HomeArticles

Articles

In-depth analysis of how lifetime income products work, what they cost, and how to evaluate them. Mechanics first, no product recommendations.

What is Driving the Rush for the Variable Annuity Exit?

Recent market volatility and ultra low interest rates could be distorting the perspectives of variable annuity issuers.

Tom CochraneMay 21, 2026

What the Average American Retiree Can Afford to Spend

A series of articles examines what the average American household can afford to spend in retirement.

Tom CochraneMay 21, 2026

Wealth Preservation through Annuities, or Why Mike Tyson Should Have Purchased an Annuity

According to a 2009 article in Sports Illustrated, 78 percent of former NFL players have gone bankrupt or are under financial stress within two years of their retirement, and 60 percent of former NBA players are broke within five years of their retirement.

Tom CochraneMay 21, 2026

Visualizing the Demographic Challenge

Visualizing the effects of low fertility rates combined with increasing longevity.

Tom CochraneMay 21, 2026

Veritat Offers Comprehensive, Fee-Only Financial Planning Services that are Affordable and Scalable

Veritat is a start-up seeking to leverage process and technology innovation to scale a business model that is typically saddled with persistent and burdensome variable costs.

Tom CochraneMay 21, 2026

Understanding the Value of Living Benefit Guarantees

Investors seeking protection through living benefit guarantees will likely find themselves worse-off in real terms.

Tom CochraneMay 21, 2026

Understanding Swiss Annuities

Financial services consumers should at least understand the potential benefits of Swiss annuities.

Tom CochraneMay 21, 2026

Trees Grow

Trees grow is an expression that makes the case for long-term optimism about business, the economy and capital markets.

Tom CochraneMay 21, 2026

Top Stories at Finovate Spring 2011

A brief recap of the top stories from the popular Finovate Conference held in San Francisco during spring 2011.

Tom CochraneMay 21, 2026

The Top Reasons to Consider an Annuity

Annuities are complex, largely misunderstood, and often misrepresented in popular financial media. The reality, though, is that these financial products are becoming an increasingly important part of the financial plans of millions of people around the world.  In fact, annuities are a vital…

Tom CochraneMay 21, 2026