Jill on Money: Markets, Bonds, MRD's Download the podcast on iTunes Download the podcast on feedburner Download this week's show (MP3) We started the show with special guest Paddy Hirsch, author of a new book "Man vs. Markets: Economics explained, plain and simple." The book is a terrific combination of analogies, illustrations and clear breakdowns of complicated financial topics, so I encourage everyone to check it out! Paddy provided us with a great explanation of bonds, which was timely, since we have been fielding a bunch of bond questions lately. Bob from Buffalo has $1 million to allocate into fixed investments, while Dave wrote in , wondering whether he should sell his bond mutual fund and purchase more stocks. When you turn 70 1/2, you must take Minimum Required Distributions (MRDs) from retirement accounts (other than Roth IRAs). The rules for are very IRS-esque, meaning that they are confusing. You must begin withdrawing funds from your retirement accounts by April 1 of the year following the year you turn age 70 1/2. For all subsequent years, including the first RMD year, you have to take your distribution by December 31. Ralph from CT needed help determining from which account he should draw his MRD, while Sally from AZ is not sure whether her annuity is subject to MRDs. We got a note from a listener in AUSTRALIA! Dan and his girlfriend save about 50 percent of everything they earn--wow! They needed some tips as to how they can invest for various goals, all of which have different time horizons. In the insurance outrage of the week, Lori wrote in after her insurance broker said she and her husband should stop contributing to their retirement plans and instead (wait for it), they should each take out a $1 million dollar whole life insurance policy instead. After I got down off my soap box, I reminded everyone that I really like insurance, it's just some of these agents are just mind-blowing. In fact, Paul from NY wrote in complaining that so "advisors" have approached him about investing in annuities and he is unsure where to turn. As he said, "I know I need to put it some place other then a bank, but who do you trust?" One place to start is the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA.org). Here are web sites and resources mentioned in this week's show: Jill's Blog How to Choose a Financial Advisor: 10 Questions NAPFA: National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (fee-only advisors) Minimum Required Distributions (MRDs) The ABCs of Annuities: 6 Questions to Ask The Pros and Cons of Annuities Immediate Annuity Calculator Annuity salespeople don't like me Social Security: Manage your account online Social Security estimator When to take Social Security? Social Security: File and Suspend Social Security: Double-Dipping Financial documents: What to shred, what to keep Estate Planning: the Documents You Need Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us: Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE Send an email: askjill@moneywatch.com Tweet me: @jillonmoney Post a comment on this blog