Has the American dream become a thing of the past?

56%: Small-business owners with nest eggs tied to their
companies

     Has the American dream become a thing of the past? Many Baby
Boomers grew up thinking that if they started a strong business; they could
eventually sell it or pass it on to their children. But the financial crisis
has all but shattered that ideal. 56% of small-business owners surveyed in
August by The Wall Street Journal and Vistage International reported that most
of their retirement nest egg is tied to their business, and 38% said that their
planned retirement date is later than they had predicted 5 years ago.

    The slowing economy can complicate retirement plans for
business owners: making regular retirement savings can be difficult, and
valuations for businesses have dropped. The median selling price for U.S. small
businesses during H1 2012 was $150,000, down 25% from 4 years ago, according to BizBuySell.com, an online small-business marketplace. The same study found that the number of small businesses bought and sold (3,332) was 40% lower than in the first half of 2008.

   Owning a business has its benefits, but don't let it be your
sole source of planning for retirement income. Put aside money regularly in
other savings and investments to make sure you and your family is prepared for
retirement.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, "'The Economy Stole my
Retirement,'" 8/29/2012

http://www2.blackrock.com/

Prepared by BlackRock

Delivered courtesy Joel W. Grams, CRPC®, CLTC,

Registered Representative, Financial Planner,

212 Capital Group 38 Main Street Suite 360, Westlake Ohio 44145

(440)835-4501 Ext 17, jgrams@212capitalgroup.com

The foregoing discussion is general in nature and not intended as specific advice.
New England Financial nor its representatives are engaged in rendering tax,
accounting or legal advice. A qualified professional should be consulted
regarding the effect of such considerations on the matters covered in this
publication.

For information on New England Financial insurance or other
financial products and services, please contact Joel W. Grams, CRPC®,
CLTC,Registered Representative, Financial Planner with /New England  Financial 38 Main Street Suite 360, Westlake,OH 44145, at (440) 835-4501 ext. 17, jgrams@212capitalgroup.com www.212capitalgroup.com     

New England Financial is the registered mark for New England Life Insurance Company (NELICO) Boston, MA 02116. Securities and investment advisory services offered through New England Securities, Corp. (NES)(member FINRA/SIPC) a Registered Investment Advisor. NELICO and NES are MetLife companies. L0912282528[exp1013][OH]