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There are many risks we deal with every single day of our lives. Some risks can be insured; others are uninsurable; and yet others are self-insured, meaning we carry the burden of risk upon ourselves. Risk management is the practice of appraising and controlling risk. Risk can, and should be, profitable for you now, as well as in the future. Are you ready for these risks? What if you become sick, disabled or pass away? What if your spouse dies? What if your car gets...
View ArticleHow annuities are taxed can be dependent on the types of funds you use to invest in the annuity. When you invest with qualified funds, withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income. When you invest in an annuity contract with non-qualified funds, withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income until you get to the principal, which has already been taxed. When you use tax-free or Roth investments to fund your annuity contract, withdrawals maintain their tax-free status. Qualified – The first and most common option is utilizing...
View ArticleWho knew that Dr. Seuss gave great investing advice, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Another common question I am asked regarding indexed annuities is, “What is an Annuity Cap?” First of all, your Annuity Cap is in relation to your contract value. Traditionally with indexed annuities the Index Cap is the maximum annual percentage number over the beginning of year index number that may be credited to you. In...
View ArticleA little boy runs into his grandpa and says, “Can you make a sound like a frog?” Grandpa replies, “of course I can make a sound like a frog. Why do you ask?” The boy says, “Grandma says when Grandpa croaks we can all go to Hawaii.” Grandma and Grandpa knew their money was protected and safe in Grandpa’s indexed annuity. There are many common questions that I am asked by investors as they learn about indexed annuities. “What happens to my fixed annuity when...
View ArticleBenjamin Franklin once said, “Nothing in life is certain except death and taxes.” Although this statement is completely true and affects everyone on the planet, it’s staggering to know the number of people who don’t plan at all for either one. They must think that they are immortal and that, somehow, our government will suddenly lower their salaries to those of us laymen who actually work for a living. Take a look around you. How recent was the last funeral you attended? Look closer at...
View ArticleWhat TIME is it? How much TIME do you have until you retire? When is the best TIME to retire? One of my rules is, “on TIME or sooner.” My young son has inherited this trait too. I don’t know if that is positive or negative, but it’s about TIME! The simple definition of time: The regulation of occurrence, pace, or coordination to achieve a desired effect, as in music, the theater, athletics, or mechanics. Think about common references to time regarding your investments. When...
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