Retirement Watch Weekly
Build Your Own Annuity
I’ve often pointed out that people can build their own indexed annuity, receiving most of the benefits of commercial annuities at less cost, to the consternation of some insurance agents. Yet, you can use strategies similar to those used by insurers to generate the same guarantees and returns in your own accounts. You don’t have […]
Retirement Planning – It’s Not All About Money
One point I make regularly in Retirement Watch is that retirement planning is about much more than money. Surveys of retirees indicate that money is important only up to a point. The money is to ensure you have the freedom and security to engage in the types of activities you want. Unfortunately, too many people […]
The War Over Annuities with “Living Benefits” Continues
Variable annuity sales sagged after the 2000 stock market crash. They were restored after the industry developed “living benefits.” There are different versions, but they generally guarantee the account owner a minimum rate of return or lifetime income in return for higher fees. The annuities have their advocates and detractors, and they continue to fight […]
Estate Planning Tips for Surviving Spouses
Life can be difficult and complicated for surviving spouses. Contending with some financial rules and procedures in addition to everything else can amount to piling on. Yet, widows and widowers need to make key decisions about their finances, and some decisions need to be made within deadlines. Social Security, IRAs, employer retirement plans, and investments […]
Estate Planning Lessons for Grandkids from the Crisis
The bubble, its bursting, and the continuing financial crisis provided many lessons in personal finance. The biggest beneficiaries can be today’s young people, if they learn the right lessons. News reports and some surveys indicate that some are taking away the right ideas, but others are drawing the wrong conclusions and making their futures more […]
Warnings, Changes on Self-Directed IRAs
You can own gold, real estate, private companies, hedge funds, and more in your IRA. You won’t hear this from most IRA custodians. They limit your investment choices to mutual funds and publicly-traded stocks and bonds and maybe a few other assets. Their idea of a self-directed IRA is that you can choose from these […]
Deducting Medical Expenses
Many people believe that they’re no longer able to deduct medical expenses. They don’t even track their expenses or enter them on their income tax returns. That can be a costly mistake. Medical insurance covers fewer expenses each year, and more people would save taxes by deducting medical expenses than realize it. Congress did make […]
The Changing World of Annuities
Annuities changed a lot in the last year. If you’re considering an annuity based on what was available a few years ago, you aren’t likely to find the features you’re looking for. Even many of those who own annuities are likely to have seen changes in their contracts. Low interest rates, volatile equity markets, and […]
