Ken Nuss

It’s tempting to overinvest in stocks today, but everyone needs some safe footing. For part of your safe-money portion, fixed annuities can offer guarantees, higher rates, and tax deferral.

Income riders that guarantee future income have significant pros—and cons. Make sure to weigh all your options before adding another layer of protection.

It's hard to look at guaranteed lifetime payments from a company pension plan and think that might not work for you. Yet in some cases that is the case, as every finical situation is unique. So, make sure to weigh all of your options before you decide between a pension or a lump sum IRA.

Income annuities won't only provide a good nest egg for you and your family, they'll also help you leave a legacy behind for your family as well. Read on to find out how.

CDs and bonds have a role, but less-used annuities can offer higher interest rates, secure principal and guaranteed income choices.

The start of the new year is a good time to plan and take advantage of tax-deferred vehicles, as you reasses the year that was and look forward to the year ahead. Here's a couple ways to cut on taxes in the new year.

An “annuity stretch” gives nonspouse beneficiaries a little-known way to receive income and defer taxes. Here's how you can take advantage of this.

Annuities can help you save for retirement, reduce risk, cut your taxes and guarantee a lifetime income. But they’re not right for everyone.

When you retire, your monthly income will plummet unless you have an unusually generous pension. But there is a way to replace income no matter how long you live.

With outlook for stocks dicey, investors, especially older ones, need ballast in their portfolios. Here's how fixed-rate annuities can balance out the risk stocks pose.

Fixed annuity rates don’t follow short-term rates set by the Federal Reserve, and delaying purchase typically results in less total interest. Current rates top 4 percent.

People miss out on proven solutions to retirement saving and planning because they swallow myths and misconceptions.

Everyone with savings can secure a lifetime income.

Income riders and longevity annuities both provide guaranteed retirement income.

Bond yields are low, so how can investors get a better return without taking on more risk?

The challenge is to get the best combination of yield and liquidity from the guaranteed portion of your retirement savings.

Buffering the risk of living to a very old age.

The right mix of growth, safety and safety-plus-growth-potential investments is determined by your risk tolerance.

CDs have one main advantage over annuities, but it’s a tiny advantage, all things considered.

Ensure fairness across generations by choosing the right annuity or life insurance distribution method.

If the bull market has skewed your asset allocation, fixed-rate annuities or fixed indexed annuities can help.

QLACs let you defer some required minimum distributions, letting more money grow in your IRA or 401(k). If you don’t need the income early in your retirement, RMDs cause problems. There is just one way to reduce your RMDs.

Fixed annuities are a bond substitute offering guarantees, safety, flexibility and tax deferral.