Darla Mercado

Darla Mercado writes about retirement issues and products, including taxes, annuities and 401(k) plans. She welcomes feedback and tips from readers on interesting topics. Outside of the newsroom, Darla spends her time inline skating, biking, running and swimming. She Tweets at: @Darla_Mercado

Darla Mercado
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RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING JUN 06, 2014
MetLife to get back in variable annuity game despite first quarter declines

Even after 54% drop in VA sales over the last year, the carrier is optimistic about sales with new mix of products.

NEWS WIREHOUSES JUN 05, 2014
Brokerage industry sounds off about Finra broker compensation proposal

Comment letters show independent B-Ds want no part of it, while wirehouses are all for it.

RETIREMENT LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES JUN 04, 2014
Lincoln National: Variable annuity sales are up, and there's still room to grow

Lincoln National's variable annuity deposits hit $3.4 billion at the life insurer during the third quarter, reflecting a 56% increase from the year-ago period, but execs want to shift more to contracts without living benefits.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING JUN 04, 2014
Demand forces Jackson National to halt VA exchanges temporarily

Seven-week block applies only to products with guaranteed living benefits, not fixed and indexed annuities.

INVESTING EQUITIES JUN 02, 2014
Where to access retirement income now

Annuities, individual municipal bonds and equities in the pharmaceutical sector hold good prospects for clients seeking retirement income.

YOUR PRACTICE PRACTICE MANAGEMENT MAY 30, 2014
Millennials: Young and poor now, but your mainstay clients someday

They may not have money now, but executives say you should get ready for when they do.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAY 20, 2014
Why clients are their own most valuable asset

Earning power needs to be factored in to all retirement plans

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAY 20, 2014
Axa to pay $20M fine for handling of variable annuities

A New York regulator alleges that the insurer limited the returns of legacy variable annuity clients.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAY 20, 2014
SEC charges pair of brokers, investment advisory firm, others with $80M variable annuity scam

The SEC charged a pair of brokers, an investment adviser and others in an $80 million variable annuity scam that an SEC official called a "calculated fraud exploiting terminally ill patients."

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAY 19, 2014
Advice to NYers hit by new estate tax glitch: 'Get out before you die'

The entirety of estates that are only 5% over the exemption are now subject to the tax. Some NYers are considering charitable gifts to winnow the size of their assets; others may move.