Occasionally, a client will read an article and raise the issue of annuities, especially if they read that they’re safer than the stock market. Or have guaranteed returns. The subject of annuities, however, is somewhat complex, so I’ll try to keep it simple while answering the real question: Should you consider one?

Over the years, many clients have shared the challenges they’ve faced after being laid off later in life. One by one, they came to realize that it’s a lot tougher to land a job in their 50s than it was when they were younger.

Raise your hand if you remember the “Is it live, or is it Memorex?” commercial? Change a few words, and that’s how you should consider emails you receive that ask you to enter personal information: Is it real, or is it a scam?