Most students taking this course are at a stage of life where retirement seems a long way off. However, for some of you, retirement may be only a few years away, or you may already be retired. Based on your stage of life, outline an investment strategy that will be appropriate to support your retirement and provide you the flexibility to serve God.

Select one of the following and submit your investment strategy. Your response should be 200‒250 words. It should also include two Scripture references from this week and the ways in which the Scripture guided your answer.

If you are starting or early in your career, consider what adding either $50 or $100 per month to a retirement account earning a modest return of at least 7% would yield you when you reach 60 years of age. Do a little research such as using an online tool to calculate what you would have if you made such an investment from your current age to 60 years. How much would you have? Consult with a licensed financial advisor or do some research to identify at least two mutual funds (or other investment or retirement tools that you may have available through your employer) that have a 10-year average of at least 7% return. What are those funds? Is it reasonable given your current situation to make a commitment to do make a regular, monthly contribution to one of those?

If you are at mid-career or mid-life, assess your current retirement account. Consult with a licensed financial advisor or do a little research. Are you on track to retire with sufficient resources to enjoy the lifestyle you desire? If not, what kinds of changes do you need to make? Is it reasonable given your current situation to make a commitment to implement those changes?

If you are near retirement or retired, assess the status of your retirement and investment accounts. Consult with a licensed financial advisor or do a little research. Are your funds invested in a manner that is appropriate for your risk? Is your spending in line with your monthly draws from your retirement? If not, what kinds of changes do you need to make? Is it reasonable given your current situation to make a commitment to implement those changes?