Annuities are a big business. In 2019 $57.8billion in annuities were sold according to the Insured Retirement Institute. What’s the appeal? First, let’s remember that there are many kinds of annuities: Fixed, variable, immediate, and deferred are the main categories. There are about 1,000 permutations under those categories. Second, I don’t sell any…
I recently heard a comedian say that the idea of summer vacation spoils our thinking forever. It’s true – as an adult, you are always disappointed in the idea you have to work during summer, even though it was such a small part of your life when you didn’t. And then there is the…
It’s August, and thoughts often turn to back-to-school. Whatever that looks like. For those of us with students at home (and at home, and at home, and at home) or in college (also, possibly at home, darn it), paying tuition bills may also be top of mind. In the last year, there have been…
The financial services industry has for years been collectively handwringing about how to measure clients’ real feelings about stock market volatility. The problem starts with the language we use. It continues with the overconfidence of people when markets are good. When the stock market is climbing, everyone is an investing genius and has no…
Tens of millions of Americans have filed for unemployment since March. Everyone from optometrists to octopi at the local aquarium have seen demand drop for their services as people stay home to stay safe. If you need income while your regular industry rights itself, take heart. There are still some sectors that are hiring. …
Welcome to summertime during a pandemic! Chances are you are feeling stretched financially, your kids are bored with no camps to attend, you have to download an app to go to the ice cream store, and your neighborhood pool might still be on lockdown. How will we keep cool and sane in the months ahead?…
Some people really want to retire. Umbrella drinks on the beach, unlimited time to knit, tee times during non-peak hours, and never skiing on a weekend again. Sounds great, right? Not for everyone. More and more, clients tell me they don’t really want to retire. After all, retirement is what old people do, and…
The COVID crises reminds me of 9/11 in some ways. Things we never thought we’d do before (strip to nearly naked in the security line, anyone?) became second nature quickly. If you had told me 6 months ago that I’d be waiting in line to get into Target, I’d think it’s rude for people to…
This is the second in our three Rs series about coming out of 2020 with our sanity and finances intact. Today we talk about Recovery. Personal Remember that setbacks happen to everyone. If you lost your job or had to move in with your parents or had to dip into your 401(k), it’s…
We’ve all heard the phrase “hindsight is 2020.” There are tons of memes floating around alluding to getting the year 2020 in our rearview mirror, and I have to agree. One thing you may be feeling lately is fragile. Your finances, sense of self, confidence in our social systems, routines, hobbies, and plans have…
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