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Record number of pension-risk transfer contracts sold in Q3: Limra
The number of contracts sold in the third quarter marks a 39% increase from the prior year.
Aon buys wealth manager for $13.4B
The deal for NFP will bring together a shared commitment to client excellence, the companies say.
Standard benchmarks don’t always work
With retirement income management becoming the primary objective for many investors, it’s time for new investment benchmarks that…
Do we still need ERISA? Only if we want to shortchange savers
With the technological advancements in money management platforms and payroll systems, one has to wonder whether the costs associated with ERISA compliance could be removed from the retirement plan system. If we could safely remove those costs, it's likely we could help employees accumulate between 20% and 30% more money for retirement. So it's worth considering.
To annuitize or not: The debate continues
In my last column, I provided an analysis of the income guarantees from a life-only, immediate annuity versus the likelihood of running out of money if you kept your retirement savings invested in the markets. I received a lot of comments on that column, and I thought I'd respond to several of them.
Frozen 401(k) matches are discouraging employees from contributing
As if people needed more of a reason to be down about their 401(k)s. Scores of employers, looking to cut and save costs wherever possible, are freezing their matching contributions.
IRS shoots down new Roth ploy
When Roth individual retirement accounts were created, it was inevitable that some taxpayers would attempt to exploit their advantageous provisions.
Clients reluctant to buy long term care insurance
Making a case for long term care insurance can be a challenge under any circumstances, but there are ways to increase awareness of the need.
Amid the economic downturn, clients are reluctant to buy long term care insurance
Making a case for long term care insurance can be a challenge under any circumstances. But in this environment, clients nearing retirement who have seen the value of their portfolios decline may be particularly reluctant to consider a major new expense.
It’s prudent not to count on Medicare and Social Security benefits in retirement planning
Two of the primary pillars of retirement security are not just on the ropes, but actually on life support.
Diversity is still king for portfolio protection
Safety and security for retired investors have been overrated, and we need to think differently about these concepts and about diversification.
Understanding the minds of retirees
Understanding how retiree investors are apt to behave can help advisers manage relationships during difficult market environments.
Helping clients tap retirement savings
Chances are, you have clients in financial distress, with a need for ready cash. Just a few years ago, they might have taken out a home equity loan or sold their home.
Keeping clients on track for retirement
For millions of Americans and their advisers, the shrinking value of retirement accounts is the $4 trillion elephant in the room.
It’s time to fix the 401(k) plan
There is a crisis in defined contribution retirement plans. In addition to devastating market losses, employers are ceasing their matches. Many target date funds,
Now may be the time to buy that vacation home
While there is a great deal of emotion that accompanies real estate purchases, the analysis from a financial standpoint basically comes down to a comparison of the costs of renting versus buying.
New law offers retirees financial flexibility
Thanks to the Worker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act of 2008, anyone who would otherwise be required to take a minimum distribution from a retirement account can skip this year's withdrawal.
Memo to SEC, DOL: Regulate target date funds — now
With some $2.4 trillion sucked out of retirement accounts since early last year, lawmakers have predictably made the 401(k) system a flaming target for change.
Adding guarantees to the mix
Jokes about 401(k)s’ becoming 201(k)s are no longer funny.
‘Reset’ Social Security and collect more
Consider recommending a little-known option: pushing the reset button on Social Security.
