April 2015

HAPPY (almost) EASTER! It's that time of year where before you know it, it'll be 80+ degrees, the grass is super green, and the pollen is 1/8" thick on every surface. Thank goodness for Allegra! This is a beautiful time of year with all the blossoms, flowers sprouting, and the weather finally getting nice. I guess it's time to put the boat in the water and start enjoying Lake Norman.

Kelly and I have been very busy this year (that's a good thing), and I want to thank all the folks again for putting their faith in us to help with their retirement planning needs. Here's one thing Kelly and I have noticed this year that's worth mentioning, although we've discussed this various times before. "ASSET BASED LONG TERM CARE PLANNING" is becoming more and more popular, and I believe this is the wave of the future for covering your long term care needs. Simply put, this means that there are life insurance or annuity products that you can add on long term care benefits, in addition to a death benefit or income guarantee. This means that you are never "flushing your money down the toilet" like people often feel with traditional LTC insurance. It's a win-win situation. I encourage everyone to learn more about these strategies and how they can fit into your overall retirement plan. Please don't miss the boat!

Also - markets are close to all time highs, and every retiree should have a "market exit strategy". We caution about getting too greedy and not protecting your good fortune. I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "pigs get fat and hogs go to slaughter". Don't be a hog!

Don't forget to listen to our Safe Harbor Retirement Planning Show every Saturday at 10:00am and Wednesday at 8:00am on WSIC radio 1400AM & 100.7FM. As always, if anyone would like a copy of my new book Finding Safe Harbor in Retirement, a free consultation, any of our free reports, or a free "PORTFOLIO STRESS TEST" using "Hidden Levers", just give Kelly a call. Enjoy this month's articles.

Until next month,

James Stillman

The Truth About Annuities

Lake Norman Magazine, April 2015

Do you have an opinion about annuities? Do you know what an annuity actually is and what it does? Do you know when and why an annuity should be used? Are annuities good or bad? Questions, questions, questions! Well, here's an absolutely truthful answer to the "are annuities good or bad?" question. Are you ready? Here it comes. You better sit down. The answer to that question is a resounding "YES"! Yes, annuities are both good and bad. They have pros and cons. JUST LIKE ANY OTHER INVESTMENT OR SAVINGS VEHICLE. Sorry folks, but nothing is 100% perfect.

An annuity is simply a contract between you and an insurance company to provide guaranteed income. You can decide if that's good or bad. With Social Security in trouble, pensions quickly becoming a thing of the past, and market volatility - you be the judge if guaranteed income is good or bad for your specific situation. By the way, no insurance company has ever not met its contractual obligation to pay income to contract holders. That's a pretty impressive track record that can't be denied.

Folks, here's what really peeves me off and is a disservice to the public: people making blanket statements about annuities or any other investment or savings tool.

All content is intended for informational purposes only. Any guarantees are for insured products only and are dependent on the claims paying abilities of the insurer. All investments carry some risk and you should be advised by your personal financial advidor before implementing any strategies discussed, as they are not suitable for everyone. James D. Stillman is an Investment Advisor Representative of JDS Wealth Management Corporation and Global Financial Private Capital.

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This Month

The Truth About Annuities

Currencies Matter

Suitability is Costly