When you withdraw your first RMD may impact your taxes. You may wonder how that can happen, and with tax season approaching, we thought it best to draw your attention to a nuance you may not be aware of. Typically, you have until December 31 to take your full distribution—or if you’re taking your first […]
We’ve received some questions lately regarding joint ownership of an annuity, and why it can’t be done in qualified accounts. Joint ownership of an annuity allows two individuals, usually spouses, to co-own a contract, ensuring income continues for the survivor. This offers security in that it provides income for two people while either is alive.
Joint and Why Not? Read More »
It is not surprising that the thought of retiring is overwhelming to many due to major life shifts. This could include financial uncertainty, loss of identity, and lack of structure. Studies show that high anxiety regarding outliving savings and maintaining one’s lifestyle is one of the more common reactions to anticipating retirement. We can help
Some clients have asked us what the difference is between having a life insurance policy that benefits their family, and having an annuity policy that has beneficiaries connected to it, in addition to the annuity having a specific death benefit feature. And that’s a good question, because it addresses the differences between each situation, even
Preparing for the Future Read More »
Health is often one of the top concerns for those nearing or in retirement—not just because it affects their independence and lifestyle, but staying healthy can also come with significant and unpredictable expenses, even for individuals who have been saving diligently for the expected high cost of health insurance for retirees. A 65-year-old couple could
Health, Wealth, and Unexpected Expenses Read More »
Have you heard this phrase before? It is an interesting one often used when simulations are run with hundreds of possible scenarios, using varying market returns, inflation levels, health costs, extended family financial needs, income levels, employment assurance, and the like, in order to see what the range of potential outcome is for your specific
Monte Carlo Simulation Read More »
There is no one “ideal retirement.” But there are many ways to have a happy retirement if you have reflected on the choices you have, and what you are willing to leave to chance. The way you answer the following questions may help you decide what may need more thought before you begin your retirement:
We frequently write about longevity and how important it is to have savings we don’t outlive. And while we’ve always striven to give our clients options for products where the income stream continues no matter how long you live, we are still often asked for a ‘number’ so that can be ascribed to someone’s projected
Years ago, it seemed as if the only reason to purchase life insurance was simply to make sure loved ones who depend on your income had what they needed financially after you passed away. Products have evolved along with the passage of time. While life insurance may still seem like something you buy primarily for
Evolution of Life Insurance Read More »
The role of grandparents has long been to comfort, support, and of course, spoil their grandchildren. But in a time of rising costs, particularly for education and housing, many grandparents are finding new ways to help—whether through direct financial aid or passing on their hard-earned lessons of financial literacy. While the role grandparents play hasn’t
