Articles
Reference articles and commentary on annuities, lifetime income, and retirement finance. Updated over time.
An Interview with Retirement Planning Expert Henry Hebeler
Henry "Bud" Hebeler is a former Boeing executive who has been running a retirement planning company for over twenty years.
An Interview with Peter Nakada of RMS
Peter Nakada of RMS discusses longevity risk, structural modeling and the RMS LifeRisks model.
An Interview with Jack Marrion and John Olsen, Authors of Index Annuities: A Suitable Approach
Jack Marrion heads a research consultancy focused on the annuity industry and John Olsen is a practicing financial advisor .
An Interview with Gordon Woo of RMS
Premier catastrophe risk analyst Gordon Woo of RMS discusses the dynamic nature of longevity risk analysis.
Human Capital is the Best Inflation Hedge
Warren Buffett commented on the likelihood of future inflation during the most recent Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting and in his most recent shareholder letter. Buffett’s advice for protecting against inflation involves two options: Increase your earning power. Invest in great…
How to Think About Longevity Insurance
A recent article discusses whether it makes sense to consider buying a longevity annuity.The author addresses the question from an investing perspective. He provides an example of a 65 year old person who uses $10,000 to purchase a longevity annuity that begins payments at age 85. At 85, this…
How Much Annuity Income Would the Median 401k Balance Produce?
Most people would be shocked by how little annuity income their 401k balance would produce.
How to Determine a Sustainable Level of Retirement Spending
What is the probability that a given level of spending is realistic or “sustainable” throughout one’s retirement? Stated differently, what is the likelihood that a given level of retirement spending is fraught with longevity risk and will result in financial ruin—with ruin defined as the depletion…
Healthcare Reform Provides Insurance in Name Only
After a tough couple of years for former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and in an era when the phrase affordable health insurance seems like an oxymoron, it is time to provide some credit where credit is due.
Harvard Professor Roland Fryer – The Annuity Puzzle and Why People are More Comfortable Flying if They Can See the Cockpit
The annuity puzzle refers to the fact that few people choose to annuitize even a portion of their accumulated savings even though they have many good and rational reasons to do so. Psychological and behavioral barriers are key factors that affect decisions involving annuities, retirement finances,…
Guaranteed Income Solutions Take Center Stage
Putnam CEO Robert Reynolds spoke on the retirement income challenge in the United States at the Spring 2011 RIIA Conference. Reynolds believes the country should be in a golden age with respect to guaranteed income solutions.
Glenn Daily on Buying Annuities and Why it Might Make Sense to Wait
Glenn Daily is one of the top financial advisors in the country.