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The following link/content may include information and statistical data obtained from and/or prepared by third party sources that First Financial Guarantee, deems reliable but in no way does First Financial Guarantee guarantee its accuracy or completeness. First Financial Guarantee had no involvement in the creation of the content and did not make any revisions to such content. All such third-party information and statistical data contained herein is subject to change without notice and may not reflect the view or opinions of First Financial Guarantee. Nothing herein constitutes investment, legal or tax advice or any recommendation that any security, portfolio of securities, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Personal investment advice can only be rendered after the engagement of First Financial Guarantee, execution of required documentation, and receipt of required disclosures. All investments involve risk and past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Life Insurance in 2026: It’s More Than a Death Benefit
When many people hear the words "life insurance," they immediately think about protecting loved ones after they're gone. While that remains one of its most important...
How a Fixed Indexed Annuity Can Work for You in 2026
As Americans continue preparing for retirement in an uncertain economic environment, many are looking for ways to protect their savings while still having the...
The Biggest Retirement Risk Isn’t the Market—It’s Having No Plan
When people think about retirement, they often focus on one thing: the stock market. They worry about the next downturn, the next recession, or the next headline...
Why Financial Confidence Starts With a Plan, Not a Product
Retirement isn't built on luck—it’s built on preparation. While investment performance, insurance coverage, and market conditions all play important roles, one factor...
Why a Retirement Income Plan Matters More Than Your Investment Returns
Many people spend decades focused on growing their retirement savings. They watch the markets, contribute to retirement accounts, and celebrate when their balances...
The Retirement Tax Trap: Why Keeping More of Your Money Matters More Than Chasing Higher Returns
When people think about retirement, they often focus on growing their investments. They search for higher returns, the next great investment opportunity, or ways to...
The Retirement Mistake Nobody Talks About: Having a Plan But Never Updating It
Many Americans spend years preparing for retirement. They contribute to their 401(k)s, open IRAs, purchase insurance, and work diligently to build their nest egg. Yet...
Mid-Year Financial Checkup: Why June Is the Perfect Time to Reassess Your Financial Plan
As we reach the halfway point of the year, many people take stock of their health, careers, and personal goals—but often overlook one of the most important areas of...
Retirement Isn’t Just About Saving Money—It’s About Creating Income You Can Count On
For many Americans, retirement planning begins with one simple question: "How much money do I need to retire?" While building savings is important, a more critical...

Weekly Market Commentary
US equity indices declined for a second consecutive week despite a strong start to second-quarter earnings. With just over 25% of the S&P 500 reporting, top- and...
Weekly Market Commentary
Markets took a step back last week despite a better-than-expected start to second-quarter earnings and benign inflation data. Semiconductor names continued to come...
Weekly Market Commentary
US markets finished the week mixed in volatile trade. The rotation from technology into other parts of the market reversed this week, as leadership from mega-cap tech...
Weekly Market Commentary
The holiday-shortened week saw the end to the best 2nd quarter in six years as the S&P 500 added over $8 trillion in market value. The Semiconductor sector...
Weekly Market Commentary
Markets finished the week mixed, with a noticeable rotation out of mega-cap technology issues to healthcare, real estate, and consumer staples. Concerns about the...
Weekly Market Commentary
Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there. The holiday-shortened week brought gains to US equities and saw the Japanese and South Korean markets forge new...
Weekly Market Commentary
It was a hectic week on Wall Street as investors contended with heightened tensions in the Middle East, awaited the largest IPO in history, and received elevated...
Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 was unable to make it a 10th straight week of gains as the market pulled back sharply late in the week amid a sense that the AI trade may have gone too...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global equity markets rallied in May and received a final boost in the final week of the month on optimism that the US and Iran were close to extending the current...
Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor Group (Ed Slott Group) is a membership organization owned by Ed Slott and Company, LLC. Logos and/or trademarks are property of their respective owners and no endorsement of (Anthony Leonetti) or (First Financial Guarantee) is stated or implied. Ed Slott Group and Ed Slott and Company, LLC are not affiliated with First Financial Guarantee.
For the detailed requirements of Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor Group, please visit: https://www.irahelp.com/
530A Trump Accounts: The Compounding Mathematical Facts
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst These days, anything with a hint of politics can be divisive. Trump accounts are no different. Public comments about this new...
