In Plus episode 462, we review why one might want to buy an immediate annuity to help fund retirement expenses. We consider the Cohen & Steers Closed End Opportunity Fund (FOF). Finally, we discuss using an ETF to speculate on currencies. … [Read more...]
407 Plus: More on Annuities, Real Estate, Yield Curve, Strong Dollar, and Zombie Firms
In Plus Episode 407, we continue our discussion on fixed annuities and fixed index annuities. We discuss real estate crowdfunding platforms, inverted yield curves, Series I savings bonds, and is now a good time to invest outside the U.S. given the strong dollar. Finally, we explore what zombie firms are and whether they could cause a market crash. … [Read more...]
407: Worry-Free Retirement Investing
How to use laddered inflation-indexed bonds (i.e., TIPS), CDs, fixed annuities, and fixed index annuities to meet retirement living expenses while worrying less about running out of money. Topics covered include: How individuals can use liability-driven investment strategies Why now is the best opportunity to buy Treasury Inflation Protection Securities in 15 years How to use bond ladders How deferred fixed and deferred variable annuities work How to analyze fixed index … [Read more...]
326: The New Math of Retirement Spending and Investing
How should individuals invest and spend in retirement with interest rates so low, stock valuations high, and inflation uncertain. Why retirement managed payout funds and income replacement funds failed. Topics covered include: How managed payout and income replacement funds compare to immediate annuitiesWhy Vanguard and Fidelity changed the objective of their retiree focused income replacement and managed payout fundsHow fixed annuities workHow retirees should combine annuities with … [Read more...]
313 Plus: Advisors for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals, Annuities, Trading, and a Commercial Real Estate Update
In Plus episode 313, we assist a member who is seeking an investment advisor. We consider the role of investment-oriented annuities in a portfolio. We answer a member's question about trading. Finally, we review the commercial real estate market as a member who is looking to buy a rental office has not seen prices fall despite the recession and pandemic. … [Read more...]
290 Plus: Dealing with Market Losses, Variable and Fixed Annuities and L-Bonds
In Plus episode 290 for the week of March 12, 2020, we consider whether it is a time to buy or sell given the financial market turmoil, and how to handle the emotions of seeing losses. We profile a member's portfolio and answer her question as to whether she should increase her allocation to a variable annuity. We contrast variable annuities with fixed annuities. Finally, we answer a member's question about investing in L-bonds, a debt security issued by GWG Holdings, Inc. … [Read more...]
284 Plus: Mid Month Update, Mega Cap Stocks, and Investing Annuity Targeted Assets
In Plus episode 284 for the week of January 25, 2020, we review the latest economic releases to see if they show improvement. We review the massive inflow into bond funds as U.S. investors appear to be rebalancing their portfolios after a strong year for stocks. We consider the increasing concentration in the top 10 global stocks including Apple and Microsoft and how to mitigate that. Finally, we explore how a member should invest the funds that will be used to buy an immediate annuity in … [Read more...]
279: Why All Retirees Should Consider an Income Annuity
Retirees face two big challenges. The first is how to invest their retirement assets. The second is determining how much they can withdraw each year from their retirement portfolios. What many retirees don’t realize is these challenges can be greatly reduced by paying for essential retirement expenses from guaranteed income sources. Guaranteed income sources include Social Security, pension plans, and annuities. Surprisingly, only about 10% of retirees partially fund their retirement … [Read more...]
182 Plus: Immediate Annuities, Broker Expenses, and Shorting Stocks
This week November 25, 2017 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus, we review how to analyze an immediate annuity that pays income for life. We review a member's broker expenses to see if they are reasonable. We look at shorting stocks using an ETF. Finally, we review how to classify a pension-like vehicle within one's retirement portfolio in terms of asset allocation. … [Read more...]
174 Plus: Can A Member Still Retire Following Divorce, HSAs, Annuities, and Antifragile Investments
This week September 30, 2017 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus, we discuss a member's retirement situation following a divorce that severely reduced his net worth. We look at using Health Savings Accounts in the U.S. as retirement savings vehicles. We also evaluate using a TIAA traditional annuity as a fixed income alternative. Finally, we explore what "antifragile" investments might be expected to perform well during the next recession with a specific look at what it costs to hedge a stock … [Read more...]
