HNI Employees: Potential Ways to Increase Wealth Amid Changing Interest Rates

'HNI employees should consider reevaluating their cash holdings as interest rates shift, and Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, recommends maintaining a diversified portfolio that balances liquidity with long-term growth potential.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'HNI employees should consider reevaluating their cash holdings as interest rates shift, and Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, recommends maintaining a diversified portfolio that balances liquidity with long-term growth potential.' — Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. The shifting role of cash in a HNI employee's portfolio amid changing interest rates and inflation.

2. Investment alternatives such as stocks and bonds that may offer higher returns compared to cash holdings.

3. Strategies for maintaining a well-balanced portfolio that aligns with long-term financial objectives.

How Cash Fits in a HNI Employee's Portfolio.

Favorable interest rates have allowed core holdings in financial accounts to post attractive returns in recent years - and may prove a safe haven to the more volatile stock market. But a shift occurred in September 2024 as the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates, making these attractive cash balances less useful. And for HNI employees, that change is especially relevant with regard to ongoing inflation concerns - and how to rethink the role of cash in investment portfolios.

Recognizing the Function of Cash in a Diversified Portfolio.

A good investment mix would typically include cash, equities and bonds which support financial objectives by balancing risk and growth potential. For HNI employees, liquidity is important for emergency expenses but excess cash may slow long-term investment growth - especially at low interest rates.

The Impact of Inflation

Cash holdings present a risk beyond missed investment windows. Inflation saps the buying power of cash assets, forcing HNI employees into investment strategies designed to preserve and grow wealth. Even if inflation moderates, consumer prices are expected to remain high - another reminder of the need for strategic financial planning. In 2023, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 3.4%, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said, highlighting the impact of inflation on cash holdings.

Trying Alternatives for Higher Returns.

And regardless of market timing, consistent stock investments - as measured by the S&P 500 (R) Index - outperformed static cash portfolios, as reported by Bloomberg Finance, L.P.

The Strategic Alternative: Bonds.

Bonds might be a good fit for someone accustomed to the regular income from money market funds but hoping for higher yields. Bonds offer regular interest payments plus capital appreciation for HNI employees. In a rising rate environment, bonds may offer gains above those of cash holdings.

Investors can choose from exchange-traded funds (ETFs), bond mutual funds and individual bonds that are all risky and potentially return different amounts of money. HNI employees can structure their bond investments to fit their financial objectives and tolerance for risk.

Maintaining Portfolio Balance

While stocks and bonds are essential investments, cash remains a necessity. The cycle of financial markets and the range of asset classes illustrate that it is critical that HNI employees have a diversified portfolio that reflects their financial goals and risk tolerance.

Moving economic conditions - including rising interest rates and persistent inflation - force HNI employees to rethink their cash position. Trying out different investments like stocks and bonds along with research-backed planning can help them construct a possible long-term financial foundation.

An emergency cash reserve remains a good strategy as retirement approaches. A 2021 study by AARP recommends retirees have a cash buffer of one to three years' worth of living expenses. This buffers against unexpected expenses and market swings and reduces the need to pull out of investment accounts in downturns. For HNI employees, this financial cushion can help with medical costs and other emergencies involving age.

Look for investments which allow for financial growth with low risk now! A mix of stocks and bonds could boost returns and buffer inflation.

A poor mix of cash, stocks and bonds is like going on a journey without supplies. So just as the sailor needs several provisions for weather and time at sea, so too does an investor need a mix of assets for economic shifts and life stages. The cash is fine for short-term needs and emergencies but long-term financial success requires growth-oriented assets such as stocks and stable income such as bonds to fund financial goals.

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Sources:

1. Lake, Rebecca. '7 High-Return, Low-Risk Investments for Retirees.'  U.S. News & World Report , Jan. 2025,  https://money.usnews.com .

2. Munnell, Alicia H. 'How Does Inflation Impact Near Retirees and Retirees?'  Center for Retirement Research at Boston College , June 2024,  https://crr.bc.edu .

3. T. Rowe Price Investment Team. 'Retirement Savings by Age: What to Do with Your Portfolio in 2025.'  T. Rowe Price , Dec. 2024,  https://www.troweprice.com .

4. Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Team. 'Investing in Retirement: 5 Tips for Managing Your Portfolio.'  Merrill Lynch , Mar. 2024,  https://www.ml.com .

5. Schwab Center for Financial Research. 'How to Structure Your Retirement Portfolio.'  Charles Schwab , Aug. 2023,  https://www.schwab.com .