Why investors concerned about frothy stock valuations and volatility may want to consider equity alternatives like convertible and high yield bonds.

A decline early in retirement can have a big impact on the value of one’s nest egg. It means having to draw down a larger portion of one’s portfolio to meet income needs, while a decline that occurs later might be less hazardous to one’s wealth. Adding convertible bonds, high yield bonds, and dividend-paying equities may provide downside mitigation during major equity market downturns.

With more people living longer than ever, the challenge will be to not run out of money, as the need for monthly income grows. Rising health care expenditures add another dimension to longevity risk.

Between lower-for-longer rates, rising inflation, negative real yields, and rising equity volatility, investors should re-think their nest egg allocations.

Convertible securities historically have provided returns competitive with equities, but with lower volatility.

Between chronic low rates, wariness about owning equities, rising inflation, and longer life expectancy, investors planning for retirement may want to make an income and growth fund a core holding.

Explore five reasons why the market has quadrupled since 2005: the potential for high income, good relative value, diversification, a tax advantaged rate, and managing interest rate risk.

As children, we’re taught that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Many expect investing to be the same, with high and consistent returns bringing you from point A (starting out) to point B (wealth). But markets don’t operate in the same realm as the physical world. There is no straight line when it comes to risky investments. Instead, the road to wealth is a long and winding one – two steps forward, one step back – repeated indefinitely.

Investing may be simple, but it isn’t easy. We’re told to buy equities and hold them through good markets and bad. But few of us have the fortitude to calmly stay fully invested when prices are declining. When it comes to investing, your best offense is a great defense.