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What Interest Rate Cuts Mean for Your Portfolio
Justin Kuepper |
Learn how interest rate cuts could impact your portfolio and concrete steps you can take to protect your income and reduce risk.
Retirement Channel
Latest Articles
Income vs. Drawdown: What’s the Best Retirement Strategy?
Justin Kuepper |
Discover the benefits and tradeoffs of using an income versus drawdown retirement strategy—and tips for choosing the best option for your portfolio!
BlackRock's LifePath Paycheck: A Simplified Approach to Retirement Income
Aaron Levitt |
Target-date funds with embedded annuities, like BlackRock's LifePath Paycheck, aim to simplify retirement income generation by automatically shifting assets toward annuities but come with potential trade-offs that investors must carefully consider.
401(k) Balances by Age: What’s Really the Average?
Justin Kuepper |
Headlines touting “average” 401(k) balances can be more misleading than informative. Here's what you really need to know.
Can Annuities in Retirement Plans Solve the Income Puzzle?
Aaron Levitt |
Integrating annuities into target-date funds offers a potential solution for generating retirement income, but investors must carefully weigh the benefits against the associated risks and costs.
Inflation and Social Security: Strategies for Retirees Facing Smaller COLAs
Aaron Levitt |
Retirees are getting some bad news. Their latest COLA increase isn’t going to beat rates of true inflation. That means, they need to fight the effects on their own.
Bitcoin in Your Retirement Portfolio: New Study Shows Potential Income Benefits
Aaron Levitt |
With the advent of new regulated products, Bitcoin is going mainstream. That’s wonderful news as adding it to a portfolio can provide a spending boost under the right scenarios without taking too much downside risk
Lock in High Yields: Building a CD Ladder for Long-Term Gains
Aaron Levitt |
Thanks to the rise in interest rates, traditional income products are once again paying high interest. This includes certificates of deposits (CDs), whose rates haven’t been this good since before the Great Recession.
Annuities Unveiled: Managing Longevity and Sequence Risks
Aaron Levitt |
Annuities could be the answer investors are looking for. According to UBS, they can help reduce the two biggest risks facing investors- sequence of withdrawal risk and longevity issues.
Beyond Market Fluctuations: Mastering Retirement With the Bucket Strategy
Aaron Levitt |
For retirees and those near retirement, today’s volatility and rising risks are a major issue. They need a plan to overcome outliving their money. The classic bucket strategy could be the answer.
From Survey to Reality: Adviser Perspectives on In-Plan Annuities Post-SECURE Act
Aaron Levitt |
The SECURE Act added plenty of annuity muscle to retirement plans. And it looks like advisers are starting to seriously consider those options for investors. That’s the gist according to a new Plan Adviser survey of top financial advisers.
Smart Saving for Tomorrow: A Comprehensive Look at the PLESA under the SECURE Act 2.0
Aaron Levitt |
The SECURE Act 2.0 had plenty of great provisions for workers designed to increase retirement and financial readiness. The creation of the PLESA is one example.
The Income-Centric Revolution: BlackRock's Bold Departure from Traditional Retirement Strategies
Aaron Levitt |
Investors tend to include growth in their portfolios when they retire. However, that thinking could be wrong. According to BlackRock, income is what matters.
Smart Moves in a Shifting Market: Assessing the Feasibility of Annuity Swaps
Aaron Levitt |
Annuities have exploded in popularity over the years as a way to lock-in guaranteed income and returns, but those returns are tied to interest rates. A swap may be in order.
Rethinking 529 Plans: Long-Term Care and Elder Expenses Solutions
Aaron Levitt |
Thanks to the SECURE Act, 529 plans have emerged as a vehicle not just for higher education. A new proposal would allow even more use including long-term care options.
Buffering Your Retirement: How RILAs Can Shield Against Market Uncertainty
Aaron Levitt |
Last year showed us that stocks and bonds don’t always go up. With that in mind, finding some downside protection via a registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) could be the answer.
