Interview: Five Questions for the Top Retirement Advisor

Many people feel that moving to something safer right now and then moving back into the market after it stabilizes sounds like a good idea. I try to educate people that they are likely to miss the major "ups" in the market if they do this, and may never make back what they have lost.

What challenges do you face when modeling clients' retirement incomes and cash flows, and how do you resolve them?

With volatile values comes the challenge of structuring income streams that cannot be outlived! If suitable, I often use guaranteed life time payout streams within annuities for some of the income.

What mix of products and solutions do you use most often and why?

We look at a clients' full financial picture. Recommendations may include insurance programs such as life insurance and long term care coverage, as well as financial options like mutual funds, managed accounts, fixed and variable annuities, and money market accounts. We also work closely with client's attorneys and CPA's to make sure our recommendations align with their tax and estate planning.