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
INVESTING MUTUAL FUNDS NOV 13, 2013
American Century cuts Livestrong name from target dates

Says change for consistency, not effort to distance company from Armstrong.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING NOV 11, 2013
Low interest rates threaten universal life insurance policies

Universal life policies sold in the '80s and '90s are at risk of lapsing, causing problems for clients and advisers.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING NOV 10, 2013
Portability election emerges as new locus of estate planning

Despite a permanent tax exemption, investors of all sizes have issues to consider

RETIREMENT LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES NOV 06, 2013
When retirement products miss the mark

Insurance and fund executives recount ideas that exceeded regulatory framework

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING NOV 03, 2013
Morningstar upgrades Schwab target date funds

Morningstar Inc. has upgraded its ratings on The Charles Schwab Corp.'s target date funds to “neutral,” from “negative,” because of improved performance, new leadership and stability.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING OCT 31, 2013
Lincoln National jumps into new fixed annuity business

Deferred-income annuities offer certainty but limitations too.

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING OCT 31, 2013
Edward Jones protected against VA ban by Protective

Insurer no longer taking 1035 exchanges or rollovers, but brokerage gets pass

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING OCT 29, 2013
Don't let your debts sink your retirement goals

Why some financial professionals now say debt management is key to successful retirement planning

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING OCT 29, 2013
Best way an adviser can help: Cut up the credit cards

Plan advisers wanting to step up their service to 401(k) clients, and their workers need look no further than bread-and-butter debt management.

NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS OCT 29, 2013
Ways to give to charity without getting weighed down by taxes

Major changes tied to the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 could make charitable giving a way to soften the bite of higher taxes