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As digital tools, automation, and artificial intelligence reshape financial advice, one thing remains unchanged: trust still determines who clients listen to — and who they stay with. While technology can amplify efficiency, it also raises new questions. When a recommendation comes from an algorithm rather than a person, what makes[Read More…]
When markets rise and bond yields fluctuate, one product seems to always be in the conversation: the Registered Index-Linked Annuity (RILA). Once considered a niche between fixed indexed and variable annuities, RILAs have now become a central piece in many retirement income discussions. But the question for advisors isn’t just[Read More…]
Few retirement rules have changed more often—or caused more confusion—than required minimum distributions (RMDs). As 2025 approaches, advisors face another year of evolving regulations that can trip up even seasoned professionals. Between shifting start ages, delayed guidance, and penalty relief rules, staying current isn’t just good compliance—it’s essential for client[Read More…]
It’s becoming a common moment in client meetings: someone leans in and says, “I asked ChatGPT about my retirement plan, and it said…” Artificial intelligence has entered the advice relationship — not through advisors’ software first, but through clients’ curiosity. With ChatGPT now capable of generating detailed financial answers based[Read More…]
As digital tools, automation, and artificial intelligence reshape financial advice, one thing remains unchanged: trust still determines who clients listen to — and who they stay with. While technology can amplify efficiency, it also raises new questions. When a recommendation comes from an algorithm rather than a person, what makes[Read More…]
The Next Frontier: In-Plan Annuities Gain Momentum When it comes to the evolution of retirement income, the story is shifting from products sold outside retirement plans to solutions embedded within them. According to the 2025 Goldman Sachs Asset Management Annuity Industry Survey, a growing number of insurers view in-plan annuities[Read More…]
When markets rise and bond yields fluctuate, one product seems to always be in the conversation: the Registered Index-Linked Annuity (RILA). Once considered a niche between fixed indexed and variable annuities, RILAs have now become a central piece in many retirement income discussions. But the question for advisors isn’t just[Read More…]
It’s becoming a common moment in client meetings: someone leans in and says, “I asked ChatGPT about my retirement plan, and it said…” Artificial intelligence has entered the advice relationship — not through advisors’ software first, but through clients’ curiosity. With ChatGPT now capable of generating detailed financial answers based[Read More…]
The Paradox of Retirement Confidence Have you noticed how often clients say they feel confident about retirement—yet still admit to nagging doubts? That mix of optimism and unease captures the tone of the 2025 EBRI Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS). Now in its 35th year, the survey offers a reality check on how Americans[Read More…]
Why Yields Are Starting to Slide After peaking above 5% in 2023–24, long-term Treasury and investment-grade corporate yields have eased through much of 2025. The 10-year Treasury recently hovered near 4.1%. Inflation has cooled, rate-cut expectations are building, and bond prices have recovered. For insurers, that means new money yields—the[Read More…]
For decades, advisors have helped clients prepare for retirement. Now, the challenge is helping them plan through it. With life expectancy continuing to rise, the conversation around longevity has become one of the most important — and misunderstood — aspects of retirement planning. Yet “longevity literacy” remains surprisingly low. Many[Read More…]
When I first started in this business, I thought wholesalers were just the folks who dropped off glossy brochures and rate sheets. I’d see the same faces every few months—different carrier logos, same talking points. It felt transactional. Then one day, I had a complex client case that stumped me, and I called a wholesaler I[Read More…]
Savers Want Income Certainty—But Many Aren’t Ready The latest 2025 Read on Retirement® survey from BlackRock, Inc. reveals a powerful trend: 93% of savers say they’re interested in products that provide a steady income in retirement. Yet only 38% of plan sponsors believe the majority of their employees are actually on track for a secure retirement. That disconnect underscores a growing divide between what individuals want—financial[Read More…]
For decades, 401(k) plans were all about accumulation. Participants built savings but were left on their own to figure out how to turn that balance into income. That’s beginning to change. Thanks to provisions in the SECURE Act of 2019 and SECURE 2.0, plan sponsors can now more easily include lifetime income options—typically through annuities—inside 401(k) plans. [Read More…]
