whether they are saving enough for retirement. It’s more robust than free internet calculators and way easier to use than most complicated software systems.”

Currently, Torrid Tech is offering a free demo of the software from the company’s website at http://www.torrid-tech.com. The tool is described as being easy to use, easy to learn, and uses a simple fill-in-the-blank system. It works instantly and accurately to create your retirement saving plans in less than 15 minutes.

The Retirement View software for Mac can be downloaded directly from the Torrid Technologies site for both individuals and financial advisors. From there, potential users of the software can read the reviews of current customers, speak to a member of the team or learn more from their knowledge base.

A unique video tour of the capabilities of the 2016 retirement view software release is also available through the website, providing some insight into the upgrades and additional content which users can benefit from during the retirement planning process. This walks users through entering data such as Social Security, Pensions, investments, benefits, special expenses, and other cash disbursements. It also shows why using a basic online calculator for this type of planning is inefficient and dangerous.

Price varies between the personal edition, couple’s edition, and professional edition, but all versions offer the same colorful graphics, real-time experience, and uncomplicated process to provide users with effortless planning potential. The company invites interested parties to download the trial version and see for themselves how easy it is to build your own retirement plan and take control over your retirement finances.

RetirementView software is available on both Mac and Windows computers, as well as tablets. Consumers use it for do-it-yourself retirement planning for both employees and those already retired. Financial advisors use RetirementView to build retirement plans for clients that they can see and discuss changes to avoid running out of money.

RetirementView Software for Windows 2016 Release 1 is Ready

Torrid Technologies, Inc., a company based out of Marietta, Georgia, has recently released the 2016 version of their award-winning Retirement View software for Windows. The new version includes all of the award-winning capabilities of its predecessor, with some additional improvements. The software has been in circulation and consistently updated since 1995, and is reported as being used regularly by a number of major broker dealers, and financial advising firms.

The software was designed by the team to help individuals plan their retirement, and also for use by professionals in the finance industry looking to make improvements in the field of retirement planning for their loyal clientele. Torrid Technologies founder Tim Turner says, “This software can easily help anyone plan their retirement finances even if you aren’t that good with a computer. It’s more robust than free internet calculators.”

Currently, the Torrid Technologies, Inc. team is providing access to a free demo of the software from the company’s website at http://www.torrid-tech.com. The tool is described as being easy to use, easy to learn, and uses a simple fill-in-the-blank system. It works quickly, processing accurate retirement saving plans in less than 15 minutes.

The Retirement View software for Windows can be downloaded directly from the Torrid Technologies site for both individuals and businesses. From there, potential users of the software can read the reviews of current customers, speak to a member of the team or view other products and services offered through the company.

A unique video tour of the capabilities of the 2016 software release is also available through the website, providing some insight into the upgrades and additional content which users can benefit from during the retirement planning process. This walks users through entering data such as Social Security, Pensions, investments, benefits, special expenses, and other cash disbursements. It also shows why using a basic online calculator for this type of planning is inefficient.

Price varies between the personal edition, couple’s edition, and professional edition, but both offer the same colorful graphics, real-time experience, and uncomplicated process to provide users with effortless planning potential. The company invites interested parties to download the trial version and see for themselves.

Retirement Calculator Paints Clearer Picture For People Looking To Retire Says Torrid Technologies

Miji Pearse, a spokesperson for the company Torrid Technologies, Inc., announced that their proprietary Retirement Calculator can help to paint a clearer picture for people that are thinking about retiring.

She said that too many people take a decision to retire, and then later regret the timing of that decision. She added that the reason for this is because they don’t consider the right factors. Torrid Technologies, Inc. said that the number one priority for people to consider is “when” they take their Social Security. Taking it too early could leave them in a financial shambles.

The company explains it with the following example, “Taking it early at 62 can reduce your benefits by thousands of dollars over your lifetime and that of your spouse. For each year that you delay taking Social Security you will receive 7 to 8% higher benefits. If one spouse dies, the other spouse can continue the higher benefit. Thus, extending the lifetime benefit of delaying taking Social Security.” Another factor to consider is the likelihood of being able to delay retirement. If a person owns their own business, there shouldn’t be any problem, as long as they stay in good health. However, if the company they work for has a mandatory retirement age, the employee has no final say in the matter, regardless of how healthy they are. Miji added that with people living past the age of 90 these days, there is a higher need to retire closer to the age of 70 then 60 in order to continue living a lifestyle they’re accustomed to.

