| Shop carefully for complex equity-indexed annunities
I've been getting quite a few emails lately about equity-indexed annuities. These sound great because they track the return of the stock market without the risk. However, they are very complex programs. Equity-indexed annuities are contracts with insurance companies. Before you consider any insurance, always double-check the financial strength of the insurance company. The financially strongest companies have financial strength ratings of A++ by A.M. Best and AAA by Standard & Poor's. Also, check to make certain the salesperson is properly licensed. You can do this in Florida at www.fldfs.com. Certain annuities may prove attractive for a portion of your money — particularly if you've maxed out on other types of tax-advantaged retirement plans. They're also an attractive way to help guarantee you a stream of income.
Saving for the Future is Easier Than You May Think
If you're one of the millions of consumers receiving a tax refund or bonus this time of year, you may be uncertain about the best way to spend or save your hard-earned dollars. What's the best way to begin a savings plan or invest for the future? According to experts, the appropriate course depends upon life circumstances, including financial condition, short-and long-term goals, and the needs of your dependents. "Many people think of their tax refund as extra spending money, but they should consider setting at least a portion aside for the future," said Donna DeMaio, president of MetLife Bank. "Extra money represents an opportunity to start planning for a retirement or saving for a child's education. Saving is a critical issue, because financial advisors warn that many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, and endangering their ability to live comfortably in their golden years."
Here are some options to consider: Pay off debt.
Hawaii Real Estate is Booming Due to Retirement of Baby Boomers
Despite the "buyer's market" that much of the United States is currently facing, Hawaii Real Estate continues to be a "sellers market" as an increasing number of baby boomers are retiring in Hawaii and the housing inventory has been down for 10 straight months. In addition, with property taxes being extremely low and very high conforming loan limits, real estate sales in Hawaii are booming. Honolulu, HI (PRWEB) April 17, 2007 -- Despite the "buyer's market" that much of the United States is currently facing, Hawaii Real Estate continues to be a "sellers market" as an increasing number of baby boomers are retiring in Hawaii and the housing inventory has been down for 10 straight months. In addition, with property taxes being extremely low and very high conforming loan limits, real estate sales in Hawaii are booming.
2007 Retirement Confidence Survey: Many American Workers See—But ...
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A large percentage of American workers see that the U.S. retirement system is going through major changes, but many are not taking steps that are likely to leave them well-positioned for a comfortable retirement, according to the 17th annual Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS). The survey, released today, is sponsored by the nonpartisan Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and Mathew Greenwald & Associates, with underwriting support from the Principal Financial Group®. The RCS, begun in 1991, is the country's most established and comprehensive study of the attitudes and behavior of American workers and retirees toward all aspects of saving, retirement planning, and long-term financial security. The full report is available online at www.ebri.org Highlights include: The 2007 RCS finds pension-plan changes by employers have left nearly half of workers less confident about the benefits they will receive from a traditional pension plan, but that those experiencing a decline in retirement benefits often fail to react constructively.
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