The drop in US and global stock markets in response to the coronavirus has made it one of the worst weeks in stock market history. It’s best practice to make sure your portfolio is prepared to handle a wide variety of market stresses, and buying guaranteed retirement income or a guaranteed return annuity is strongly worth considering across all market scenarios.
Figure out if you've saved enough to support your retirement with Blueprint Income's 'Can I Retire' tool.
The IRS QLAC limit for how much of your IRA you can convert into a QLAC (special longevity annuity) has increased from $130,000 to $135,000.
Payouts on income annuities were down slightly in December as the pricing for some of the top insurers on our platform decreased. The bond market was mostly unchanged month-over-month. Top fixed annuity payouts held steady.
This past Wednesday, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25% to a targeted range of 1.50% – 1.75%. The move was widely expected by financial markets and the reaction was muted. This is the third straight rate cut. On October 30, the Fed cut rates, continuing the downward pattern in short-term interest rates that … <a href="https://www.blueprintincome.com/resources/all-articles/">Continued</a>
An immediate annuity can have beneficiaries as long as you elect to include a refund at death (a.k.a. a cash refund or death benefit) or a certain period (number of years where payments are guaranteed even if the annuitant has passed away). For immediate annuities purchased with a refund at death, the beneficiary will receive … <a href="https://www.blueprintincome.com/resources/all-articles/">Continued</a>
The beneficiary to an annuity acquires rights upon the death of the owner. In most cases, the beneficiary will receive a lump sum cash refund of the contract, although, with certain annuity contracts, the beneficiary can take over the policy as the owner for the remainder of the term. Annuities typically avoid the probate process … <a href="https://www.blueprintincome.com/resources/all-articles/">Continued</a>
Deciding what the best company for annuities is depends on what you’re looking for in an annuity. Some companies offer better rates for one type of annuity than another. And, some companies that offer annuities have higher financial ratings than others, but they might offer lower rates. Blueprint Income is a marketplace that distributes simple … <a href="https://www.blueprintincome.com/resources/all-articles/">Continued</a>
What happens to the money in an annuity when you die depends on the type of annuity and the options chosen. If you have an immediate or longevity annuity and pass away, the contract will terminate unless you include a refund at death (a.k.a. cash refund or death benefit). Including the refund at death ensures … <a href="https://www.blueprintincome.com/resources/all-articles/">Continued</a>
The best annuity depends on your goals. If you’re looking for a pension-like monthly income stream for life, an income annuity is likely the best fit. If you’re looking for a CD-like guaranteed return for a set number of years, a fixed annuity is likely the best fit. If you’re looking for something that changes … <a href="https://www.blueprintincome.com/resources/all-articles/">Continued</a>