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In 1980 in the United States - just over 30 years ago - a new home in this country cost an average of $76,000, and the median income was $17,710 per year. Compare that to 2011, when even after the recent recession, the median home price stood at $139,000, and median household income was $50,233 per year according to the US Census Bureau. Why the vast difference in prices? One word: Inflation.
If you have a 401k or Roth IRA, you probably feel like you're doing everything you can to be financially prepared for retirement, right? Maybe you are, but you might also benefit from incorporating an annuity into your savings plan. So how do you know if you need an annuity? Let's look at the basic characteristics of these unique savings vehicles, how they work, and most importantly, if you
Recent Articles in Retirement
Financial Planning Guide for Musicians & Performing ArtistsFebruary 2, 2012
In addition to having been a professional or semi-professional musician throughout my entire adult life, I've also served as a life insurance advisor and retirement planner for
What Are Floating Rate Funds – Pros & Cons and ExamplesJanuary 18, 2012
Many types of mutual funds are primarily designed to pay income to investors in various forms. Some income funds invest in bonds, while others derive income from mortgages or
Investing Strategies for Active Duty Military MembersJanuary 6, 2012
Military members are accustomed to significant challenges. Combat tours, deployments, and frequent transfers are just a few of the difficulties they face on a frequent basis.
How to Prepare and Plan for RetirementDecember 30, 2011
Whether your retirement is fast approaching or decades away, it is likely that you do not spend much time pondering what will happen when you stop working. Unfortunately, many
What Is a Spousal IRA – Rules, Eligibility & BenefitsDecember 22, 2011
If you are a stay-at-home spouse, it seems unfair that you can't build up a retirement account in your name. After all, one of the requirements of opening an Individual Retirement
7 Common Lies Told by Mutual Fund Managers and How to Avoid ThemDecember 21, 2011
Is your mutual fund advisor stringing you along with a lie? Are you getting the facts, or a skillfully staged show full of smoke, mirrors, and misdirection? If you decide to
Non-Qualified Retirement Plan – Definition, Benefits & ExamplesDecember 6, 2011
Millions of employees save for retirement by deferring a portion of their compensation into an employer-sponsored, tax-deferred savings plan. The majority of these are known as
8 Best Job Ideas for Retirees & SeniorsNovember 7, 2011
While at work, many of us dream of having time off to fill our days vacationing, playing golf, and relaxing with loved ones. But when retirement comes, we may actually find that we
Early Retirement Planning: 6 Best Tax Efficient InvestmentsSeptember 26, 2011
Early retirement...most of us want it, but few actually have the motivation and the know-how to get it. Just like a regular retirement, at or after age 59 1/2, retiring early
Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) – Complete Guide & AdviceAugust 31, 2011
Possibly one of the greatest benefits to U.S. government or military service is the Thrift Savings Plan. The Thrift Savings Plan (also known as the TSP) is a retirement savings and
