"Think Advisor" Articles

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Weekend Reading: Don’t Overlook Post-Retirement Roth Conversion Benefits

You often hear of the benefits of Roth conversions during your working years, but when carried out during retirement, they can also help you enhance your income options, manage tax situations and support your estate planning goals.

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Weekend Reading: Why a Roth Conversion Is a Powerful Estate Planning Tool

If you’re looking to minimize taxes for your beneficiaries down the road, a Roth conversion is worth consideration.

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Weekend Reading: T-Bills vs. Treasury Bonds: Which Should You Pick When the Yield Curve Inverts?

What’s going on with the yield curve, and how does it impact you?

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Weekend Reading: The Big Thing Clients Don't Get About Social Security Spousal Benefits

People mistakenly believe they have a choice between claiming their own benefits or their spousal benefits. However, the reality is that spousal benefits are determined through a multi-part calculation and comparison.

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Weekend Reading: 5 Types of Clients Who Should Consider Annuities

While annuities have faced their share of criticism over the years, the reality is, these investment vehicles have the power to help address some of the biggest financial concerns: Fear of outliving your money, becoming a burden to your children or lacking coverage in critical care situations.

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Weekend Reading: Help Clients Get What They Need, and Want, in Retirement

Figuring out how much money you need for retirement can feel daunting. Here, past podcast guest David Blanchett explores a study conducted by The Alliance for Lifetime Income, which reveals changing attitudes and behaviors toward retirement security.

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Weekend Reading: Jamie Hopkins: 3 Techniques to Help Retirees Spend More (Yes, More!)

If you’re like many successful investors or the “millionaire next door”, you’re hardwired to save instead of spend. Reframing your mindset won’t be automatic, but learning to embrace spending your money on what matters most to you is priceless.

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Weekend Reading: Don’t Panic! Social Security Isn’t Going Away Anytime Soon

While policymakers have reforming to do, rest assured, Social Security is more than likely here to stay.

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Weekend Reading: Confessions of an Indexed Annuity Purist

If you are focused more on outperforming in bear markets than bull markets, fixed indexed annuities might be the answer, especially given this interest rate environment.

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Weekend Reading: 9 Ways to Help Clients Reduce Taxes on Social Security

You’re well aware Uncle Sam wants his share of your retirement income, but some of the families we meet with are surprised to find that includes Social Security benefits.

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Weekend Reading: Roth vs. Traditional IRAs: The Tax Trade-Off Isn’t Always What You Think

The tax advantages of a Roth IRA versus a traditional IRA may seem black and white, but there is more to consider before choosing one over the other.

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Weekend Reading: Beware of Social Security Agents Bearing Lump-Sum Offers

If you’re waiting to claim Social Security until age 70 and reap maximum benefits, it’s important to know the lump-sum option that could be offered to you beforehand.