What does the slowing job growth in April say about the U.S. economy? The chief economist at Moody’s Analytics takes a look at the private sector job numbers. Variable annuities are also coming under scrutiny, as MetLife has agreed to pay $25 million to settle a probe of negligent misrepresentation and omissions tied to variable annuities. Bloomberg covers the risks to investors in purchasing this kind of investment. Women who have ceded their investment decisions to their husbands should reconsider, according to Angie O’Leary of US Bank. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance offers six strategies women can use to live better in retirement.

Private Sector Adds 156,000 Jobs In April vs. 195,000 Expected: ADP–  “The job market appears to have stumbled in April. Job growth noticeably slowed, with some weakness across most sectors. One month does not make a trend, but this bears close watching as the financial market turmoil earlier in the year may have done some damage to business hiring,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics.  Read more…

Annuity Purchasers Need To Be Cautious–  MetLife Inc. has agreed to pay $25 million to settle a probe of abuses (negligent misrepresentation and omissions) tied to variable annuities, the highest-ever penalty for those products by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.  “Variable annuities are complex and expensive products that are routinely pitched to vulnerable investors as a key component of their retirement planning,” Brad Bennett, Finra’s chief of enforcement, said in the statement. “Firms engaging in this business must ensure that the information on the costs and benefits of these products provided to customers is accurate.” Read more…

Six Strategies For Women In Creating a Financial Safety Net–  Women control 80% of all household spending, but when it comes to investing and other financial decisions, “usually it’s the man who steps up,” says Angie O’Leary, senior vice president at US Bank. Ceding financial responsibilities can be disastrous for wives, especially because they are likely to outlive their spouses. “For the most part, all this wealth is going to them,” says O’Leary. “They really need to understand what to do with it.”  Read more…

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