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Retirement Planning

Why Roth IRAs Can Be the Best Tool in Your Retirement Toolbox

Frankie Guida

When you open your toolbox, you will see several tools you can choose from to help you get the job done. In retirement, it’s just as necessary to choose your tools wisely to help you achieve your goals. Regardless of age, a Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA, also known as a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA), are great tools to have in a personal investment portfolio. There are two types of Roth accounts. The first is called a Roth IRA and the second a Roth...

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How You Can “Lock In” All-Time Highs in the Stock Market With Fixed Index Annuities

Mike Riedmiller

As we approach the end of 2017, the stock market has been achieving all-time highs. This is very interesting since some people were calling for the stock market to crash this past year due to a number of factors. Of course, this crash did not happen. This has left many retirees and people approaching retirement with some important questions: 1. Is now the time to take some of my money out of the stock market? 2. Should I invest (risk) more money? 3. Should I...

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Discover why people love safer growth of their money and the option for lifetime income

Mike Riedmiller

There is a lot of talk and debate about the pros and cons of annuities and whether they are good to have in your retirement plan. All investments have their strengths and weaknesses. This, unfortunately, is something you don’t always hear about from people in the financial services industry or the so-called gurus you see in the media. First, let’s look at the three main types of annuities: Variable Annuities – Variable annuities usually have higher fees (2% – 4%). Your money is still “at...

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Why having a plan could change the outcome of your retirement

Ryan Schaner

Do you currently own or are you considering purchasing a financial solution? Do you know if that solution will accomplish what your true purpose is for that money? Before you can determine what type of solution you should put in place, you need to start with a plan. With a plan you’ll have a better understanding of your household’s needs, including how much income you need every month and how much you need in retirement. Once you’ve figured this out, you’re ready for the next...

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The Extinction of the Middle Class

Jim Fox

Since the ‘70s, we have heard about the shrinking of the middle class, but is it true? There are some statistics that prove the middle class is shrinking but much slower than most people realize. Before we can figure it out, we need to know who exactly makes up the middle class, and that’s not as simple as you may think. Most people would say someone making $50,000 to $100,000 would be middle class, but if you lived in New York City or San Diego,...

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The concept of the family office

Matt Redding

Recently, I had a potential client that was frustrated with their financial situation. They had a financial advisor for their stock and bond investments, a CPA doing their bookkeeping for their business, an attorney handling their estate planning, wills and trusts, and an insurance agent doing their life insurance.  In large part, their frustration was trying to coordinate with these parties and get them all on the same page to formulate a cohesive plan that takes care of their needs today, tomorrow, and for future...

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Why Some People Like Annuities

Nick Davis

Annuities are considered an enormous and confusing topic. If you’ve searched “annuities” on the internet, you know that everyone has something to say about the topic. With the wild stock market swings in recent years, most people are looking for alternatives. As of right now, annuities are the best answer for a lot of people. At the same time, annuities are widely misused, which results in heated conversations about the product. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you live, everyone wants to grow...

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Is a Split Annuity Right for You?

Abe Abich

Many people look for ways to not only create the retirement income they need but also to preserve their principal. Relying on bank savings often falls short, and having your retirement savings exposed to the ups and downs of the market can be nerve-racking. Fortunately, there is a solution that does provide guaranteed tax-advantaged income, tax-deferral, and principal preservation. If you are currently living off of interest from your brokerage account or other investments, then a split annuity could be a strategy for you to consider. A split...

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The Role of Index Annuities in Financial Planning

Jim Heafner

What role do index annuities play in financial planning? Can they provide growth or just income? First, let’s address index annuity growth versus market growth. Since 1995, some of the better index annuities have historically averaged 4 to 5%.1 Many would dismiss this growth, compared to the stock market’s “higher returns.” The disconnect is that we often focus solely on actual market returns, pointing to the S&P or Dow during good market performance periods only, rather than focusing on actual return performance in an investor’s...

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4 Essentials Every Retirement Plan Should Consider

John Gill

A mere six years after one of the most devastating recessions (2008) in U.S. history, which destroyed many Americans’ retirement plans, I frequently saw new clients who had forgotten about the losses their portfolios took during the early 2000s. I believe it’s important not to forget what a 20, 30, or 40 percent loss feels like in your portfolio. Why? Because another market loss can easily occur during your retirement years. When you enter retirement and begin withdrawing income to live on and not simply...

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