RE: your tv show on Sunday November 1. While for the most part I can agree with you assessment on teh hgih cost of these products, as a CFP and Registered Investment Advisor, I have used these in certain situations. Recently we had a senito who had purchsaed a guarantee 10 years ago, and because of that guarantee now has a susbantial balance that can be used for cash flow with certain income. For a posrtion of their investments having that guraantee is very importatn adn if this is qualified money the taxes do nto really matter. You really shoudl be some what open minded on many issues without a complete shut down onproducts that have merrit.

arolyn Cash
CFP

Although I agree that variable annuities are not an appropriate investment for MOST retirement situations, I am disappointed that there aren't more people/advisors out there trying to educate people about annuities. This includes Clark Howard, who if you pay close atterntion to his comments you'll see that he states "Never buy an annuity" and then goes on to tell people not to buy "Variable Annuities". A more proper approach, like anything else, should be to educate people about annuities so they can make an informed decision. However, one needs to educate himself before educating others. I have only one question for Clark, and that is how many types of annuities are there? If your going to give out information on annuities, you really should know what your talking about. It's a very simple and basic question that has only one simple and basic answer. If you can't answer that, then you aren't here to educate your listeners, you are simply passing on more miss information. As for providing a free meal and putting on educational seminars, I think each person who attends a seminar should pay very close attention to whether it's a sales pitch or it is truly and educational opportunity. I'd like to invite Clark to attend any one of my educational workshops, based on his comments about annuities, he's in need of a little education. And if it make's Clark feel better, he can pay for his own meal.

I agree with the vast majority of Clark's advice. However, on this topic he is, at best, too vague. While va's are not for everyone, they can be a valuable tool for a portion of your retirement account if you are seeking a stable income and protected growth over your retirement life. Clark, respectfully, you should be a little more objective on this issue, make sure you are fully knowledgable on the benefits of todays variable annuity and present the pro's and the con's. Thanks for doing such great work for investors!

Clark how do feel about fixed indexed annuities such as Aviva multi choice income xtra. Are they safe for Seniors? Thanks, Jim