Get tips on what to do if you're 10, 5 or 1 year out from retirement. What is your current retirement outlook? If you’re 10 years or less from retirement, does getting everything in order seem like too much to process? Do you know where to even start? According to a...

March celebrates National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a time to help people understand their consumer rights and make well-informed decisions about money and saving for their retirement. No matter your age, some of the most important financial decisions relate to...

Women’s History Month is a time to look back at the vital role women have played throughout history. In every industry, women are natural leaders and change makers – from Congress to financial services. In addition to driving change around women’s rights, many women...

Both annuities and life insurance should be considered in your long-term financial plan. While both include death benefits, you buy life insurance in the event you die too soon and an annuity in case you live too long. In other words, life insurance provides economic...

“Your article on annuities [Does An Annuity Belong In Your Retirement Plan?] did not demonstrate that an annuity always improves a retirement plan.” True, Warren Buffet’s retirement plan would not be improved by an annuity because he will not face the mortality and...

Tax season has officially started and if you’re an early bird looking ahead to April, you might have already started filing your 2018 taxes. Regardless where you are in the process, here are a few tips to keep in mind for tax season this year. Taxes in retirement are...

In case you didn't know, there is such a thing as a lifetime income club. Of course, it goes by another name: annuities. To an economist, an annuity is the most sensible way to provide safe income in retirement. In fact, economists spend more time researching why more...

Annuities are getting more and more popular among seniors, and for good reason. Annuities are not right for everyone but are a real blessing for many seniors. Annuities are a popular choice for investors who want to receive a steady stream of income in retirement. The...

If you work while collecting Social Security benefits, you can get hit with hefty benefit reductions. Here are the earnings limits for this year. Can you work and collect Social Security at the same time? The short answer is yes, it's possible. However, if you haven't...

Sarah O'Brien While some people might have been saving and planning for decades for retirement, others might not have given much thought to their life after full-time work. If you plan to continue working in some capacity, keep in mind the effect it could have on your...

Patrick J. Skerrett Former Executive Editor, Harvard Health For many people, retirement is a key reward for decades of daily work—a time to relax, explore, and have fun unburdened by the daily grind. For others, though, retirement is a frustrating period marked by...

Every New Year we think about our resolutions, which typically includes some promise to better ourselves. Pledging to go the gym more, eat healthier, be more active, spend additional time with friends and family, and decrease our social media intake, are a few that...

By Emily Brandon, Staff Writer Workers with an older retirement age get smaller Social Security payments throughout retirement. WHILE YOU CAN START Social Security payments at age 62, your monthly checks are reduced if you begin collecting benefits at this age. To...

What’s on your loved one’s gift wish list? Are they asking for the latest technology? Fashionable apparel? A must-have toy? No matter the buzz-worthy item, what they may want consider is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Remember, it is just a matter of time before a new...

Discover our most frequently asked questions about fixed indexed annuities (FIAs). Get the answers you need to help calculate your path to retirement. What is an annuity? In the most basic sense, an annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company that says...

Coming to you from the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council (IALC) is a new recipe to add to your Thanksgiving menu. We all have our Thanksgiving favorites, from turkey to stuffing, to sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, and more. But as you sit around your table reflecting on...

YOU CAN PLAN FOR IT, dream about it and try to visualize it, but there's no way to tell for sure what retirement will be like for you until after you've actually pulled the trigger and left the job. As you contemplate this major life change, remember to prepare for...

Americans are living longer into retirement, but the financial solutions needed to support them have not kept pace with their needs. With a number of bipartisan proposals currently under consideration, the U.S. Congress has the opportunity to take significant steps...

Halloween might get less scary as we age, but there are a lot of frightening aspects of retirement in 2018. In fact, recent data on the state of America’s workforce shows just how underprepared for retirement many Americans are. While running out of money, drastic...

With just a few months left in the year, National Financial Planning Month is a great time to take charge of your retirement saving strategy. Some of the most important things you can do are to make sure you’re creating a diverse portfolio that will protect your...

