Are you a military veteran concerned about your retirement investments? Betz Law PLLC, led by experienced securities litigator Demian Betz, has recently filed a case that highlights important issues all military veterans should be aware of.

Case Overview: Betz Law is representing a retired Navy Captain and his spouse in a claim against Ameritas Investment Company and its former agent, Allison Terlip. The case alleges deceptive investment strategy recommendations, including unsuitable and deceptive advice to liquidate a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) comprised of treasury securities and invest the proceeds into a portfolio concentrated entirely into equity indexed annuities manufactured by Ameritas, placing the interests of Ameritas and Terlip before their military veteran client and his spouse.

What Investors Need to Know:

1. Suitability and Best Interest: Investment recommendations must not only align with your specific financial situation and goals but also be made in your best interest. This means the advisor should prioritize your financial well-being over their own potential gains.
2. Best Interest Standard: Under Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI), broker-dealers are required to act in the retail investor's best interest when making a recommendation, without placing their own financial or other interests ahead of the investor's interests.
3. Transparency and Full Disclosure: Complex products like equity indexed annuities should be fully explained, including all risks, fees, surrender charges, market value adjustments, participation rates, caps, and other expenses. Advisors must provide clear, accurate, and complete information to enable informed decision-making.
4. TSP Considerations and Alternatives: Liquidating a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) can have significant consequences, including tax implications and loss of low-fee investment options. This decision should be carefully evaluated, and alternatives thoroughly explored before any action is taken.
5. Military-Specific Advice and Unique Benefits: Retired military personnel often have unique financial circumstances requiring specialized guidance. This includes understanding military pensions, VA benefits, healthcare options, and how these interact with other investment and retirement strategies.
6. Long-Term Financial Planning: Recommendations should consider the long-term financial security of military retirees, including potential changes in lifestyle, healthcare needs, and inflation protection over an extended retirement period.
7. Risk Assessment and Management: Proper evaluation of a military retiree's risk tolerance is crucial, especially considering the stability of military pensions. Investment strategies should balance this guaranteed income with appropriate market exposure.
8. Continuing Education and Expertise: Advisors working with military personnel should maintain up-to-date knowledge on military benefits, legislative changes affecting veterans, and specialized financial planning strategies for this unique demographic.

Betz Law PLLC: Your Experienced Advocate With over 20 years in securities litigation and arbitration, including:

• 18+ years in-house litigation management experience at Wells Fargo and Wachovia
• 700+ securities disputes resolved
• 45 cases tried to conclusion nationwide

If you are a military veteran who received similar investment advice from Ameritas and Ms. Terlip, contact Betz Law for a free consultation.

Contact: Demian Betz at 704-343-1546 or [email protected]

[Disclaimer: This case is ongoing, and allegations have not yet been proven in court or arbitration.]