Mike Palmer in Kiplinger: Boomer Candy Investments Might Seem Sweet, But They Can Have a Sour Aftertaste

In the past decade, Wall Street has churned out a flood of financial products aimed directly at retirees — the biggest, wealthiest and most fearful generation of investors.These products, which include buffered ETFs, structured notes and fixed index annuities, have earned the fitting nickname "Boomer Candy.

a statue of a bull on a brick street

In the past decade, Wall Street has churned out a flood of financial products aimed directly at retirees — the biggest, wealthiest and most fearful generation of investors.

These products, which include buffered ETFs, structured notes and fixed index annuities, have earned the fitting nickname "Boomer Candy."

What's the Downside of Boomer Candy?

Ark Royal's founder Mike Palmer writes a monthly column for Kiplinger and shares his perspective and expertise in this article (Boomer Candy Investments Might Seem Sweet, But They Can Have a Sour Aftertaste). Just a few of the things investors should know about index annuities, buffered ETFs and structured notes are:

  • Hidden fees that reduce returns

  • Limited investment options and / or esoteric indices

  • Limited liquidity

  • Volatility created by point in time or point to point valuation

We also have a video that goes helps explain some of the less well understood risks associated with Boomer Candy. 



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Ark Royal Wealth Management LLC (“ARWM”) is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The presence of this website on the Internet shall not be directly or indirectly interpreted as a solicitation of investment advisory services to persons of another jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted by statute. Follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state by ARWM in the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation shall not be made without our first complying with jurisdiction requirements or pursuant an applicable state exemption.

All written content on this site is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of ARWM, unless otherwise specifically cited.  Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness.  All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.

About

How We Work

Young Professionals

Blog

Join newsletter

© 2026 Ark Royal Wealth

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Designed by Slices.Design

Ark Royal Wealth Management LLC (“ARWM”) is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The presence of this website on the Internet shall not be directly or indirectly interpreted as a solicitation of investment advisory services to persons of another jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted by statute. Follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state by ARWM in the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation shall not be made without our first complying with jurisdiction requirements or pursuant an applicable state exemption.

All written content on this site is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of ARWM, unless otherwise specifically cited.  Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness.  All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.

About

How We Work

Young Professionals

Blog

Join newsletter

© 2026 Ark Royal Wealth

Form ADV
Form CRS
Privacy Policy

Designed by Slices.Design

Ark Royal Wealth Management LLC (“ARWM”) is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The presence of this website on the Internet shall not be directly or indirectly interpreted as a solicitation of investment advisory services to persons of another jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted by statute. Follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state by ARWM in the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation shall not be made without our first complying with jurisdiction requirements or pursuant an applicable state exemption.

All written content on this site is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of ARWM, unless otherwise specifically cited.  Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness.  All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.