You are viewing all posts by, Tim Scott

partner, SunGard’s Wealth Management Global Services

9
Mar
2012

Is there an advisor in the house?

Contributor:

The human body is a highly complex, self-contained entity that relies on several subsystems to function. A failure in any one of these systems could create a real crisis. No one would like being told that his/her brain, cardio-vascular, endocrine, nervous or other system might stop functioning or begin to “over function.” The results could be disastrous. Like the human body, the global economy is an extremely complicated organism that has many different parts. Regulation, taxation, business climate, employment, politics and other systems -- all have the potential to dysfunction, creating a crisis that can impact your wealth.... read more

partner, SunGard’s Wealth Management Global Services

14
Mar
2011

Which do you prefer? A lump sum or a lifetime guarantee?

Contributor:

“If I could give you a choice between 1000 gallons of coffee on the day you retire or a guarantee of receiving 3 cups of coffee each day for the rest of your life after you retire, which option would you choose?” The question struck me as somewhat odd for several reasons, not to mention the fact that I am not a coffee drinker! However, the real point of the question gets to the heart of the recent interest in retirement income products in the defined contribution plan market. If you give me 1000 gallons of coffee (or my personally preferred drink of iced tea), how would I know that 1000 gallons would be enough to last for the rest of my life? How would I take care of that much coffee and keep it fresh? How much could I drink each day and not run out? What if I currently average drinking more than 3 cups per day? Will I be able to adjust to a lower standard of coffee drinking? ... read more