Tim Turner, attorney and founder of Torrid Technologies says, “Determining the best age to retire requires analyzing many factors including healthcare, expenses, defined benefits like Social Security and Pensions, investment management, annuities, where you will live, longevity, inflation, and many other factors. When to retire is a big decision not to be made lightly.” Tim Turner explains that this is the reason why basic planning is critical for people to build their retirement. He said that a lot of people rely on hope, which is not a strategy. Instead, by having a good understanding of their retirement picture and knowing what they will need in order to make it possible is a better approach.

Torrid Technologies, Inc. said that their Retirement Calculator is a good tool to help people get a clearer picture. It does this by taking into account the income from Social Security, defined benefits, pensions, other cash infusions, and unlimited investments that are tax-deferred and taxable. They added that the retirement calculator can be used for people who are planning for their retirement and those who are already retired.

For over 20 years Torrid Technologies, Inc. has been providing easy to use financial planning software for websites, consumers, financial advisors as well as companies that need custom web calculators to showcase on their sites. Those who are interested in finding out more about the Retirement Calculator from Torrid Technologies are encouraged to visit the company’s website.

Torrid Advisory Solutions Helps RIAs Fight Back Against Pure “Robo-Advisors” by Releasing White Label Advisory Platform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Torrid Advisory Solutions Helps RIAs Fight Back Against Pure “Robo-Advisors” by Releasing White Label Advisory Platform

 

Marietta, GA, November 17, 2014 – Torrid Technologies has thrown its hat into the online advisory platform business competing with large financial companies and others using advanced technology integrated with a competing custodian. It is very clear that the online advisory business is growing and here to stay.

 

The Torrid Advisory Solutions SaaS Platform competes with pure electronic “Robo-Advisors” by helping existing advisors extend their practices to the “cloud” with ease.  This new “Cloud-Advisor” model  shines a light on the “Robo-Advisor” shortcomings, which are mainly a lack of human interaction and guidance.

 

The Torrid Advisory Solutions SaaS Platform changes the game for advisors looking to leverage the technologies needed to compete with existing solutions and leap over the competition. The service is immediately available for white labeling by Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and advisory firms.

 

As Tim Turner, CEO of Torrid Technologies shared, “Most robo-advisors are simply low-cost portfolio management solutions that rely totally on computer-based decision making.”  One robo-advisor firm, for example, has gathered over $1 billion in assets since 2012.  Unlike such pure “robo-advisors”, Torrid Advisory Solutions is different because it provides a Financial Advisor or Investment Advisory firm the ability to extend their existing financial practice to the cloud.

Doing business in the cloud shouldn’t represent a reduction in services in order to reduce cost. Torrid Advisory Solutions believes “bringing an Advisor’s business to the cloud” means increasing scalability while increasing efficiency and automation, so that an Advisor can manage a business growing without borders.

 

At the heart of the Torrid Advisory Solutions SaaS Platforms is “video”. Whether it is an Investment Advisor looking to share their portfolio management decisions with investors, or a financial advisor performing a video consultation with a client, integrated video conferencing and video communication makes the cloud feel a little closer. Providing Advisory Services is a consultative business and without integrated video, “Robo-Advisors” are little more than a computer program.

 

Torrid Advisory Solutions SaaS Platform is more than just video. It provides automatic

rebalancing and simplified portfolio management all without the advisor having to do anything to make a trade. But the icing on the cake is the robust client communications layer. Client’s will never feel left out in the cold with the real-time notifications of portfolio changes (including video explanations), and any other pertinent information shared by the advisor. Combined with Social Media integration, clients and advisors can participate in discussion threads that reach the masses with personal interactions.

 

The Torrid Advisory Solutions SaaS Platform competes with pure electronic “Robo-Advisors” by helping existing advisors extend their practices to the “cloud” without much effort. a This new “Cloud-Advisor” model  shines a light on the “Robo-Advisor” shortcomings, which are mainly a lack of human interaction and guidance.

Access a demo and solutions-driven white paper:

www.torrid-tech.com

 

About:

Torrid Technologies RetirementView software is used by thousands of customers including agents, advisors, planners and brokers This top-rated software for both consumers and financial advisors has been seen and reviewed favorably in Forbes, Barron’s, BusinessWeek, Reader’s Digest, USA Today, among many others. Torrid Advisory Solutions is a service of Torrid Technologies, Inc.

Torrid Tech Explains Why New Gov’t Policy Is A Green Light For Advisors To Increase Annuity Options In Retirement Plans

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Torrid Tech Explains Why New Gov’t Policy Is A Green Light For Advisors To Increase Annuity Options In Retirement Plans

Torrid Technologies, a retirement planning software company, breaks down the government financial technobabble and explains to advisors how new U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service policy changes allow them to increase their client’s annuities and why consumers should consider this option.

