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 DEC 16, 2013
Third quarter lifts insurers' VA businesses

The markets have been kind to investors in variable annuities during the third quarter — which means they've been even more generous to the insurers that have sold the products in the first place.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 16, 2013
Largest long-term-care insurance sellers go after premium increases

As large long-term-care insurance sellers like John Hancock and Genworth both pursue rate hikes, one analyst says advisers should brace themselves for even more to come.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 16, 2013
Group ignites debate on retirement plan benefits for same-sex couples

Spark Institute proposes uniform rule based on where couples were married

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 16, 2013
Wait for it: Advisers to small plans gird for DOMA aftermath

Undersized businesses face a bevy of changes to health plans, 401(k) following Supreme Court ruling on Defense of Marriage Act

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 13, 2013
International Paper to pay $30M to settle 401(k) lawsuit

Employees alleged the paper distributor breached its fiduciary duty.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 12, 2013
Vanguard threatens to ground pilots from making 401(k) trades

The Southwest Airlines pilots, who subscribe to an investment newsletter, are hurting certain funds by trading en masse, Vanguard says

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 10, 2013
Take Five: Carolyn McClanahan on health exchanges

The physician and financial planner on what advisers need to know about new health insurance choices

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 10, 2013
Web traffic slows access to health insurance exchanges

Open-enrollment for new state and federal insurance has begun, but many sites have long-loading times

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 05, 2013
Warning: 4% withdrawal rate unrealistic for retirement

New paper suggests flexibility around withdrawal rates, asset allocations is the best approach

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING DEC 04, 2013
Time to prepare for sharp decline in pension benefits

News out of Detroit and Illinois means retirees should count on lower income stream