The Reverse Mortgage Puzzle, Part II
Last week we focused on the HECM product, and how it became less generous after the financial crisis. This week we examine the role of the banks—large ones and smaller ones—and their roles (or former...
View ArticleThe Reverse Mortgage Puzzle: Part III
“There’s still a dark cloud over HECMs,” said Michael Banner, a long-time advocate of reverse mortgages who has a CE-accredited business devoted to teaching financial advisors about HECMs.
View ArticleFirst Sign of Blood from DOL Fiduciary Rule
'The unexpected change regarding FIAs in the final DOL rule and the related Best Interest Contract Exemption has cast a cloud over our future growth rate,' said John Matovina, CEO of American Equity,...
View ArticleThe 'Kosher' Reverse Mortgage (IV)
A kosher reverse mortgage lender will share what he or she earns when selling the loan by waiving or reducing the borrower's costs, says Wharton emeritus professor Jack Guttentag, aka "the Mortgage...
View ArticleFINRA fines MetLife $20 million for VA replacement misconduct
‘MSI represented to customers that their existing VA was more expensive than the recommended VA, when in fact, the existing VA was less expensive,’ FINRA said.
View ArticleAXA and BlackRock make news, separately, in the UK
AXA will divest its life insurance and savings business in Britain and BlackRock has sold it defined contribution plan administration business in the UK to AEGON.
View ArticleMost Americans clueless about fees: Hearts & Wallets
'We have a major problem,' said Laura Varas, founder and CEO of Hearts & Wallets, in a release. “Consumers should know what they pay... Regulation has a role, but in the end, there’s no substitute...
View ArticleThe Latest from an RIJ Competitor
Catch the Spring 2016 edition of The Journal of Retirement for research on Social Security claiming for widows and widowers by Reichenstein and Meyer, for John Turner's discoveries when 'mystery...
View ArticleThe Fed’s Risky New Mandate
With the Fed deciding, yet again, to hold rates, their dilemma will only intensify this year: normalize monetary policy in line with domestic fundamentals, or cede to the pressures of global financial...
View ArticleFree e-book from Society of Actuaries covers diverse aspects of retirement
The book, which includes essays submitted for SOA awards, includes a first-prize article by R. Evan Inglis that "provides a rule of thumb for decumulation with a range attached to it."
View Article2016 Social Security Claiming Guide now available
"The Social Security Claiming Guide sorts through all the options, spells out how much you can get, and answers frequently asked questions—all in a clear, easy-to-read, and colorful format," says the...
View ArticleHord and Bradley-Golding join Voya’s large-plan retirement team
Bob Hord previously worked at Wells Fargo and Sally Bradley-Golding previously worked at Financial Engines.
View ArticleFinancial / Retirement Planning Software Directory
See the detail on financial planning software including vendors, scopes, costs, and contacts.
View ArticleSocial Security Maximizer
The Social Security Maximizer is an integral tool for a retirement planner's comprehensive financial planning calculations.
View ArticleThe Reverse Mortgage Puzzle: Part III
“There’s still a dark cloud over HECMs,” said Michael Banner, a long-time advocate of reverse mortgages who has a CE-accredited business devoted to teaching financial advisors about HECMs.
View ArticleFirst Sign of Blood from DOL Fiduciary Rule
'The unexpected change regarding FIAs in the final DOL rule and the related Best Interest Contract Exemption has cast a cloud over our future growth rate,' said John Matovina, CEO of American Equity,...
View ArticleThe 'Kosher' Reverse Mortgage (IV)
A kosher reverse mortgage lender will share what he or she earns when selling the loan by waiving or reducing the borrower's costs, says Wharton emeritus professor Jack Guttentag, aka "the Mortgage...
View ArticleThree Advisor-Friendly Reverse Mortgage Strategies
In this installment of our HECM series, we review three strategies that should entice advisors: the HECM-for-purchase, the HECM-LOC for liquidity in down markets, and the HECM-LOC created at age 62...
View ArticleAthene Holdings, a major fixed indexed annuity issuer, registers for IPO
In 2015, Athene USA was the fifth biggest seller of indexed annuities in the US, with $2.55 billion in sales and a 4.8% market share. It trailed Allianz Life, American Equity, Great American, and AIG.
View ArticleConning study assesses pension risk transfer (PRT) market
'Longevity risk may be a future issue for U.S. insurers since they currently do not incur a longevity charge under RBC,' Conning analyst Scott Hawkins told RIJ in an email. “However, the NAIC is...
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