Another sign that more investors could be sensing danger ahead for the stock market could be measured by the record high demand for fixed-indexed annuities, which is a financial product that offers some guarantee of principal protection in a down market. In its latest report on the U.S. annuities market, Boston-based Cerulli Associates reported the sale of fixed-indexed annuities accounted…
Insurers have started pulling some products amid volatility and low interest rates March 18, 2020 By Emile Hallez The falling stock market would have been a great selling point for annuities. But, much like dry goods and toilet paper, the products are vanishing from shelves. That isn’t because consumers are clearing out the available stock. Instead, insurance companies — which…
With COVID-19 sweeping the world, you may wonder how the pandemic affects your life insurance coverage. The answer comes down to whether you already have a policy. If you haven’t yet applied for a policy, you could face delays in approval. Is the coronavirus covered by life insurance? Yes. There is no pandemic or epidemic exclusion for life insurance. This…
As a small-business owner, you’re responsible for two families: the one you have at home, and the one you have through work. No matter what your business, a well-conceived insurance and benefits program is essential. If you die or become disabled, insurance can help protect your family and your business. To get a sense of how well you’ve planned for these responsibilities,…
When the kids are out of the house and retirement is either on the horizon or has arrived, many people think about downsizing. Whether or not that’s true for you, it’s important to recognize that when you retire your accumulated wealth is probably at its peak. Retirement these days can last decades, and age brings on many potential threats to your…
You may be juggling kids at home or college, plus the demands of your job. Now that you’ve been in the workforce for quite a while, you don’t have as much time as you once did to recover from unexpected setbacks. You need to take additional steps to protect what you have. Life Insurance At this point, the years ahead will…
Intro to ESAs(Coverdell Education Savings Accounts) Advantages and disadvantages What’s so great about the ESA? So how does it work? I don’t expect my child to be in a particularly high tax bracket during college or in the years leading up to college. Does that mean I lose the tax-advantage? I’m not sure I understand that part. How can I…
Having trouble paying your bills? Getting dunning notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car? You’re not alone. Many people face a financial crisis at some point in their lives. Whether the crisis is caused by personal or family illness, the loss of a job, or…
401(k) retirement plans can make the difference between a financially secure retirement and the specter of running out of money. These plans offer tax benefits and the opportunity for your savings to compound over time. Download the Print Version of Smart 401k Investing: in English | en Español401(k) Basics As you earn the income, you may also be thinking about what you’ll be…
Take it or Leave it?: Your Savings Plan Distribution Catching Up on Retirement Savings The Basket You Can Put All Your Eggs In Requirements of Required Minimum Distributions A Tax Credit for Savings – the Saver’s Credit The Year-End Review The “Magic” of Compounding Making the Most of your Retirement Plan To Roth or Not? Are Your Savings Investments Over-weighted?…