October marks National Financial Planning Month, a time when Americans can look at how they are saving, their retirement goals, and how they can create a tailored approach that works for them. October is the perfect time of the year to plan, with summer winding down...

Think about your retirement dreams and realities to set a savings goal for the future. By Rachel Hartman, Contributor IN THE PAST, saving $1 million for retirement was considered a benchmark to help you enter retirement comfortably. But times have changed, and that...

Teachers are among the hardest working professionals and have the unique responsibility to prepare our younger generations for the future. And, as educators across the country are participating in another back-to-school season, it is a good time to highlight how these...

By Walter Updegrave People crave guaranteed income in retirement, but they cringe at the mention of the word “annuity.” That disconnect can make it tough to ensure a steady flow of dollars in later life. One answer: Go with an annuity, but keep it simple. The appeal...

This week was a full celebration of America’s workforce! Labor Day kicked off the festivities on Monday, September 3, recognizing the social and economic accomplishments of American workers. At the same time, National Payroll Week(NPW), September 3 – 7, celebrated...

As a retirement saver, we know the tax reform debate of 2017 reawakened the need for you to examine and evaluate your retirement savings plans and educate yourself on all available options for planning. Our educational videos on retirement planning and fixed indexed...

Indexed Annuity Leadership Council Every August 21 we honor our seniors and recognize their achievements to society. This tradition began in 1988 when former President Ronald Reagan declared August 21 to be National Senior Citizens Day. Prior to this declaration, many...

With pennies in your back pocket and dollars in the couch, money may seem like it’s virtually everywhere. But, do you know when this phenomenon first began? In 1786, 232 years ago today, Congress established the U.S. monetary system. However, the first U.S. dollar was...

Ensure you have the financial security to be in control of your retirement. Before determining if an FIA is right for your portfolio, make sure you understand the specific product features and if the benefits ladder into your goals. If you… have a retirement plan in...

The Algarve region provides all that a continental lifestyle has to offer, from medieval towns and fishing villages to open-air markets and local wine. Retirees can choose to live or retire in any country in the world. A move to a new country can allow you to live...

Retirement might not live up to your expectations. Most retirees are prepared for more free time and less stress, but some other aspects of retirement could be unexpected. Many retirees have significant financial worries and health concerns, and an excess of free time...

Annuities can serve many useful purposes. If you are in a saving-money stage of life, a deferred annuity can... Help you meet your retirement income goals. Employer-sponsored plans such as a 401(k), 403(b) or Keogh are an important part of planning for retirement....

You’re unlikely to reach retirement age without somebody asking you about annuities. They want to know whether you considered buying one, and if they work for an insurance agency, they’re likely to try to sell you on the benefits of a lifetime income that annuities...

When you think about retirement, what are your goals? For most people, the answer is a nice balance between stability, favorite pastimes, and new adventures. Balance is also important in your financial life: between reward and risk, nest egg preservation, and growth....

Although most people know it’s never too early to start planning for retirement, many Americans aren’t truly prepared, and there are many supporting statistics from the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council’s (IALC) data: One in four baby boomers (think: your dad) have...

When the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note recently peaked a few basis points above 3% in May, for many market observers, a psychological barrier had been breached. That closely watched benchmark bond hadn’t exceeded 3% since July of 2011. “That’s a pretty...

Here are four challenges to jump on right now to make sure your retirement is a happy one. I know you’re ready. You’re so close to retirement, you can taste the cool beverages on the beach and feel the sand between your toes. Unfortunately, at the rate you’re going,...

This May we are celebrating Older Americans Month and the 2018 theme of Engage at Every Age teaches us that age is not a factor when it comes to taking part in activities to enrich one’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being. One activity that is key for...

After one year of retirement, here's what you need to do. Once you get through the first year of retirement, you probably think you can coast for the next 30 years. That's not necessarily true. This is not the time to get comfortable. Things are never that simple in...

Recently, an esteemed group of experts in business and finance, economists and education, convened in Washington, D.C. along with our Executive Director Jim Poolman and editors from The Atlantic for a roundtable dinner to talk about the reality of retirement readiness...

