Commentary

How to Improve Outcomes When Using a Time Segmentation “Bucket” Strategy

Time segmentation seems to be a more planful approach for creating a retirement income stream than simply taking three to four percent withdrawals from a portfolio of equities and fixed income (or higher if you read Bill Bengen’s recent article in this publication).

Commentary

Should You Heed the Wall Street Journal’s Warning About the 4% Rule?

The Wall Street Journal recently ran an article revisiting an old retirement income rule of thumb. “The 4% Retirement Rule is in Doubt. Will Your Nest Egg Last? A well-established strategy for funding our golden years is no longer foolproof. Retirees need to get creative.”

Commentary

Advanced Strategies for RMD Management

How annuities can help shoulder RMD burdens in a market drawdown.

Commentary

No CAPE Fear Here: Buying FIA when the Market is Pricey

Does it make sense to purchase a fixed indexed annuity today when the chief index used in these products – that S&P 500 – has been on a tear since the earth cooled? Equities have had a great run, almost unabated, for more than a dozen years.

Commentary

Planting the Seeds for High Cash Flow, With 5 Years Until “Go-Go”

I was speaking with an industry friend and colleague the other day, and we got to riffing about music and retirement planning. A free and creative thinker, she said that when talking to clients about future retirement income, the sweet spot timing wise seems to be about five years before clients retire.

Commentary

The Retirement Income Sonnet

Given the demise of pension plans, and the potential for annuities to serve as a core source of retirement income certainty, I composed the following poem to mix a bit of levity with a purposeful message.

Commentary

FICA Freedom Day: Get It on Your Calendar

You’re probably familiar with Tax Freedom Day®, which is April 16th this year for the country, according to The Tax Foundation. But are you aware of FICA Freedom Day? It’s the date when that first check arrives absent FICA deductions for Social Security.