Finance
Providing Lifetime Income with Immediate Annuities
Income is a primary concern for most retirees. One way to alleviate this concern is with immediate annuities, a financial alternative that can assist in meeting retirement income needs by offering a steady stream of income tailored to continue through retirement.
An immediate annuity is a contract between you and an annuity issuer (an insurance company.) You pay a single lump sum of money in exchange for the issuer’s promise to make payments to you for a fixed time period, or for the remainder of your life. Immediate annuities may appeal to you if you are searching for an income you cannot outlive.
Qualities of immediate annuities:
- A steady stream of payments for either a fixed time frame (say 10 years) or for the rest of your life.
- The issuer assumes total investment risk.
- Typically, you only pay income taxes on the part of each payment that represents earnings or interest credited to your account. The remaining portion is considered a return of your investment and is not subject to taxation.
- You give up control over the money you invest in the immediate annuity. While there are some allowances, usually you receive fixed payments with little or no variation in the amount or timing of each payment.
- If you selected a life-only payment option, you may not live long enough to receive the return of all your investment, since payments stop at your death using this option.
How does an immediate annuity work?
“As the name suggests, an immediate annuity starts to pay you a stream of income right away,” explains Martin Walcoe, EVP for David Lerner Associates. “The amount of income you receive is based on a many factors, consisting of your age at the time of purchase, your gender, whether payments will be made to only you or to you and another person, and whether payments will be made for a fixed time period or for the remainder of your life.”
What are your payment options?
Most immediate annuities consist of a several payment options that can affect the amount of the payment you acquire. The more typical payment choices are:
- Life only. Payments are based on your age. Payments proceed until you pass away, at which time they stop.
- Installment refund/cash refund. If you die before receiving at least the return of your investment in the immediate annuity, the named beneficiary in the policy will obtain an amount equal to the difference between what you invested and what you received. The beneficiary will get this amount in either a lump sum (cash refund) or payments (installment refund).
- Life with a period certain. With this option, the issuer does not guarantee the return of your investment; instead, it guarantees a minimum amount of time during which payments will be made. Payments are made for the rest of your life, but if you die preceding completion of a minimum payment period (usually between 5 and 25 years), the payments will continuously be made to your beneficiary for the rest of the period, but no longer.
- Joint and survivor. This choice provides payments for the lives of two people, usually you and your spouse. When either of you dies, payments continue to be made for the life of the survivor. You can elect to have these “survivor” payments remain the same or be reduced to a percentage of the initial payment, such as two-thirds. The joint and survivor option can also be added to the life with period certain option. For this case, the issuer will make payments until the two of you have died or for the period of time you selected, whichever is longer.
- Period certain. This option provides a guaranteed payment for the fixed time period you indicate (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20 years). If you die prior to the end of the chosen period, your beneficiary will still receive payments for the remainder of the fixed period.
The payment option selected affects the amount of each payment. Life only payments will be larger than payments for life with a period certain. Life with a period certain payments will be less than payments for a fixed period certain.
Example: A 60-year-old man who invests $100,000 in an immediate annuity could receive annual payments of $7,260 for the rest of his life, or $6,696 per year for life with a minimum of 20 years, or $7,920 per year if he selects payments for a fixed period of 20 years. (This example is for illustration purposes only and does not demonstrate actual insurance products or performance, nor is it meant to promote a specific company or product).
Other factors to consider:
An immediate annuity can provide a measure of relief from retirement income concerns by providing a reliable payment for the rest of your life. As with most investments, there are other factors to consider before deciding if investing in an immediate annuity is the right choice for you.
Make certain that the payment option you choose will address your income needs. If you are in poor health and have others who depend on you for financial support, selecting a life only payment option may not be appropriate because payments stop at your death, removing a valuable source of income from your survivors.
Second, if you are thinking about a life-only payment option, know that it may take several years before you receive at least the return of your investment from the immediate annuity. A 70-year-old man who invests $100,000 and chooses a life-only option (generating annual payments of $7,260) will need to live about 14 years to receive the return of his $100,000.
Third, consider whether there are better options for providing income. It’s possible that the interest or dividend from investments such as bonds and dividend-producing stock could generate more income than you could get from an immediate annuity over the same period of time based on the same investment amount.
In addition, these kinds of investments are usually more liquid than immediate annuities, providing you the opportunity to increase your withdrawals if you are in need of more money. However, an immediate annuity provides a guaranteed stream of income despite changing interest rates or investment returns. Obviously, guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the annuity issuer.
Should you consider an immediate annuity?
An immediate annuity can be a helpful financial tool. You may want to consider the purchase of an immediate annuity if:
- You want a stream of income you cannot outlive.