This week the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council (IALC) released The State of America’s Workforce: The Reality of Retirement Readiness study and corresponding white paper, which found retirement readiness is influenced by two key factors: the industry you are in and...

Heavy Reliance on Social Security for Income Stream, A Solution Provides Guaranteed Lifetime Income The story of saving for retirement today has two key factors: the industry you are in and your company size. Newly released retirement-readiness scores show workers in...

April is National Financial Literacy Month and a perfect time to increase your financial literacy, while establishing and maintaining healthy money and finance habits. One way you can become financially savvy is by getting advice from financial professionals....

Now that the Powerball winner has come forward to claim her prize of $758 million (before taxes), you can’t turn on the television or radio without hearing the word “annuity.” The winner of the lottery had a very important choice to make: to take an after-tax lump sum...

Discover our most frequently asked questions about fixed indexed annuities (FIAs). Get the answers you need to help calculate your path to retirement. What is an annuity? In the most basic sense, an annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company that says...

Last month, athletes from around the globe came together to compete in the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics. While for some, these games were a debut, others retired from their sport following the competition. Each Olympian’s journey is unique from its infancy to its...

Fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) address many basic retirement concerns: protection of hard-earned dollars, tax-deferred growth, balance, and lifetime income. Get some peace of mind — no matter what happens in the market. Consider these five key benefits: Guaranteed...

As we celebrate women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements this International Women’s Day, the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council (IALC) wants to raise awareness that when it comes to savings, the gender savings gap is still huge. This post,...

You may or may not be doing better than average, but you're almost certainly doing better than your parents. Today's elderly are healthier, better educated and live longer than any previous generation, according to a report from the Federal Interagency Forum on...

Understanding how Annuities Can Pay for Senior Care An annuity can ensure that a retiree is able to afford assisted living. Immediate annuities promise a steady stream of payments, no matter how long you live. The catch is that you must hand a large chuck of money...

If you’re like me, when you first read the qualified disclaimer rules, the phrase comes “must be nice” comes to mind. And while it’s true these rules are used more often by wealthier Americans, anyone can incorporate them into their estate planning as a tool to make...

Fixed Annuities: Guaranteed Investment Performance  With a fixed annuity, the owner is guaranteed at least a minimum rate of investment return. The insurer declares a specific credited rate of return based on the investment performance of its general account assets....

This Valentine’s Day, join the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council (IALC) in spreading the love for fixed indexed annuities (FIAs). With the ability to grow and protect your nest egg, FIAs could be the long-term relationship you have been looking for to ensure a steady...

In recent years, we have seen an uptick in the interest of fixed indexed annuities (FIAs), but there is still a great deal of misunderstandings about this retirement product – down to even its most basic principles. Let’s start with defining FIAs. These products are...

With President Trump signing the most sweeping overhaul of the U.S. tax reform system in more than twenty years, you may be questioning the future of your retirement planning portfolios. Even though no notable retirement plan provisions were included in the final tax...

Social Security will look a bit different in 2018. Every year, Americans eagerly await the announcement outlining the various changes being made to what many consider the most important social program in the country. Will your benefits increase? What about the strict...

One in five Americans have absolutely nothing saved for retirement. That’s according to new data released in October by the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council (IALC). Just as alarming as the number of nonexistent retirement accounts: More than half of Americans...

Many retirement investors use annuities for guaranteed income. But some find their annuity payout options to be confusing. There are a variety of methods to receive annuity income payments. With so many choices, it can be hard to decide what’s right for you. People...

Fixed annuity sales have bright prospects in the next five years, due in large part to anticipated strength in sales of income annuities and fixed index annuities, according to researcher Joseph E. Montminy. In fact, income annuity sales are on such a tear that “their...

Living comfortably in retirement is indeed possible. However, many Americans fail to develop a strategic plan that allows stability in their golden years to be reality. In fact, the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council (IALC) commissioned data that found insights into...

