New York Life Introduces ‘Lifetime Wealth Strategies’

By Kerry Pechter
The big mutual insurer plans to offer its managed account program, incubated last year among career agents, to third-party registered reps, says Michael Gordon, first vice president in the firm's U.S. life insurance and agency business.

The Trouble with Calculators

By Kerry Pechter
A new critical survey of twelve retirement planning calculators shows why they're so frustrating to use.

AXA Trumpets a Treasury-Linked VA Rider

By Kerry Pechter
AXA Equitable Life (and its trademark gorilla) have bounced back from the financial crisis with a novel variable annuity rider that pegs guaranteed accumulation and withdrawal rates to the 10-year Treasury rate, plus one percent.

Can’t Do The Math

By Kerry Pechter
You knew it all along, but now there's evidence. Most Americans are financially illiterate. Experts wonder how the millions who don't understand compound interest can possibly fashion successful retirements.
Featured

The Visible Hand Behind the Crisis

By Editor Test
Viral Acharya and colleagues at NYU's Stern School of Business say the economy was pushed off a cliff by bankers skirting reserve requirements.

Obama Is All Ears About Annuities

By Editor Test
But there's no clear indication that Washington understands the nuances that make annuity decisions so complex and problematic.
News

Getting Rich Used to Be Easier, 70% Say

By Editor Test
“Many Americans aren't necessarily buying into the country's long-held belief that anyone with a dream can strike it rich,” said the editor of Bankrate.com.