Unlikely Rescuer
At least three proposals have been floated to open state pensions to private sector workers who have no retirement plan. Given the troubles of many state plans, that's counterintuitive. Artwork by Zaza Khabuliani.
It’s a Twister, Auntie ‘Ben’
U.S. life insurers can weather the impact of 'Operation Twist' for a few years, Moody’s Investors Service says. But another five-plus years of rock-bottom interest rates could damage profits and ratings.
Three Steps to Annuity-Free Income
For retirees who say, 'Don't sell me a product!', Thornburg Investment Management recommends a retirement income strategy built on 'endowment' spending, three buckets and its own dividend fund.
‘Decumulation is Like a Rubik’s Cube’
The Money Management Institute has identified 34 financial services firms that have created what it calls Personal Retirement Income Solution Management (PRISM) tools or programs.
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Changing Money
On a recent visit to Shanghai, our contributor found that a dollar doesn't command as much respect on the streets of China as it once did.
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‘Don’t Trust Your Pension to Someone Younger than You’
In this video, singer-songwriter Cosy Sheridan performs "Higher Financial Reform," a humorous jab at the young quants who seem to keep putting their elders' savings into jeopardy.
Despite equity bounce in October, investors flee to bond funds
'After the ups and downs of recent months, investors seem to be suffering from volatility fatigue,' said Ari Nachmany of Strategic Insight.
The kids are not alright… as prospective heirs
The wealthy have mixed feelings about passing money to the next generation and about the link between money and happiness, according to a new Barclays Capital survey.
Security Benefit introduces multi-premium fixed annuity for 403(b) plan participants
Built for the 403(b) market, the Total Interest Annuity can be funded with contributions up to $16,500 annually or with IRA contributions or rollovers.
AARP launches Social Security benefits calculator
The AARP Social Security Benefits Calculator walks users through a simple, question-and-answer format and provides estimates for both monthly and lifetime benefits across a range of ages.
A.M. Best reports on impact of low rates
Although the capital impact has been partially mitigated by substantial capital raising in recent years, additional capital requirements are likely to emerge if low interest rates persist.
The Hartford adds enhanced death benefit to Future6 GLWB
The Future6 Death Benefit allows for income withdrawals that do not reduce the death benefit, unlike most VA death benefits, according to Steve Kluever, vice president of product and marketing for Global Annuities at The Hartford.
Our Half-Full, Half-Empty Retirement Glass
The private DC system covers only about half of American workers at any given time. Proposals to open state pension plans to uncovered workers have been made, and the threat of competition may actually be healthy for the 401(k) system.
