Posts by Chuck Carrier

Annuity Sales Are Surging. Do You Know What They Are?

June 12, 2024

We’re here to help clear up some of the confusion about annuities during Annuity Awareness Month, which happens each June! In the first quarter of 2024, U.S. annuity sales were $106.7 billion, the highest first quarter total since the 1980s, when LIMRA first started tracking annuity sales. Despite these high sales numbers, research indicates that many people don’t really know what annuities are. One recent study revealed that only 9% of consumers say they feel very knowledgeable about annuities, while other studies confirm this lack of understanding. Research by the American College of Financial Services gave older Americans a
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What is Sequence of Returns Risk?

May 8, 2024

Sequence of returns risk can put your retirement portfolio in jeopardy, but what is it, and how do you fight it? We get it. Retirement can be scary. We know this because it’s our job to help our clients plan for and seamlessly transition into what should be one of the most rewarding times of their lives. What we often find, however, is that most are worried about retirement because of the risks that come with it. But what are some of the risks that strike fear in the hearts of retirement hopefuls? Well, the first is related to
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5 Things You Need to Know About Retirement

April 15, 2024

Saving for retirement is important, but it’s also crucial to stay informed! Now that it’s Financial Literacy Month, we thought it would be the perfect time to discuss some things you need to know. There’s an old saying that goes something like, “What you don’t know can’t hurt you.” You might have even used it, maybe when you came home past curfew without your parents finding out or poured your juice into the plant when no one was watching. And sure, no one being the wiser might have worked when you were young, but in retirement, what you don’t
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5 Reasons Financial Planning is Important for Women

March 26, 2024

It’s Women’s History Month! Let’s go over why financial planning is important for women. While there’s little doubt women have taken major strides professionally and socially over even the past few years, it’s still all too common for them to be left out of the financial discussion. Whether that happens on their own accord or because they simply become an afterthought in the conversation, their exclusion can be extremely damaging not just to their own future but to both members of a couple or an entire family. Well, this month is Women’s History Month, so while there is never
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6 Financial Tips for Couples

February 23, 2024

Money can be a major obstacle for couples. Here are a few ways to overcome it. Do you remember when you first met your partner? So many things about them might have captivated you. Maybe it was their eyes, their hair or their smile. Maybe you started talking and you fell in love with their outlook on life, their fun-loving attitude or their sense of humor. We’re willing to bet, however, it wasn’t your aligned financial philosophies that initially drew you to each other, even if financial stability was high on your list of priorities for potential partners. At the
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5 Things You Should Know if You’re Retiring in 2024

January 29, 2024

Heads up! If you plan to retire this year, you should know these five things. Are you planning to enter the most exciting phase of your life in 2024? A phase where you get to do what you want to do, not what you have to do? With the right planning and preparation, it’s possible, but you should be aware of the year-over-year changes that occur for retirees, especially if this is your first year. Here are five changes you should know about if you plan on entering retirement in 2024. Higher Income Tax Brackets [1,2] Traditionally, tax brackets rise
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Why Long-Term Care is an Important Part of a Financial Plan

November 28, 2023

It’s National Long-term Care Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to discuss the importance of preparing for the potential need for care. Financial planning can be a complex process, especially for those looking for a comprehensive plan that accounts for every aspect of their life. That comprehensive plan traditionally includes budgeting, investing, tax-mitigation, estate planning, and as you get closer to retirement, should even include Medicare and Social Security. One aspect that often goes overlooked, however, is planning for long-term care, or the potential of needing this extremely intricate, intimate and pricey care. Let’s go over why it’s important
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Why Estate Planning is About More Than Money

October 26, 2023

October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month! Here’s how the right plan can help you protect your family. Estate planning is only for the extremely wealthy. I don’t have enough assets to need a will. My family will figure it out. Things will sort themselves out. I’m way too young to start thinking about a legacy plan. Making an estate plan is just too expensive right now. These are just some of the most commonly believed myths about estate planning we hear directly from our clients. But the fact is, they’re just that: myths. They hold little weight and
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6 Key Features of Indexed Universal Life Insurance

September 25, 2023

Indexed universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that offers different benefits to policyholders. Here is what you need to know! Traditionally, life insurance has been one of those assets someone might hold but hope they never have to use. Often crafted to protect from the worst-case scenario, it’s most known for the death benefit it can offer heirs in the event of untimely death, providing a payout that has the potential to ease both financial and emotional tension. Modern life insurance options, however, can come with different features depending on the type of policy you purchase.
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