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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New Jackson National VA does away with living benefits
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAY 31, 2012
New Jackson National VA does away with living benefits

Insurer turns focus to tax deferral, alt investments and fee-based advisers

RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAY 29, 2012
The secret to picking dividend stocks? A certain ratio

Agent in church life-insurance flap: Parishioners were instructed to lie to Aviva
RETIREMENT LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES MAY 25, 2012
Agent in church life-insurance flap: Parishioners were instructed to lie to Aviva

Claims agents coached them to tell insurer they were paying for policy premiums when outside parties actually did so

Life agents accuse Aviva of 'unclean hands' in unholy Stoli mess
RETIREMENT LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES MAY 25, 2012
Life agents accuse Aviva of 'unclean hands' in unholy Stoli mess

In March, Aviva sued six life insurance agents over Stoli policies sold to 119 members of a church in Los Angeles. Now, those agents have fired back, claiming the carrier consented to the offer of the coverage.

Jefferson National latest to add more alternatives to VA
INVESTING ALTERNATIVES MAY 23, 2012
Jefferson National latest to add more alternatives to VA

Jefferson National Life Insurance Co. has bolstered its roster of alternative-investment offerings

Hartford reports pick up in VA surrender rate
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAY 23, 2012
Hartford reports pick up in VA surrender rate

In-force VA block lapse rate jumped by nearly 50% after Hartford announced it would leave annuity biz; many contracts in the money

Forethought at forefront as RJ pulls plug on Hartford annuities
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAY 23, 2012
Forethought at forefront as RJ pulls plug on Hartford annuities

Company not prepared to put annuities manufacturer on its platform

Security Benefit CFO: 'We're open to L.A. Dodgers investment'
RETIREMENT LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES MAY 23, 2012
Security Benefit CFO: 'We're open to L.A. Dodgers investment'

Guggenheim's purchase of the Dodgers to close April 30, reportedly insurers will be tapped

The Hartford's annuity exit a shocker for advisers
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAY 23, 2012
The Hartford's annuity exit a shocker for advisers

Carrier's wholesalers met with advisers as recently as last week, said insurer was “committed” to annuity space

Young workers on 401(k) offerings: We want sure things
RETIREMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING MAY 21, 2012
Young workers on 401(k) offerings: We want sure things

Gun-shy employees keen on investments that provide guaranteed income; little interest in diversification