Annuity FYI Visitor Blog

Wells Fargo’s new SGI Wise US Index Equity Linked CD is Annuity FYI’s top pick for this investment vehicle.  The equity linked CD is a great investment choice, especially with people who have a six year investment window.  Equity linked CD’s have the added benefit of being FDIC insured which is a comfort to many investors.  They are also linked to the market so that you can reap the rewards of a market upswing.

There are many reasons that Annuity FYI recommends the Wells Fargo wise indexed cd.  Not only is your principal guaranteed by Wells Fargo, it is also insured by the FDIC up to their maximum amount allowed.  With no cap or spread, this equity linked CD boasts 90-110% participation.  The index is easy to understand and transparent to investors.  While the SGI Wise US long-short index is new, it has been tested back to 1992 to determine the returns investors would have received.  With this information, it was determined that the SGI Wise Index performed above the S&P 500 over many timeframes.  Investors have the potential to do much better than the current low interest rates have been offering.

There a few things to consider when you compare equity linked CDs.  You do not want to purchase the product if you will need your money before the six year holding period is up.  While the 1% penalty isn’t that significant, it is best not to make withdrawals until the CD matures.  Any gains you receive will be paid at the end of the six years and there are no dividends.  With those considerations, if you think an equity linked CD may be right for you, contact one of our experts.

From the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)’s news release, the “FINRA Investor Education Foundation and the American Library Association Announce $1.5 Million in Grants to Public Libraries to Support Grassroots Financial Literacy.”  There are 19 libraries receiving the $1,522,122 through the program ‘Smart investing@your library’.  Providing the public with financial education information is the program’s goal.  This is the third year for ’smart investing@your library’, whose goal is to help library patrons with small and large financial decisions free of bias.

The library programs implemented with grant money are meant to help all ages of people, from youth just learning about money to senior citizens looking to compare annuities for retirement.  They also target low-income citizens and immigrants that are new to America with education programs.  The education programs include online learning, teaching in classrooms, individual clinics, and other online educational activities.  Libraries receiving these grants also partner up with other organizations to extend community education even further.  This includes schools, colleges, local government, and veterans clubs.

Grants are not only given in urban communities but also suburban and rural areas as well.  People often turn to free services like libraries when they are struggling economically.  With grants from FINRA and the ALA, libraries can better serve and educate these citizens about their finances and help to either get or keep them on track.  Whether they need information on annuities, credit cards, saving for college, or just budgeting; ’smart investing@your library’ is there to help and educate.

AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company has a new financial training program called “Cracking the Code,” according to PR-Canada.  AXA Equitable’s unit for annuity wholesale distribution, AXA Distributors, LLC, created this curriculum for professionals to continue their retirement income planning education.  The materials for self-study and presentations have been approved for continuing credits in 49 states.  Since growing savings before retirement is only half of the big picture, investors are looking to their financial advisers to help them make decisions that will keep them financially secure throughout their lifetime.  “Cracking the Code” aims to help advisers guide their clients from pre-retirement all the way into the asset distribution phase.

The “Cracking the Code” guidebook takes financial professionals through all the necessary steps to help their clients through retirement.  It explains how a client’s personal savings works into their retirement plan and information about IRA use.  There is also information regarding Social Security and Medicare benefits that affect retirees.  There are different strategies for dealing with risk including using the best annuities and other financial retirement products to guarantee future income streams.  Advisers will receive information about running a successful practice, such as help with marketing and time-saving tips.  With the use of AXA’s “Cracking the Code” information, advisers can be better equipped to help clients with every aspect of their retirement plan.

In the NWI Times article “SEC’s new Web site is investor-friendly,” correspondent Joe Pellicciotti says that the SEC has developed a new website aimed at helping investors become more informed.  Since the mission of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is to protect investors, they hope that investor.gov will help new investors make wise decisions regarding their money.  The website is available in both English and Spanish.  It also includes links to the SEC’s complaint center for investors and an area where investors can ask the SEC specific investing questions.

In the “Getting Started” section of the website, the SEC offers information about asset allocation, rebalancing, diversification, setting goals for investments, figuring out risk tolerance, and other beginners information relating to the risks and benefits of investments.  They introduce investors to 529 plans, mutual funds, and online brokers.  There is an area specifically for seniors that explains different options for retirement and gives information about variable annuities, selecting a financial adviser, and basic investing information relating to seniors.  Another section of the website helps investors protect their money by avoiding common mistakes and fraud, researching brokers and advisers, and dealing with problems that arise.  There is a wealth of important investment information for those who are looking.

Immediate annuities are a great product for those close to retirement, according to “Investments for 2010 recommended” on TaipeiNews.Net.  With a roller coaster past couple of years in finance, it is difficult for anyone to say what the best investments will be in 2010.  Most people will not know how well their investments performed until well into 2011.  The first steps in financial planning are to set a goal, make a long term plan to meet that goal, and stick with the plan.  Advisers seem to agree that well diversified portfolios are best for nearly all investors.  It is wise to have annuities in those portfolios to protect against longevity risk and help guarantee you have enough money in retirement.

Lifetime income annuities pay out monthly income over your lifetime after an initial lump sum payment.  One of the best products for people that are close to retirement are immediate annuities.  They have no waiting period before the investor begins to receive their monthly payments.  It is always necessary to research the strength of the insurance companies that annuities are purchased from to ensure your income stream is guaranteed for life.  All financial advisers have different ideas and recommendations for their clients.  Set your goals and meet with an expert to determine the best financial course for your retirement happiness.