John David Boutte

What Is Sequence of Returns Risk and Why It Hits Retirees Hardest

John David Boutte

Published on: 12/01/2025

You have spent decades building your nest egg, likely focusing on a single number: your average annual return. But once you retire and start withdrawing income, "average" returns become meaningless. This post uncovers the hidden danger of Sequence of Returns Risk—a mathematical trap that can deplete a million-dollar portfolio in under 15 years, even in a decent market. Through the tale of "Mr. Lucky vs. Mr. Unlucky," we illustrate why the order of your investment returns matters more than the amount. Stop leaving your financial survival to luck. Learn how Fixed Index Annuities can act as a mathematical floor, protecting your principal from early market crashes while ensuring your income lasts as long as you do.

Retirement

How a 2008-Type Crash Early in Retirement Changes Everything

John David Boutte

Published on: 11/03/2025

Remember the panic of 2008? Back then, you had a paycheck and time to recover. Today, a similar market crash could permanently destroy your retirement lifestyle. This article confronts the harsh reality of the "Lost Decade" and explains why modern retirees simply cannot afford to wait 10 years for a market bounce-back. We analyze the dangerous math of "reverse dollar-cost averaging"—withdrawing money for bills while your account value is down—and how it accelerates portfolio depletion. Discover how Income Riders can structurally separate your paycheck from your account value, guaranteeing you a monthly income that never runs out, even if Wall Street hits rock bottom.

Retirement

7 Common Annuity Myths (And What the Contracts Actually Say)

John David Boutte

Published on: 10/06/2025

Are you avoiding annuities because you’ve heard the horror stories? You might be risking your retirement security based on outdated information. In this no-nonsense guide, we open the actual contracts to debunk the 7 biggest myths surrounding annuities—including the fear that "the insurance company keeps your money when you die" and that "fees are sky-high." We distinguish between risky Variable Annuities and safe Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs), clarifying the truth about death benefits, liquidity access, and reasonable return expectations. Don't let hearsay keep you from the only financial tool designed to provide guaranteed lifetime income. Get the facts, ignore the fear, and see if an FIA fits your plan.

Retirement