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Episodes by Topic: Annuities
BEST OF TALKING MONEY: Annuities: best product since sliced bread or a house of mirrors? Part 2
The Wall Street Journal in 2014 published an article entitled “Beware of the annuity house of mirrors”! Last week and this week Mike gives you the information you need to be a smart consumer of annuities.
Listen to the EpisodeBEST OF TALKING MONEY: Annuities: best product since sliced bread or a house of mirrors? Part 1
The Wall Street Journal in 2014 published an article entitled “Beware of the annuity house of mirrors”! For the next two weeks, Mike gives you the information you need to be a smart consumer of annuities.
Listen to the EpisodeBEST OF TALKING MONEY: Annuities: best product since sliced bread or a house of mirrors? Part 2
The Wall Street Journal in 2014 published an article entitled “Beware of the annuity house of mirrors”! Last week and this week Mike gives you the information you need to be a smart consumer of annuities.
Listen to the EpisodeBEST OF TALKING MONEY: Annuities: best product since sliced bread or a house of mirrors? Part 1
The Wall Street Journal in 2014 published an article entitled “Beware of the annuity house of mirrors”! For the next two weeks, Mike gives you the information you need to be a smart consumer of annuities.
Listen to the EpisodeAnnuities: best product since sliced bread or a house of mirrors? Part 2
The Wall Street Journal in 2014 published an article entitled “Beware of the annuity house of mirrors”! Last week and this week Mike gives you the information you need to be a smart consumer of annuities.
Listen to the EpisodeAnnuities: best product since sliced bread or a house of mirrors? Part 1
The Wall Street Journal in 2014 published an article entitled “Beware of the annuity house of mirrors”! For the next two weeks, Mike gives you the information you need to be a smart consumer of annuities.
Listen to the EpisodeMarket Volatility Concerns
Mike answers a number of questions related to the current market volatility and general investing:
- Is it still safe to invest in the stock market? Is it less risky to invest now?
- Are there any particular sectors or stocks to consider investing in?
- How should an investor react to the ups and downs in the market?
- Are annuities as really as low risk as they promise?
- What cautions should I take when investing in real estate?
For more information, read this article from Ronald Blue Trust’s investment team.
Questions to Ask the Annuity Salesman
There are many things to consider when looking at all the options for retirement. Many annuity salespeople make glittering promises, but are the products really all they say?
Some questions you should ask before signing up:
• What happens if you withdraw before you turn 59.5? Are there surrender charges? Taxes?
• What is the step up in basis?
• How did you find this annuity? Why did you pick it?
• How many others have you researched? How do they compare?
• What are the restrictions—especially if there is an upfront bonus?
• What is the actual performance history (not back tested with current index) net of fees?
Some other tips when looking at annuities:
• Compare the annuity to the bond market, not just the stock market.
• Ask for a detailed explanation of the return numbers and earnings numbers they are presenting.
• Look up the insurance company at different regulators to make sure it is a strong company.
• Remember to diversify: don’t put all your retirement funds in one annuity.
• Consider staggering your contributions so that you have different maturity dates.
If you have any other questions or need more clarification, please use the contact form below or call 1-800-588-7526.
Listen to the EpisodeAnnuity Basics: Part 3
“I saw this great ad the other day! Check out this awesome looking annuity!”
Mike looks at a few annuity offers that listeners have sent in and explains exactly how these products work. The promises you see aren’t always what they seem. He also answers a listener’s questions on taxes.
Listen to the EpisodeAnnuity Basics: Part 2
Annuities aren’t an alternative to investing in the stock market?!?! What?!
Mike explains how annuities are better seen as an alternative to a CD and not as an alternative to investing in the stock market. He answers questions about fixed annuities, variable annuities, and indexed annuities. Part two of three.
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