Shell-Shocked Investors Turn to Annuities

(NEWSER) - Now that the financial crisis has destroyed so many nest eggs, many soon-to-be retirees are buying annuities and leaving their kids to fend for themselves, the Wall Street Journal reports. Annuities turn a lump-sum payment into a guaranteed income for life. That’ll provide more peace of mind than living off investment income in an uncertain market, but it leaves nothing for the inheritance. More»

He famously tried to tie Bill Clinton to aide's murder

(NEWSER) - Republican Rep. Dan Burton of Indiana won't be running for re-election, he announced today, citing unspecified personal issues. You might remember Burton as the guy who once shot a watermelon in a bizarre attempt to prove that Bill Clinton was involved in the murder of aide Vince Foster. He was also a noted birther , and last year backed a bill to encase the House floor in bullet-proof plexiglass in response to the Gabrielle Giffords shooting. More»

In part because they have to be

(NEWSER) - The good news is that at least one segment of the population has seen its employment statistics actually rise in this economic downturn. The bad news? That segment is older Americans, many of whom are only working because they're afraid they don't have enough savings to retire, the Washington Post reports. Since the start of the recession, the number of workers aged 55 and older has shot up by 3.1 million, or 12%. More»

Alexandra says her mother 'wants to have a life'

(NEWSER) - In the for-what-it's-worth department: Nancy Pelosi's daughter tells the conservative Big Government website that her mom would love to leave Congress. "She would retire right now, if the donors she has didn’t want her to stay so badly," says filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi. "She’s 71, she wants to have a life, she’s done. It’s obligation, that’s all I’m saying." A follow-up text had this all-important caveat, however: "I have never talked to Nancy Pelosi about any of this." More»

Manager announces retirement days after World Series win

(NEWSER) - If you’re going to retire, there may be no sweeter time to do it than three days after winning the World Series: “I think this just feels like it's time to end it,” said St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa today, as he announced his retirement at a Busch Stadium news conference. “Other than some of the personal attachments, I feel good,” he said. “I feel good that this is the right decision.” More»