Not Child’s Play: How the “Kiddie Tax” Works
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst With contributions to Trump accounts having gone live on July 4, 2026, there has been lots of discussion recently about the “kiddie tax.”...
Does the Five-Year Holding Period Pertain to Me?: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst QUESTION: My wife (Keiko) currently does not take a required minimum distribution (RMD) on her retirement account because the plan allows...
What You Need to Know About the Still-Working Exception
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Tax rules require most retirement account owners who are subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs) to begin...
QCD Code Y: Optional Again in 2026
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst During our recent Ed Slott and Company’s Instant IRA Success workshop in Brooklyn, NY, we were presenting information about...
Can You Recharacterize a Roth Conversion to Avoid IRMAA?: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag Thursday, July 16, 2026
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: Hello, I’m married, filing jointly, and I have been converting my traditional IRA to Roth this year. If...
How Plan Loans Work
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst The June 15, 2026 Slott Report outlined the barriers preventing 401(k) and other plan participants from accessing their plan funds while...
The Ghost-Life Rule Explained
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The SECURE Act of 2019 changed many rules for inherited IRAs. However, it left intact the rules for non-living...
The Pro-Rata Rule and the Still-Working Exception: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: I just wanted to verify that a 403(b) plan is not subject to the pro-rata rule when doing a Roth IRA conversion. Can you...
The following link/content may include information and statistical data obtained from and/or prepared by thirdparty sources that First Financial Guarantee, deems reliable but in no way does First Financial Guarantee guarantee its accuracy or completeness. First Financial Guarantee had no involvement in the creation of the content and did not make any revisions to such content. All such third-party information and statistical data contained herein is subject to change without notice and may not reflect the view or opinions of First Financial Guarantee. Nothing herein constitutes investment, legal or tax advice or any recommendation that any security, portfolio of securities, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Personal investment advice can only be rendered after the engagement of First Financial Guarantee, execution of required documentation, and receipt of required disclosures. All investments involve risk and past performance is no guarantee of future results.
For the detailed requirements of Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor Group, please visit: https://www.irahelp.com/
Why Every Medicare Beneficiary Should Take Advantage of Their Annual Wellness Visit
When most people hear the words "annual checkup," they assume they're talking about a physical exam. Under Medicare, however, there's an important difference between an Annual Wellness Visit and a routine physical—and understanding that difference can help you stay...
7 Medicare Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands in Retirement
As retirement approaches, Medicare becomes one of the most important financial decisions you'll make. While the program provides valuable healthcare coverage, choosing the wrong plan—or missing important enrollment deadlines—can result in unnecessary expenses,...
Medicare Myths That Could Cost You Money in Retirement
For many Americans, Medicare is one of the most valuable benefits they'll ever receive. Yet every year, countless individuals make important healthcare decisions based on misinformation or outdated advice. The truth is, understanding how Medicare works doesn't have to...
Medicare in 2026: Why an Annual Medicare Review Could Save You Money and Protect Your Coverage
As healthcare costs, prescription drug plans, and Medicare options continue to evolve, reviewing your Medicare coverage each year has never been more important. Many people assume that once they enroll in Medicare, they're set for life. Unfortunately, that's one of...
Medicare and Retirement: Why Turning 65 Is More Than Just a Medicare Decision
For many Americans, turning 65 feels like a major milestone. While Medicare enrollment is often the first thing people think about, the reality is that Medicare is just one piece of a much larger retirement puzzle. Decisions made during this period can have a lasting...
The Medicare–Social Security Timing Puzzle: How One Decision Can Affect Your Retirement Income
For many Americans approaching retirement, two of the most important financial decisions they will make involve Medicare and Social Security. While these programs serve different purposes, the timing of when you enroll and claim benefits can have a lasting impact on...
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): How to Review Your Coverage and Avoid Costly Surprises
As the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period approaches, many beneficiaries assume their current plan will remain the best option for the coming year. Unfortunately, Medicare plans, provider networks, prescription drug formularies, and costs can change annually. Taking...
Understanding Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Plans: Which One Fits Your Retirement Lifestyle?
Choosing the right Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. One of the biggest decisions retirees face is whether to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement Plan (also known as Medigap). While both...
Understanding Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Plans in 2026
Choosing the right Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available today. One of the most common questions people ask when approaching retirement is: “Should I choose a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan?”...
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