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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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.