Bond Fund Vs Indexed Annuities

Bond funds and indexed annuities are entirely different investment choices

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Indexed annuities are retirement investment vehicles designed and maintained by life insurance companies. Bond funds are large pools of investor money managed by teams of professional traders and analysts. Annuities and bond funds may both be suitable in a number of situations, and each of these products carries with it a wide range of potential pros and cons.

How to Close an Annuity

Closing an annuity has many consequences that must be considered

Closing an annuity will result in financial consequences that may dramatically affect how much money you receive in the future.

Several factors should be considered before you decide to terminate an annuity. You must understand the potential taxes and penalties associated with closing your account.

Banking's Big Dogs Take a Step in the Right Direction, But too Late?

Through a cooperative venture, three of the nation’s largest banks have successfully created a new mobile banking platform that allows customers to deposit checks via Smartphone applications. This new deposit system, named clearXchange, was developed by Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) and is co-owned by Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM).

In a blog post earlier this month, Wells Fargo described the basic features of the system and disclosed that its own executive VP of Innovation and Payment Strategy, Mike Kennedy, is serving as the clearXchange chairman.

Despite massive efforts by Wells Fargo to publicize the availability of clearXchange technology, which facilitates digital check processing services in its proprietary mobile software named “Send & Receive Money,” the bank’s target market hasn’t responded with the enthusiasm management had been hoping for.

Because younger adults have always had a higher tendency to remain closer to developing technology, mobile banking and the ability to deposit checks simply by photographing them with a Smartphone is not new or exciting.

Do Insurance Payouts Have to Be Counted as Income?

Some insurance payouts must be counted as income, while others are income-tax free

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If you've received a payout from an insurance policy, figuring out whether or not to count that money as income can be confusing. Several elements must be analyzed to understand if the benefit is tax-free or fully taxable as ordinary income.

The type of policy, the deductibility of premiums and even what the money was used for might all be relevant factors in determining how much of the payout must be counted as income.

How Much Tax Do You Pay on a Cashed Out 403(b)?

Cashing out your 403(b) might lead to hefty taxes and penalties

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A 403(b) is a qualified group retirement plan that's similar to a 401(k) but offered by nonprofit organizations like churches and schools.

If you work for this type of organization and participate in the plan, understanding the consequences of cashing out your account can help you prepare for the future.

How to Adjust a Portfolio When Nearing Retirement

Source: Stock chart image by Selim Kisa via Fotolia.com

To get the most out of your retirement savings, it helps to spread your investments around so your portfolio includes stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement and other savings accounts. As your anticipated retirement date approaches, consider evaluating and adjusting your portfolio to protect current principal while still leaving room for variable gains.

Is My Life Insurance Policy Premium Tax Deductible?

Article originally published on Zacks.com
07/19/2012

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Do You Have to Claim Life Insurance Cash Disbursement on Taxes?

Article originally published on Zacks Finance
07/18/2012

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Guaranteed Cash Value Vs. Net Cash Value Life Insurance

Not all life insurance cash value is guaranteed

Besides simply providing coverage that will never expire, permanent life insurance policies have the added benefit of accumulating cash value -- money that can be utilized while you're still alive.

However, confusion often exists regarding how this money accumulates and what happens to it if a policy is canceled. By understanding the basics of cash value and the terminology used by most insurance companies, you can avoid confusion regarding your own policy values.

What Is the Difference Between a Realized & Unrealized Loss?

Article originally published on Zack's Finance
07/14/2012

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How to Make an Investment Portfolio More Conservative With Asset Allocation

Your individual goals and financial capabilities influence your decisions regarding proper management of your investments. If you believe the stock market is poised for unacceptable declines and want to shield your portfolio from potential economic downturns, a shift to more conservative assets may suit you.

Similarly, as you approach the date when you expect to begin withdrawing money from your investment account, you may want to reduce your portfolio risk to better secure any gains you have earned. Fidelity Investments explains, "How you determine your asset allocation largely depends on your comfort with risk and the time frame for your investments."

When Can You Roll a 403(b) Plan Over?

Article originally published on Zacks.com
07/09/2012

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Non Qualified Investment Accounts Vs. Qualified Accounts

Article originally published on Zacks.com
07/08/2012

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Life Insurance After a Cardiac Bypass

Buying life insurance can be a confusing and complicated task, especially if your medical history is less than perfect. Insurance companies take on significant liability by issuing policies to people with health problems.

Some companies even refuse to offer coverage to those with certain issues. Cardiac bypass surgery is one such issue, but that doesn't mean you can't get a life insurance policy. If you've had a cardiac bypass you should familiarize yourself with how the industry reacts to buyers like yourself and what you should expect if you submit an application.

Is Taking Out a 401(k) Loan Better Than a Credit Card?

Article originally published on The Nest
07/06/2012

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