Latest articles by Ken Nuss
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Five Things About Annuities That May Surprise You
They're more varied, flexible and cost-effective than most people think, so don't let their complexity scare you off.
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Why Annuities Sometimes Sound Too Good to Be True
The devil is in the details with multifaceted products like fixed indexed annuities, so dig beneath the rosy sales pitches to see what you’re really getting.
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The Best Way to Defer RMDs (and Their Tax Bills): QLACs
Concerned about RMDs? Worried about outliving your retirement savings? A qualified longevity annuity contract defers some RMDs and guarantees lifetime income.
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How Annuities Can Help You Retire Early and Delay Social Security
Waiting until 70 to claim Social Security benefits can pay off, so how do you bridge the gap between giving up your paycheck and filing for benefits?
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Retired or Nearly Retired? 2024 Is the Time to Focus on Risk Reduction
High rates on long-term savings vehicles, including fixed annuities, provide a timely opportunity in 2024.
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Fixed Indexed Annuities Can Be a Potent Diversifying Tool
They offer a unique combination of growth potential and safety but are complex, and selecting the right one takes thought and research.
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Too Heavy in Stocks? Annuities Could Be a Rebalancing Option
Annuities, especially multiyear guarantee annuities, offer a way for Baby Boomers to rebalance their portfolios, while providing good rates and tax advantages.
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Are Bonus Annuities a Good Deal?
What seems like free money might not be in the long run, but sometimes bonus annuities can be worth it. Here’s how to figure out if one would work for you.
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Annuities Are the Swiss Army Knife of Personal Finance
Different types of annuities reduce risk by building tax-advantaged savings or guaranteeing retirement income.
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SECURE 2.0 Act Lets Retirees Defer Some Taxes Longer
Here’s how retirees can benefit from changes in required minimum distributions (RMDs), qualified longevity annuities and IRA catch-up contributions.
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A Financial Review in Early 2023 Can Optimize Your Strategy
Look to build savings, reduce risk, minimize taxes and ensure a successful retirement by reviewing your budget, contributions, allocations and beneficiaries.
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Need Income Until Social Security Kicks In? Consider an Income Annuity With a Time Limit
Period certain income annuities come in handy in other situations, too, and they provide high guaranteed income.
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Annuities: How to Turn Retirement Savings into Retirement Income
annuities An income annuity can convert your savings or a pension-plan lump sum into a lifetime stream of income. Here are the basics on how annuities work and some points to consider before buying.
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Looking for the Best Rate on a Fixed Annuity? Shopping Around Really Pays Off
annuities Some annuities pay significantly more than others, so doing your research to compare rates and keeping key factors in mind can score you a much better deal.
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3 Ways to Get Future Lifetime Income with Annuities
annuities Looking to maximize retirement income? Fixed-rate, income and indexed annuities offer different ways to get there, either as stand-alone strategies or in sequence.
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Income Annuities Take Risk Out of Retirement
annuities When used properly, annuities provide invaluable security, so why aren't more people going for them? A study has some insights and recommendations, while Congress tackles legislation to encourage their use.
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New IRS Rule Lets Early Retirees Take More Money from Plans
annuities Substantially equal periodic payments are one way to avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalties from your IRA or 401(k), and fixed annuities can play a valuable role in this early retirement income strategy.
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It’s IRA Season – Ensure Your Assets Are Optimally Invested
annuities When you’re making your final contributions for 2021, think hard about how to invest them. IRA annuities help reduce risk. Different types have distinct pros and cons and can play a valuable role in your asset allocation.
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Laddering Fixed-Rate Annuities Offers Rates That Beat Bank CDs, Plus Flexibility
annuities For reliable income in today’s low-interest rate environment, consider a collection of three- to five-year fixed-rate annuities. Multi-year guaranteed annuities, or MYGAs, are one option that’s popular now.
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Why Fixed-Rate Annuities Pay More than Bank CDs
annuities Have you looked at the interest rates CDs pay lately? If you’re underwhelmed, you may want to look into a fixed-rate annuity. Each has distinct pros and cons, so compare before investing.
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Schwab Intelligent Income vs. an Annuity: Which Is Better?
annuities True, Charles Schwab’s program offers flexible income options for retirees, but when you run the numbers, a good old-fashioned immediate annuity produces more guaranteed lifetime income. Here’s a head-to-head comparison.
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Some Creative Options to Reduce Investment Risk in IRAs
annuities CDs and bonds have a role, but less-used annuities can offer higher interest rates, secure principal and guaranteed income choices.
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How 2 Couples Covered Their Income Gaps for Life with Income Annuities
annuities Here are the stories of two couples and how they took two different paths (using two different types of annuities) to provide enough guaranteed income for a worry-free retirement.
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How Fixed Deferred Annuities Can Complete Your Retirement Income Strategy
annuities Making sure you have enough income to go the distance is critical for every retiree, and deferred annuities can be a handy tool to make that happen. Here’s how they work and how to tell if one might be right for you.
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