Latest news with #retirementplanning
Associated Press
14 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Simplicity Expands its Strategic Offering with the Acquisition of Planscope360™ and Welcomes New Partners, Al Otto and Robert McLean
SUMMIT, N.J., July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Simplicity Group Holdings ('Simplicity'), a leading financial products distribution firm, today announced the acquisition of Planscope360™ (Planscope), a Durham, NC-based integrated administration platform dedicated to serving the K-12 market. Initially backed by Verity, a recent Simplicity acquisition, Planscope360 is led by Al Otto and Robert McLean, both of whom join as Simplicity Partners. 'We are thrilled to welcome Al, Rob and the Planscope team to Simplicity and we join their commitment to serve educators and administrators with a revolutionary platform designed to improve access to top quality accumulation and protection products,' said Bruce Donaldson, Partner and CEO of Simplicity. 'With Simplicity's resources and support, we will be able to improve the retirement planning process and increase participant engagement for K-12 educators and administrators across the country.' 'Planscope360 was built to create a new standard of best practice in Governmental 403(b) and 457(b) plan oversight. We are proud to partner with Simplicity to expand this platform with enhanced products and technology for K-12 educators and administrators,' said Al Otto. 'With Amy Simonson and Jeff Munsey providing great thought leadership, we know that joining forces with Simplicity allows us to improve our efficiencies and bring transparency and accountability to the industry.' Robert McLean added, 'Planscope has been focused on introducing a new paradigm in retirement planning to the K-12 workforce, simplifying the process to deliver more engagement and enrollments. Our strategic alignment with Simplicity is complemented by our shared values and culture and we are excited to combine forces and better serve this important community or educators.' About Planscope360TM PlanScope360™ delivers integrated savings and retirement plan solutions specifically designed for school districts. From retirement to financial wellness programs, PlanScope360™ helps districts attract and retain top talent while managing costs with full transparency. For more information, please visit About Simplicity Group Simplicity is the leading partner for advisors, financial institutions, and consumers by delivering the best combination of wealth accumulation and financial protection products that meet the needs of a consumer-oriented holistic financial plan. As one of the fastest growing partnerships in the financial services industry, Simplicity offers an unrivalled array of tools and technologies to grow and protect wealth, which can be accessed through affiliation, outsourcing, or joining the partnership. In an ever-changing environment, Simplicity's commitment to working in our clients' best interest is unwavering and has always been anchored to our commitment to Education, Value, and Partnership. For more information, please visit: and follow the Company on LinkedIn. MEDIA CONTACTS View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SIMPLICITY FINANCIAL MARKETING
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Jackson Launches New Digital Experience for Financial Professionals
Customized, self-service enhancements include new Product Match Pro tool to help identify which products most closely align with a client's retirement planning goals LANSING, Mich., July 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®), the main operating subsidiary of Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN), recently launched a new digital experience for financial professionals on the company's website, The new, easy to navigate section of the website provides personalized content, self-service enhancements, new tools to help educate financial professionals on the Jackson products that best meet their clients' needs and information on how to find a local Jackson wholesaler for tailored support. "We're proud to launch these new enhancements to our site, expanding the ways we are providing industry-leading service to meet the needs of financial professionals and their clients," said Aileen Herndon, Senior Vice President, Distribution Marketing, Jackson National Life Distributors LLC, the marketing and distribution business of Jackson. "We sought input from financial advisors throughout the site development process, ensuring our updates would meet their needs, reduce pain points and make it easier for them to do business with us. This improved digital experience is designed to provide clarity for advisors and clients, deepening existing relationships and attracting new advisors looking to solve their clients' needs in retirement." The site is accessible from the home page. Visitors can expect a consistent look and feel across the entire website, and continued access to award-winning tools and resources. New tools featured as part of the digital experience include: Product Match Pro: This tool helps financial professionals identify which Jackson product may best align with a client's needs by asking a series of retirement goal questions. Based on the responses to those questions, Product Match Pro will show the benefits and features of multiple Jackson products that best align with a client's needs. Find Your Wholesaler: Financial professionals who don't currently have a relationship with a Jackson wholesaler can use this tool to find contact information for a wholesaler in their area who can provide personalized support. In addition to the new tools, financial professionals will enjoy a personalized experience with tailored journeys based on their profile, client needs and channel, including banks, wirehouses, broker-dealers and RIAs. Financial professionals will also have access to enhanced self-service options including a pending new business tracker and claims initial notice. Financial professionals who would like to learn more about Jackson's dedicated financial professionals site can contact the company at 1-800-711-7397, connect with their local wholesaler or explore the financial professional site on at ABOUT JACKSON Jackson® (NYSE: JXN) is committed to helping clarify the complexity of retirement planning—for financial professionals and their clients. Through our range of annuity products, financial know-how, history of award-winning service* and streamlined experiences, we strive to reduce the confusion that complicates retirement planning. We take a balanced, long-term approach to responsibly serving all our stakeholders, including customers, shareholders, distribution partners, employees, regulators and community partners. We believe by providing clarity for all today, we can help drive better outcomes for tomorrow. For more information, visit *SQM (Service Quality Measurement Group) Call Center Awards Program for 2004 and 2006-2024. (Criteria used for Call Center World