- How Much Does an Annuity Cost?
Adding an annuity to your retirement plan could make sense if you’re looking for a guaranteed stream of income. But the fees associated with one can be difficult to decode if you’re not an insurance or investing expert. Here’s what… read more…
- What Is a Single Premium Deferred Annuity (SPDA)?
A single premium deferred annuity is a financial tool you can use to plan for retirement. This insurance product offers you guaranteed income, beginning at a date you specify, along with tax-deferred growth of interest earned on your policy. If… read more…
- Types of Long-Term Care Facilities
Though probably the most well-known, nursing homes are just one of many types of long-term care facilities available to seniors. Facilities vary by level of services. Assisted living residences and adult foster care homes are at the low end of… read more…
- Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: Key Differences
Assisted living facilities and nursing homes differ in many ways, including the type of care provided, cost, and offerings for residents. You or a family member may need more help in retirement than family and friends can provide. Residential facilities,… read more…
- What Is a Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity?
If you’re thinking of purchasing an annuity for retirement income, know that they’re not all the same. A flexible premium deferred annuity offers a way to buy an annuity, without having to pay a large lump sum premium all at… read more…
- Annuity Payout Options: What is Period Certain?
An annuity can provide predictable, guaranteed income in retirement. You can also use an annuity contract to schedule payments from a structured settlement or a financial windfall, such as a lottery payout. A period certain annuity lets you choose when… read more…
- How an Annuity Death Benefit Works
Annuities can generate income for retirement. However, most annuities also feature a standard death benefit. That lets you pass on assets from the annuity to an heir after your death. If you have an annuity of you’re thinking of purchasing… read more…
- Independent Living vs. Assisted Living
More than 70 million aging adults will strain U.S. financial and medical institutions in the near future. Their Millennial children, struggling with student debt imposed by the Boomers’ choice to defund higher education in favor of tuition increases, will be… read more…
- Breaking Down Annuity Fees and Charges
Annuities, which are insurance products, are an important part of many Americans’ retirement plans because they can offer guaranteed payments. Insurance companies offer annuity contracts, which allow you to pay a premium in exchange for regular payments, and in some cases, investing… read more…
- Do Medicare and Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living?
Assisted living is one of the most difficult parts of elder care. Expensive, with costs driven by both residency and the skills involved with this care, assisted living leaves many seniors struggling to pay for it. Does Medicare pay for… read more…
- What Is a Joint and Survivor Annuity?
When you purchase an annuity, you’re buying an insurance contract to provide guaranteed income for yourself. You can purchase an annuity to benefit yourself but if you’re married, you could choose a joint and survivor annuity instead. Learn more about… read more…
- Qualified vs. Non-Qualified Annuities
Annuities can be a source of guaranteed income for retirement, as well as a way to schedule payments from a structured settlement. For tax purposes, they may be categorized as qualified or non-qualified annuities. More specifically, a non-qualified annuity is comprised of after-tax assets, whereas a qualified annuity is made up of cash that has… read more…
- How Much Does a Nursing Home Cost?
Nursing home costs may work their way into your retirement plan. You may have to help pay nursing care expenses for an aging parent, for example. Or long-term care may be necessary for your spouse or yourself as you grow… read more…
- A Guide to Inheriting a 401(k)
Inheriting a 401(k) on the death of the account owner isn’t always as straightforward as inheriting other types of assets. The IRS has certain rules that 401(k) beneficiaries must follow to determine when and how much tax they’ll pay to… read more…
- 401(k) vs. Roth 401(k): Key Differences
An employer-sponsored 401(k) plan offers a tax-advantaged way to grow retirement savings, along with the potential for matching contributions. These plans come in two flavors: The traditional, tax-deferred kind, which lets you contribute pre-tax dollars, or a Roth 401(k), which is funded with after-tax dollars but lets you realize tax free growth and retirement income. So… read more…
- How to Retire in Ireland: Costs, Visas and More
Ireland is home to some of the most stunning landscapes and coastlines in the world. This, plus the pace of life and rich Irish culture, make it an ideal destination for Americans looking to retire abroad. Americans who go this… read more…
- Guide to Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs)
Although the future is unpredictable, there are some things we can generally say with confidence. One is that prices are likely to rise, or inflate, over time, meaning the cost of living rises as well. Inflation affects those in the workforce, and… read more…
- 457(b) vs. 401(k) Plans: What’s the Difference?
When saving for retirement, your employer may give you a hand by offering a tax-advantaged savings plan. Your options might include a 401(k) plan or a 457(b) plan. Both plans allow you to contribute money towards retirement on a tax-deferred… read more…
- Roth IRA Distributions: Qualified vs. Non-Qualified
There are two basic types of distributions you can take from your Roth IRA: qualified and non-qualified. The basic difference is this: qualified distributions generally take place after the owner is 59.5, or when they have a permanent disability or… read more…
- Is Working In Retirement Worth It?
Nearly 19%, or 9 million, Americans ages 65 and over are working part- or full-time, according to a recent Pew Research Center analysis. This is consistent with a steady increase dating back to 2000. Whether you need additional income or not, you might be thinking about working in retirement too. But there are a few things… read more…
- Senior Independent Living: Definition, Services and Cost
As you age, it’s important to make decisions that help you attain your desired lifestyle. Where you plan to live is among those important considerations. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities offer care and hands-on help, while independent living provides… read more…
- Does Medicare Cover Long-Term Care?
Medicare helps many seniors pay for their medical expenses. But does Medicare cover long-term care costs? Before you reach retirement, it’s important to understand what costs you’ll be responsible for. Read on to discover what long-term care costs Medicare will… read more…
- A Guide to Small Business Retirement Plans
Running a small business or being self-employed can offer flexibility, freedom and control over your earning potential. While the perks are plentiful, there’s one thing that’s usually missing when you own a small business: an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Self-employed people don’t… read more…
- What Is a Single Life Annuity?
If you’re saving for just yourself, a single life annuity may be the perfect choice. Your beneficiaries won’t see a payout, though, as payments end when you die. A single life annuity, sometimes also called a straight life annuity, can… read more…
- What Is a Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP)?
An individual retirement account (IRA) can be the foundation of a great retirement plan. However, it takes a skilled financial planner to match a client up with the right IRA for their retirement. The Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) designation… read more…