Month: May 2026

Should I Be Doing This Annuity?

Should I Be Doing This Annuity?

Should you consider an annuity, or avoid it altogether? 

This week, Dennis O’Keefe breaks down how annuities work, why they are often sold rather than bought, and when they may or may not make sense.

Using a real client scenario, Dennis explains how annuity proposals can be positioned in ways that don’t always benefit the investor. He also walks through the structure of annuities, including insurance components, tax deferral, and the underlying costs that can impact returns.

Key takeaways:

  • What an annuity actually is
  • Why annuities tend to be expensive
  • How commissions and structure impact recommendations
  • When annuities may make sense
  • Why a second opinion can be critical
  • And more! 

Connect with Dennis O’Keefe: 

All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement of any third party, or as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, legal, or consulting services, and should not be acted upon without obtaining specific advice from a qualified professional. We believe the information presented to be reliable, but it is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Any opinions or statements by third parties are their own and may not be representative of the experience of others or indicative of future investment performance or success. No compensation has been exchanged for any testimonials, endorsements, and/or recognitions.

What Happens If We Have Another Recession?

What Happens If We Have Another Recession?

What should investors actually do during a recession?

In this release of YSR Shorts, Dennis O’Keefe challenges the common reactions people have when markets decline and explains why those instincts often lead to poor outcomes.

Using historical examples and a real-world perspective, Dennis explains why market downturns are part of the economic cycle and how disciplined investors approach them differently. He also highlights the importance of thinking long-term and viewing downturns as opportunities rather than threats.

We share:

  • Why investor instincts often work against them
  • Lessons from past market downturns
  • The difference between fear and strategy
  • How to think about buying during declines
  • Why long-term perspective matters
  • And more!

Connect with Dennis O’Keefe: 

All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement of any third party, or as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, legal, or consulting services, and should not be acted upon without obtaining specific advice from a qualified professional. We believe the information presented to be reliable, but it is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Any opinions or statements by third parties are their own and may not be representative of the experience of others or indicative of future investment performance or success. No compensation has been exchanged for any testimonials, endorsements, and/or recognitions.

What Families Need to Know About College Planning Today

What Families Need to Know About College Planning Today

College planning rarely works the way most parents remember it.

In this episode, Dennis O’Keefe shares a personal and eye-opening look at today’s college financial aid system after recently guiding his son through the process. What’s changed over the years may surprise you. How applications are submitted, and how aggressively colleges are offering aid…

More importantly, he talks about what families should actually be thinking about depending on where their student is in the process, whether college is right around the corner or still years away. 

Key takeaways:

  • How decreasing college enrollment is shifting in favor of students and families
  • What the unified application system means for acceptance rates and decision timelines
  • Why financial aid is more available than many parents expect
  • The real cost versus value conversation when choosing between private and public schools
  • How early exposure, relationships, and campus engagement can influence both admissions and aid
  • Smart ways to think about saving for college, including 529 plans, custodial accounts, and flexible alternatives 
  • And more!

Connect with Dennis O’Keefe: 

 

 

All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement of any third party, or as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, legal, or consulting services, and should not be acted upon without obtaining specific advice from a qualified professional. We believe the information presented to be reliable, but it is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Any opinions or statements by third parties are their own and may not be representative of the experience of others or indicative of future investment performance or success. No compensation has been exchanged for any testimonials, endorsements, and/or recognitions.