Skepticism grows whenever I see retirement assets heavily concentrated in annuities without a compelling planning rationale. It grows when married couples have all of their IRA money tied up in insurance products. Skepticism grows when the contracts are spread across different carriers without a clear economic reason. Skepticism grows even more when one annuity is replaced by another just as the old surrender period ends, because that pattern raises serious questions

When the market falls, investors often focus on what they are losing. A better question is: "What are lower prices making possible?" If you are investing consistently, a downturn means your dollars are buying more shares than they were before. The same contribution that bought fewer shares in a high market now buys more in a lower one. That is not a flaw in the system. That is how long-term wealth is often built.

What is the smartest thing to do with inherited money? Now, here’s the million-dollar question: What is the smartest thing to do with inherited money? The answer depends on your personal goals, but here are some solid strategies that work for most people: Remember, the smartest move is the one that fits your life and values. Don’t rush; take time to create a plan that feels right.