Are variable annuities a good investment?
551587
I agree wholeheartedly with Dana.  Not usually a good choice, and the cost to change your mind is pretty steep!
284237
It is a good idea.  You can never make up the difference if you don't start investing until you are older (due to compounding interest).  A 401 K is dogmarked for YOU and no one can take that money.\n\nThe thing about baby boomers, that is really only affecting PENSIONS which are not the same as 401K.  Even if the market returns drop, your money will still be there.\n\nIf you feel worried, get an IRA from an independant investment firm.  Your return won't be as high and you will not get to put the money in before taxes, but this way your company cannot drain you.
247076
If you're single I can't imagine why you would want life insurance, unless you KNOW you will start a family someday.  An annuity may be alright later in life but if your young there are better ways to save for retirement.
648984
There are a lot of variables, but unless they violated the terms of the trust they cannot be held liable.  Also, making reasonable investments (which turn out to fail) doesn't rise to violating investment terms.
598736
Probably it invest in municipal bonds and other bonds which are not taxed.  The yield will be low but very low risk.  Personally, I think that you would be better off investing in a portfolio of Exchange Traded Funds(ETFs).  With long term goals in mind the risk is not really a factor and the risk would still be relatively low.  Don't cheat yourself out of higher profits out of paranoia.  ETFs are mutual funds that trade like stocks and typically mimic an index such as the DJ30 or a commodity such as gold.  Very simple :)
570017
Maybe. It depends upon the local real estate market. It also depends upon your definition of Investment. Are you looking at paying cash for a home there in the hopes of seeing the price go up in order to make a profit? OR are you looking to pay cash for this home to Live in either full or part time? I would hesitate if you are looking at using it as an investment vehicle. Most of the time Real Estate is a Liability with Maintenance, insurance, utilities, Property Taxes, association dues etc... That exceed the annual appreciation of the value of the property. My question to you is Do YOU REALLY NEED 2 houses? If not, put your money elsewhere to grow. Unless you are looking to purchase property in one of the few areas that are involved in states of Hyper-Inflation of property values, your money is better invested elsewhere and you can use it at any time to buy property where you want to live. Examples of these are the Ridiculously overpriced Condominium market in Florida and the WAY overpriced houses in Southern California. I believe that these growth rates are unsustainable and many people are going to lose their shirts there eventually. \n  Point is I would need alot more information to make an educated answer to your question beyond Maybe.
213342
You might be thinking of LEAPS. They are long term option like creations. All options/warrants/leaps lose value over time. The longer the time until they expire usually means they have a greater premium.\n\nIt is not something I would personally do.
1042838
Health insurers are in a really tough business these days.  They face significant and unpredictable liability costs, huge amount of regulations at both the State and Fed level.  \n\nIn your place, I would stay away from investing in such companies.  You'd be a lot better off investing in an index mutual fund. \n\nIf you need clarification, contact me through "Answer" and I will edit my response.
316087
A variable life insurance policy is a permanent insurance policy.  Part of your premiums go towards providing the insurance for you, paying the admin costs and expenses.  The remainder is allocated to different mutual funds, investments, etc.. that you choose.\n\nBe careful.  If you are considering a variable policy, you need to make sure that you are funding it at the proper level otherwise you are wasting your money.  good luck
29521
Discuss your situation with a competent financial planner in your area. Do not trust anyone who tells you how much insurance you need without asking you any questions. Avoid insurance salespeople, especially ones who use a multiple of your salary approach.\n\nA good financial planner will complete a survivorship analysis for you. He/she will ask you alot of questions regarding your current financial situation and after making certain assumptions regarding rates of return and inflation, will be able to calculate your family's overall need for assets at your passing and how much of that need would be offset by assets you would have on hand. Don't forget to tell your advisor about any savings or investments you have as well as all life insurance in force, including employer provided. If there is more than enough assets already available, you do not need any additional life insurance, if not, consider purchasing more.\n\nThere is a widespread belief that term insurance is the only worthwhile way to insure oneself. This may not be the case. Term insurance is typically very inexpensive when compared to permanent forms of insurance (whole life, universal life, variable universal life, etc.) but it is important to remember that those term premiums will rise somewhere down the road. Approximately 90% of term policies never pay a death benefit, mainly due to the fact that they became too expensive to keep in force. Term insurance falls into two basic types, Yearly Renewable and Level. Yearly Renewable Term (YRT) premiums start very low. As each policy aniversary passes, your premium goes up. Each year you get older the resulting increase is a little bit larger than the previous year. It makes sense if you look at it from the insurance company's perspective; each year older you get is one year less you have left to live. Level Term will have a certain period where the premiums will remain level, usually 10, 20 or even 30 years. The longer the guarantee period the higher the premiums will be, but they will remain at the initial premium amount for the guarantee period. I prefer Level Term for my clients who need term coverage because it is a much more predictable amount to budget.\n\nPermanent insurances, while requiring higher premiums, also build a cash value, on a tax advantaged basis. If the policy is designed properly, it can make a good savings vehicle for LONG TERM investing goals. As with any important decision, the most important aspect is to get the advice of a competent, trusted professional.
108201
Depends. High return, moderate-high risk? Stock market. BE CAREFUL! INVEST NOT GAMBLE!!! After that, moderate risk- moderate returns? mutual and hedge funds. No risk - minimum return? savings bank account. And there is always the possibility of investing in real estate. You will need good consultancy in everything. All other aside, you can invest on yourself by opening a new venture, or take your activities abrod in new EU countries that offer very low taxes, or if you want to produce tangible goods move to China :)
700205
It depends on the interest rates, what instruments of investment your using and the apr rates.
262223
Vanguard has very good rates for annuities.  However, if you are making the arrangements, that suggests the geriatric patient may not be in good health, and does not have a long life expectancy.  Annuities are best for people who have a long life expectancy.  You may need to talk to an insurance agent.  Unfortunately, they charge a lot in commissions.\nYou don't make your position clear.  Are you a health care worker and this person is your patient?  Are you a relative, and you're trying to make your parent self-sufficient so you don't have to support them?  The advice is quite different depending on the situation.  Tell us more!
716874
Call 0191 5679455 and ask for Alan Wier, he is an AXA investment specialist and one of the best one's around. His advice is free. It is a funny question and you may get the wrong advice so talk to an expert! xx
536193
i suggest to invest currently in gold as best option or if u want ur investment more secure then invest in insurance unit link plans
534962
Well, I'm not a big fan of fixed-income investments, because they typically have no growth opportunity.  Given that outlook, my favorite fixed income investments are convertible bonds and convertible preferred stock, because these carry an opportunity for something over and above just the income.  Of course, you will pay extra for that component, but I still think they are typically more valuable.\n\nThe only other fixed-income investment I would consider in the current interest-rate outlook is the I-bonds, which are inflation-adjusted.\n\nYields shift constantly.  Check with the treasury for I-bond yields.  Convertible yields are quoted on finance sites.
600265
Sure.  It's a reputable advisor.  It tends to steer its clients into conservative mix of mutual funds that'll do well over the long-haul and it tends to be good for people who need a little hand holding when the waters get rough.  This personal service comes a price.  Most of the funds they'll sell you are loaded funds, meaning you pay some decent sized commissions on the front-end (aka loads).\n\nIf you need less hand holding and would like to the avoid the loads (often 5-6% of each dollar you invest), I recommend directly investing with mutual fund companies such as Vanguard and T Rowe Price.