Ken Nuss

Period certain annuities can work very well in some situations.

These add-ons are well worth considering but look carefully at costs and benefits.

One annuity may pay more than twice as much as a similar one—comparison websites make shopping easy.

How to boost yields without paying surrender penalties.

Looking to maximize retirement income? Fixed-rate, income and indexed annuities offer different ways to get there, either standalone or in sequence.

Annuity myths are harmful because they lead people to dismiss annuities out of hand when they could be a perfect fit.

Fixed-annuity guarantees more income for penalty-free early withdrawals from retirement plans.

Occasionally it makes sense to cancel a new policy and get a better one.

Consider these alternatives instead.

How to make your final contributions and ensure your independent retirement account assets are optimally invested.

How this offers a combination of good rates and flexibility for the future.

Each has distinct pros and cons — be sure to compare before investing.

Annuity produces more guaranteed lifetime income; Schwab plan is more flexible.

An income annuity can convert your savings or a pension-plan lump sum into a lifetime stream of income.

To determine your needs for cash now and in the future, here are some questions to ask yourself.

How can you decide if an annuity is right for you?

Converting a deferred annuity to a lifetime income annuity can be a great move, but it pays to shop the market instead of routinely annuitizing with the same company.

Retired physicians have some options to explore.

Keeping too much in cash puts you behind, and you may not catch up.

It’s always a good time to do a financial review. You’ll make sure your savings and investments are aligned with your goals and reduce income taxes.

Three alternatives to low-rate CDs, Treasuries, and Money Market Accounts

How to cut your taxes and avoid surprises.

A year-end review helps you cut taxes, build retirement savings, rebalance your portfolio, and earn more interest.

CD rates are under 1%, but comparable annuities can pay more than 2% to 3% guaranteed and are tax-deferred.

An annuity can yield guaranteed lifetime income—a private pension that helps you sleep at night.

Three approaches to deciphering a valuable but sometimes complex annuity product.

Not quite, but annuities can provide more income, plus tax advantages and longevity insurance.

Special type of annuity lets you cut IRA RMDs next year, cut taxes and guarantee more lifetime income in old age.

Here some key questions to ask before buying.

With so many annuities available today, it’s important to choose the one that is right for you and your specific needs.