A Safe Harbor in a Storm: Annuities Gain Appeal in Uncertain Times
Market volatility is back in the headlines—and it’s forcing many retirees and near-retirees to confront a difficult truth: the traditional 60/40 portfolio may no longer offer the steady, reliable income they once counted on. As interest rates fluctuate, inflation lingers, and equity markets swing wildly, Americans are turning to annuities as a strategic solution to help weather the storm.
In fact, annuities are quietly becoming one of the most sought-after tools for retirement income planning in 2025. Their promise of guaranteed income, protection from market loss, and the ability to hedge longevity risk makes them especially attractive in times like these.
As reported by Barron’s, financial professionals are increasingly embracing annuities—not just for their safety features, but because they fill a growing gap in how people plan for income once the paycheck stops. Read More
Retirement is supposed to be a time of peace, not panic. Yet for millions of Americans nearing their golden years, retirement brings more questions than answers. Do I have enough saved? When should I claim Social Security? How do I make my money last? These are not just casual concerns—they are deeply personal, and the answers can make or break your financial future.
The good news? Financial literacy is the key to clarity. The more you understand about money, the more power you have to take control of your retirement needs and plan with confidence.
In this article, we’ll break down how financial literacy directly impacts your retirement, the common pitfalls it helps you avoid, and the steps you can take today to feel more secure in your financial future. Read More
An estimated $63 billion worth of annuity contracts are coming due in 2025—here’s what that means for your money and how to take advantage of current annuity rates.
If you purchased a fixed-rate annuity (also known as a MYGA – Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity) in the past few years, your contract may be nearing the end of its guaranteed term. In 2025, over $63 billion worth of MYGA contracts are expected to mature, representing one of the largest waves of annuity turnover the industry has ever seen.
This surge creates both an opportunity and a decision point for consumers: Should you renew, roll over, or reallocate your annuity dollars?
Let’s break it down. Read More
Retirement marks a significant transition in life, bringing both opportunities and challenges. One of the most critical periods in retirement planning is the “fragile decade,” encompassing the five years before and after retirement. During this time, financial decisions have a profound impact on the sustainability of your retirement income. This guide explores effective strategies to navigate this pivotal decade, ensuring a stable and secure retirement. Read More
Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make—and finding the right information can be overwhelming. With thousands of articles, advisors, and calculators online, how do you know who to trust? If you’re searching for the best website for retirement info or looking to build a clear, confident strategy for your future, SafeMoney.com is a trusted source that brings clarity, transparency, and unbiased education to the retirement planning process.
In this article, we’ll explore what sets SafeMoney.com apart, how it supports consumers and financial advisors alike, and why it’s rapidly becoming the go-to destination for those seeking reliable retirement planning information. Read More
Retirement is supposed to be the reward at the end of decades of work.
But what happens when the end sneaks up on you—and you’re not ready? Whether due to forced layoffs, an unexpected health scare, or simply procrastination, many Americans face what’s now being called Sudden Retirement Syndrome—and it’s more common than you might think.
This isn’t just about finances. It’s also about fear, uncertainty, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with realizing your retirement date is looming, and your plan is… nonexistent. Let’s break down what Sudden Retirement Syndrome is, how it impacts your well-being, and most importantly—what you can do to take control, even if time is short. Read More
Kevin M. Smith, founder of KMS Safe Money Solutions, shares how his fiduciary, education-driven approach helps clients reduce taxes, plan for healthcare, and retire with confidence. In this exclusive Spotlight Series interview, Kevin explains why ethics, ongoing education, and personalized planning are the foundation of a successful retirement.
In this Spotlight Series interview, Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, speaks with Kevin M. Smith, founder of KMS SafeMoney Solutions, about his fiduciary, education-first approach to retirement planning. With a deep understanding of tax reduction, healthcare planning, and income protection, Kevin shares how he helps clients retire with confidence and clarity. Through ongoing education, ethical guidance, and truly personalized strategies, Kevin empowers individuals to make informed decisions and protect their financial future—without pressure or confusion. Read More
Which Federal Agencies Are Most Affected?
Several key agencies have seen significant staffing changes:
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Facing one of the largest adjustments, the IRS plans to reduce its workforce by nearly 50%, including 7,000 probationary workers already released.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): With up to 83,000 positions targeted, staffing levels are returning to pre-2020 benchmarks.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Over 2,000 staff have been let go, raising concerns about public weather data, forecasting, and climate monitoring.
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): With 20,000 fewer staff, some experts worry about the nation’s ability to respond quickly to public health emergencies.
These reductions have introduced service delays and operational strain across the board, affecting everything from tax return processing to emergency weather alerts.
Read More
Optimize Giving and Maximize Tax Efficiency After Age 70½
Every year, millions of retirees across the U.S. make charitable contributions from the heart—only to realize later that the IRS may not reward their generosity with a meaningful tax break. Why? Because the standard deduction often overshadows itemized deductions, rendering those heartfelt gifts effectively invisible on their tax returns.
But there’s a smart, IRS-approved solution that more retirees need to know about: the Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD. It allows individuals aged 70½ or older to donate directly from their IRA to a qualified charity—without paying income taxes on the withdrawal. Read More
When it comes to preparing for retirement, one question matters more than all the rest: Will my money last? For decades, annuities—especially fixed and fixed indexed annuities—have offered a reliable solution for generating predictable income without market risk. Yet somehow, annuities have become one of the most misunderstood financial products in America.
It’s time to make annuities safe again. That means restoring their reputation, educating consumers on the truth, and helping retirees understand when and how annuities fit into a secure income plan.
Quick note: While this phrase might sound familiar, this article is not political. It’s about restoring peace of mind, protecting your hard-earned savings, and creating a retirement you can count on—regardless of your personal beliefs or affiliations.
Read More
