BLOGS

A Fresh Start for Your Financial Future Labor Day marks more than just the unofficial end of summer—it’s also the perfect time to hit reset and refocus on your financial goals. Just as families prepare kids to head back to school and businesses gear up for the fall...

If you’re nearing retirement (or already there), you don’t just need growth—you need reliable income, lower volatility, and a plan that holds up when markets don’t. The classic “60/40” portfolio—60% stocks and 40% bonds—was built for a different era. It’s 73 years...

In recent years, Wirehouse stockbrokers have consistently been critical of annuities, particularly fixed indexed annuities (FIAs). The narrative they present paints annuities as costly, inefficient, and unsuitable for modern investors. But the truth is that this...

Many Americans turn to bank CDs for stability and guaranteed returns. But there’s now a smarter, more efficient option: the Palladium MYGA (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity) from American National Insurance. This new 6-year MYGA offers a 10.52% guaranteed interest rate...

By Ford Stokes, RSSA, MBA When it comes to planning your retirement, you've likely heard of IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and annuities. But what about a Section 7702 Plan? If you haven't heard of it, you're not alone. Yet for many high-income earners and long-term...

By Ford Stokes, RSSA®, MBA Published on ActiveWealth.com and RetirementResults.com On July 4, 2025, a landmark piece of legislation — Section 70106 of H.R. 1, known as the “Big Beautiful Bill” — was signed into law by President Trump. While the bill brought exciting...

By Ford Stokes, RSSA, MBA Registered Social Security Analyst | Series 65 Licensed Financial Advisor | Host of Retirement Results Radio Show Introduction For investors aged 50 and older, preserving capital, generating dependable income, and avoiding unnecessary risk...

By Ford Stokes, RSSA, MBA When it comes to preserving capital and earning a steady, predictable return, certificates of deposit (CDs) have long been a go-to choice for conservative investors. In a world filled with market volatility, rising interest rates, and...

By Ford Stokes, RSSA, MBA President of Active Wealth Management | Host of Retirement Results Radio Show The New “Permanent” $15 Million Estate & Gift Tax Exemption: What It Means for You On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act...

By Ford Stokes, RSSA, MBA President of Active Wealth Management | Host of Retirement Results Radio Show At a time when retirees are navigating rising costs, shrinking pensions, and market volatility, President Donald J. Trump delivered a historic piece of legislation...