Retirement Planning

There’s one piece of the retirement income puzzle that no one likes to deal with: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). However, there are a few steps you can take to lower your RMDs and make your retirement funds work more efficiently for you.(1) Here are some things to consider:

The growing demand for more predictability and security planning for retirement income has led an increasing number of retirees and pre-retirees to look to using different types of annuities as way to provide more stability in their investment portfolios. Many retirees are also using annuities as a way to replace the third leg of the retirement income stool and provide guaranteed lifetime income.

Many older Americans rely on Medicare for their health care needs. But it’s not always easy to figure out what’s covered and how much it will cost. Medicare benefits change from year to year, and 2021 is bringing an increase in premiums for participants. The good news is, there are other ways to save on Medicare costs. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s changes in Medicare.

If you and your spouse are making plans to retire, you’re probably wondering whether it’s a good idea to retire at the same time. Many couples go through the same thought process and, in fact, one in four couples quit their jobs within a year of each other. But retirement is a decision that should be carefully thought out.

If you earn any kind of income, you're going to pay taxes, and investment income is no different. As your portfolio grows nearing retirement, it’s important to consider your pre-tax and post-tax retirement incomes, and how future tax liabilities may impact your overall retirement strategy.  If you’re working with a savvy financial professional, they will consider these factors when building your plan.

There are over 30 million small businesses in the United States. Many people start their own businesses in order to become their own boss and take control over their schedules, career goals and finances. It can be incredibly rewarding to start and own a successful small business. But one thing that many small business owners may not think about is retirement planning. 

Annuities can be a very useful financial tool when preparing for retirement, but they are often misunderstood. Many people don't realize that most pensions are based on annuities, and they are one of the best options for providing a guaranteed source of income during retirement.