People crave guaranteed income in retirement, but they cringe at the mention of the word “annuity.” That disconnect can make it tough to ensure a steady flow of dollars in later life. One answer: Go with an annuity, but keep it simple. The appeal of lifetime income is...

Recent research by retirement income expert and former U.S. Treasury Department official Mark Warshawsky shows that immediate annuities generally provide you with more lifetime income than you could get by following the take-out-4-percent-of-savings-a-year rule or a...

Today, Americans are faced with endless uncertainty, like what’s ahead for the tax code, health care and Social Security, to name a few. But removing some uncertainty surrounding retirement is an obtainable goal all Americans can strive to achieve. The retirement...

Last week, the IALC launched its interactive game Master of Retirement. Shocking new data points, found from IALC surveys, power the game’s questions and demonstrate the need to offer approachable and light-hearted ways of boosting Americans’ confidence when it comes...

Even retirees who do everything right can find themselves coming up short when it comes to affording some of the little luxuries they had planned for their remaining years. Just take a look at Mike and Judy, a hypothetical couple very similar to many retired couples,...

The wrong choice caused some to run out of money It turns out, many retirees choosing to take their employer’s 401(k) or pension as a lump sum for retirement are taking their lumps. About a fifth of retirement plan participants (21%) MetLife surveyed who received...

The great thing about fixed indexed annuities is that they are a reliable retirement planning vehicle appropriate for people in a variety of life stages. However, there are a few rules of thumb to follow when thinking about purchasing a fixed indexed annuity. Of...

So much for the "golden years." Some 28% of recent retirees complain that life is actually worse in retirement than it was when they were working, according to a recent survey by Nationwide. The cause may be mismatched expectations. Pre-retirees tend to overestimate...

Here's the state of retirement saving in the U.S., and what to do if you need to catch up. If you read the financial news often, you may have heard about the "retirement crisis" many Americans are facing. While it's true that the average American doesn't save nearly...

Balance Gained By Considering Alternative Financial Products Such As FIAs Americans need to take additional steps in order to ensure a financially stable retirement – one that allows them to pay for medical bills and essential costs of living while enjoying their...

Not married? Here are strategies to help you maximize your Social Security benefits. Key takeaways ✔ The longer you delay Social Security, the higher your monthly benefits. ✔ Divorced: Your benefit can be based on your ex-spouse’s work history. ✔ Widowed: Consider...

Most people expect to spend less money after they retire. But that might not be the case -- at least not at first. Spending rose for more than half of taxpayers during the first three years after claiming Social Security, according to a report based on tax data and...

“How can I feel fine?” That’s what Julie Elman, from Ohio, wants to know. Julie is 57, retirementis right around the corner, and she’s worried. Despite doing “all the right things,” whenever she spends time reviewing her financial situation, Julie never, ever feels...

Summer is here, and the future is brighter than ever. If you are busy planning, saving and budgeting for a summer vacation, use these tips to make the most out of your summer and get your retirement savings on track. 1. Spend less and save more. With this warmer...

Summer is here and that calls for some down time relaxing with family and friends. Whether you plan on spending your summer days in the sun or binge-watching your favorite television series, developing a summer savings plan will help you enjoy your days now, and stay...

“How can I feel fine?” That’s what Julie Elman, from Ohio, wants to know. Julie is 57, retirementis right around the corner, and she’s worried. Despite doing “all the right things,” whenever she spends time reviewing her financial situation, Julie never, ever feels...

INFLATION WATCH - May 2017 The I.I.I. Inflation Watch spreadsheet contains the latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Both current and expected near-term general inflation continue to be low by historical standards, but there...

DO YOU LOSE THE BALANCE OF AN ANNUITY IF YOU DIE? One common misconception about annuities is that you lose the balance of the annuity if you die. In the case of  Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs), the money remaining in your annuity can pass to one or more named...

Here's How Much a Job Loss Now Will Cost You by Retirement When Americans struggle financially—if they face a job loss or a bout with illness, for example—one of the first places they turn for relief is their retirement savings accounts. This makes some sense, at...