Article originally published on NYSE Euronext
12/29/2011
Modern technology has created an opportunity for consumers to try their hand at investing in the stock market without the need for industry representative involvement. Internet-based brokerage accounts are available from a number of reputable investment firms, allowing the do-it-yourselfers to buy and sell stocks, bonds and other securities at will, often for a fraction of the cost usually associated with traditional investment accounts. Opening an online brokerage account takes minutes, and the process is streamlined to be efficient and easy enough for even the most unsophisticated consumers.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
The History of Online Savings Rates
Countless financial institutions offer consumers access to online savings accounts. These accounts are geared toward the younger, more sophisticated mobile crowd and offer features most likely perceived by that demographic as advantageous. While many aspects of banking exclusively online can be beneficial, disadvantages do exist. The historical interest rates of these accounts has fluctuated in correlation with the federal funds rate and the state of the nation's economy.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Differences Between Asset Targets & Production Targets for a Broker
Insurance brokers and financial advisors commonly work as independent contractors and rely heavily on their ability to generate new business and acquire new clients. A steady flow of qualified prospects is essential for a broker's success.
Additionally, selling insurance to new clients and opening new investment accounts is typically the only activity that results in compensation for brokers. Production and asset targets are fixed figures set by insurance carriers and investment firms, each one directly affecting a broker's earnings.
Additionally, selling insurance to new clients and opening new investment accounts is typically the only activity that results in compensation for brokers. Production and asset targets are fixed figures set by insurance carriers and investment firms, each one directly affecting a broker's earnings.
How to Calculate Interest Credit on an Equity Index Annuity
Annuities are retirement investment vehicles managed and maintained by life insurance companies that provide you with an income stream. Equity indexed annuities are a specific type of annuity product that contain features of both fixed and variable products, and link your account value to a stock market index. Calculating the interest credited to your equity indexed annuity is relatively simple, but the complexity of your particular contract ultimately determines the difficulty of the task.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
How to Create a Comprehensive Personal Financial Plan
Comprehensive personal financial planning involves an analysis of your entire monetary situation. Everything from insurance to investments, including retirement and college plans, must be evaluated and considered.
You must determine where you stand with the policies, plans and arrangements currently in place, where you should be based on national averages and industry recommendations and what it will take to get you on the right track. The process is long and complicated and must be done properly to achieve valid, actionable results.
You must determine where you stand with the policies, plans and arrangements currently in place, where you should be based on national averages and industry recommendations and what it will take to get you on the right track. The process is long and complicated and must be done properly to achieve valid, actionable results.
Friday, September 02, 2011
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Taxation on Closing an Annuity
If you own an annuity or are considering investing in one, you must familiarize yourself with the potential tax consequences surrounding deposits and withdrawals. Annuities are available from countless insurance companies, and each product has its own features and benefits.
However, regardless of the contract provider and the specific type of annuity, the same rules regarding taxation of contributions and distributions apply to all of the products .
However, regardless of the contract provider and the specific type of annuity, the same rules regarding taxation of contributions and distributions apply to all of the products .
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tax Rules for Fixed Annuities
If you own a fixed annuity, or are considering investing in one, you must become familiar with the tax treatment of these types of accounts. Since annuities are retirement investment vehicles, specific IRS regulations affect contributions, accumulation, withdrawals and taxation of these accounts.
The specific type of annuity you own, whether it be fixed, variable or indexed, is irrelevant as far as how these rules are applied and the tax treatment of these products.
The specific type of annuity you own, whether it be fixed, variable or indexed, is irrelevant as far as how these rules are applied and the tax treatment of these products.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Tax Rules on Nonqualified Annuities
Annuities are retirement investment vehicles maintained by life insurance companies. If you invest in a non-qualified annuity, you may contribute as much money as you want and any growth in the account remains untaxed until you withdraw it.
Specific tax legislation exists detailing the time, manner and amount of the taxes due on distributions from these accounts.
Specific tax legislation exists detailing the time, manner and amount of the taxes due on distributions from these accounts.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
When Is Withdrawing From an Annuity Taxable Income?
Annuities are tax-advantaged retirement investment products offered by life insurance companies. Money within annuities grows tax-deferred until it is withdrawn. These products offer potentially significant opportunities for investors to accumulate money for use during retirement.
Withdrawals from annuities are always taxable, regardless of the type of annuity or the time the withdrawal is made. However, different scenarios and situations may result in different taxable amounts, including the presence of penalties or mandatory distributions.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
How Does a Load Work in Investments?
