Elton John Still Singing Praises of Protected Income

Author: Brian Anderson, Editor-in-Chief

Date: 3/7/2023

View article on 401k Specialist

He may be “retired,” but that hasn’t stopped Elton John from re-upping with the Alliance for Lifetime Income to continue helping his fans understand the importance of having protected income in retirement.

John, the No. 1 male recording artist of all time, announced today the continuation of his partnership with the Alliance for Lifetime Income, which started when the Alliance was Elton’s first and only non‐profit tour partner and the sole presenting partner of his 2022 Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour in North America.

“My fans and I have traveled this yellow brick road together for decades, and I want to do what I can to make sure that what lies beyond it in their retirement is as fulfilling as possible,” said John in a video message released today by the Alliance.

Together, the Alliance, Elton and his husband David Furnish, CEO of Rocket Entertainment and chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, heard from hundreds of thousands of fans along tour stops. The message was clear—financial security and planning for the next phase in life are hugely important to them. The couple plans to continue working with the Alliance to have these vital conversations throughout 2023.

 

“It’s important that we all take the steps needed to ensure financial freedom in our lives, to follow our own yellow brick road,” said Furnish. “Though Elton and I have been fortunate, the need to save, protect and plan for the future are universal principles and the same for all of us. Our continued partnership with the Alliance for Lifetime Income furthers our mission to stand for human dignity at every stage of life.”

More Americans will turn 65 in 2024 than at any point in history. However, the effects of Peak 65 are accelerated by the unexpected spike in the number of Americans who retired prematurely during the COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to layoffs or by choice.

“As our industry works to help Americans achieve a more secure retirement, this partnership is a great opportunity to educate and inform millions of Elton John’s fans about the value of protected income in your retirement plan,” said Caroline Feeney, Chair of the Alliance for Lifetime Income and CEO of U.S. Businesses for Prudential Financial, Inc.

The declining availability of defined benefit pension plans, matched with fears of a looming recession, faltering stocks and bonds, and high interest rates, are some of the reasons that led to an all-time high in annuity sales in 2022 as Americans look to investments that can protect and provide protected income.

“I’m sure my fans have big plans for their next chapter just as I do,” said Elton. “I want my fans to follow their own Yellow Brick Road so they can continue to check off all of those amazing things on their bucket list. Over the past year, and thanks to the Alliance, David and I have learned that protected income from an annuity can help make that possible. I want all of my fans out there to learn about that, so they can enjoy the lifestyle they want.”

For Elton, his Yellow Brick Road leads to spending more time with family, pursuing groundbreaking new creative projects, being more active with his foundation, and continuing his commitment to diversity and economic equality for all.

The Alliance said this continued partnership helps educate people who are approaching retirement and generations to come that financial freedom in retirement can come from having protected income.

“The Alliance was formed with a vision to ensure that no American should have to face the prospect of running out of money in retirement,” said Feeney. “This is a truly unique way to raise awareness and tell our story.”