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Discover original, perceptive content and invaluable advice on our blog, featuring thoughts and insight from our team of financial specialists. Explore how the power of income can transform your retirement journey.

What Retirees and Pre-Retirees Need to Know About Annuities in Today’s Market

June is National Annuity Awareness Month, an effort launched by the insurance industry to promote education about this complex and often misunderstood investment tool. Not ...
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Why Your Working Years Portfolio Could Sabotage Your Retirement

If you’re approaching retirement, you’ve likely spent decades saving and investing with the goal of building a solid financial foundation. But now that retirement is ...
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Why Good Financial and Retirement Planning Is Essential for Fathers

Being a father is one of life’s greatest responsibilities — and one of its most rewarding roles. From late-night feedings to college graduations, fatherhood is ...
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Turning Savings into Income: Choosing the Right Retirement Strategy

You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and now retirement is on the horizon—or already here. The question you’re probably facing right now: How do I turn ...
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Smart Summer Financial Tips for Investors Nearing Retirement

As the sun shines brighter and vacation season rolls in, summer is the perfect time to not only unwind but also re-evaluate your financial strategy. ...
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7 Facts Investors Over 50 Need to Know About Investing for Income

For decades, most investors have been taught to focus on growing their portfolios. Accumulate. Grow. Maximize. That works — until it doesn’t. As you near ...
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Do You Need Stocks to Retire? Discover Stock-Free Ways to Generate Retirement Income

If you’ve been told that the stock market is the only way to build wealth for retirement, you’re not alone. For decades, the conventional wisdom ...
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Make the Most of Today’s Interest Rates — Before They Change Again

If you’ve been watching the headlines or your account statements lately, you’ve probably noticed that interest rates are higher than they’ve been in years. And ...
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How to Make Sure You Can Retire When You Want To

Most people have a target age for when they’d like to retire, but many worry they may have to work longer to better ensure their ...
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Are Tariffs a Threat to Your Retirement Plans?

If you’re within 10 years of retirement — or already there — you’ve likely been keeping a close eye on the economy. The market’s recent ...
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Bonds and Bond Mutual Funds: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to investing for retirement, bonds and bond mutual funds are often considered stable, income-generating options. But while they may seem similar, they ...
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How to Deal with Market Uncertainty When Building Your Retirement Income Strategy

If you’re nearing retirement, market uncertainty can stir up a lot of anxiety. The assets you need to start generating retirement income soon could swing ...
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5 Tax Tips Retirees Should Know Before April 15

Tax Day — April 15 — is fast approaching. Whether you’ve already filed or are still pulling together your paperwork, this is more than just ...
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How Investing for Income Helps Reduce Financial Risk

When it comes to retirement income planning, it’s important to have a strategy with the right priorities. Once you’re nearing retirement age, one of your ...
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The True Cost of Underestimating Your Retirement Expenses

Retirement is often painted as a time of relaxation, travel, and newfound freedom – and ideally it should be. However, many retirees face an unexpected ...
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You Don’t Need Luck for a Secure Retirement

St. Patrick’s Day is all about celebrating good fortune, but when it comes to retirement, relying on plain luck just isn’t a plan — it’s ...
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How to Protect Your Retirement from Market Volatility

Market volatility is inevitable. After all, the markets are driven not by economic fundamentals, but by emotion. When investors are optimistic, the markets can soar. ...
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Tackling Tariffs: What Everyday Investors Need to Know

By David J. Scranton, Founder and CEO of Sound Income Group Trade wars, tariffs, and economic negotiations—these words can send the stock market into a ...
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Paying Your Bills in Retirement: Smart Strategies for Everyday Investors

As we celebrate Pay Your Bills Week from February 2 to February 8, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the financial challenges many retirees ...
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How Financial Advisors Can Use AI to Attract More Business Online

More than ever today, financial advisors need a strong online presence to attract and retain clients. It’s all well and good to have a business ...
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What Makes a Great Retirement Income Plan? 5 Key Elements

If you were to ask a group of people, “What is the most important goal of a retirement plan?” most would probably answer, “To help ...
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Within Ten Years of Retirement

Risk Management:
How prepared is your portfolio for a market downturn?

I haven’t thought about what a big market drop would do to my savings.

I know a downturn would hurt, but I’d probably recover over time.

I’ve already adjusted my investments, so a downturn won’t derail me.

Optimization of Income:
How clearly do you know the income you’ll need in retirement?

I’m not sure what I’ll need or where it will come from.

I have a ballpark number, but no detailed plan.

I’ve calculated my income needs and know exactly how I’ll fund it.

Unexpected Expenses:
If something happened to you tomorrow, how prepared would your dependents be?

They’d be financially lost without me.

They’d manage for a little while, but eventually struggle.

They’d be more financially secure because I’ve planned ahead.

Tax Efficiency:
How well do you understand the taxes you’ll pay on retirement accounts?

I have no clue how retirement withdrawals are taxed.

I know the basics, but I’m not sure how it affects me.

I fully understand and have strategies in place to help minimize taxes.