Loads vary in size and the time and manner in which they are assessed to your account. The differences in how and when sales loads are added to mutual fund purchases are called share classes, and not all classes of funds are appropriate for all investors.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Tax Consequences to the Annuity Beneficiary
If you or your spouse own an annuity, or if you are the beneficiary of one, you must familiarize yourself with the various income tax consequences of the different death benefit payout options.
Not all payout methods are available to all beneficiaries, as the most flexibility is given to the owner's spouse. However, an annuity owner's spouse is not obligated to choose the payout methods reserved only for spouses. The spouse can instead pick any of the other options offered to non-spousal beneficiaries.
Not all payout methods are available to all beneficiaries, as the most flexibility is given to the owner's spouse. However, an annuity owner's spouse is not obligated to choose the payout methods reserved only for spouses. The spouse can instead pick any of the other options offered to non-spousal beneficiaries.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
The Issuer and Credit Card Types
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| Image by Republica from Pixabay |
As the plethora of available card types and lenders offering them continues to increase, it's easy to become confused and find yourself struggling to make a decision.
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Friday, July 08, 2011
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
How to Invest in Agriculture: Choosing the Best Investment Funds
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| Source: Tax Credits via Flickr |
Friday, July 01, 2011
How to Create the Optimal Portfolio
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| Source: Tax Credits via Flickr |
Thursday, June 30, 2011
How to Invest in Gold and Silver
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| Source: digitalmoneyworld via Flickr |
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Traditional Brokerages Versus Financial Planners
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Many differences exist between traditional
brokerage firms and financial planners.
Source: StockMonkeys via Flickr |
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
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Monday, June 20, 2011
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Friday, June 17, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Coordination of Medical Insurance Benefits
As more and more American families are forced to rely on multiple incomes to generate enough money to pay for living expenses, the instances of duplicate health insurance coverage continue to rise. While it may seem beneficial to be covered by more than one medical benefits plan, it’s essential that you understand how health insurance carriers deal with claims in these cases. Knowing what to expect and how double coverage affects the payment of your claims will save you time and reduce potential confusion.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Monday, May 09, 2011
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Effects of Divorce on Life Insurance Claims
Every situation is different, and although divorce is not uncommon, its effects on your own life insurance policies will be unique. If you are in the middle of divorce proceedings, or soon will be, you should familiarize yourself with the basics regarding life insurance claims, beneficiary designations and how divorce may impact your coverage.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Life Insurance After Divorce
If you’re in the middle of a divorce, or considering getting one in the future, the effects of the divorce on your life insurance could be a major cause for concern. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the basic rules, regulations and concepts regarding life insurance policies and beneficiary designations, as well as common misconceptions involving the payment of benefits.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
What Does "Primary Carrier" Mean Pertaining to Medical Insurance?
In today's society, a growing number of families require multiple streams of income to generate enough cash flow to support the current lifestyle. When more than one person in the household works for a company that provides group health insurance, the potential for confusion increases significantly.
Duplicate health coverage has become commonplace, resulting in streamlined and generally accepted practices in the majority of states regarding methods to determine which insurance carrier pays first.
Duplicate health coverage has become commonplace, resulting in streamlined and generally accepted practices in the majority of states regarding methods to determine which insurance carrier pays first.
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| Source: 401kCalculator.org |
How a Medical Insurance Claim Works
Understanding how medical insurance claims work is essential to preventing any mistakes that could potentially interfere with future treatment. The general process of handling claims remains the same for all policies, but the specific provisions of the policy you have affects how involved you must be as the policyholder.
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| Source: 401kCalculator.org |
What Is Disability Insurance and How Much Can You Buy?
Disability insurance is perhaps one of the most important, yet overlooked and under-purchased, types of policies. If your job is physically dangerous, or if you have hobbies that put you at risk of receiving serious injuries, you should consider purchasing disability insurance coverage. These policies will pay you a portion of your income if you get hurt and can’t work.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
What Are the Benefits of Disability and Life Insurance Programs?
Insurance is intended to provide protection against unforeseen losses. While some types of insurance are required by law, many others are not. Protecting yourself and your family from detrimental financial loss is imperative. Life and disability insurance are perhaps the two most important types of policies used to protect your ability to generate an income for your family. If you get injured or killed, these policies will provide the funds necessary to maintain your household.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Can an Ex-Spouse Keep a Life Insurance Policy on You?
