FIXED-INCOME ANNUITY HELPS RETIREMENT INCOMEMixing a fixed-income annuity into a retirement income account provides greater long-term wealth for investors than a portfolio of equity and bond investments alone, according to a study by MassMutual Financial.
The study tested the performance of various asset allocations within a hypothetical retirement account over a 27-year investment period to Dec. 31, 2006. Starting with a $100,000 investment, results ranged from $489,346 to $735,292, more than seven times the original deposit, at the end of the study period.
MICROSOFT LAUNCHES MONEY BLOG
Microsoft has debuted a blog, Money Insider, focusing on the latest news about its Microsoft Money personal finance software and MSN Money site. Microsoft Money, a rival to Intuit's Quicken, recently launched its latest version, Microsoft Money Plus, which integrates with the MSN Money site on the Web.
Chris Jolley, group manager of financial products at Microsoft, hosts the blog at http://moneyinsider.spaces.live.com/. The blog features a team of guest commentators.
KOCHIS FITZ AND QUINTILE MERGE
California wealth management firms Kochis Fitz and Quintile Wealth Management have merged as of the first of the year, with the combined firm to be known initially as Kochis Fitz/Quintile until a new name can be found. The combined firm will become the largest independent wealth management firm and family office business in California, managing or advising on more than $5 billion in client assets.
Together the two firms serve approximately 385 individuals and families with a team of 68 employees. The combined firm will be headquartered in San Francisco, but will retain a major presence in Los Angeles, where Quintile is headquartered.
