This week’s article reports that “Financial matters outrank any other source of stress combined, including health and relationships.” Not surprising when so much in our lives depend on how much money we make, how much we’ve saved, and how much we will have in retirement. The author goes on to

This week’s article states “Second-quarter market volatility is making Americans increasingly worried about their finances and retirement savings, with only 31% in a new survey saying they were comfortable with market conditions and ready to invest, down two percentage points from the previous quarter and four points from last year’s

“Here’s a counterintuitive thought:” Healthy consumers “are likely to have higher medical costs in retirement than their less-healthy counterparts.” This means that income in retirement may be needed in order to pay those expenses, and it is also why healthy people “need to save more for retirement.” Call us if

This week’s article relates back to June being Annuity Awareness Month, and lists five things that pre-retirees should know about annuities. The first point the article references is that Fixed Index Annuities can provide stability. “With an FIA, your principal is safe from market swings that threaten other retirement products.

We already know that reports were issued a few years back telling us that the U.S. recession took its toll on seniors, and that “America’s senior citizens have their backs to the wall” especially when they confront health care costs and the threat of financial ruin if they do not

“You don’t leave your physical health to chance so why risk your retirement health?” I thought you might be interested in the financial health checklist in this week’s article because it mentions how “like many big life moments such as getting married, or expanding your family, you need a plan

“You need to know how they work, because many financial planners recommend them to their clients for retirement planning purposes. In fact, one study shows that almost 90% of planners recommend them.” Why are they doing that? “…because the stock market has become a part of our daily conversation –

This week’s article tells us “Diversifying your portfolio means balancing risk and growth. One option you might consider when forming your plan is fixed indexed annuities (FIAs). Designed for the long term, FIAs offer a guaranteed minimum rate of return and tax-deferred growth over time. And because they are insurance

It is important to understand certain products being discussed in the news as it relates to proposed changes with your qualified 401K funds. The changes are being reported as coming about due to the great numbers of retirees who are outliving their savings. That is one of the reasons why

Will your monthly income plan provide you with the money you need? “Retiring comfortably is a goal shared by most. Annuities can provide guaranteed income every month with growth potential.” This week we thought to share with you a quick quiz that may help you find out if annuities are

This week’s article illustrates what the author calls “one of the biggest threats to your retirement – – your kids.” He tells us that the percentage of 25 to 35 year olds living at home is ”almost double the share of today’s older retirees who were in the same situation

Commentary: I read about a study I thought might interest you. “This report examines the retirement readiness of people who are in physically demanding jobs. Due to the strenuous nature of their work, these workers are at risk of aging out of their occupation before they are financially or mentally

This week’s article discusses how owning a certain financial product can influence on an emotional level the confidence that retirees feel. Researchers interviewed “income annuity owners to provide insight into the emotional impact of guaranteed income. They found that annuity owners have a greater level of confidence, feel the freedom

This week’s article out of London begins by telling us that in that city, known for “grumps and complainers”, a new study reveals that retirees with a guaranteed lifetime income stream can find true happiness.” This study related to Britain’s first-ever national happiness survey, but seems to convey a universal

Did you know that there is a Retirement Income Security Evaluation Score (RISE Score™) much like a credit score on a zero to 850 scale, but for your retirement. “The purpose is to provide you with an estimated measure of income security to help you determine whether you’re on track

Sometimes hindsight can provide a valuable lesson. While retirement is highly personal, I thought you might find it interesting to read the result of a study that looked back on what the financial preparations for retirement looked like. The study showed that among retirees who saved for retirement, the median

This week’s article tells us that “Annuities are one of the most efficient ways to generate guaranteed income. This is demonstrated through a series of three case studies which looked at combination strategies using both annuities and investments compared to traditional investments-only portfolios. The simulations found: Adding an income annuity

Commentary: I read an interesting study the other day that I thought to share with you. The study discussed something that we may incorrectly assume will happen as we continue to plan for our retirement, and that relates to keeping in mind that if you plan to continue to working

“Every retirement is different, each with its own financial plan and unique needs, but many of today’s retirement goals include achieving asset protection, growth opportunities, and a reliable income source. Fixed index annuities are a long-term retirement product that have helped many Americans plan for income in retirement and balance

I read a flyer the other day that caught my eye. It said “Losses can be recuperated but time cannot.” So true. What to do when losses have been incurred but you are later on in years can be a stressful situation to confront. We can help explain the role

This week’s article poses a familiar scenario and then tells us our choices in a very simple way: “Let’s say you have built up a retirement fund of $250,000 by the time you are age 65. Few of us realize that we have to make that money last for perhaps