A number of missteps can affect Americans' retirement savings when they switch jobs. In some cases, the money may be moved into IRAs in a process known as an involuntary rollover; in other cases, workers may cash out their accounts and owe taxes and penalties on the money. "The job switch is a time when a number of bad things can happen to retirement savings," said Fiona Greig of Vanguard Group.

Annuity innovation is set to continue in 2026, with flexibility, access and experience being key trends, writes Anna Baluch. More growth is expected for indexed-based annuities such as RILAs, and annuities may also have a key role to play in addressing clients' long-term-care needs.

The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index is on track for its best performance since 2020, potentially fueled by Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts and other factors. The index has returned about 6.7% this year, outpacing short-term Treasury bills. However, potential threats remain, including uncertainty over future rate cuts.

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Legislation would be needed to implement President Donald Trump's suggestion of distributing $2,000 "dividend" payments from tariffs to American citizens, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Trump has said the payments could go toward "everybody but the rich."

Annuities can be a powerful tool to address clients' anxieties about exhausting their savings, but clients may not always recognize the opportunity. Financial professionals can help by abandoning fancy jargon and focusing on outcomes and by integrating them with a broader plan, writes Howard Sharfman of NFP Kirkland Insurance Solutions.

Several steps -- including adding an annuity -- can help ensure that assets last throughout retirement, writes Katherine Tierney of Edward Jones. "An annuity can provide a guaranteed income stream for life, regardless of how the market performs or how long you live," Tierney writes. "It's effectively income insurance, and it can help reduce your reliance on your portfolio for income."

Some of the Americans who bought homes during the pandemic, when mortgage rates are lower, are now feeling stuck, as rates are now significantly higher. "Many people bought their homes in the hopes it was an initial stepping stone on the path to a more ideal property; yet with higher interest rates and more limited inventory, that 'starter home' has become a long-term one," said Courtney Alev of Intuit Credit Karma.

The November elections have shifted the political landscape--and with midterms, redistricting, and new legislative priorities on the horizon, the implications for tax policy and financial planning are significant. Join Jen Fox, Finseca's Vice President of Federal Affairs, for a timely conversation with Jonathan Jones and Jeff Shapiro of Tiber Creek. Together, they'll unpack what these changes mean for the profession and how advisors can navigate the evolving policy environment. Register now.