You may have missed it, but Ash Brokerage held a debate to determine which product should betheofficial product for clients turning 65. The candidates were Medicare, annuities and long-term care (LTC) and each contender made a compelling argument.
Spoiler alert: we took a vote, and our audience crowned Medicare the winner. Do you agree? Ifyouwere in the audience, who would you vote for?
Each product brings value and has its own strengths, but no one can stand alone.
Planning for retirement means more than just saving. It’s about making sure you have a steady income that lasts as long as you do. With people living longer and markets staying unpredictable, many retirees worry about running out of money. An indexed annuity can help by providing guaranteed income for life, helping give you more certainty and confidence in your retirement plan.
Life insurance is much more than just a safety net. For high-net-worth or ultra-high-net-worth clients, life insurance functions as a strategic asset that can preserve wealth, manage taxes and create a smoother transfer of wealth from one generation to the next. When designed thoughtfully, it offers tax-efficient and low-volatility returns that are aligned with long-term legacy goals.
But many clients view premiums as a sunk cost, instead of treating life insurance as an asset with its own return profile. In addition to understanding how these returns work, it’s also helpful to consider a case study or two that show life insurance in action
January is all about fresh starts, when gym memberships spike, meal plans trend and personal goals take center stage. But what about your financial health? Just like physical wellness, the New Year is a great time to refocus on your long-term financial goals.
To start 2026 right, consider setting some low-stress, high-impact New Year’s Resolutions for your retirement plan. Here are three powerful goals to get you started.
In financial planning, clarity is currency. Clients who understand the strategies behind their finances stay with an advisor longer and invest more confidently. A recent study found that nearly 90% of clients consider an advisor’s engagement style when referring friends and family.
When it comes to navigating clients through a maze of technical terms, unfamiliar acronyms, and convoluted explanations, the stakes are high. The solution? Embracing simplification to help clients feel empowered and to build trust.
Retirement is something clients naturally look forward to, imagining time spent with grandchildren, traveling the world, or finally finishing their novel. But the reality is that the five years before and after retirement—known as the “retirement red zone”—are among the most critical for their financial future.
As the Federal Reserve pivots toward monetary easing, small-cap equities are stepping into the spotlight. With back-to-back rate cuts in September and October 2025, and markets pricing in additional cuts through 2026, financial advisors are reevaluating their small-cap exposures.
Among the leading small-cap indices —Russell 2000, S&P SmallCap 600, and CRSP Small Cap Index —the Russell 2000 stands out as particularly well positioned to capitalize on this environment.
No one can deny that markets fluctuate routinely. Throughout my 36-year career, the markets have been good at times and poor-performing at times.
I have always taught the concept of proper asset allocation, buy-and-hold for long-term monies, and secure guaranteed income for a portion of your retirement income. Recently, we have been on a significant rise in equity markets.
High-net-worth individuals often seek strategies to transfer wealth efficiently while minimizing gift and estate taxes. Two powerful tools available to you are Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs) and Grantor Retained Unitrusts (GRUTs). Both are irrevocable trusts designed to allow a grantor to retain an income stream for a set term while transferring future appreciation to beneficiaries at a reduced tax cost. While similar in concept, they differ in mechanics and ideal use cases.
Having a business exit strategy means planning for the unexpected – financial hardship, health challenges and even death. It also means having a plan for the transfer of ownership of your business when it comes time for you to retire. Failure to have an action plan for these events can be costly to you, your family and your business.
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