Issue link: http://digital.corporatepress.com/i/886821
Grace Magazine | www.fbcglenarden.org 9 Since we are discussing withdrawal rates in retirement read this post from Vanguard: Withdrawal strategies for retirees "When thinking about how much to spend from a portfolio, many investors want to apply the income- only withdrawal strategy and never intend to touch their principal," wrote Tony Giordano, a senior Financial Advisor in Vanguard Personal Advisor Services. "In today's low-yield environment, that approach isn't possible for most investors. The average investor won't generate enough income to cover living expenses. We would suggest taking a total return approach to retirement spending. With this approach, after considering your goals, time horizon, income, and expenses, you establish a percentage that you'll need from your portfolio. Most people have heard of the 4 percent spending rule. That's a good starting point, but you'll want to base your number on your individual situation and available resources. If you have a favorite retirement blog or you see a posting you found helpful let me know. Send your suggestions to colorofmoney@washpost.com. Please include your name, city and state and in the subject line put "Retirement blog." Newsletter comments policy Please note it is my personal policy to identify readers who respond to questions I ask in my newsletters. I find it encourages thoughtful and civil conversation. I want my newsletters to be a safe place to express your opinion. On sensitive matters or upon request, I'm happy to include just your first name and/or last initial. But I prefer not to post anonymous comments (I do make exceptions when I'm asking questions that might reveal sensitive information or cause conflict.) Have a question about your finances? Michelle Singletary has a weekly live chat every Thursday at noon where she discusses financial dilemmas with readers. Readers may write to Singletary at The Washington Post, 1301 K St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071 or michelle.singletary@washpost.com. To read previous Color of Money columns, go to http:// wapo.st/michelle-singletary Reprinted with permission from Washington Post Writer's Group. G explained that she was pouring her heart out to God, Eli said, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him" (1 Samuel 1:17). Intercessory prayer may simply be standing in agreement with a petition by faith. Jesus says, "If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven" (Matthew 18:19). God hears our prayers when we call on Him (Psalms 4:3, 66:19, 116:1; 1 John 5:14), and He answers our prayers according to His divine purpose and glory (Psalm 118:21; John 15:7). During prayer, Hannah made a commitment to dedicate her child to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:11). As a result, she gave birth to a prophet of God who grew up and anointed kings over Israel (1 Samuel 2; 1 Samuel 15:1; 1 Samuel 16:12-13). Miracles are still possible in the children of God when we are committed to the call of God. As a matter of fact, Jesus said, "Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these" (John 14:12, NIV). I am a witness of this Scripture while growing up watching my grandmother intercede for others, and especially after the day she asked me to pray for her. I was nervous and questioned how to pray for my grandmother. At the time, I was a young college student who had recently rededicated my life to Christ. My grandmother sat down after preparing a home cooked meal, and we were about to end our day of fasting. Then she closed her eyes and all consciousness. I laid hands on my grandmother and started crying fervently to the Lord. In view of her lifeless body, my uncle ran into the living room and dialed 911. I continued calling on the name of Jesus in my heart and mind, but I had no idea of the power being spoken out of my mouth. My grandmother gradually opened her eyes and said she saw a light. Then she asked, "What happened?" Initially, I could not explain the experience with my grandmother. Now, I understand that this intercessory prayer was divine intervention. The power spoken out of my mouth was a heavenly language also known as speaking in tongues (Mark 16:17). I did not know how to pray for my grandmother in my weakness, but the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us (Romans 8:26). The power of being a prayer warrior is not based on our own strength, but the Holy Spirit makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:27). We must be brave and call on the name of Jesus, and as my grandmother sang, "The line ain't never busy, tell Him what you want." G Ollie L. Jefferson Contributing Writer Michelle Singletary Contributing Writer Money ... continued from page 7