Blog Site: 2011

Using an Annuity for Guaranteed Income

One of the recommendations from the White House Task Force on Middle Class Working Families was for retirees to purchase annuities to help reduce the risks of outliving their savings or experiencing lower living standards because of inflation and investment losses.1

The White House is not a common source of retirement information, but its recommendation addressed a common concern: running out of money in retirement. Although the task force wasn’t talking about variable annuities in Miami, Charleston, Atlanta and Charlotte in particular, one of the benefits offered by variable annuities is the potential for a guaranteed lifetime income.

If you have wondered whether your retirement portfolio will be able to go the distance, you might want to learn more about variable annuities.

Jun

June 2011 Quarterly Newsletter & 7% Structured CDs

7% Structured CDs June 2011 Quarterly Update

The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

Apr

Consider Your Retirement Needs, but Don’t Forget Your Retirement Wants

You might have read or heard that you need to replace about 80% of your pre-retirement income to maintain your standard of living in retirement in Miami, Charleston, Charlotte and Atlanta.

Mar

Leaving Your Job? Put an IRA to Work

After leaving a job in Miami, Charleston, Charlotte or Atlanta, workers generally have three options when it comes to the money they have saved in their former employer’s retirement plans. They can keep the money in the plan, roll the money directly to an individual retirement account, or cash out and take a lump-sum distribution.

The way in which you handle your retirement plan assets when leaving a company is an important decision that could affect your retirement savings considerably.

Mar

Socially Responsible Investing: Handle with Care

Socially Responsible Investing in Miami, Charleston, Charlotte and Atlanta: Handle with Care

Weigh Personal Fundamentals Against Socially Conscious Aims

It seems as though everywhere you look, things are turning green. Terms like sustainable, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible have entered the national consciousness and are forming the basis for a growing number of personal investment decisions.

Feb

Tax Changes for 2012

Mandatory annual inflation adjustments generally affect federal income tax brackets, retirement plan contribution limits, and exemption levels from year to year.

The 3.8% inflation rate (measured by the Consumer Price Index) used to index 2012 tax rates is higher than it was in the previous two years; the adjustments could lower your tax bill on your 2012 return (due in April 2013).

Jan

Retirement Plans for Small Businesses

Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans May Help Owners and Employees Save More

With standard 401(k) plans, the amount that a company’s owners or highly compensated employees can contribute is often restricted by how much other employees contribute to the plan, making such plans a less effective savings vehicle for many small businesses.

Jan

Do You Have Enough Disability Coverage?

A disabling illness or injury can occur without notice, and statistics show that nearly one in five people will be sidelined for at least a year during their careers.1 States often require employers to provide short-term disability coverage, but many don’t extend coverage beyond a few weeks or months. In fact, less than half of U.S.

Jan

Managing Cash When Interest Rates Are Low

The economy may be improving, but high unemployment and low inflation indicate that the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates low at least until 2012.1

It’s generally a good idea to keep three to six months of income in an emergency fund to help cover unexpected expenses or a sudden loss of income. But when interest rates are low, where should you keep your cash?

Savings Accounts

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of savings accounts is that they are insured and highly liquid.

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