In my years as a retirement and income specialist, I have run across more than one person who claims they hate annuities. More often than not, this position is based more on what one of their relatives told them or what they heard from Dave or Suzy on television than on a genuine understanding of [...]
"Annuities are among the most misunderstood retirement and income products on the market. Even some agents who sell annuities don't truly understand them or their power to transform your retirement." Brad Rhodes Contrary to what some television financial "advisors" say, an annuity, when properly understood and sold correctly, is an excellent retirement and income planning [...]
"Millions of Americans rely on employer-sponsored plans to be the cornerstones of their retirement. But, what happens when circumstances force your employer to change or even eliminate their retirement program?- Brad Rhodes COVID-19's effects are being felt in nearly every sector of the global economy. Stay-at-home orders, reduced hours, and supply-chain shortages resulting from the [...]
"Medicare planning is a complicated and confusing process. Be sure you understand all of this benefit's nuances and can separate fact from fiction." Brad Rhodes Medicare is an essential element of any successful retirement. Yet, it is often poorly understood. In my capacity as a Medicare planner, I am continually astounded by how many false [...]
"But my spouse is more of a "numbers" person" It is a lousy reason to surrender your role in your financial future." Brad Rhodes Financial giant UBS Global Wealth Management did a study recently in which 54% of women surveyed admitted they let their spouse be the leader in the family finances. Some of the reasons [...]
In September 2020, the Federal Reserve ended its two-day policy meeting by announcing its intention of keeping interest rates at their current all-time lows until 2023. Since 70% of the American economy relies on consumption, the Fed's commitment to low-interest rates is part of an effort to push Americans away from saving and into spending. [...]
"Even before the COVID-19 financial crisis, the nation was facing a retirement saving crisis, with women already at a significant disadvantage,"- Tyler Bond, National Institute on Retirement Security. Women, especially divorced and widowed women, face a series of complex hurdles when it comes to being prepared for retirement. For example, many women in the workforce [...]