Marietta, GA, November 8, 2014 – Recently, the U.S. Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service confirmed a new policy change with a goal “to help retirees manage their savings and ensure they have a stream of regular income throughout retirement”. This is good news for financial advisors, professionals and consumers alike. And to better explain the options available, Torrid Technologies has outlined their top 5 Need-to-Know points from the policy, how the changes allow advisors to increase their client’s annuities and why consumers should consider the option to purchase annuities more readily.

 

  1. Designed to expand the use of income annuities in 401(k) plans, the change makes clear that plan sponsors can include deferred income annuities in target date funds used as a default investment

    1. Torrid Tech’s Explanation: Employees saving in their 401(k) plan at work can choose annuities from insurance companies inside their 401(k) plan so they can reduce market losses on their retirement savings by putting their savings into annuities, instead of mutual funds or target date funds.

  2. Many employer-sponsored 401(k) plans offer so-called target date funds as a default investment for participants who do not affirmatively elect a different investment.  Target date funds get their name from the fact that their allocation of investments shifts gradually from equities to fixed income as participants approach an intended target retirement year.

    1. Torrid Tech’s Explanation: In recent years target date funds have exploded in popularity by offering workers a way to reduce risk in the market as they approach retirement.  Recent abnormal bond pricing has made it difficult to achieve this result and has left many wondering whether target date funds are accomplishing their goal.

  3. The new guidance or policy provides plan sponsors an additional option to make it easier for employees to consider using lifetime income.  Instead of having to devote all of their account balance to annuities, employees use a portion of their savings to purchase guaranteed income for life while retaining other savings in other investments.

    1. Torrid Tech’s Explanation: This means the employee can choose to put some into annuities for lifetime income and still also have savings in other investments like mutual funds.

  4. Under the guidance released a few weeks ago, a target date fund may include annuities allowing payments, beginning either immediately after retirement or at a later time, as part of its fixed income investments, even if the funds containing the annuities are limited to employees over a specified age.  The guidance makes clear that plans have the option to offer target date funds that include such annuity contracts either as a default or as a regular investment alternative.

    1. Torrid Tech’s Explanation:  This means that the employer plans have the flexibility to offer the annuity as an option or as a default when employees save into their 401(k) plan.

  5. In an accompanying letter, the Department of Labor also confirmed that target date funds serving as default investment alternatives may include annuities among their fixed income investments.  The letter also describes how ERISA fiduciary standards can be satisfied when a plan sponsor appoints an investment manager that selects the annuity contracts and annuity provider to pay the lifetime income.

    1. Torrid Tech’s Explanation:  This repeats the idea the annuities can be included as part of the fixed income portion of target date funds and that a plan can meet its fiduciary standards by having an investment manager selecting which annuity options are offered.

  6. In July, the Treasury Department and IRS issued final rules on the use of longevity annuities – a type of deferred income annuity that begins at an advanced age – in 401(k) plans and IRAs as part of a broader coordinated effort with the Department of Labor to encourage lifetime income and enhance retirement security.

    1. What does this mean for you? The new policy change is another step reflecting the continuing commitment of the Administration to work in a variety of ways to further bolster retirement security and saving.

Here are a few action steps to take advantage of the green-light:

  • employers need to immediately look into changing their 401(k) plans to offer these new annuity options

  • their plan advisor needs to determine which annuities to offer and add them to their options

  • employees need to be educated about these new options, their value, and why they should take advantage of these new annuity options

  • everyone involved needs to monitor the plan to see if these new rules are working in practice, instead of in theory

Source: http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2673.aspx

 

About Torrid Technologies

Torrid Technologies offers a keep it simple retirement planning tool that allows you to hold onto a strong retirement future, even if the powers that be in Washington try to make a grab for it.  You can download a complimentary demo copy from their website at:  http://www.torrid-tech.com

Contact Information:

Torrid Technologies

1860 Sandy Plains Rd.

Suite 204-129

Marietta, GA 30066

770-884-6085

www.torrid-tech.com

miji@torrid-tech.com

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Senior Citizens League wants more for COLA, three percent they demand

Senior Citizens League wants more for COLA, three percent they demand

Last week the Senior Citizens League released an article demanding a higher COLA in response to the Social Security Administration’s announcement of a 1.7% increase in benefits for retirees.

About $113 Missing from Social Security in 2015, Says The Senior Citizens League.

Only a day after Social Security announced a 1.7 percent cost-of-living increase for beneficiaries in 2015, The Senior Citizens League is calling for a minimum increase of 3 percent, which was the average before 2010. The group’s leader, Ed Cates, says benefits of the typical Social Security recipient will be about $5,298 lower by the end of 2015 due to the government not maintaining at least a 3 percent increase.