- You have a sum of money that you wish to develop into a regular income source and you aren’t interested in leaving the money to your heirs. If you would like to leave a portion of the money as a legacy, an immediate annuity may not be a good option.
- You are uncomfortable with investments that have a substantial risk of loss. If subjecting your money to the risk of loss that come with investing in securities does not appeal to you, an immediate annuity may provide a way to transfer that risk to an insurance company. While the income guaranteed by the immediate annuity is subject to the claims-paying capability of the annuity issuer, the immediate annuity payments are not subject to stock market risk.
- You expect to live for a number of years. If you’re healthy and have longevity in your family, an immediate annuity may be an investment to take into consideration.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
Material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be used in connection with the evaluation of any investments offered by David Lerner Associates, Inc. This material does not constitute an offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered in connection with the purchase or sale of securities.
David Lerner Associates does not provide tax or legal advice. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances.
To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and
cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances.
These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable– we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.
Some of this material has been provided by Broadridge Investor Communications Solutions, Inc.
Member FINRA & SIPC.
Finance
AI and the Future of LinkedIn: How Technology is Redefining Professional Networking

The tech industry has always been a proving ground for new tools and ideas, and right now one of the most powerful forces reshaping the way professionals connect is artificial intelligence. From the way companies recruit talent to how thought leaders build influence, AI is changing the rules of the game on LinkedIn and beyond.
Smarter Recruiting
Hiring managers no longer sift through stacks of résumés. AI-powered systems can analyze skills, career paths, and even cultural fit to recommend candidates. On LinkedIn, predictive recruiting tools help companies identify prospects before they start looking for a new role. The result is faster hiring and better matches between employers and employees.
Personalized Content Feeds
LinkedIn’s algorithm has grown into more than just a filter. It now functions as a learning engine that studies professional interests and behavior. For tech companies, this means employees and executives can reach the audiences that matter most. A thought leadership article, a product update, or even a short post can now land in the feeds of potential clients, investors, or collaborators with remarkable accuracy.
The Rise of Automated Outreach
Sales and business development teams are experimenting with AI-assisted outreach. Instead of sending hundreds of generic messages, companies can use tools that analyze profiles, identify key talking points, and create personalized introductions. While this raises questions about authenticity, it also makes networking more efficient and effective.
Data as a Strategic Asset
LinkedIn’s real strength lies in its data. Millions of profiles, skills, and career shifts create a powerful resource. With AI, companies can analyze that information at scale, spotting workforce trends, predicting which industries are about to grow, and even identifying where the next wave of innovation might emerge. For tech leaders, this kind of intelligence can shape everything from hiring strategies to market expansion.
Balancing Human and Machine
The challenge is keeping professional networking personal. AI can accelerate connections and refine the process, but relationships still depend on authenticity, trust, and shared experience. The tech industry, more than most, will need to find the right balance between automation and genuine human interaction.
As AI becomes part of the digital networking fabric, LinkedIn is evolving into more than a résumé platform. It is becoming a predictive, personalized ecosystem that reflects the future of work. For tech companies, learning how to use this shift to their advantage may be just as important as the innovations they are building.
Finance
PR and SEO Best Practices for Law Firms, Dentists, Wellness Companies, and Chiropractic Offices

These days, your reputation often begins online before a client ever walks through your door. Whether you run a law office, a dental practice, a wellness brand, or a chiropractic clinic, people are searching the web to find answers, compare options, and decide who they can trust. That is where public relations and search engine optimization come together.
PR shapes your story and builds credibility. SEO makes sure the right people actually see it. When the two are aligned, they create a cycle of trust and visibility that fuels growth.
Why PR Matters for Professional Services
Public relations is not just about getting your name in print. It is about shaping perception. A thoughtful media mention, a quote in an article, or a published expert opinion can position you as someone worth listening to. For a lawyer, this might mean explaining a high-profile case in plain language for the public. For a dentist, it could be offering preventative care tips during National Dental Health Month. Chiropractors might focus on wellness and posture awareness, while wellness companies can shine by connecting their products to lifestyle conversations.
“PR is about storytelling,” says Mike Falkow, CEO at Meritus Media. “For industries like law and healthcare, it is often the difference between being just another listing online and being recognized as a trusted voice.”
How SEO Brings People to You
PR helps you look credible. SEO makes you visible. If you want new clients to find you when they type into Google, you need smart SEO strategies. That includes clear keywords, easy-to-navigate websites, local business listings, and reviews.
A law firm in Los Angeles that wants more personal injury clients has to show up when someone searches for “Los Angeles personal injury attorney.” A Tampa chiropractor has to be easy to find when someone types in “back pain relief near me.” It is not just about ranking higher, it is about meeting people right at the moment they need you.
