This week’s focus remains on index annuities and variable annuities because of the rich mix of popularity and confusion regarding each of these products. I want you to have the most recent news and information on available products and strategies so you’re ready to make an informed decision when the time comes. In addition, you’ll find a [...]
Continue Reading →Several changes to the retirement product market are in the works and anyone considering the use of guarantees for future income needs to be aware of all options.
Robert Powell of Market Watch writes about several of these changes and what it means for consumers in this article.
Some companies are leaving certain [...]
Continue Reading →Understanding Longevity Risk and Your Retirement Income:
With the advancements in medical care and standard of living worldwide, we are all fortunate to expect longer lives as a result. On the plus side of more time is the opportunity to do and experience more in life.
From an economic and financial perspective, there are a [...]
Continue Reading →Since I always direct people to search for facts that support financial products and strategies, I recommend all members of Straight Talk take a look at this report published by the Wharton Financial Institutions center regarding fixed index annuities.
Fixed Index annuities have not always been at the top of my list but credible information to suggest I jumped [...]
Continue Reading →I recently came across this article in the September edition of The Atlantic titled The Great Stock Myth that should give everyone something to think about.
We are all taught to believe the the stock market should offer a premium return in exchange for the associated level of risk. That has mostly been true for [...]
Continue Reading →Annuities are not good or bad but instead suitable or unsuitable for an individual or situation. I apologize if you've read that in too many places on this site. It is a point that can't be stressed too much because of the polarizing opinions you'll find while looking for annuity info on the internet. Last [...]
Continue Reading →A welcome change to annuity sales practices may be on the horizon. Until now, strict suitability standards were only applied to Variable Annuities.
Last month the National Association of Insurance Commissioners approved a new set of standards that will apply to fixed products as well.
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Continue Reading →InvestmentNews.com released another beneficial report on the use of variable annuities with a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit. You can read it here.
These are very popular products and according to the report, Ibbotson Associates Inc. conducted a study to test variable annuities against traditional retirement income strategies..
Like what you see here? Then [...]
Continue Reading →Annuity agents will now be held to a new set of standards by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
According to InvestmentNews.com fixed annuity contracts will now be subject to the same regulatory compliance as variable annuities.
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Continue Reading →Several experienced advisors share their ideas for conservative growth during uncertain economic times in this SmartMoney.com article.
Variable annuities with income guarantees are noted as a good allocation for a portion of your assets.
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Continue Reading →Business Week just released this article that points out the drawbacks of using annuities for guaranteed income in retirement.
Never forget to consider whether the additional expenses charged for a guarantee are worth the cost.
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Continue Reading →Bankrate.com just released an article that talks about the way certain insurance companies are working to make variable annuities part of existing 401Ks. Click here to read more.
This is simply an attempt by the insurance industry to capture more assets by giving certain annuities greater market exposure.
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Continue Reading →I read this interesting article in the Journal about annuities. Check it out here.
I think it’s hard to find a variable annuity that makes sense, but they are very popular- as always, do your homework and call me with any questions!
Continue Reading →Every insurance company will tout one of their variable annuity products as “the best variable annuity”. With many different insurance companies out there, that makes for many “best variable annuities”. In reality, the terms of each product will vary widely. You should understand the different features and risks to decide if a [...]
Continue Reading →Generally speaking, Fixed Annuities and Variable Annuities offer add-on Annuity Benefits and Options. These can add significant cost to your annuity. The following are the key riders to watch out for…
With added benefits come added expenses so be selective when you choose extra features and definitely do your homework so you know exactly what [...]
Continue Reading →Useful Resources
Recent Posts
- Low Rates Expected Until 2014
Arguably the most damaging effect of low interest rates is the impact it has on people approaching retirement and looking for more safety. Traditional safe havens such as CDs pay very little interest in relation to the time commitment required. And I’ll admit that selling annuities in this climate is challenging to say the least.
[...]
- Calculating Yields in the Secondary Market
Nearly every time we send out an email with new secondary market annuity offers, several inquiries come back with people asking how the return is calculated.
Let’s see an example that everyone can relate to…
Assume a purchase price of $282,951 where monthly income payments of $1500 begin one month from today and continue for [...]
- On Cashing Out In Retirement
The tools used to maximize pre-retirement asset accumulation are not the tools of retirement income generation. Maximizing retirement income is just outside the scope of expertise for most traditional advisors and individuals because of the biggest unknown: life expectancy.
An individual seeking to maintain full control over their money, and setting their own withdrawal rate, [...]
- The $440 Billion Pension Gap
This distressing article highlights the issues pensions face meeting their promises to retirees. According to the article, 14% of the nations workforce still participates in some sort of employer sponsored, defined benefit plan. Yet, "The third quarter 2011 was the second worst in history for pension liabilities," due primarily to unrealistic assumptions and enduring low [...]
- Low Rates Expected Until 2014
Visitor Feedback
"I did get the “Variable Annuities With Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit. Get the Facts before you Invest”.
It is a fantastic report, very well written and much easier to understand than any similar report I’ve seen. Job well done. Thanks."
Jim K.
Thank for your adroit analysis of annuities. Finally, a decision making tool that is designed for those who are trying to make prudent financial decisions regarding retirement.
Ron P. DeFuniak Springs, Fl
Subject: Brilliant Article, Bryan
Thank you for your clear headed analysis of the GLWB. I was just informed about this route to consider... and I just came circling back to what the underlying foundation was, and if it seemed to good to be true (as you pointed out) and if the upside was very good. I'm just beginning this process of investigation and really appreciate your candid, honest and informed article
Karen, Ezine Articles Comment
Subject: The Annuity Report:
BRIAN, I READ IT IN IT'S ENTIRETY, IT IS GREAT, I AM SO GLAD TO HAVE THIS REPORT, THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH. HOWEVER, I HAVE SAVED IT IN FILE TO READ AGAIN. IT'S LIKE READING THE BIBLE FOR THE FIRST TIME, YOU MUST READ IT OVER AND OVER.
Paul D. Houston, TX
Subject: Retirement Analysis:
In a word, your advice and profile looks... "SOLID" to me and in sync with my current situation and long-term goals. I am excited to find someone with your background whom I feel is giving me the straight scoop (for MY benefit)
Don S. Dallas, TX