Are your a senior? Do you agree? Share your feedback. We’d love to hear from you!

http://www.seniorjournal.com/NEWS/SocialSecurity/2014/20141023_Minimum-Social-Security-COLA-of-Three-Percent-Demanded-by-Senior-Citizens-League.htm

Torrid Technologies Top Retirement Planning FYI for Generation Millennial

Torrid Technologies Top Retirement Planning FYI for GenerationMillennial

                Torrid Technologies, a retirement planning Software Company, provides alternative millennial generation retirement planning approach; countering popular Pogo-Stick article

Marietta, GA, October 27, 2014 – The recent tumultuous financial headlines, recession, bubble burst PLUS more are just a few reasons why people are panicking in many circles about retirement planning. More recently, a popular media platform released a “Pogo Stick” article  that moved Torrid Technologies to release their number one retirement planning option for the younger generation.. Contrary to what is being widely circulated as ‘retirement planning for the next generation’ Torrid Technologies list their number 1 and very simple FYI that will assist millennials with considering the choices available to them.

For the purpose of informing millennials about their planning options, Torrid Technologies’ composed a simple and less radical way to go about this very important choice. As an alternative approach Torrid Technologies offers the following strategy to the next generation of retirement planners:

Top Retirement Planning FYI for Generation Millennial

Start saving for retirement as soon as you get out of college… YES! It’s that simple!

Now most millennials think that is impossible. But if your employer offers a plan then sign up immediately before your first check if you can… then you never feel like you miss the money.  Your new job will be probably be a windfall compared to college days, so start as soon as you can.  The advantage is that you have a much longer time horizon to save and accumulate.  The effect of compound interest along with ongoing savings creates a powerful snowball effect.

As a way to assist the young and unfamiliar retirement planner along their quest to a secure financial future, Torrid Technologies is offering each new millennial that subscribes to the Individual or Couples edition, access to their Financial Technobabble Translation Guide – a guide to decipher all of the financial terms that most people don’t understand (Including how this helps you avoid making costly money mistakes). To sign up visit www.torrid-tech.com.

About Torrid Technologies

Torrid Technologies offers a keep it simple retirement planning tool that allows you to hold onto a strong retirement future, even if the powers that be in Washington try to make a grab for it.  You can download a complimentary demo copy from their website at:  http://www.torrid-tech.com

Contact Information:

Torrid Technologies

1860 Sandy Plains Rd.
Suite 204-129
Marietta, GA 30066

770-884-6085

www.torrid-tech.com

miji@torrid-tech.com

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Is the Government Planning a Power Grab on YOUR Retirement Accounts?

Marietta, GA, September 24, 2014 – During a recent hearing on Capitol Hill with the Senate Finance Committee, the old rumors and fears of taxing retirement accounts were reborn. According to the hearing information released from the Senate Committee on Finance, Chairman, Ron Wyden (D-Ore), who wants retirement savings on the tax reform agenda, used a recent Governmental Accountability Office, analysis to support claims that:

  • incentives for savings in the tax code are not getting to the people who need them, and
  • something is out of whack with a system that he said taxpayers are subsidizing at a current $140 billion/year.

Additionally, the same GAO analysis that the Chairman referenced contained the following data

  • 9,000 of population have IRAs greater than $5 million
  • 43 million of population have IRAs less than $5 million

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance committee claimed that to consider the Chairman’s claims are a “political strategy by some in Congress to turn pension policy into just another partisan battleground”.

 

The committee noted that “IRAs were never intended to become tax shelters for millionaires – they’re designed to help typical Americans save for retirement.”

The committee’s release goes onto say: “As the Finance Committee continues to work on modernizing the tax code, it should take a good look at fixing this issue. With limited resources, it’s crucial to use taxpayer dollars wisely.”

 

This language indicates that they don’t want to allow IRAs to be tax shelters, which in turn implies taxing them because it’s “crucial to use taxpayer dollars wisely”.

 

Torrid Technologies’ founder and attorney Timothy Turner says, “The committee seems to be leaning towards the idea of eliminating or reducing the ability of IRAs to shelter money for retirement. They are doing this under the guise that it’s somehow unfair for some people to have saved so much money, but the problem is once you go down this dangerous route where will they stop?  How big or small of an account do you have to have before they eliminate the tax shelter?  U.S. citizens don’t want this type of intrusion into their retirement accounts.”

 

For more information about the before mentioned U.S. Senate Committee on Finance hearing, please visit (http://www.finance.senate.gov/newsroom/chairman/release/?id=6605d837-6ab3-4bf8-938b-ce327bea119b)

 

About Torrid Technologies

Torrid Technologies offers a keep it simple retirement planning tool that allows you to hold onto a strong retirement future, even if the powers that be in Washington try to make a grab for it.  You can download a complimentary demo copy from their website at:  http://www.torrid-tech.com

 

 

 

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