incomesandlegacies

How a 5% MYGA Can Grow Your Retirement Savings Over 10 Years

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:21:44 GMT

See how steady, guaranteed growth can give you peace of mind, even in uncertain markets.

If you’re worried about market swings or low yields from bonds, you’re not alone. Many pre-retirees and retirees are turning to Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) to lock in steady, predictable growth .

Let’s take a closer look at how a $100,000 investment in a MYGA earning 5% interest, compounded annually , can build real security over 10 years.

Annual Growth Table: $100,000 at 5% for 10 years

What this Means

After 10 years , your original $100,000 investment grows to $162,890, thanks to the guaranteed 5% annual growth. That’s a total of $62,890 in interest earned, with no market risk and no guesswork about future returns.

Why Consider a MYGA?

Guaranteed Growth : Unlike stocks or bond funds, your MYGA’s return is locked in by the insurance company.
Tax Deferral : Growth inside the MYGA isn’t taxed until you withdraw.
Principal Protection : Your original investment and the interest are protected from market volatility.

Final Takeaway

If you’re looking for a safe, steady way to grow your money without worrying about what the markets are doing, a 5% MYGA can be a powerful solution.

Ready to see how a MYGA can fit into your retirement income plan? Let’s talk. We’re here to give you clear, honest guidance with no sales pitch.

Should I Invest in Gold or Bitcoin or BOTH

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:48:29 GMT

How do I use ETFs to buy bitcoin and gold for a very small portion of my portfolio as a hedge against inflation, debt and turmoil in general

Many investors believe that inflation is one of the most corrosive aspects of fiat, or paper currency. As politicians make promises, governments inevitably end up "printing more" of it, thus devaluing the existing circulation. In 2025, the US debt is around $37T and is adding approximately $2T each year to that figure. Gold has been used for over 2500 years as "real money" and, very recently the advent of bitcoin (2008) has given investors another option to battle against the never-ending promise/print cycle. Of course investors can buy gold coins or bars to get exposure to the yellow metal and Bitcoin wallets provide the same opportunity for the cryptocurrency, but ETFs are another way to "express one's view" in a traditional brokerage account. This alleviates some of the logistics of storing gold or bitcoin and, for a small percentage of one's portfolio, can create a valuable hedge to complement a stock and bond portfolio. Your consultant can discuss the pros and cons of these strategies and let you know which ETF(S) is the most appropriate vehicle.

Should You Buy Gold and Bitcoin Using ETFs?

Weighing the Pros and Cons for Modern Investors

Why Investors Turn to Gold and Bitcoin ETFs

Both gold and bitcoin have captivated investors seeking alternatives to traditional stocks and bonds. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) make it easier than ever to gain exposure to these assets without the hassles of direct ownership. Here’s why many choose ETFs for gold and bitcoin:

Reasons to Buy Gold ETFs

Inflation Hedge: Gold is renowned for preserving purchasing power during inflationary periods.
Portfolio Diversification: Gold often moves independently from stocks and bonds, helping reduce overall portfolio risk.
Liquidity: Gold ETFs are traded on major exchanges, making it easy to buy and sell shares at market prices.
No Storage Hassles: Unlike physical gold, ETFs eliminate the need for secure storage and insurance.
Transparency: Holdings and costs are clearly disclosed, and ETFs are subject to regular audits.

Reasons to Buy Bitcoin ETFs

Easy Access: Investors can gain exposure to bitcoin through a regular brokerage account—no need for crypto wallets or exchanges.
Regulated Environment: ETFs operate under strict regulatory oversight, potentially reducing risks of fraud or hacking.
Tax Efficiency: Bitcoin ETFs can be held in tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s, which is difficult with direct bitcoin ownership.
Liquidity and Convenience: ETFs trade on stock exchanges, offering high liquidity and ease of transaction.
No Technical Barriers: Investors avoid the complexities of managing private keys or securing digital assets themselves.

Key Pros and Cons

Gold ETFs

Pros:

Hedge against inflation and currency devaluation
Portfolio diversification
Highly liquid and easily tradable
No need for physical storage or security

Cons:

No physical ownership—can’t use for jewelry or personal use
Management fees reduce returns over time
Gold prices can still be volatile and may underperform equities
Tax treatment may be less favorable in some regions 11 5

Bitcoin ETFs

Pros:

Simple, regulated access to bitcoin exposure
No need to manage digital wallets or private keys
Can be held in retirement accounts for tax advantages
High liquidity and ease of trading

Cons:

High price volatility—potential for rapid gains and losses
Higher fees compared to traditional stock ETFs
No direct bitcoin ownership—cannot use for transactions or self-custody
Regulatory risks and evolving legal landscape 9 3

Conclusion: Which Is Right for You?

