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Cover Stories

Plan Experts Like Annuities

by Kerry Pechter

Plan Experts Like Annuities

Thu, Oct 21, 2010

In a workshop at this week's ASPPA annual meeting in Washington, D.C., few third-party administrators believed that the average couple will be able to afford the retirement they dream of. Many people, they said (including themselves), will need annuities.

Retirement Income 'Smackdown'

by Kerry Pechter

Retirement Income 'Smackdown'

Tue, Oct 12, 2010

In a three-way competition at the CFDD conference, the winning income plan was one that maximized Social Security, converted a 401(k) to a Roth IRA, and rebalanced the remaining portfolio monthly.

A Fortune in Reversals

by Kerry Pechter

A Fortune in Reversals

Mon, Oct 04, 2010

New federal reverse mortgage rules make it cheaper for seniors to tap their home equity for a line of credit.

Maine Squeeze

by Joseph A. Tomlinson, CFP

Maine Squeeze

Mon, Sep 27, 2010

By merging its pension plan with Social Security, Maine could offer its public employees a more equitable deal. But can the state’s budget handle the potentially higher costs?

News

Quote of the Week

Thu, Oct 21, 2010

“We’re not trying to force all employees into annuities. We’re all about creating more opportunities for people”-- J. Mark Iwry, senior advisor in the Treasury Department, speaking at the ASPPA annual meeting in Washington this week.

Which Firms Connect Best with Advisors?

Thu, Oct 21, 2010

“Prudential has strengthened its grip on advisors in the variable annuity space over the past year," says Cogent Research in a study of advisor loyalty to variable annuity issuers, mutual fund companies and ETF providers.

U.K. To Raise Retirement Age, Implement National DC Plan

Thu, Oct 21, 2010

In a move that resembles the Obama administration's "auto-IRA" program for workers in companies that don't offer retirement plans, the British are hoping to jump-start middle-class savings with their National Employment Savings Trust.

U.S. Retirement System Rates a ‘Low C’: Mercer

Thu, Oct 21, 2010

Analysts at Mercer say the U.S. could improve its private pension system by, among other things, requiring that participants convert at least part of their retirement savings to an income stream.

Final Rule on 401(k) Fee Disclosure Issued

Thu, Oct 21, 2010

The 72 million participants in defined contribution plans in the U.S. are about to get more fee and expense disclosures than they'll know what to do with.

The Bucket

Thu, Oct 21, 2010

Late-breaking items from Allianz Life of North America, MetLife, Nationwide Financial, Prudential and Genworth Financial.