Fixed vs Variable Annuities: Look Before You Leap
The potential for tax-deferred growth and a guaranteed stream of income can make annuities an attractive financial option for retirement. Investors fund an annuity with already-taxed dollars and that money then grows tax deferred until it is withdrawn.
David Lerner Associates – Black Swan Investing: Counting on Catastrophe
Investors have a name for those once-in-a-blue-moon events that rock investment markets--whether its the collapse of the Greek economy or the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Events like these are referred to as Black Swans
David Lerner Associates: 2013 Social Security COLA Less Than Half of 2012 Amount
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (or COLA) for 2013 will be just 1.7% -- less than half of the adjustment that was made for 2012.
What Is the Dodd-Frank Act?
You may have heard the term "Dodd-Frank" in reference to the U.S. banking and financial system, but youre not sure exactly what it refers to. Dodd-Frank is short for the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
Why Was Kraft Foods Removed from the Dow?
Changes to the mix of companies listed on the 30-stock Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are relatively rare. When Kraft Foods lost its place on the venerable market index recently to UnitedHealth Group Inc., it was the first change to the Dows composition mix since 2009.
David Lerner Associates : Slowing Down in Retirement May Not Be an Option
If a recent survey of middle-class Americans is anything to go by, the age of 80 may very well be the new 65 when it comes to retirement.
What Is Whole Life Insurance — And Do You Need It?
Many families purchase life insurance in order to help provide financial protection for surviving family members in the event of the death of a family income-earner. Life insurance may be helpful regardless of whether the insured was the primary or secondary income-earner.
What Should You Do With a Financial Windfall?
Individuals who (often unexpectedly) receive large sums of money all at once need to make some important decisions, sometimes very quickly. The tax implications of a windfall can be complicated, which may make receiving counsel from a tax professional crucial.