Investing in gold or bitcoin via ETFs offers convenience, liquidity, and regulatory oversight—making these assets accessible to a broader range of investors. Gold ETFs can serve as a stabilizing force in your portfolio, while bitcoin ETFs offer a gateway to the high-risk, high-reward world of digital assets.

The best choice depends on your risk tolerance, investment goals, and interest in direct ownership versus convenience. Always consider the pros and cons before adding these ETFs to your portfolio, and consult with a financial advisor to ensure they align with your broader strategy.

Estate Planning - memories and money and wishes - what else can we leave behind

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:28:49 GMT

Do I just need a will? a trust? power of attorney? health care proxy act? Should I put my kid on my bank account? are my beneficiaries up to date?

Do you have a Will? A Trust? Have you changed the beneficiary designation on your retirement accounts after a divorce, death or birth? Do you have a power of attorney or health care proxy act? Approximately 2 out of 3 Americans have done NO estate planning. At Incomes and Legacies, we can direct you to reliable sources after talking through what you want to happen after you pass. Is a legacy important to you or do you prefer your heirs to "get whatever is leftover?" Our consultants can go through different scenarios so you will have the knowledge to make an informed decision and take action - before it's too late. Proper estate planning isn't for you - it's for those you leave behind.

https://www.justvanilla.com/blog/estate-planning

file:///C:/Users/Thomas%20Henriques/Downloads/five-wishes-sample.pdf

https://trustandwill.com/

How your personal experience with money from an early age can impact our view of money as an adult

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:20:56 GMT

Financial Therapy, Behavioral Finance and the "science" behind why you feel and act the way you do towards saving spending investing or ignoring your money

The growing field of behavioral finance is a fascinating one. The vast majority of investors suffer far greater "pain" when they lose money than the corresponding "good" feeling when an investment grows. This pain/gain ratio expands the closer one gets to retirement. Talking through your money feelings with a professional consultant can help you understand a variety of risks and alleviate some of the stress making "money decisions" can generate. If you have a partner, discussing personal financial views with a facilitator can often expose fundamental differences with respect to spending, saving and investing and allow for truly honest and frank conversations and attempt to create a plan that accommodates the wishes of both parties, if possible.

https://greatness.com/discover-your-money-personality-type/

https://www.thinkingbigfinancial.com/what-is-money-script/

Basic Retirement Income Options

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:14:47 GMT

Dividend paying Stocks? SS? Pensions? Annuities? Bonds? REal Estate? Part-time Job? All of the above?

Should you be a Walmart greeter? A Landlord? How about a Consultant? All viable options, but for the majority of Americans who have dutifully pushed money into their retirement accounts, the idea of working part time should be an option, not a necessity. You can begin to take social security at 62 and each year you defer, your income will rise by 8% until you are 70. 63% of adult SS recipients rely on SS for at least half their income; 43% get three-quarters of their income from SS and for more than 27% of American retirees, it is their only source of income. Most Americans believe $5k/mo is a sufficient income in retirement, yet the average SS in 2025 is approximately $2k/month. At Incomes and Legacies, we can help you analyze your expenses and income requirements and provide you with different pros and cons based on your personal situation to maximize your income beyond SS.

https://www.morningstar.com/retirement/how-generate-retirement-income

https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/engineering-reliable-retirement-income-an-expert-guide

https://www.fidelity.com/news/article/investing-ideas/202504291858BANKRATEBANKRATE632206395

Insurance and LTC 101 - do I need life or LTC insurance when I retire?

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 17:45:34 GMT

Self Insurance for LTC? I hope I die before I need care or become a burden, but what are my realistic options? Is life insurance a good way to pass wealth to my kids, church or charity?

Nobody ever said: "I want to die in a nursing home!"

"I'll call Dr. Kevorkian" was the most common response in the 90's when a man was asked about what his plan was for long-term care - no man ever envisions himself in a nursing home. Women were more realistic - they knew they were much more likely to end up needing some sort of care before they passed away. The reality is about 70% of people will need some sort of long term care (LTC) before they die. If you have the assets to pay for that care or don't have heirs you are interested in leaving an inheritance to, there is no need to investigate the pros and cons of a modern LTC policy. If however, you are concerned about using a large chunk of your nest egg in your final years, it pays to explore your options to transfer that risk (the essence of insurance). New policies offer hybrid solutions combining a pool of $ for LTC and, if that pool is not used, it converts to a life insurance death benefit. More affluent consumers who desire to pass a specific dollar amount to their beneficiaries also use advanced, wealth transfer life insurance to take advantage of the tax benefits and leverage that life insurance provides.

