- 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…
- Explaining the Different Types of Annuities
Those nearing retirement may look for ways to supplement their income. If accounts like a 401(k) or IRA are already maxed out, an annuity may be an option. Annuities come in different forms, including fixed, variable, indexed, immediate and deferred. Here is a breakdown of the main types to help you see how each could… read more…
- What Is a Single Premium Immediate Annuity (SPIA)?
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting your feet wet, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard of an annuity. This financial product doles out regular payments for a set amount of time to purchasers who invest a lump… read more…
- What Does a Last Will and Testament Actually Do?
Creating a last will and testament is a common way to share your wishes for how you want your assets and affairs handled after you die. While it’s easy to proclaim that everyone should have a will, first we should… read more…
- What Is a Fixed Indexed Annuity?
Annuities come in many different forms, and fixed indexed annuities offer the chance to combine other annuities’ benefits. Rather than rely solely on a fixed interest rate or the performance of a market index, this annuity combines both. While the insurance company itself determines fixed rates, annuitants will be able to choose the index they… read more…
- What Is a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)?
How do businesses and employees learn to trust the person running their retirement plan? Having a specialized certification from one of the top business schools in the nation doesn’t hurt. A CEBS not only gets to place an acronym after… read more…
- Should You Get a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)?
If you’re of retirement age and want to supplement your income, you may want to consider a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). A HECM is a reverse mortgage through the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) that converts your home’s equity into… read more…
- Should You Use a 26f Investment Program?
For Americans who don’t have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), there’s a retirement savings program known as the 26(f) investment program. The 26(f) plan is a retirement vehicle that’s based on an investment in… read more…
- How to Retire in Belize: Costs, Visas and More
One of the most important decisions you’ll make about your retirement is where to live. While your ming may first go to domestic locales, other countries, like Belize, often offer lower-cost living options and attractive weather conditions. And in some… read more…
- Should You Get Medicare Supplement Plan F?
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, is a policy designed to pay some of the extra healthcare expenses that traditional Medicare doesn’t cover. Because of its comprehensive coverage, Medicare Supplement Plan F is one of the most popular policies… read more…
- Which Companies Have the Best 401(k) Matching?
When deciding where to work, salary and perks often take center stage, but one of the most overlooked benefits can also be one of the most valuable: the 401(k) match. A strong employer-sponsored retirement plan has the power to supercharge your savings, sometimes adding thousands of dollars a year to your nest egg at no… read more…
- Medicare Part A: Definition, Cost and Coverage
Medicare is a government-run health insurance program. It’s available to people age 65 and older, people with certain disabilities and people with End Stage Renal Disease (the last stage of chronic kidney disease). There are two parts that makeup Medicare:… read more…
- How to Retire in New Zealand: Costs, Visas and More
If you’re interested in retiring abroad, New Zealand could be a great option for you. Geographically, the country offers a wide selection of landscapes. Whether you’re into swimming, hiking or exploring, chances are you’ll never run out of leisure activities. And if your native language is English, you won’t have to learn another language to… read more…
- How to Retire in Ecuador: Costs, Visas and More
With rising retirement costs in the U.S., many Americans are looking for alternatives to living out the post-employment life they’d always dreamed of. Retirees are turning to other countries that offer low-cost retirement options. Ecuador is just one of the… read more…
- 10 Ways to Kick Post-Retirement Depression
Retiring from 9 to 5 can open up new possibilities, but it may take some time to get used to. When heading to work isn’t the primary focus of your days anymore, you may feel a little adrift and at… read more…
- What Is Annuitization and When Should You Do It?
If you’re on the cusp of retirement or looking for extra income as a retiree, annuitization can help you. Annuitization converts an annuity investment into a stream of regular payments. With an annuity, a financial product that makes regular payouts… read more…
- How to Find and Read Your Social Security Statement
If Social Security benefits figure into your retirement income plan, then reading your Social Security Statement is a must. This statement can help you estimate how much you’ll receive from Social Security once you retire. That can be useful when… read more…
- Should You Have Multiple IRAs? What to Know
Individual retirement accounts can offer a tax-advantaged way to save and grow your money for your later years. A traditional IRA offers the benefit of tax-deductible contributions, while a Roth IRA allows for tax-free withdrawals in retirement. When deciding which type of… read more…
- 2025 Social Security Changes
The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes changes to Social Security programs every October that go into effect the following January. The biggest changes tend to concern Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), which ensure that retirement, disability and survivors benefits keep… read more…
- Pension Protection Act of 2006
The Pension Protection Act (PPA) of 2006 was signed by President George W. Bush on August 17, 2006. The PPA is the most significant legislation having to do with pension plans since the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The PPA looks to strengthen the traditional private pension system by offering incentives to… read more…
- Can You Retire on $500,000?
In simple terms, planning for retirement is a numbers game. Many experts recommend saving at least $1 million for retirement, but that doesn’t take your individual goals, needs or spending habits into account. In turn, you may not need anywhere near… read more…
- Retirement Plans: Which One Is Right for You?
A retirement plan is a savings account you set up during your working years that helps you support yourself once you reach retirement. These savings plans come in many forms, including the 401(k), IRA and more. Usually, a retirement plan is… read more…
- What Is a Variable Annuity?
Variable annuities are commonly used to save for retirement, as they combine investing and long-term income payments into one product. They also operate on a tax-deferred basis, meaning you won’t have to pay income taxes until you begin withdrawing money… read more…
- Retiring in Italy: Costs, Visas, Taxes and More
Italy is one of the most popular vacation spots in Europe. It’s also a great option if you’re thinking about retiring abroad. The country is known for its delicious food, beautiful towns and mild weather, making it about as ideal… read more…
- How to Retire at 45: Step-by-Step Plan
Retiring at 45 might sound impossible, but it could be a realistic goal so long as you have the right plan in place. An early retirement means more time to pursue hobbies or passion projects, travel the world, volunteer or simply… read more…