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
Displaying 883 results
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING FEB 25, 2014
Risks lurk in annual 401(k) matches

Why your employer's switch to lump sum contributions could make you miss the market rally

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING FEB 25, 2014
Watch out for states' capital gains bites

Don't overlook the implication of state income taxes, ordinary income or capital gains

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING FEB 25, 2014
Indexed annuities gain popularity while rates remain low

RETIREMENT LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES FEB 25, 2014
The latest annuity innovation: Contracts with structured products

A new annuity product intended to buffer clients' account values against downside losses is starting to gain interest. Will it catch on across the industry? <b><i>Plus: <a href=&quot;http://www.investmentnews.com/section/specialreport/20140223/ANNUITIES&quot;>Our full Annuities Special Report</b></i></a>

NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS FEB 23, 2014
Investors socked by $80M annuities scam

Pair of brokers and investment advisory firm among those who allegedly perpetrated 'calculated fraud exploiting terminally ill patients'

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING FEB 21, 2014
What new scrutiny of life insurance captives means for advisers

Regulatory attention means advisers may want to rethink which companies they work with.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING FEB 21, 2014
New year could bring a boon for annuities

Higher taxes may drive interest in variable and indexed annuities; potential of rising rates could inspire new products.

INVESTING ALTERNATIVES FEB 21, 2014
Could alternatives fit in retirement portfolios?

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING FEB 20, 2014
Michael Jackson vs. IRS: Thriller battle over value of the estate

For rich and famous clients (like the late Michael Jackson), careful planning is needed to keep the Tax Man from plundering the estate.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING FEB 20, 2014
Advisers missing opportunity as Gen Xers short on life insurance

Gap between what they have and what they need closing in on $450,000.