Get in the zone. Click here to schedule an appointment with your VALIC financial advisor or call 1-800-448-2542. When will the markets recover? No one will know for sure until after it has happened. What's more important is to be ready for it before it happens. With the right plan and preparation, we can help you prepare for a market recovery and get you on the highway to what we call the Recovery Zone. VALIC has identified a Recovery Zone in which individuals can help overcome their savings gap and get on track by making strategic changes in their retirement savings behavior. Whether you're just starting out, ready to ramp up your savings efforts or you're fast approaching retirement, we can help you identify that savings gap with our comprehensive financial planning tools so you can start living in the zone. VALIC is a leader in retirement services and a company you can count on to help you achieve your financial goals in retirement. Let's get started Starting a retirement savings plan may sound like a daunting task. Don't worry — it's not hard and we are here to help you every step of the way. > Where to save — You probably have several sources available > Why save — Five compelling reasons to start now > How to save — Specific advice for three investors in three different stages of life > What to expect — Your VALIC financial advisor is ready to help. Here's what to expect from your first meeting Where to save? The good news is that you probably have several sources to build retirement savings, including: > Employer-sponsored savings plans -- 403(b), 457(b) or 401(k) > Personal savings and investments > Company pension plans > Social Security > IRAs Each of these savings vehicles has different benefits, advantages, considerations and limitations. Educate yourself and work through your choices with your VALIC financial advisor. [ BACK TO TOP ] Why save? 5 reasons to head for the Recovery Zone now. 1 The trip is longer Life expectancy has increased dramatically. You could spend 20 years or more enjoying retirement. 2 More roads to explore People are reinventing retirement and staying active longer, which costs money. Experts suggest you'll need 80% or more of your working salary. A $40,000 salary means a total of $640,000 to sustain a 20-year retirement, and that's without factoring in inflation. 3 Inflation is an uphill climb Inflation erodes the value of your money. Historically, inflation averages around 3% annually, which adds up. In 40 years, you'll need $130,482 to equal $40,000 today. 4 Social Security is losing air Social Security was never designed to do more than supplement retirement income. The average annual benefit paid to a retired worker in 2009 was $13,836, and $22,512 for a couple. 5 Healthcare expense are overheating As we age, more of our money is likely to be needed for healthcare and medical expenses. The steep rate of healthcare inflation is expected to continue for years. [ BACK TO TOP ] How to save? Map out a plan to reach your destination No matter what the markets do, your retirement destination is still the same. The challenge is how you navigate the route. One of your biggest considerations is where you are in your financial life. No matter where you are, you need to plan ahead and anticipate the road hazards so you stay on the highway to the Recovery Zone. Your VALIC financial advisor is here to help. Click on the names below to meet three hypothetical investors at different stages in their financial lives > Courtney — Just getting started > Ivan — The peak earning years > The Wilsons — Retirement is just around the corner [ BACK TO TOP ] Financial planning services When your VALIC financial advisor meets with you, he or she will have several objectives to accomplish. To get a comprehensive view of your personal financial situation, your financial advisor will focus on three areas. 1 Discovery. Your financial advisor will: > Assess your unique, individual financial situation, values and objectives > Get a clear picture of your current financial status > Determine your financial priorities 2 Financial education. Using easy-to-follow explanations, your financial advisor will help you understand: > Diversification > Asset allocation > Investment strategies > Tax planning 3 Planning. After the meeting, your financial advisor will: > Develop a customized blueprint with specific steps to help you achieve your financial goals [ BACK TO TOP ] Get in the zone. Click here to schedule an appointment with your VALIC financial advisor today or call 1-800-448-2542. This information is general in nature and may be subject to change. Neither VALIC nor its financial advisors or other representatives give legal or tax advice. Applicable laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. Any tax statements in this material are not intended to suggest the avoidance of U.S. federal, state or local tax penalties. For legal or tax advice concerning your situation, consult your attorney or professional tax advisor. Annuity contracts are issued by The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company. Annuities and mutual funds offered by VALIC are distributed by its affiliate, American General Distributors, Inc., 2929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas, 77019, member FINRA. VALIC represents The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, VALIC Financial Advisors, Inc. and VALIC Retirement Services Company. Copyright © The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company. All rights reserved.