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This week the Treasury Department announced a new regulatory proposal that would encourage lifetime income options in retirement plans such annuities. A couple of main points were discussed in this new proposal. The first would allow current participants in defined benefit plans (for the small percentage of consumers that still have DB plans) to take their retirement savings in the form of an annuity plus a lump sum. Currently, the rules state that it is only one or the other. The second point would...
View ArticleDoes your financial advisor personally own the financial recommendations that he or she recommends that you buy? The answer might shock you when you actually ask them. What shocks me just as much is the lack of people who ask their financial advisors this question. Wouldn’t you want any salesman who is recommending a big ticket purchase to believe in their product so much that they personally own it themselves? If I go and try to buy a luxury BMW tomorrow and I find out...
View ArticleHere at Annuity123, we have the utmost respect for financial advisors. In fact, we place them up high on a pedestal just as we do doctors or any other practitioner that increases consumer’s wealth or health. However, we also realize doctors, lawyers, pro athletes and financial advisors are people just like you and me, who have specialized in a certain field. Just as there exists corrupt doctors and lawyers, the same can exist for financial planners. But you probably didn’t need me to tell you...
View ArticleJust when we thought the baby boomers had their hands full trying to get prepared for retirement, we might have overlooked another generation who fairs even worse. A recent survey revealed that Generation X might be even worse off than their parents. Moreover, many of them have given up on contributing to their 401k’s and the stock market in general. From Life Health Pro by Elizabeth Festa Nearly two-thirds, or 65%, of the members in Generation X lack confidence that they will have...
View ArticleI am always shocked at the lack of education that American’s have in regards to how banks work. When I talk to people about the financial crisis of 2008 in regards to the out of control leveraging that many of the country’s largest banks partook in, most consumers look at me with a confused look. I think many of them would rather just keep going to the ATM and be content that it spits out cash at them. But understanding how banks leverage your money...
View ArticleYou may have heard of a reverse mortgage or seen advertisements about the benefits of a reverse mortgage. Basically a reverse mortgage is a loan on the equity of your house. Reverse mortgages are clearly not meant for wealth building or asset protection and should not be considered a wise investment strategy. Think of a reverse mortgage like a pawn shop for your home’s equity and the pawn shop allows you to continue living in your house. In order to get the equity back you...
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