Variable annuity

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#221 The Best Financial Advice? It Depends

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When you call and write, asking about various financial issues, you'll hear me ask a bunch of nosey questions. I am the first to admit that I am a financial voyeur, but the real reason that I need that information is to determine the best financial advice for you! So often, it really does depend on your specific situation, which is why we avoid dispensing cookie-cutter advice.

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We started the show with a follow up response to last week's question: would you quit your job to take off a year from the grind? Allison did just that, but says, "Looking back I should never of done it."

Greg and Laura are considering the purchase of  a vacation rental home and wanted to know the pitfalls of doing so.

We helped Steve and an anonymous e-mailer with allocation/share type questions; Chrissy with a query about her variable annuity;  helped Maurie guide her 19 year old daughter, who needs financial guidance; and provided Anil with the upside and downside of  carrying a "big, long mortgage."

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer in the World. Here's how to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 
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#176 Managing Money: As Easy as Brushing and Flossing

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Why does the financial services industry have to complicate our lives? The good news is that once we get you set, managing your money should be as easy as brushing and flossing, perhaps helped by a couple of trips to the dentists each year. While there are so many ways to simplify your financial life, sometimes the industry really does make it hard.

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Lori's call about being sold two variable annuities is a case in point and allowed me to discuss the concept of  fiduciary standard, which requires financial professionals to act in the best interests of their clients. You may think that any broker or insurance agent is obligated to do so, but they are generally held to a much looser standard, called “suitability.” In other words, the product or advice they are providing needs only to be suitable for you, rather than in your best interests. The sale of variable annuities to Lori may have been "suitable", but it was most certainly not in her best interest. 

Not surprisingly, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), the trade association that lobbies on behalf of the financial services industry, has opposed imposing regulation that would be too strict, because it would “limit consumer choice”. The more cynical will note that the fiduciary standard would put a big dent into commissions generated by firms and their salespeople, especially those who recommend fee-rich products inside rollover accounts. Sadly, the industry lobbyists have spent oodles of money and as a result, the fiduciary standard, which should have been adopted in the aftermath of the financial crisis, is now on hold until 2016 at the earliest.

Also on the show, some 529 info for Mark's sister; a long-term care insurance review; and advice on how to invest a lump sum that must remain liquid.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. Check out Mark's first-producing credit for this CBS Evening News segment that aired recently. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

Radio Show #140: Living with Parents to Save Money

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Sometimes circumstances may force kids back to the nest, but in other cases, it's a wonderful tradition that can help the younger generation save money early in their lives.

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Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

Radio Show #139: Financial Infidelity

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Financial infidelity can be just as damaging and hurtful as any other type of infidelity. In this week's show, we provide advice about spouses hiding assets and salesmen hiding the truth!

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A few examples of bad behavior came to light during the show. The most egregious example was that of June, whose husband of 44 years has gone behind her back and moved retirement assets. What is her recourse and what should she do? Helen's case was not nearly as bad, but it appears that her husband has engaged a broker to manage their accounts without consulting her.

Then there's Jerry, who is a small business owner. A wolf in sheep's clothing (aka an insurance salesman) is pitching him a "7702 Retirement Plan" which is just a sneaky marketing gimmick to sell an expensive insurance policy.

With financial infidelity abounding, it's no wonder that Stanley is keeping all of his family's assets at T. Rowe Price, but is it OK to do business with only one company? The ability of the industry to grab at your dollars also means that if you are like Bill and have a decent paying I-bond, keep it! Same goes for Pam, who has just inherited $500K -- rather than invest it and assume risk and cost,  she should use some of the money to pay off her outstanding mortgage.

Finally, Susan wants to minimize the tax hit from her Required Minimum Distributions of her retirement accounts.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 

Radio Show #138: Cash is King

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Listeners have amassed sizable cash reserves-now what to do with all of that moo-lah? Is it time to pay down the mortgage, invest or do maintain the position?

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Walt, Lynn Steve and Ang are all sitting on a pile of cash. In each case, the advice is slightly different, proving once again that every situation is unique.

Mark has had a variable annuity for five years and has been offered the opportunity to purchase a rider that would protect his downside risk-is it worth it? Meanwhile, Nell's advisor is suggesting a change in how he will charge her for his services. She wonders if the new fee is worth it?

Katie asked about combining retirement accounts and Elmar and his wife want to know what steps they should take to  go from two incomes to one.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE