Annuities

What if your life savings could never shrink, even if the stock market plunged tomorrow. Would you sleep better at night? For many people nearing retirement in 2026, with inflation still hovering around 3% and market uncertainty, that promise of absolute safety is the most powerful draw of a...

Imagine reaching age 73 and having the flexibility to keep your money growing tax-deferred, instead of the IRS forcing you to withdraw it. That's the powerful and often misunderstood advantage of a non-qualified annuity. Which is why people keep asking; are non-qualified annuities subject to required minimum distributions? As a financial...

I'll never forget a couple, the Flemings who came to my office back in 2009, right after the market crash had decimated their 401(k)'s. They were 67, retired, and terrified. Their number one question wasn't about growth or returns; it was, "How can we make sure we never run...

As a retired financial planner with almost 30 years of experience, I’ve seen variable annuities (VAs) described as everything from a retiree’s silver bullet to a fee-laden trap. Variable Annuities are the financial world’s Swiss Army knife. Complex, with many moving parts, promising market-like growth with a safety net. But...

Greetings, readers! My name is Michael Ryan, and after over 25 years as a financial planner, I've seen firsthand how confusing topics like annuities can be. But I'm here to tell you - having a solid grasp on annuities and related concepts can transform your retirement planning for the...

Have you ever wondered if annuities deserve a place in your retirement portfolio? Picture opening your 401(k) statement and seeing terms like "fixed indexed annuity," "surrender charges," and "guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit." If those phrases make your head spin, you're not alone. But here's what matters: annuities can deliver...

Whether you're a baby boomer approaching retirement or already living off your savings, you need straight answers about annuities – not sales pitches disguised as advice. Annuities have become one of the most hotly debated topics in retirement planning, with strong opinions on both sides. But the truth isn't as...

The straight answer: An annuity rider is an optional feature you can add to an annuity contract to provide specific benefits, like guaranteed lifetime income or long-term care coverage, in exchange for an annual fee. While these riders can be a powerful tool for securing your retirement, they come with...