The effects of divorce on life insurance are a common cause for concern. If you recently got divorced, or are in the middle of a divorce, understanding how your life insurance policy may or may not be affected by such dramatic changes in your life is essential to protecting your financial security. The ability of your ex-spouse to keep a life insurance policy on you hinges on who actually owns the policy and whether your divorce settlement specifically addresses this issue.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Strengths & Weaknesses of Annuities
Annuities are retirement investment products managed by life insurance companies. Multiple types of annuities exist, each with its own unique set of features and benefits. An ongoing debate regarding the pros and cons of these products often pits insurance agents and financial advisors against one another, with each side presenting valid and legitimate arguments.
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| Source: StockMonkeys.com |
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Life Insurance Beneficiaries Rules & Changes
Choosing a beneficiary is an essential part of properly structuring a life insurance policy. You must carefully consider the potential consequences of putting a significant sum of money into another person’s hands. Additionally, you must familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations regarding the various life insurance beneficiary designations, and how each one affects the other.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Surrender Values of Universal Life Insurance Policies?
Several different types of life insurance exist, each with its own unique set of features and benefits. Permanent policies, like universal life, have the added benefit of accumulating cash value over time. However, without a clear understanding of why and how cash value grows within a policy, accessing, withdrawing or otherwise manipulating that money may endanger the stability of your coverage.
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| Source: StockMonkeys.com |
Beneficiary Stipulations for Life Insurance Benefits
One of the most important considerations regarding your life insurance policy involves your beneficiaries, or the person or persons you select to receive the benefit in the event of your death. Multiple beneficiary designations exist, giving you the ability to effectively transfer your assets in the manner you see fit. Understanding the various beneficiary designations, as well as how each interacts with the other, is essential to properly arranging for the distribution of your wealth.
Small Business Health Insurance for Employees
If you own a small business and are considering purchasing a group health insurance policy for your employees, you must become familiar with the most basic and common rules and regulations regarding the implementation of such plans. Insurance is regulated at the state level, resulting in minor differences from one location to the next. However, the vast majority of states have adopted similar laws affecting insurance as an employee benefit.
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| Source: StockMonkeys.com |
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Term & Whole Life Insurance With No Physical Required
A life insurance policy is a legal contract between you and the carrier. The carrier agrees to pay your family a predetermined sum of money if you die while the policy is still in force. Because life insurance presents a potentially significant financial liability for the carrier, these companies take great steps to fully evaluate and analyze the risk posed by each individual applicant.
Friday, April 01, 2011
Do You Have to Pay Back Disability Insurance?
If you purchased a disability insurance policy and subsequently became disabled, your policy's benefits would become activated and the plan would begin providing for those items and situations previously defined in the contract. Repaying money provided by disability insurance is a common concern for consumers unfamiliar with exactly how these policies work.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Annuity Withdrawals
If you have retirement money invested in an annuity, understanding the rules and regulations regarding distribution of that money is essential.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Rated Vs. Non-Rated Life Insurance
A life insurance contract places potentially significant financial liability on the company issuing the policy. Carriers go to great lengths to properly evaluate this risk and determine an appropriate premium to ensure their ability to fulfill their obligations. At the conclusion of their risk analysis, some policies are issued with higher premiums than others based on the carrier’s perception of how much risk an applicant poses.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Long-Term Care Insurance Analysis
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Is There a Penalty for Taking Out an Annuity Early?
Annuities are retirement investment vehicles managed and maintained by life insurance companies. They come in a variety of types, each with its own benefits and advantages. However, regardless of the type of annuity, the tax treatment of those accounts, and the money accumulating within them, is subject to the same rules and penalties. If you own an annuity and are considering a withdrawal prior to reaching retirement age, you should understand the potential consequences of that decision.
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| Source: StockMonkeys.com |
Monday, March 07, 2011
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Friday, March 04, 2011
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
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Tuesday, February 22, 2011
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Thursday, February 17, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Monday, February 07, 2011
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Friday, February 04, 2011
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Health Insurance for Americans
Of all the available types of insurance products, health insurance is perhaps one of the most important types you can purchase.
America has some of the most advanced medical capabilities anywhere in the world, but access to the techniques and resources necessary to enhance and even extend your life becomes difficult without proper medical coverage.
America has some of the most advanced medical capabilities anywhere in the world, but access to the techniques and resources necessary to enhance and even extend your life becomes difficult without proper medical coverage.