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Cover Stories

Dubya’s Lingering Gift

by Kerry Pechter

Dubya’s Lingering Gift

Wed, Nov 18, 2009

Tax rates are obviously northbound. So high-bracket folks should convert to Roth IRAs next year, right? Not necessarily, advisors told us.

Estimating Out-of-Pocket Health Care Costs in Retirement

by Kerry Pechter

Estimating Out-of-Pocket Health Care Costs in Retirement

Wed, Nov 11, 2009

Couples can expect to spend $200,000 or more on premiums, deductibles and co-pays in retirement. This article is the first in a series on retirement risks.

The View from Taroko Gorge

by Kerry Pechter

The View from Taroko Gorge

Thu, Nov 05, 2009

Touring this marble-walled canyon, I could see millions of years into Taiwan's geological past and a few years into its demographic future.

Taiwan Grapples With Retirement Finance

by Kerry Pechter

Taiwan Grapples With Retirement Finance

Wed, Oct 28, 2009

Over lunch in Taipei, economist Jack Wu explained the pension dynamics of an aging society.

The Decumulation Beat

RMD and Dangerous? Not Really.

RMD and Dangerous? Not Really.

The RMD must surely suffer when people discuss Roth IRA conversions, just as cavemen suffer when they see Geico commercials.

News

Merrill Lynch Has Answers for Roth IRA Questions

Wed, Nov 18, 2009

Merrill Lynch has given its financial advisors a “customized analysis tool” to help clients determine if a Roth IRA conversion is right for them.

Income-Oriented Advisors Seek Validation: Survey

Wed, Nov 18, 2009

“The market now seems divided among total return, pooled [buckets] and income floor practitioners with none of these approaches appearing to dominate," say Howard Schneider and Dennis Gallant.

Three Liquidity Options in New SPIA from Security Mutual Life

Wed, Nov 18, 2009

The contract owner may withdraw up to 50% of the next 12 months' payments at least once during the life of the contract.

Reputation of ‘Alternatives’ Survives the Crash

Wed, Nov 18, 2009

More than 60% of institutions and advisors believe alternatives will at least equal traditional investments in importance over the next five years.

Sales of Indexed Annuities Cool in Third Quarter

Wed, Nov 18, 2009

“The big story this quarter is the shake-up in rankings among the indexed annuity carriers," said Sheryl J. Moore, President and CEO of AnnuitySpecs.com.