When You’re 64
Six months after reaching age 64, Americans are showered with Medicare supplement pitches. While the path of least resistance leads to a Medicare Advantage plan, a Medigap plan might be better. Here's how to find a good one.
Policy Forecast: Gloom with a Chance of Doom
At the Employee Benefit Research Institute's policy forum in D.C. last week, retirement policy experts were not cheerful about the coming inauguration, and some feared that retirement security will take a back seat to tax cuts in the new year.
Voya: From Orange to Origami
Almost four years after its IPO, Voya (formerly ING-US) has rebranded, retooled itself as a fixed indexed annuity shop and launched an ad campaign featuring origami rodents that talk. But it is still searching for the right mix of products, personnel and organizational structure.
What To Tell Nervous (Older) Clients Now
During market turmoil, the messages from “retirement income” advisors to their clients should be substantially different in their content from the messages that investment advisors typically send to their clients.
Featured
Trump’s Tax Plan and the Dollar
'Trump’s proposed tax plan—particularly the border-adjustment tax—would most likely not have a positive impact on the US trade balance,' write these Ivy League economists. 'Worse, it could be very costly in terms of US net foreign assets.'
‘Yours Sincerely, Wasting Away’
Ultimately, I'm fatalistic about the high cost of getting old. No matter how expensive health care gets, the elderly and their families will pay no more than they are willing and able to pay, and no amount of money or insurance can stop the inevitable.
News
“Hipsters, lend us your ears,” says Betterment
Those who download Betterment's new podcasts will glean “unconventional and entertaining insights on money and life” from “thought leaders” in the fields of finance, entrepreneurship, sports, and show business.
Quote of the Week/Honorable Mention
“Winning is not a secret that belongs to a very few; winning is something that we can learn by studying ourselves, studying the environment and making ourselves ready for any challenge that is in front of us.” – Garry Kasparov
