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*Annuities are long-term, tax-deferred investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuer. Withdrawals made prior to age 59½ are subject to a 10-percent IRS penalty tax, and surrender charges may apply. Gains from tax-deferred investments are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. The investment returns and principal value of the available subaccount portfolios will fluctuate, so the value of an investor’s unit, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original value. Optional features available may involve additional fees. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other information about the variable annuity, can be obtained from your financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest.

Foreign Markets Emerging As Strong Investment Option - US News

The 9 Top Retirement Strategies That You Need to know For 2018 - US News

4 Things to Consider Before Investing in Bonds - US News

Should You Own Nontraditional Bond Funds? - US News

7 Mistakes to Avoid With Dollar-Cost Averaging - US News

2017 Five Star Wealth Manager Neponset Valley Financial Partners

2016 Five Star Wealth Manager Neponset Valley Financial Partners - 2016 Boston Five Star Wealth Managers

Based on 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria, including a minimum of 5 years as an active credentialed financial professional, favorable regulatory and complaint history, accepts new clients, client retention rates, client assets administered, education, and professional designations. 2,530 Boston wealth managers were considered for the award; 632 (25 percent of candidates) were named 2016 Five Star Wealth Managers. (The criteria provided reflects the most recent year for which advisor received the award. The criteria used, the number of wealth managers considered for the award, and the percentage of those who receive the award, may vary from year to year). These awards are not indicative of the wealth managers' future performance. Your experiences may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.

Why Major Media Stocks Are Struggling - US News

Turning Savings Into Steady Income - The Wall Street Journal

Currency, Oil Help Managed-Future Funds - The Wall Street Journal

Giving the Gift of Money to Loved Ones - The Wall Street Journal

Closed-End Funds Look Appealing, but Weigh the Risks - The Wall Street Journal

Treasury to pick manager for Obama myRA retirement program - Reuters

2014 Five Star Wealth Manager Neponset Valley Financial Partners - 2014 Boston Five Star Wealth Managers

A REIT That Could Bite Back - The Wall Street Journal

A nontraded real estate investment trust (REIT) is a REIT that is not traded on any public stock exchange. A nontraded REIT lacks the marketable liquidity of a publicly traded REIT and may be difficult to redeem at any price. You should consult with your financial advisor and carefully consider your short-term and long-term liquidity needs. Real estate investments are subject to a high degree of risk because of general economic or local market conditions; changes in supply or demand; competing properties in an area; changes in interest rates; and changes in tax, real estate, environmental, or zoning laws and regulations. Real estate units/shares fluctuate in value and may be redeemed for more or less than the original amount invested.

Advisers plot varied paths as fixed-income markets tremble - Boston Business Journal

How much risk to take? Assessing fund volatility - Associated Press

Six financial tips young adults need to know from... - Money Under 30

How would candidates' tax plans affect investors? - Associated Press

Analysis: Legg Mason's internal tensions lead to breakup talk - Reuters

ANALYSIS-Teamwork, controls yield rare comeback for MFS - Reuters

Second Quarter 2011 Market Newsletter

As markets roil, investors should think long term - Yahoo! Finance

Stock market troubles test college parents with fall tuition due - Reuters

Sound advice - The Business Journals

Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Because investment return and principal value fluctuate, shares may be worth more or less than original value. Stock investments fluctuate in response to company-specific factors and general market, political, regulatory, and economic conditions. Dollar-cost averaging plans do not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets. Such plans involve continuous investment, regardless of market conditions. Markets will fluctuate, and clients must consider their ability to continue investing during periods of low price levels. The purchase of bonds is subject to availability and market conditions. There is an inverse relationship between the price of bonds and the yield: when price goes up, yield goes down, and vice versa. Market risk is a consideration if sold or redeemed prior to maturity. Some bonds have call features that may affect income. Municipal bonds are federally tax-free but may be subject to state and local taxes, and interest income may be subject to federal alternative minimum tax (AMT). Investing in alternative investments may not be suitable for all investors and involves special risks, such as risk associated with leveraging the investment, potential adverse market forces, regulatory changes, and potential illiquidity. There is no assurance that the investment objective will be attained. A private or nontraded real estate investment trust (REIT) is a REIT that is not traded on any public stock exchange. A nontraded REIT lacks themarketable liquidity of a publicly traded REIT and may be difficult to redeemat any price. You should consult with your financial advisor and carefully consider your short-term and long-term liquidity needs. Real estate investments are subject to a high degree of risk because of general economic or local market conditions; changes in supply or demand; competing properties in an area; changes in interest rates; and changes in tax, real estate, environmental, or zoning laws and regulations. Real estate units/shares fluctuate in value and may be redeemed for more or less than the original amount invested. Structured products are complex, illiquid investments whose returns may be based on the underlying price movements of a single security, a basket of securities, an index, a commodity, a debt issuance, and/or a foreign currency. Many economic and market factors will affect the value of structured products, and such factors may offset or magnify each other. Risk factors may include interest rate levels, implied volatility, and time remaining to maturity. Other risks may apply. Please carefully review the disclosure document or offering memorandum before investing. Emerging market and international investments involve higher risks than investments from developed countries and also involve increased risks due to differences in accounting methods, foreign taxation, economic, political or financial instability, lack of timely or reliable information and currency fluctuation. Futures trading is speculative, involves substantial risk, and is not suitable for all investors. Risks include the following: there is the potential loss of your total investment; the funds are highly leveraged; your investment could be illiquid; performance is expected to be volatile; an investment in the fund may not diversify an overall portfolio; and increased competition from other trend-following traders could reduce the fund's profitability.

Some 'hot' tips for rebalancing your fund portfolio right now - Worcester Telegram & Gazette - Telegram.com

Investors fret about how to survive a debt default - Reuters

Deal in sight, global markets look up to Monday - Associated Press

Muni Market offers opportunities despite budget woes - Reuters

Top Earners Lose Cost of BMW if Bush Tax Cuts Expire - Bloomberg

Black Swan Strategies - Insurance News Magazine

Is Your Mutual Fund a Hedge Fund in Disguise? - Hedge FundX

Investing in alternative investments may not be suitable for all investors and involves special risks such as risk associated with leveraging the investment, potential adverse market forces, regulatory changes, and potential illiquidity. There is no assurance that the investment objective will be attained. Investors must meet specific suitability standards and understand these investments are for a long-term investment horizon.

Down Market, low rates makie it prime time for trusts - San Francisco Business Journal

You Make The Call - Financial Advisor Magazine

MPT in a Black Swan Universe - Financial Advisor Magazine