Posts by Amanda McFarlane
What Is a Fixed Annuity?
The predictability and stability of a fixed annuity have made it a popular choice for some saving for retirement. Annuities offer a guaranteed income stream that can help supplement your…
Read MoreWhat Is a Variable Annuity?
Variable annuities can help you meet your long-term financial goals and provide a guaranteed income stream in retirement, but they are not without their drawbacks and considerations. It’s important to…
Read MoreHow to Avoid Emotional Investing
Money is personal—there’s no denying that. You’ve worked hard for it, and it touches nearly every aspect of your life. In the same vein, emotions are ever-present in our lives…
Read MoreReverse Mortgages: What They Are and If They’re Right for You
Millions of Americans are entering retirement encumbered with mortgages. The proportion of homeowners aged 65+ who still carry a mortgage doubled over the last 30 years—from 21% in 1989 to…
Read MoreWhat Are Advance Healthcare Directives and Why Do I Need Them?
Preparing for end-of-life care and decisions is uncomfortable and can feel morbid. Still, preparation can ultimately be a comfort to you and your family if and when the time comes…
Read MoreHow Retirees and Pre-Retirees Can Hedge Against Inflation
Today’s dollar buys far less than it did 10, 20, and 30 years ago—much like today’s dollar will not have the same purchasing power in 10, 20, and 30 years…
Read MoreGuide to 529 Plans
Saving for your children’s or grandchildren’s college education can seem like a daunting task, especially with the skyrocketing costs of higher education. Since 2000, the average annual cost to attend…
Read MoreThe 4% Withdrawal Rule in Retirement: Is It a Bad Idea?
One of retirees’ greatest fears is running out of money.1,2 Some of the key questions as you prepare for retirement are, how much money will I need to retire? Will…
Read MoreDiversification: What It Is and Why It Matters to Your Portfolio—and Financial Future
The stock market and investing, in general, can come with high highs and stomach-churning lows. Knowing where to invest your money and how much to invest is a complicated interplay…
Read MoreRequired Minimum Distribution: What It Is and How to Calculate It
Required minimum distributions are important to your overall income strategy in retirement, but the rules can be complex, especially if you have multiple retirement accounts. Read on for more about…
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