Jump Start Your Retirement Catch-Up Right After Labor Day
A Fresh Start for Your Financial Future Labor Day marks more than just the unofficial end of summer—it’s also the perfect time to hit reset and refocus on your financial [...]
Happy 90th Birthday, Social Security: Why Now is the Time for Strategic Retirement Planning
Happy 90th Birthday, Social Security: Why Now is the Time for Strategic Retirement Planning August 14, 2025 marked a historic milestone: Social Security turned 90 years old. Since President Franklin [...]
The Fully-Diversified Retirement Portfolio for Today: A Smarter 60/40 (60% Stocks/ETFs + 40% Fixed Indexed Annuities)
If you’re nearing retirement (or already there), you don’t just need growth—you need reliable income, lower volatility, and a plan that holds up when markets don’t. The classic “60/40” portfolio—60% [...]
How Wirehouse Stockbrokers Got It Wrong About Annuities: A Clearer Path to Retirement Security
In recent years, Wirehouse stockbrokers have consistently been critical of annuities, particularly fixed indexed annuities (FIAs). The narrative they present paints annuities as costly, inefficient, and unsuitable for modern investors. [...]
Discover the Palladium MYGA from American National Insurance: A Smarter Alternative to Bank CDs
Many Americans turn to bank CDs for stability and guaranteed returns. But there’s now a smarter, more efficient option: the Palladium MYGA (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity) from American National Insurance. This [...]
Who Manages Your 7702 Plan?
By Ford Stokes, RSSA, MBA When it comes to planning your retirement, you've likely heard of IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and annuities. But what about a Section 7702 Plan? If [...]
Why Retirees Must Be Cautious With Roth Ladder Conversions After the “Big Beautiful Bill
By Ford Stokes, RSSA®, MBA Published on ActiveWealth.com and RetirementResults.com On July 4, 2025, a landmark piece of legislation — Section 70106 of H.R. 1, known as the “Big Beautiful [...]
Why Conservative Investors Should Consider Buying a Brokered CD Over a Bank CD
By Ford Stokes, RSSA, MBA When it comes to preserving capital and earning a steady, predictable return, certificates of deposit (CDs) have long been a go-to choice for conservative investors. [...]
Why Fixed Indexed Annuities Are the Smart Bond Replacement Strategy for Investors Over 50
By Ford Stokes, RSSA, MBA Registered Social Security Analyst | Series 65 Licensed Financial Advisor | Host of Retirement Results Radio Show Introduction For investors aged 50 and older, preserving [...]
The New “Permanent” $15 Million Estate & Gift Tax Exemption: What It Means for You
The New “Permanent” $15 Million Estate & Gift Tax Exemption: What It Means for You On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) into law. [...]