Blending PR and SEO
Here is where the magic happens. When you land a feature in a credible publication, that mention often includes a link back to your website. Google sees that link as a vote of confidence, which boosts your search rankings. On the flip side, a blog post that is written with SEO in mind can get picked up and shared if it is timely and tied to bigger conversations in the media.
According to Meritus Media, “The mistake many professionals make is treating PR and SEO as separate projects. The truth is they amplify each other. Press mentions bring credibility and backlinks, and optimized content helps that coverage travel further.”
Best Practices for Each Industry
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Law Firms: Build authority through thought leadership. Comment on relevant legal issues and create content around the cases and topics people are searching for.
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Dentists: Focus on education. Share preventative care tips, encourage reviews, and make sure your practice shows up in local searches like “dentist near me.”
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Wellness Companies: Lean into education-driven PR. Announce new research, highlight expert voices, and optimize for lifestyle searches such as “natural ways to boost energy.”
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Chiropractic Offices: Become the go-to local expert. Host workshops, engage with local press, and use SEO to highlight treatments tied to specific conditions and locations.
The Takeaway
A strong digital presence requires more than just a website. It requires being seen, being trusted, and being remembered. For law firms, dentists, wellness companies, and chiropractic offices, the smartest approach is one where PR and SEO are not competing, but working together.
As Meritus Media puts it, “It is not enough to have an online presence. You need to be discoverable, credible, and memorable. That is the sweet spot where PR and SEO intersect.”
Finance
A Smarter Way to Save: Real Strategies That Actually Work

Saving money often feels like something we should be doing, but somehow never quite master. Not because we lack discipline or financial know-how, but because most of us were never taught to approach saving in a way that feels organic and sustainable.
Forget the lectures about willpower. Think of saving more like tending a garden. You don’t expect a harvest overnight. You plant, water, and trust that something is growing under the surface.
Why Saving Feels Difficult
At its core, saving is about delayed gratification. You put money aside today for something you won’t enjoy until tomorrow. That can feel abstract and unsatisfying in a world where we’re used to quick wins.
Add to that the wear and tear of everyday decision-making. By the time you’re deciding whether to stash a hundred dollars or buy something impulsively, your mental energy is already spent. The easier option usually wins.
It’s not a character flaw. It’s a missing system.
Common Pitfalls That Derail Saving
One of the biggest traps is not knowing where your money is actually going. Subscription services, late-night shopping, and small indulgences add up fast.
Then there’s the issue of unclear goals. If you’re just “trying to save more,” it’s too vague to build momentum. Without a target, it’s hard to feel like you’re making progress.
Finally, many people treat saving as something they do only when it feels convenient. And as we all know, those moments rarely come around.
Simple Strategies That Actually Work
Start by making saving automatic. Set up recurring transfers to a separate account, even if it’s just fifty dollars a month. According to David Lerner Associates, automating your savings creates consistency without requiring daily effort. You don’t have to think about it—it just happens.
Next, tie your savings to something that matters to you. A trip. A safety net. A home project. As Martin Walcoe, CEO of David Lerner Associates, explains: “Saving works best when it’s connected to a goal you care about. Whether it’s building financial security or planning for something joyful, people are more likely to stick with it when it feels personal and meaningful.”
Small wins also build momentum. Consider using a round-up app that sweeps change from purchases into savings. Or throw spare change into a jar. These little actions remind you that progress doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful.
Make Budgeting Feel Less Like a Chore
Instead of thinking of budgeting as a restriction, think of it as guidance. Look at your spending once a month. Track where your money goes. Treat savings like a bill—something you pay no matter what. Then adjust as needed.
Financial planning, like nutrition or exercise, is more effective when it fits into your natural rhythm rather than disrupting it.
Think Long-Term, Even in Small Steps
If you’re carrying debt, make a plan that works without pressure. Focus on understanding your terms and building a slow but steady path out. Saving and repaying can happen side by side. As Martin Walcoe puts it, “Finding the balance between repaying student loans, saving for the future, and investing is possible. With a proactive approach and the right strategies, you can tackle your loans while laying a strong foundation for financial growth.”
Even modest investing can pay off if you start early. Time does a lot of the heavy lifting. You don’t have to do it all—you just have to start.
Your Environment Shapes Your Habits
Surround yourself with people who share your mindset. Having a spouse, friend, or coworker on a similar journey can make saving feel more like teamwork and less like sacrifice.
And don’t overlook the importance of rituals. A monthly money check-in. A progress tracker. A celebration when you hit a milestone. These things help make saving part of your lifestyle rather than something separate from it.
Final Thought
Saving doesn’t have to feel like denial or discipline. When it’s tied to your values and built into your everyday life, it becomes a natural act of self-respect. Like nourishing your body, saving is an investment in the kind of life you want to live—not someday, but starting now.
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