Annuities

Sales of the fee-only products have expanded in a major way, but they have yet to win over advisors.

LPL slammed the move by the exiting major issuer to cut off trails for advisors in certain existing contracts.

Reg BI would boost sales because the products fill a pressing need for income over long lifespans, the executives say.

Trying to time the market is a “fool’s game,” but preparing for a possible downturn as retirement approaches can be a smart move.

Those new to Medicare may not realize they need to buy a separate policy to cover prescription drugs. There are some partial exceptions, but even in those cases, coverage can vary.

The deal with the family-run independent insurance firm followed record sales in fixed-index annuities.

Revenue from FIAs surged to well over the existing mark in the second quarter, while VAs stabilized after 17 straight quarterly declines.

The largest firms’ combined VA and FA revenues hit a three-year low in 2017, but the products still make up a significant portion of their businesses.

Clients will be better off using the income allocation strategy than the asset allocation approach when building a retirement portfolio, an advisor says.

The new tax law lowers the tax rates for many investors, allowing clients to enhance tax savings on the converted amount.