There’s a new federal initiative that could make a big difference for families—children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, with valid Social Security numbers may now receive a $1,000 starter deposit into an investment account. This pilot program is designed to help families begin long-term investing early, using low-cost index funds tied to the stock market. As someone who’s spent over three decades helping clients build lasting financial security through annuities and universal life, I know how valuable early savings can be. Parents, grandparents, friends, and even employers can contribute to these accounts, with a $5,000 annual cap per child in 2026. While withdrawals are limited during childhood, the account transitions seamlessly into the traditional IRA system once the child reaches adulthood, following standard tax and withdrawal rules. Since contributions began on July 4, 2026, six million children have already enrolled. Accounts can be opened with Form 4547, and hospitals are now making it easier by providing information at birth registration. Early planning truly sets the foundation for a lifetime of financial well-being.
Blog
-
Money Traps That Can Derail Saving
After more than three decades helping clients navigate annuities and universal life at Neasham Insurance Agency, I’ve seen how easy it is for everyday money traps to quietly undermine even the best savings strategies. Having 3 to 6 months of living expenses set aside, within easy reach, is a solid first defense—helping you handle surprises without rushing to sell investments or turning to high-interest debt. When markets swing, it’s tempting to check accounts constantly or panic-sell, but that can lock in losses and add stress about when to reinvest; a longer-term view and less frequent monitoring can support steadier decisions. Putting off retirement contributions means missing out on valuable compounding, but setting up automatic deposits into your workplace plan or IRA can simplify things and help steady progress over time. I often remind clients that a single large position in one investment can quietly raise your risk, so reviewing your allocations each year and diversifying across sectors and regions keeps your portfolio balanced. And while it’s natural to hold extra cash after a market dip, staying on the sidelines too long can mean missing the eventual rebound—gradually investing at regular intervals can help you get back to a diversified approach at a manageable pace.
-
Fixed Indexed Annuity vs. Mutual Funds: Protection, Income and Tax Advantages
Choosing between a fixed indexed annuity and mutual funds starts with understanding your goals. A fixed indexed annuity may offer protection from market downturns, tax-deferred growth and guaranteed lifetime income, depending on the insurer and contract. Some products may also include bonuses and penalty-free withdrawals, subject to limits. Mutual funds provide market exposure and liquidity but can lose value and are generally taxable in applicable accounts. Features, fees, caps, surrender charges and guarantees vary, so review the policy carefully and consult a qualified financial professional before making a decision.
Continue to full article -
Mutual Funds vs. FIAs: Protect Growth, Create Income
Mutual funds and fixed indexed annuities can serve different roles in a retirement strategy. Mutual funds provide market participation and flexibility but may lose value during downturns. Fixed indexed annuities may offer tax-deferred growth, protection from market-index losses, contract bonuses, and guaranteed lifetime income you cannot outlive. However, these benefits can come with caps, participation rates, fees, surrender charges, limited liquidity, and insurer-dependent guarantees. Bonuses are not free and may have vesting rules. A fiduciary advisor can help compare the full contract—not just the headline benefit—against your objectives, risk tolerance, tax situation, and income needs.
Continue to full article -
Questions Before Buying an Annuity
With over 30 years at Neasham Insurance Agency, I've guided many through the ins and outs of annuities. They're a powerful tool for creating predictable retirement income, but every contract comes with its own guarantees, restrictions, and potential risks. Before you buy, make sure you know exactly what's guaranteed—whether that's your principal, income stream, death benefit, interest rate, or another feature. It's equally important to understand under what conditions these guarantees might be reduced or lost. Fees are another area to watch: they can be tucked away in riders, spreads, investment limits, or other charges. Always ask for a complete list of costs in both dollars and percentages, and find out if your advisor’s compensation changes based on the product. Before making any commitment, request the surrender schedule in writing, review the penalty-free withdrawal terms, and clarify how early access, emergencies, or additional premiums could impact your benefits. And if you’re considering switching or exchanging contracts, compare them side by side, confirm the insurer’s financial strength, and make use of the free-look period to be sure the new contract is the right fit. My experience has taught me that the right questions make all the difference.
-
Retired? Here’s 5 Reasons You Still Need an Emergency Fund—Plus How Much It Should Cover
Even in retirement, having a solid emergency fund is essential for peace of mind. After more than 30 years at Neasham Insurance Agency, I’ve seen how important it is for retirees—especially those relying on fixed incomes—to keep at least a year’s worth of expenses set aside in accessible, interest-earning accounts. Life can throw curveballs, and regularly reviewing and replenishing your emergency fund helps ensure you’re prepared for unexpected costs. Protecting your financial security doesn’t stop when paychecks do—thoughtful planning is key.
Continue to full article -
Protect Your Retirement Potential
If you own an IRA, 403(b), or 401(k), you may be exploring ways to reduce market downside while keeping the opportunity for retirement income growth. Certain fixed indexed annuities can offer contractually defined protection features and may include an upfront premium credit, sometimes advertised as 25%. However, bonuses, guarantees, surrender periods, fees, participation rules, and tax treatment vary by product. Review the issuing carrier’s financial-strength ratings and read the contract carefully. A licensed professional can help compare options and determine whether a strategy aligns with your timeline, risk tolerance, and income goals. Guarantees depend on the claims-paying ability of the insurer.
Continue to full article -
Turn $100K Into $125K on Day One? Explore a Fixed Indexed Annuity with Protected Growth
A fixed indexed annuity may help retirement savers pursue protected growth and future income. Some contracts offer a premium bonus—potentially turning a qualifying $100,000 contribution into $125,000 in contract value on day one—subject to vesting, surrender schedules, fees, and other terms. These products may also include index-linked interest, 5% annual free withdrawals, and living-benefit riders. They can be considered for assets from 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs, or other conservative strategies, but they are not risk-free in every respect: withdrawals, taxes, inflation, caps, spreads, liquidity limits, and insurer guarantees matter. Consult a qualified advisor and review the full contract before investing.
Continue to full article -
Unlock Potential with a 25% Bonus FIA
A fixed indexed annuity may combine growth potential linked to selected market indexes with protection from market downturns, depending on contract terms. This concept features a potential 25% premium bonus, an illustrated 28.75% first-year yield, multiple index options, and benefits that may include nursing home, terminal illness, and critical illness provisions. Some contracts also allow 5% free annual withdrawals and beneficiary or POD features. Actual guarantees, charges, surrender schedules, eligibility, and bonus vesting vary by carrier and state. Review the full policy and consult a licensed professional before making a decision.
Continue to full article -
Could a Bonus Annuity Fit Your Plan?
A bonus annuity may offer an upfront first-year credit, indexed interest potential linked to benchmarks such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, and protection from direct market losses. Some contracts also include living benefits and a limited annual withdrawal provision. Before investing, review the guaranteed values, bonus vesting schedule, participation rates, caps, spreads, surrender charges, tax considerations, and withdrawal impact. Ask for a personalized illustration and confirm that all guarantees are backed by the issuing carrier’s claims-paying ability. Call or PM Glenn at 707-970-7315 for details.
Continue to full article