https://www.ltcnews.com/long-term-care-insurance/hybrid-long-term-care-insurance

https://www.comparelongtermcare.org/hybrid-long-term-care-insurance-policies/

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/hybrid-long-term-care-insurance

Investing and Asset Allocation 101 - 60/40 ratio and target date funds -

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 17:37:10 GMT

Understanding what you own, what you don't own and what you might want to add in your overall portfolio to create greater diversification

Most people have a general idea that if they invest in stocks over the "long term" they would have historically made more money than if they put that money in the bank. Far fewer people understand what bonds are and even less understand what asset allocation is and how it impacts their potential for "the total return" or dividends, interest and/or growth on their investments. Of course there are a host of different investments like crypto or real estate or stamps or art but for the vast majority of Americans with retirement accounts, their "serious" money is invested in stocks and bonds.

When you invest in a 60/40 portfolio, that means 60% is invested in a variety of different stocks and 40% invested in different bonds. It is the same "allocation" that you would find in a retirement target fund like a 2030 or 2035 fund.

The shorter your time horizon until you retire, the more conservative the ratio of stocks to bonds. When you own STOCKS, you are actually an owner of a tiny slice of a company. The "value" of each share is determined everyday the stock market is open and indicated by investors' willingness to take risk. The S&P 500 is the most well-known index in the world and comprises of 500 large and established companies. It is what is called a cap-weighted index (cap=capitalization) which means the larger the company is, the greater % you own when you buy 1 share of the S&P. In 2025, the top 3 companies (Microsoft, Nvdia and Apple) make up about 20% of the index, meaning .20 of every $1 you invest goes into just 3 companies! When you own BONDS, you own the debt of a company, municipality or country. The interest rate the entity is expected to pay is correlated to the prevailing rates (such as the "risk-free" rate of US treasuries) and the implied risk that the payer will be able to re-pay both the interest and the principal. The "value" of each bond is determined by the market and due to daily fluctuations of interest rates and the expected ability of the organization to pays its debt. Understanding what you own and why you own it is the first step in crafting a viable growth and income strategy.

https://www.investopedia.com/managing-wealth/achieve-optimal-asset-allocation/

https://www.sec.gov/about/reports-publications/investorpubsassetallocationhtm

https://www.finra.org/investors/investing/investing-basics/asset-allocation-diversification

How a 5% MYGA Can Deliver Inflation-Adjusted Income While Protecting Your Principal

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:31:58 GMT

See how a fixed annuity can provide growing income and preserve principal, even with rising withdrawals each year.

For many approaching retirement, one of the biggest worries is how to balance income security with rising living costs . A Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) can be a powerful tool to create steady, inflation-adjusted income that still protects your original investment.

In this example, we’ll look at how a $100,000 MYGA earning a guaranteed 5% annually can keep paying you, even if you increase your withdrawals each year for inflation.

How the Strategy Works

Here’s what we’re assuming:

Initial investment: $100,000
Guaranteed interest rate: 5% (compounded annually)
Year 1 withdrawal: $4,000 (4% of the original investment)
Withdrawals increase by 4% each year to account for inflation

10-Year Growth & Withdrawal Table

How to Read the Table

Start Balance: The amount at the beginning of each year
Interest: Guaranteed annual interest earned
Withdrawal: The inflation-adjusted withdrawal for that year
End Balance: What remains after interest and withdrawal

What This Shows

Even though you’re increasing your withdrawals by 4% every year to account for inflation, the 5% guaranteed interest keeps the account growing slightly .

Total withdrawals paid over 10 years : $48,019
Ending balance after 10 years : $103,437

You’ve enjoyed inflation-adjusted income while preserving your original principal, a powerful example of how a MYGA can support your retirement lifestyle.

Is a MYGA Right for You?

MYGAs aren’t for everyone. They trade liquidity for guaranteed growth and protection, perfect for those seeking predictable income and peace of mind in retirement.

If you’re curious how a MYGA could fit into your financial picture, let’s talk. Book a consultation to get started.

The Power of MYGAs: A 10-Year Look at Tax-Deferred Growth

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:09:02 GMT

Explore how MYGAs with guaranteed 5% returns stack up against AGG and BND bond ETFs for safe, steady retirement income.

When you’re planning for retirement, one of the biggest questions is: How can I balance safety with growth? Two popular options are Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) and bond ETFs like AGG and BND. While they might seem similar at first glance, their performance and purpose are quite different. Let’s compare how a 5% MYGA stacks up against these common bond ETFs — and why it might be a better fit for those who value guaranteed growth and tax-deferred security.

