financial analysis tools

by Ryan W. Smith The annuity industry is undergoing massive changes. While many changes were already beginning to appear, once the Department of Labor announced its final Fiduciary Rule in the spring of 2016 reforms …

Yes, legally the rule can be stopped from full implementation. However, many companies have already made process shifts, product and compliance changes that they would most likely not roll back if the rule was stopped. …

Indexed annuities are increasing in market share in the annuity world, while variable annuities have shrank. Some in the industry believe these two factors are related but there are other dynamics at play. For example, …

When the new Fiduciary Rule goes into full effect in April 2017, if the incoming President and unified Congress do not block its implementation, all annuities (fixed, variable and indexed) will be governed by the …

by Ryan W. Smith Talking about money and personal finances is still considered distasteful in American culture at-large. Capitalism is the foundation of our economy and “money makes the world go ‘round,” but many people …

One of the primary recommendations regarding ways to calm clients when speaking to their financial advisors is to make the relationship primarily personal at the start. It is important to take the time to reduce …

Only five states currently have any graduation requirements regarding financial classes, which makes it not surprising that over 70% of the respondents to a 2015 poll felt that speaking to a financial advisor was scary. …

by Ryan W. Smith Even the most well designed retirement plans can hit unseen roadblocks along the way, especially once one’s working life is completed and a regular paycheck has stopped. Social Security will only …

While 28% of retirees say they have not been impacted by any major unexpected expenses, according to a biannual report by the Society of Actuaries regarding retirement expenses. Among the remaining 72%, the three most …