Three weeks from now, the midterm elections will be behind us. What won't be behind us is the uncertainty that often surrounds the days and weeks leading up to major elections. Investors have strong opinions about what election outcomes could mean for taxes, regulation, interest rates, economic growth, and the stock market. The challenge is that markets don't simply react to who wins or loses. They react to expectations, surprises, and sometimes completely unrelated events. T

I thought it might be useful to occasionally show you how I use annuities to benefit real clients in Toledo and Northwest Ohio. So, here’s an actual planning situation. My client is 70 years young and has roughly $380,000 in IRAs. Social Security and a pension provide the income she needs to live a secure and comfortable retirement. Bank savings and a money market fund provide emergency and opoortunity funds. We’re considering putting $120,000 — about one-third of her IRA mon

Have you won the game? How much longer do you want to keep playing? Are your market based accounts ahead of projections? Is it time to stop playing?

Annuity Decision Process™️

Retirement is a time to enjoy life, relax, and feel secure. If you’re thinking about where to spend your retirement years, you might wonder why so many retirees choose to stay in Northwest Ohio. In fact, 82% of retirees in this region decide to stay put. What makes Northwest Ohio so special for retirees? Let’s explore the top three reasons that make this area a favorite for those enjoying their golden years. Eye-level view of a peaceful lakeside park in Northwest Ohio with be

Purchase the Right Annuity for You - Not the One You Are Being Sold Take the time to review options from several annuity providers. It is your money, after all. Savvy buyers approach annuity decisions with confidence and precision. Annuities can offer tax deferred growth and a dependable income stream for retirement, yet their complexities demand a clear understanding. Here are three pivotal questions that discerning annuity buyers ask before committing. 1. What type of annu

Discover a conservative way to generate the retirement income you want - and free up dollars for additional liquidity.

A happy couple walk along the Maumee River.

Do the issues raised by Bloomberg raise risks for current retirees?

Stock markets are at all-time highs in the US. The Dow Jones Industrial Average trails the other major indexes, up only 18% in the past...

NOTE: This blog article is intended primarily for someone who already owns a Fixed Index Annuity. However, it will also be helpful for...

Some people like numbers, calculating and figuring. Their brains are wired to look at choices that involve numbers well. These folks...

Two minute video explains how getting old impacts your IRA accounts.

Do you remember the rest of this 1990's marketing slogan and what company made it famous? Of course, you do! This concise slogan ended in...

I'm not sure which came first when it comes to scrambled eggs and chicken sandwiches. But I know what HAS TO COME FIRST when you are...

Have you heard about indexes that use algorithms or mathematical formulas to guide their asset allocation? No human money manager. A...

A syndicated columnist each year writes about how he allows young trick-or-treaters to choose from two treats. One treat is a small piece...

Fixed Indexed Annuities guarantee that you cannot lose money due to market performance. That quality makes them an option for your...

Two retirees recently told me that they are waiting for 8% before they move their nest egg out of the bank. They both mentioned articles...

Imagine you have a Roth IRA, a 401(k) at work and a brokerage account. A fairly typical situation these days. You are 65-years old and...