What is a MYGA?

MYGA (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity): An insurance product offering a fixed, guaranteed interest rate (here, 5%) for a set number of years (e.g., 5 or 10 years). Principal and interest are guaranteed by the insurer and grow tax-deferred.

What are AGG and BND?

AGG and BND: Low-cost, diversified ETFs tracking the U.S. investment-grade bond market. They are highly liquid, offer daily pricing, and can be bought or sold at any time.
Historical Average Annual Returns:
5-Year: ~1.2%
10-Year: ~1.3%
(Returns as of late 2023–2024; both funds have nearly identical performance).

Performance Comparison Table

Key Considerations

MYGA (5%)

Pros:

Guaranteed 5% annual return for the contract period 3 7 .
Principal and interest are protected by the insurer.
Tax-deferred growth until withdrawal.

Cons:

Returns are not guaranteed and have been low (~1.2%–1.3% annualized over 5–10 years) 2568 .
Prices can fall if interest rates rise (rate risk).
No tax deferral unless held in a retirement account.

Example: $100,000 Investment

Assumes MYGA compounds annuity at 5%; AGG/BND use 1.3% historical average

What Does This Mean?

MYGA (5%) offers much higher, guaranteed growth but locks up your money for the term and has penalties for early withdrawal. AGG and BND are flexible, liquid, and diversified, but have delivered much lower historical returns and are subject to price drops if rates rise.

At a Glance

A 5% MYGA offers a much higher, guaranteed return over 5 or 10 years compared to AGG or BND, with the tradeoff of reduced liquidity and insurer credit risk.
AGG and BND provide flexibility and daily liquidity but have delivered much lower historical returns and are subject to interest rate risk.
MYGAs are best for investors prioritizing safety, tax deferral, and guaranteed growth over a set period, while AGG/BND suit those who value liquidity and market access.

Choosing the right balance between growth and safety depends on your unique goals, time horizon, and comfort with risk. While AGG and BND offer flexibility and easy access to the bond market, the 5% MYGA stands out for those seeking a guaranteed return and peace of mind. As always, consider your liquidity needs and overall financial plan before making a decision. If you’d like help figuring out which approach fits your retirement strategy best, let’s talk. We’re here to guide you without the sales pitch.

incomesandlegacies

How a 5% MYGA Can Grow Your Retirement Savings Over 10 Years

See how steady, guaranteed growth can give you peace of mind, even in uncertain markets.

Annual Growth Table: $100,000 at 5% for 10 years ﻿

What this Means

Why Consider a MYGA?

Final Takeaway

Should I Invest in Gold or Bitcoin or BOTH

How do I use ETFs to buy bitcoin and gold for a very small portion of my portfolio as a hedge against inflation, debt and turmoil in general

Estate Planning - memories and money and wishes - what else can we leave behind

Do I just need a will? a trust? power of attorney? health care proxy act? Should I put my kid on my bank account? are my beneficiaries up to date?

How your personal experience with money from an early age can impact our view of money as an adult

Financial Therapy, Behavioral Finance and the "science" behind why you feel and act the way you do towards saving spending investing or ignoring your money

Basic Retirement Income Options

Dividend paying Stocks? SS? Pensions? Annuities? Bonds? REal Estate? Part-time Job? All of the above?

Insurance and LTC 101 - do I need life or LTC insurance when I retire?

Self Insurance for LTC? I hope I die before I need care or become a burden, but what are my realistic options? Is life insurance a good way to pass wealth to my kids, church or charity?

Nobody ever said: "I want to die in a nursing home!"

Investing and Asset Allocation 101 - 60/40 ratio and target date funds -

Understanding what you own, what you don't own and what you might want to add in your overall portfolio to create greater diversification

How a 5% MYGA Can Deliver Inflation-Adjusted Income While Protecting Your Principal

See how a fixed annuity can provide growing income and preserve principal, even with rising withdrawals each year.

How the Strategy Works

10-Year Growth & Withdrawal Table

How to Read the Table

What This Shows

Is a MYGA Right for You?

The Power of MYGAs: A 10-Year Look at Tax-Deferred Growth

Explore how MYGAs with guaranteed 5% returns stack up against AGG and BND bond ETFs for safe, steady retirement income.

What is a MYGA?

What are AGG and BND?

Performance Comparison Table

Key Considerations

MYGA (5%)

Example: $100,000 Investment

What Does This Mean?

At a Glance

Annual Growth Table: $100,000 at 5% for 10 years