Social Security and Fixed Annuities: Building a Stronger Retirement Income Foundation
Aaron Levitt |
Getting Social Security right is a tough nut to crack, with many potential pitfalls. A fixed annuity can provide a bridge needed to optimize social security withdrawals in retirement
Closing the Gap: SECURE Act 2.0 Empowering Underserved Workers for Retirement
Aaron Levitt |
The SECURE Act 2.0 was a treasure trove of wonderful ways for Americans to boost retirement savings and investments. This includes plenty of ways for lower-income and non-retirement account holders to save
Balancing Retirement Security: Annuities and the Potential of the LIFE Act
Aaron Levitt |
Annuities have been tapped as a way to solve the retirement income equation. The reintroduced LIFE Act allowing them to be the default option in workplace plans is an interesting start.
Surging Demand for Fixed Deferred Annuities: A Safe Haven for Investors
Aaron Levitt |
Last year’s bond rout left many investors and advisors looking for answers on how to generate stable returns while reducing losses. It seems, they may have found that answer in fixed deferred annuities
Tax Benefits and Philanthropy: Exploring the SECURE Act's Impact on Charitable Donations
Aaron Levitt |
The SECURE Act 2.0 adds a plethora of new provisions expanding charitable donations and tax planning
Secure and Stable: Why Fixed Annuities Are the Perfect Bond Alternative for Retirees
Aaron Levitt |
With their steady and guaranteed rates of return as well as the ability to provide income, fixed annuities are getting a good look from many investors.
Protecting Retirement Income: Top Investment Strategies to Beat a Low Cost of Living Adjustment
Aaron Levitt |
With rates of inflation and the main areas of retiree spending still running high, retired investors need to do something to keep their portfolios and income growing.
Annuities Get a Big Boost Under the SECURE Act
Aaron Levitt |
SECURE Act 2.0 expands on the goals of lifetime and makes it easier for Americans to spend their savings.
Using the SECURE Act 2.0’s RMD Rules to Your Advantage
Aaron Levitt |
One of the biggest and most important positions of the bill deals with required minimum distributions (RMDs).
529 Plans and Their Bigger Role in Retirement Planning
Aaron Levitt |
Under the SECURE Act 2.0, college savings plans are getting life as retirement accounts.
The Secure Act 2.0 Is Here!
Aaron Levitt |
Just like the original groundbreaking SECURE Act, there are plenty of points and benefits in its sequel.
3 Tips for Rebalancing Your Portfolio in the New Year
Justin Kuepper |
Let's take a look at best practices that you can use to rebalance your portfolio and optimize your risk-adjusted returns.
The Evolution of Fiduciary Responsibilities in 401(k)s
Justin Kuepper |
The Department of Labor's new rules could open the door to more ESG options (or even defaults) in 401(k) plans.
Invest or Buy an Annuity? Which Makes Sense For You?
Aaron Levitt |
Annuities of all stripes have plenty of appeal for a wide range of scenarios. However, the decision to purchase one is not cut and dried.
Potential Portfolio Insurance With a Contingent Deferred Annuity
Aaron Levitt |
While CDAs are a relatively new product and are still in their infancy, investors may want to have this annuity product on their radar.
Annuities Versus Bonds: Which Might Be Better?
Aaron Levitt |
Thanks to their steadfast guarantees, fixed annuities may offer the ballast and income generation that investors need and crave in the current high volatility environment.
Fidelity Sees Future Retirement Savings in Annuities
Aaron Levitt |
Thanks to a set of recent proposals and platform upgrades, Fidelity is making it easier for investors in workplace plans to buy annuities to meet their income needs.
Could a Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract Be a Good Choice?
Aaron Levitt |
Given the benefits of fighting longevity and the ability to reduce RMDs, qualified longevity annuities could make a lot of sense for many investors.
Watch For How Your Annuity Is Taxed
Aaron Levitt |
Annuities offer the ability to provide steady income for a participant’s life. However, there are tax implications to consider.
Annuities Could Help With Sequence Risk
Aaron Levitt |
The recent market malaise has brought sequence of returns risk back into the headlines. By purchasing an annuity, investors can eliminate much of that risk
Do Gift Annuities Now Make Sense?
Aaron Levitt |
Thanks to changes in interest rates and the tax picture, charitable gift annuities make a lot of sense these days for investors.
