Annuities

A fee-only insurance advisor shared the tricks of the trade to a room full of skeptical NAPFA advisors.

The number of clients owning taxable brokerage accounts has increased 10 percentage points over the past five years, while ownership of employer-sponsored plans remained unchanged.

Annuity products will be on the tech giant's platform by year end.

As sales of LTC insurance plummet, combination products — annuities with LTC riders — are picking up some of the slack, serving as a useful alternative for some clients.

While it offers a hefty tax deduction for pass-through income, an expert says the rules are a "convoluted mess.”

Annuities can be qualified or non-qualified and are subject to different tax treatments. There are also estate tax consequences as well as tax penalties to consider.

These products get a bad rap, but they can be useful in certain situations. However, advisors must make sure their clients aren’t losing money from sky-high expenses.

Workers with a high-deductible health plan will be better off setting up a health savings account, which offers tax benefits for savings earmarked for future medical expenses.

The products are designed to provide some upside potential yet limit investment risk, which has helped boost their popularity.

Many people expect to collect more than they actually will, which can prompt them to retire and file for benefits early and, in turn, reduce their actual payouts.

The products have grown in popularity after undergoing significant changes in recent years.

Although annuities incur taxes and costs, clients "can invest the same amount into a diversified municipal bond portfolio and pay no taxes,” an expert says.

Advisors need to educate clients — but not dumb down their advice — when it comes to the complex world of these investment vehicles.

How often should CCOs pay a visit to branch offices?

Many retirees kept their financial assets for at least 20 years after retiring, according to a study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

Advisors should conduct a comprehensive suitability analysis before initiating 1035 exchanges.

The wealth management industry loves a good abbreviation. Here's a way to help master the jargon.

Compliance expert Alan J. Foxman explains why a 1035 exchange might trigger increased scrutiny.

Sales dropped by 8% last year, but LIMRA finds reason for optimism in 2018.