SPOTLIGHT -
What to do with life insurance proceeds
How to produce dependable income needed to replace a breadwinner’s earnings
2024 shaping up as a time to reduce financial risk, especially for people in or nearing retirement
High rates on long-term savings vehicles, including fixed annuities, provide a timely opportunity.
a long story when it comes to securing today's interest rates
Today’s high interest rates suggest it’s smart to lock them up for the long term. Fixed-rate annuities can give you a high set rate for up to 10 years. Laddering annuities provides flexibility.
Fixed indexed annuities—a potent tool for diversifying away from equities
They offer a unique combination of growth potential and safety but are complex, and selecting the right one takes thought and research.
Too heavy in stocks? Annuities offer a good option for rebalancing
Many older Americans are too heavily invested in stocks, new analysis reveals. Annuities offer a way to trim while earning good rates and getting tax advantages.
Lifetime Income Annuities Pay More Income than Before
Always a powerful planning tool, income annuities are an even better deal today.
Instead of worrying about going broke in retirement, act now
Use tax-advantaged annuities to boost savings and/or create your own private pension.
Are bonus annuities a good deal?
The price of a “free lunch” is often ultimately too high.
Annuities: A multi-purpose tool for your personal finances
Everything you need to know about annuities
Annuities: The Swiss Army Knife of personal finance
Different types of annuities reduce risk by building tax-advantaged savings or guaranteeing retirement income.
Fixed-Rate Annuities Don’t Belong in a Fee-Based Managed Portfolio
These simple products don’t need costly “management,” but some advisors are pushing the idea.
SECURE 2.0 Act lets retirees defer taxes on retirement plan money longer
How to take advantage of new rules on required minimum distributions and qualified longevity annuities.
Long-term care insurance via an annuity has many pros, some cons
It lets you insure for long-term care while still protecting and growing your assets Insurers continue to innovate.
A financial review in early 2023 can optimize your strategy
Look to build savings, reduce risk, minimize taxes and ensure a successful retirement by reviewing your budget, contributions, allocations and beneficiaries.
Invested too heavily in stocks? Move money to safe options
Older investors in particular should limit risk. Fixed annuities guarantee principal and/or produce high levels of income.
An income annuity with a time limit can be a great solution
Period certain annuities can work very well in some situations.
Four annuity enhancements that can boost income or savings
These add-ons are well worth considering but look carefully at costs and benefits.
How to shop for a fixed-rate annuity so you’ll get the best deal
One annuity may pay more than twice as much as a similar one—comparison websites make shopping easy.
Have lower-yielding or underperforming annuities or CDs?
How to boost yields without paying surrender penalties.
Three Ways to Get Future Lifetime Income with Annuities
Looking to maximize retirement income? Fixed-rate, income and indexed annuities offer different ways to get there, either standalone or in sequence.
Five annuity myths that can blind you to good financial options
Annuity myths are harmful because they lead people to dismiss annuities out of hand when they could be a perfect fit.
New IRS Rule Lets Early Retirees Take More Money from Plans
Fixed-annuity guarantees more income for penalty-free early withdrawals from retirement plans.
‘Free Look’ for annuities offers safety valve if rates or circumstances change
Occasionally it makes sense to cancel a new policy and get a better one.
Why rising interest rates threaten bond funds
Consider these alternatives instead.
It’s IRA season: What you need to know about year-end contributions
How to make your final contributions and ensure your independent retirement account assets are optimally invested.
Laddering fixed-rate annuities
How this offers a combination of good rates and flexibility for the future.
Why fixed-rate annuities pay more than bank CDs
Each has distinct pros and cons — be sure to compare before investing.
Schwab Intelligent Income vs Immediate Annuity: Which Is Better?
Annuity produces more guaranteed lifetime income; Schwab plan is more flexible.
How to turn retirement savings into retirement income
An income annuity can convert your savings or a pension-plan lump sum into a lifetime stream of income.
How Lifetime Income Annuities Can Secure Your Retirement
To determine your needs for cash now and in the future, here are some questions to ask yourself.