Investors often purchase annuities without really understanding what they bought, usually because the sometimes over-hyped guarantees sound so good their eyes tend to glaze over.
Ask anyone. Most investors tend to associate risk with loss. But losing money can happen without market risk every day: Congress can raise taxes, inflation
Not so long ago, baby boomers viewed Social Security as a retirement program for old folks. High-earning boomers felt that Social Security didn’t apply to them because the monthly checks were small, and they believed the system wouldn’t be around when they retired.
If you have $500,000 in your 401(k) or IRA, it’s not really $500.000. That’s a tax planning mistake most people make going right out of the gate. If you’re married and filing jointly, it’s more likely you could have $325,000 (35% tax bracket) or just $315,000 (37% tax bracket).