Class FCR Certification is 80% or higher of customers getting their contact resolved on the first call to the call center (FCR) for 3 consecutive months or more.) Jackson® is the marketing name for Jackson Financial Inc., Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Home Office: Lansing, Michigan) and Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York® (Home Office: Purchase, New York) Before investing, investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the variable annuity and its underlying investment options. The current contract prospectus and underlying fund prospectuses provide this and other important information. Please contact your Jackson representative to obtain the prospectuses. Please read the prospectuses carefully before investing or sending money. Jackson, its distributors, and their respective representatives do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Any tax statements contained herein were not intended to be used and cannot be used for the purpose of avoiding U.S. federal, state, or local tax penalties. Tax laws are complicated and subject to change. Tax results may depend on each taxpayer's individual set of facts and circumstances. Clients should rely on their own independent advisors as to any tax, accounting, or legal statements made herein. Guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of Jackson National Life Insurance Company or Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York. For variable annuities, guarantees do not apply to the principal amount or investment performance of a variable annuity's separate account or its underlying investments. They are not backed by the broker/dealer from which this annuity contract is purchased, by the insurance agency from which this annuity contract is purchased or any affiliate of those entities, and none makes any representation or guarantees regarding the claims-paying ability of Jackson National Life Insurance Company or Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York. The Product Match Pro tool does not provide specific recommendations. The tool's output, or "results", is for informational purposes only. Each individual client has specific needs, and it is up to a financial professional and their client to understand what product(s) best meets the client's needs. Additionally, Product Match Pro does not consider the full universe of Jackson annuity products. Jackson offers and issues other annuities with similar features, benefits, limitations and varying charges. Annuities are long-term, tax-deferred vehicles designed for retirement. Variable annuities and registered index-linked annuities involve investment risks and may lose value. Earnings are taxable as ordinary income when distributed. Individuals may be subject to a 10% additional tax for withdrawals before age 59 ½ unless an exception to the tax is met. Add-on living benefits are available for an extra charge and may be subject to conditions and limitations and there is no guarantee that an annuity with an add-on living benefit will provide sufficient supplemental retirement income. Products and features may be limited by state availability, and/or your selling firm's policies and regulatory requirements (including standard of conduct rules). 1 Jackson National Life Insurance Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jackson Financial Inc. Jackson Financial Inc. is a publicly traded company. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Patrick Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The Best $250 You Can Spend on Retirement Planning Before the End of 2025
Do you feel like you're grappling in the dark when it comes to retirement planning but aren't sure where to turn or if you should spend money to get those plans in order? If you have even a few hundred dollars, there are a few ways you can use that money to make a significant difference in your retirement goals. Be Aware: Read Next: Christopher Stroup, a CFP and owner of Silicon Beach Financial, offered tips on the best $250 or less you can spend on your retirement planning before this year is up to feel confident in where you're going. An Hour With a Fiduciary Advisor If you only have a couple hundred dollars to spend, Stroup recommended you spend it on a one-time planning session with a fiduciary advisor who specializes in retirement planning. 'A targeted session can identify overlooked tax strategies, prioritize savings vehicles and help avoid costly missteps,' he explained. Even just a single hour of personalized advice can provide more clarity than weeks of online research, especially for entrepreneurs or tech professionals navigating equity, cash flow and multiple income sources, he said. 'Look for advisors who offer project-based or hourly services and focus on tax strategy, Social Security and withdrawal planning,' he said. You should come away from a one-time session 'with clarity, not a sales pitch.' Learn More: A Social Security Timing Analysis Another great way to spend a few hundred dollars is to get a Social Security timing analysis, Stroup said. 'For under $250, you can model break-even ages, spousal benefits and the impact of delaying benefits.' This analysis is important because this single decision can mean tens of thousands more over your lifetime, especially for dual-income households or individuals with uneven earnings histories, Stroup explained. Strategic Tax Planning If you feel you have more questions for a fiduciary advisor than can be summed up in an hour, consider focusing the session around strategic tax planning, Stroup urged. This can help you avoid future Medicare surcharges, minimize required minimum withdrawal (RMD) taxes and better time Roth conversions. 'A well-timed projection can reveal opportunities that disappear at retirement or when tax brackets shift. Spending a few hundred now can prevent five-figure tax mistakes later.' Invest In Planning Tools, but Be Cautious For a low annual cost, tools like Boldin's retirement planning tool allow users to stress-test income scenarios, Social Security timing, Roth conversions and healthcare costs, Stroup said. Retirement planning tools that map out your income, expenses and drawdown strategy can be useful. They can also help you understand your 'burn rate' and how to sequence withdrawals to prevent common missteps that derail early retirement plans. However, Stroup warned that the simpler, more DIY tools can make it too easy to 'underestimate taxes on withdrawals, mistime Social Security or hold too much in cash or high-fee funds.' Thus, a small investment in expert guidance or advanced planning software can flag these risks early before they compound over decades. More From GOBankingRates How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Your State? This article originally appeared on The Best $250 You Can Spend on Retirement Planning Before the End of 2025 Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ask an Advisor: Can I Take My Late Husband's Social Security and Switch to My Benefit at 70?