Estate Planning:
How prepared are you with wills, directives, and estate plans?

I don’t have anything written down.

I’ve started, but my plan is incomplete or outdated.

I have a complete and current estate plan in place.

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Risk Management: How prepared is your portfolio fora market downturn?
Optimization of Income: How clearly do you know the income you’ll need in retirement?
Unexpected Expenses: If something happened to you tomorrow, how prepared would your dependents be?
Tax Efficiency: How well do you understand the taxes you’ll pay on retirement accounts?
Estate Planning: How prepared are you with wills, directives, and estate plans?
Thank you for taking our risk assessment quiz! Please fill out this form, so we can help tailor a more risk-free retirement plan suited for your needs.

At Retirement Age

Risk Management:
How would a market swing affect your lifestyle right now?

It could force me to delay or change my plans.

I might need to tighten my budget for a while.

It wouldn’t change my retirement lifestyle.

Optimization of Income:
How certain are you about your retirement income sources?

I don’t really know where the money will consistently come from.

I know the main sources, but I haven’t planned how to use them.

I’ve mapped out all income streams and how they work together.

Unexpected Expenses:
How prepared are you for long-term care costs?

I haven’t planned for them.

I’ve thought about them, but I haven’t secured coverage.

I have protection and funding strategies in place.

Tax Efficiency:
How well do you understand taxes on your withdrawals and RMDs?

I don’t understand them at all.

I have a general idea, but not a detailed strategy.

I fully understand and have a tax-efficient plan.

Estate Planning:
How prepared is your estate plan?

I don’t have one.

I’ve started, but it’s incomplete.

I have a complete, updated plan in place.

"*" indicates required fields

Risk Management: How would a market swing affect your lifestyle right now?
Optimization of Income: How certain are you about your retirement income sources?
Unexpected Expenses: How prepared areyou for long-term care costs?
Tax Efficiency: How well do you understand taxes on your withdrawals and RMDs?
Estate Planning: How prepared is your estate plan?
Thank you for taking our risk assessment quiz! Please fill out this form, so we can help tailor a more risk-free retirement plan suited for your needs.

ALREADY RETIRED

Risk Management:
How do you feel about market volatility?

It makes me anxious that I’ll run out of money.

It worries me sometimes, but not always.

I feel secure no matter what the market does

Optimization of Income:
How secure do you feel about sustaining your income?

I’m worried I’ll outlive my money.

I think I’ll be okay, but I’m not fully certain.

I’m confident my income will last.

Unexpected Expenses:
If you faced a major medical expense today, what would happen?

It would devastate my finances.

It would hurt, but I could manage.

I’d be covered without stress.

Tax Efficiency:
How prepared are you for taxes on withdrawals, RMDs, and Medicare penalties?

I haven’t planned for them at all.

I know about them, but I don’t have a strategy.

I’ve implemented tax strategies to help reduce their impact.

Estate Planning:
How updated is your estate plan?

I don’t have one.

It exists, but it needs updates.

It’s current and clearly protectsmy wishes.

"*" indicates required fields

Risk Management: How do you feel about market volatility?
Optimization of Income: How secure do you feel about sustaining your income?
Unexpected Expenses: If you faced a major medical expense today, what would happen?
Tax Efficiency: How prepared are you for taxes on withdrawals, RMDs, and Medicare penalties?
Estate Planning: How updated is your estate plan?
Thank you for taking our risk assessment quiz! Please fill out this form, so we can help tailor a more risk-free retirement plan suited for your needs.

Where are you on your retirement journey?

Retirement Readiness Self-Assessment Survey

____ RISK MANAGEMENT

My retirement accounts have been stress-tested for various market conditions.

My investments are safeguardedagainst market crashes.

Fear won’t stop me from enjoying retirement when the market drops.

My current investments match my risk tolerance.

____ OPTIMIZATION OF INCOME

I know how much income I need to support my retirement goals.

I know how much I can spend without touching my principal.

I have calculated inflation into my need for retirement income.

I don’t fear running out of money because I have a solid income plan.

____UNEXPECTED EXPENSES

If I were not here tomorrow,my dependents would be fine financially.

I’m prepared for the cost of future medical events.

I can handle long-term care expenses without running out of money.

My current investment strategy will keep up with rising medical costs.

____ TAX EFFICIENCY

I understand how retirement accounts are taxed,and I’m paying the minimum.

I have a plan to help minimize taxes on RMDs from my 401(k)s and IRAs.

I have implemented a conversion strategy to help maximize my tax savings.

I have a plan in place to help minimize IRMAA penalties.

____ ESTATE PLANNING

My estate plan establishes proper distribution of my assets.

My estate will not have to payprobate fees.

I have POAs for healthcare, medical,and a living directive.

I’m protected from anyone contesting my last wishes.

"*" indicates required fields

____ RISK MANAGEMENT
_____ OPTIMIZATION OF INCOME
_____ UNEXPECTED EXPENSES
_____ TAX EFFICIENCY
____ ESTATE PLANNING