Tontines: The Latest Retirement Planning Craze
Aaron Levitt |
The contracts originally designed to fund wars during medieval times are attracting serious attention from the financial planning and defined benefit community.
Invest In Your HSA Today
Aaron Levitt |
For retirement success, using HSA first could be the best strategy for long-term wins.
The SECURE 2.0 Act Is Coming
Aaron Levitt |
With the bill being tossed around Congress, Americans have another set of powerful tools and provisions to use in order to save for retirement.
How to Manage Inflation in Retirement Portfolios
Justin Kuepper |
Let's look at a few strategies that you can use to manage inflation and interest rate risk in your retirement portfolio.
Why a Bad Stock Market Can Be Great for Retirement Investing
Justin Kuepper |
Let's look at how non-savers can catch up, why existing investors should stay the course, and some tips to keep in mind.
Investors Could See a LIFE-line in Their 401ks
Aaron Levitt |
Building on the momentum of the _SECURE Act_, a new bill in Congress may make the job of having lifetime income that much easier.
Rejoice! We Can Save a Bit More!
Aaron Levitt |
While Uncle Sam’s increases on retirement accounts weren’t as lucrative as previous years, they still offer savers the ability to sock away more
Use a 529 Plan as a Bonus Retirement Account
Aaron Levitt |
While it shouldn’t be your main driver for retirement investment, a 529 Plan can serve as a complement or bonus account for your retirement efforts.
Know the Pros and Cons of Different Retirement Investment Vehicles
Daniel Cross |
We’ll go down the list and break down the most common retirement investment vehicles and help you figure out which one is right for you.
Plan For a Longer Retirement
Aaron Levitt |
Our retirement accounts now may need to last longer. This creates another set of headaches for investors and constitutes a bigger nest egg.
Endings & Beginnings: Performing a Year-End Financial Review & What to Expect in 2022
Wayne Anderman, CFP® MBA |
If we have learned anything over the past couple of years, it is that the foundations of a well-constructed financial plan can save us from ruin when things around us start to crumble.
The 4% Withdrawal Rule May Be Dead
Aaron Levitt |
Thanks to a variety of factors, the standard gauge for safe withdrawals doesn’t hold water.
80/20 Is the New 60/40
Aaron Levitt |
The classic 60/40 portfolio has worked for a long time. Nonetheless, the forces at be have the concept falling flat for the new decade. Investors need to rethink.
How to Transition Into a "Phased Retirement" Stage
Justin Kuepper |
Let's look at the concept of phased retirement and how you can use it to maximize your retirement assets.
Retirement: Annuities Are Coming to Your 401(k) Plan
Aaron Levitt |
Several asset managers, plan sponsors and fund providers have begun launching new products for retirement plans designed to be turned into streams of income.
When Time Matters in Investing & Financial Planning
Wayne Anderman, CFP® MBA |
Use time in the market and proactivity in financial planning to your advantage.
Planning to Retire at 62? Here's How to Prepare
Justin Kuepper |
Let's take a look at how you can prepare to retire at 62 without risking your financial or emotional health in later years.
Roth vs. Traditional – How Do I Choose?
Aaron Levitt |
Both traditional and Roth IRA accounts, as well as 401(k) accounts, come with near- and long-term benefits. The question is, how do investors choose which one is right.
Mega IRAs: A Crackdown Is Coming
Aaron Levitt |
With light being shed on the world of mega-IRAs and the ability for upper income earners to use the account type to avoid taxes, changes are coming to the individual retirement account.
5 Big Retirement Tips for Women
Aaron Levitt |
Retirement planning is hard on its own, but women face a different set of challenges.
Could a Portfolio Line of Credit Be Right for You?
Aaron Levitt |
A portfolio line of credit is a great tool for many investors with large gains. By using one, investors have the potential to save on taxes while still enjoying the benefits of their gains.
A Good Time for Roth Conversions
Aaron Levitt |
By paying taxes today and converting to a Roth account, investors could avoid paying taxes later on and ignore the dreaded required minimum distributions (RMDs).
Navigating the Peak 65 Problem
Aaron Levitt |
For pre-retirees, the concept of Peak 65 is a major looming concern. But it’s one that can be dealt with by implementing careful planning.
