Consumer advocates applaud new rules for financial advisers

Apr 6, 2016
Old rules for financial advisers had allowed them to give advice that was best for them, not consumers.
Conflicts of interest are hurting the current financial advisory system, some experts say.
401kcalculator.org via Flickr

How to live longer

Jan 9, 2013
Why do Hall of Fame inductees, Oscar winners, and Nobel laureates outlive their peers?

To annuitize or not to annuitize -- with apologies to Shakespeare

Mar 29, 2012
I am ready to convert my 401(k) into an IRA. I am 61 years old and want to start taking annual distributions. The current balance in the 401(k) is $562,000 and I would like to withdraw 4 percent annually. Fidelity Investments is recommending a Guaranteed Annuity of $400,000 and the remaining in a managed portfolio fund (balanced). The annual fee for annuity is 1.90 percent of the balance and the managed portfolio 1 percent. These are the only fees. There is a 2 percent penalty if withdrawn within the first 5 years. Is this a good option, or should I keep the money in moderate conservative index funds? Emma, Las Cruces, NM

The skinny on secondary market annuities

Feb 10, 2012
I am retired and would like to safely increase income. What is a secondary market annuity? Is it a suitable vehicle for putting a portion of retirement funds to safely increase guaranteed retirement income? Are there issues to be aware of with the secondary market annuities? How should this product be purchased? Thanking you in advance for any light you can shine on this topic. Ronald, Rhinebeck, NY