I am a widow and plan to work until my full retirement age (FRA). However I was wondering if I could draw my late husband's Social Security benefits at age 67 or 68 and then switch to my own at age 70? I am currently 61 years old and my salary is $150,000. I own a home with no mortgage and I have a 401(k) from my current job and another retirement account from a previous job. – Felicia Felicia, I'm sorry for your loss. Yes, you can collect survivor benefits based on your late husband's earnings and later switch to your own retirement benefit at age 70. This strategy often leads to confusion, especially because survivor benefits are distinct from spousal benefits, which apply when a spouse is still living. The rules work differently, so it's worth clearing up how they apply in your situation. Do you have a similar financial question that you need answered? Consider matching with a for free to get personalized advice. Survivor Benefits vs. Spousal Benefits Spousal benefits allow someone to claim a benefit on their living spouse's earnings record. Survivor benefits are what a widow or widower receives from a deceased spouse's record. There are some notable similarities and important differences between these two types of benefits. On one hand, both benefits allow you to receive a payment that's based on your spouse's record. However, spousal benefits can be as high as 50% of your spouse's primary insurance amount (PIA)-the amount they would receive at full retirement age. Survivor benefits, however, can be as much as 100% of what the deceased spouse was receiving or was eligible to receive at the time of death, depending on the survivor's age at the time of claim. Claiming either benefit before full retirement age reduces the amount received. Also, you cannot collect both your own retirement benefit and a spousal or survivor benefit at the same time. Instead, you receive the higher of the two. (For additional help planning for or managing Social Security benefits, consider working with a financial advisor.) What is Deemed Filing? SmartAsset and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. A key distinction in your situation involves a rule known as 'deemed filing.' When someone applies for spousal benefits, they are generally treated as having also filed for their own retirement benefit. But this rule does not apply to survivor benefits. Deemed filing was expanded under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. Under these rules, if you're eligible for both your own benefit and a spousal benefit and file for one, you're automatically considered to have filed for the other. This eliminates the ability to collect one benefit while letting the other grow. Before the change, a common strategy was to file a restricted application for spousal benefits while delaying your own retirement benefit to earn delayed credits-a tactic no longer allowed for those born after January 1, 1954. (While it's been 10 years since this change, some people still bring up those old strategies occasionally.) In other words, you can't claim a spousal benefit at age 67 while your own retirement benefit continues to earn delayed filing credits until you turn 70 and then switch to the higher benefit. The point of discussing this here is to clarify that this does not apply to your situation. You are talking about survivor benefits, which are not subject to deemed filing rules. So yes, you can claim your survivor benefit at 67 and then wait until you turn 70 to file for your own retirement benefit. The end result is very different than what would happen if this were spousal benefits. (If you need help finding a financial advisor to assess your options when filing for Social Security, this free tool can connect you with fiduciary advisors who serve your area.) Bottom Line A surviving spouse can claim Social Security survivor benefit without affecting their own retirement benefit, which is based on their earnings record. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 significantly limited switching strategies, but it did not change the rules for survivor benefits. You can still claim a survivor benefit without affecting your own retirement benefit. By delaying your own benefit, you could receive a significant boost. Social Security Planning Tips A financial advisor can help you plan for Social Security based on your unique financial situation and needs. Finding a financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. SmartAsset's free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you're ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. Before you make a decision on when to claim your benefits, it's important to evaluate your income needs and estimate of how much your benefits could be worth at different claiming ages. SmartAsset's Social Security Calculator uses your earnings and age to project the value of your benefits, whether you collect them at 62 or wait until 70. Photo credit: © of Brandon Renfro, © © The post Ask an Advisor: Can I Take My Late Husband's Social Security and Switch to My Benefit at 70? appeared first on SmartReads by SmartAsset. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mark Tilbury's 5 steps for financial freedom
Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Many dream of financial freedom but feel trapped in their 9-to-5 grind. The good news? It's possible to build wealth and secure your future — even on a modest income. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) You don't have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here's how British entrepreneur and personal finance expert Mark Tilbury, with more than 12 million followers across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, recently shared his five-step roadmap to financial independence. Tilbury's approach isn't about overnight success; it's about discipline, effort and time. Here's how it can transform your financial life. Define your 'freedom figure' The journey starts with setting a clear financial goal — your 'freedom figure.' This is the amount you'd need to live comfortably without relying on a traditional job. It serves as both motivation and a guide. Or in other words, how much will it take to be able to retire early and sustain your lifestyle? Actually figuring out how much you need to retire can be challenging. Americans aged 18 and older estimate they'll need approximately $1.26 million to retire comfortably — a 20% increase from the $1.05 million reported in 2021, according to Northwestern Mutual. If you're unsure which path to take amid today's market uncertainty, it might be a good time to connect with a financial advisor through This online platform connects you with vetted financial advisors best suited to help you develop a plan for your new wealth. Just answer a few quick questions about yourself and your finances and the platform will match you with an experienced financial professional. You can view their profile, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire. You can view advisor profiles, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire. Optimize your spending Once you have your goal, the next step is to optimize spending and find ways to save without sacrificing your quality of life. Tilbury suggests a few practical strategies: Car hacking: When you're shopping for a new car, buy one used instead of new to avoid steep depreciation, and don't forget to factor in monthly insurance expenses while budgeting. With OfficialCarInsurance, you can compare rates offered on auto insurance policies by reputable providers near you in just two minutes. Get started for free, and find auto insurance rates as low as $29/month. Brand hacking:* Swap pricey name-brand products for generic alternatives with comparable quality. House hacking: Rent out a room or basement in your home to offset mortgage costs and build equity faster. Lower your home insurance expenses by shopping around and comparing rates for free with OfficialHomeInsurance. Shopping around for the lowest possible cost can help you save roughly $482 per year. Tax hacking: Maximize deductions and credits to lower your tax bill, freeing up more cash for investments. Deal hacking: Try adopting a negotiator's mindset. You may not be able to change the price on everything, but many purchases — vehicles, retail goods and even your internet bill — can be negotiated if you're willing to engage the seller. Asking for discounts can lead to surprising savings. Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — Build your credit A good credit score is essential for accessing favorable interest rates on loans, mortgages and credit cards. Building and maintaining a strong credit score can save you thousands of dollars over time. The first rule is to make all your payments on time, including credit cards, loans and utility bills. Late payments can negatively impact your credit score. Paying down outstanding debts — such as credit card balances or student loans — will improve your debt-to-income ratio, an important factor in your credit score. If you have significant debt and are struggling to boost your credit score consider consolidating your outstanding loans into a single loan at an ideally lower interest rate. This way, you don't have to worry about managing multiple deadlines or accumulating a host of different interest charges. If you're struggling to pay down your debts, there are a few things you can do that might boost your financial situation.. With home values higher than ever, you can make your home work harder for you by making the most of your equity. The average homeowner sits on roughly $311,000 in equity as of the third quarter of 2024, according to CoreLogic. Rates on HELOCs and home equity loans are typically lower than APRs on credit cards and personal loans, making it an appealing option for homeowners with substantial equity. Diversify your income Relying solely on a single paycheck is risky. Diversifying your income streams can accelerate your path to financial independence. Tilbury recommends starting a side hustle, like freelancing or selling a product based on your skills or passions. Multiple income sources reduce financial vulnerability and can help you save or invest more aggressively. Make your money work for you Tilbury's final step is to put your money to work. Investing is key to growing wealth over time and achieving financial freedom. Look for opportunities where you can park your hard-earned money in assets that offer passive income streams like: Dividend-paying stocks: These provide regular income while allowing your investment to grow. Rental properties: Real estate can generate consistent cash flow and build long-term equity. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived can help you invest in quality single-family homes and vacation rentals with just $100 — and you don't even have to be a landlord. The best part? You can generate passive income in two ways with Arrived. You can receive monthly dividend payouts from rental income generated and any capital gains if the property is sold at the end of the hold period. Peer-to-peer lending: Platforms that facilitate loans between individuals can offer attractive returns. What to read next How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement 5 simple ways to grow rich with US real estate — without the headaches of being a landlord. Start now with as little as $10 This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Error al recuperar los datos Inicia sesión para acceder a tu cartera de valores Error al recuperar los datos Error al recuperar los datos Error al recuperar los datos Error al recuperar los datos