Top Performing Target-Date Funds: July 2021
Shauvik Haldar |
Check out our list of top performing target-date funds.
Retirement & Inflation: The Silent Killer
Aaron Levitt |
With measures of inflation recently running higher and closer to historic norms, retirees need to be vigilant about the market force.
How the Thrift Savings Plan Could Redefine Retirement?
Justin Kuepper |
Let’s take a look at how the Thrift Savings Plan, designed for government employees, could provide a blueprint for the rest of America and redefine retirement as we know it.
Savings to Spending: Taking on the Retirement Decumulation Challenge
Aaron Levitt |
Despite being a tough nut to crack, the decumulation challenge can be tackled.
How to Save for Retirement if You’re Self-Employed
Justin Kuepper |
Let’s take a look at some of the best ways for self-employed individuals to save for retirement.
How To Stop COVID-19 From Derailing Your Retirement
Justin Kuepper |
Let’s take a look at a few key pieces of advice to stop COVID-19 from derailing your retirement savings and income.
4 Factors Influencing Retirement Income
Justin Kuepper |
Let’s take a look at the four factors that influence retirement income and how the current market environment is affecting them.
Taxable Accounts Make Sense For Investors
Aaron Levitt |
There’s plenty of tax efficiency and flexibility when it comes to using a regular brokerage account.
Liquid Alternatives: Coming To a Retirement Plan Near You
Aaron Levitt |
With recent legislation and new rules from the U.S. Department of Labor, liquid alts could be coming to a retirement plan near you.
Implications of "Best Interest" Rule for Annuities
Aaron Levitt |
With broker-dealers and agents now acting in favor of clients, investors may be more inclined to add annuities to their portfolios.
Getting Familiar With the Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans
Justin Kuepper |
Let’s take a look at the safe harbor provision that applies to these plans and how it affects employees.
How to Make the Most of Your Social Security Benefits
Justin Kuepper |
Let’s take a look at the benefits that Social Security provides and tips on maximizing your benefits.
U.S. Elections: Impact on Retirement Planning
Aaron Levitt |
For investors and their advisors, thinking ahead to what Biden may do is just smart planning.
How Is DOL's Rule on Lifetime Income Illustrations Going to Help You?
Aaron Levitt |
Thanks to new rules, investors will now start seeing revised income projections on a host of their investment accounts.
Is This the Right Time To Consider Annuities?
Aaron Levitt |
While complex and available in many forms, annuities can provide a steady stream of income payments.
Common Retirement Planning Mistakes to Avoid During an Economic Crisis
Justin Kuepper |
Let’s take a look at two common mistakes to avoid during a downturn and three steps that you can take to safeguard your retirement portfolio.
Know the Pitfalls of COVID-19 on Your Social Security
Sam Bourgi |
Social Security was facing a major shortfall long before COVID-19, but the pandemic has accelerated the trend.
How COVID-19 Is Affecting Target-Date Funds
Justin Kuepper |
Let’s take a look at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on target-date funds.
Trending: Three Top Performing Retirement Income Funds
Daniel Cross |
Our latest edition of trending funds series features 3 top performing retirement income funds.
Implications of Reg BI for Broker-Dealers and Advisors
Aaron Levitt |
Dubbed Reg BI, the rules are wide and have huge implications for the financial planning community. Read ahead to know more.
The Impact of Recessions on Your Dividends
Aaron Levitt |
Dividend stocks have long been a great recession fighter but not all dividend stocks perform well. Read ahead to learn more.
How Will the SECURE Act Impact Annuities?
Justin Kuepper |
The SECURE Act was signed into law in December to increase access to tax-advantaged accounts and prevent older Americans from outliving their assets.
Should You Hold REITs in Taxable Accounts?
Sam Bourgi |
A REIT is a company that owns, operates or finances income-producing real estate.
Roth IRAs
Daniela Pylypczak-Wasylyszyn |
The basics of an Individual Retirement Account (IRAs).
Retirement, Education & Health Savings Accounts: A Guide
Michael Flannelly |
We look at education savings accounts, retirement savings accounts, health savings accounts and savings bonds.
Featured Dividend Stocks, ETFs, Funds
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