A quick, honest guide · Free
Thinking About an Annuity? Read This Before You Sign.
Annuity Do's and Don'ts gives you the 6 do's, the 6 don'ts and the 8 questions to ask before you move a single dollar, plus a quick Annuity Fit Check. Plain English, no sales pitch.
Why this matters
An annuity can be a smart move or a costly one. The difference is in the details.
Maybe an advisor mentioned one. Maybe you saw an ad, or a friend swears by theirs while another says to avoid them. The truth is somewhere in the middle.
Most annuities limit access to your money for years, often 5 to 10. Once you sign, mistakes can be hard to undo. The difference almost always comes down to a short list of do's and don'ts, and this guide walks you through both so you can decide with confidence.
Do
- Match the term to your timeline
- Check the insurance company behind it
- Know exactly how your interest is credited
- plus 3 more in the guide
Don't
- Chase the highest headline rate
- Assume every annuity is the same
- Put all of your savings into one contract
- plus 3 more in the guide
Inside this guide
Everything to know before you move your money
24 illustrated pages in plain English. Read the do's and don'ts in about 15 minutes, then keep the questions handy for any annuity conversation.
The 6 do's
The habits that separate a smart annuity decision from an expensive one.
The 6 don'ts
Including the mix-up that surprises people at exactly the wrong time.
The 5 main types, decoded
What each one is, who it may suit and what to watch for, in plain terms.
8 questions to ask before you sign
Bring them to any annuity conversation so you can choose with confidence.
5 myths, answered
Do annuities lock up your money forever? Does the company keep it if you die early?
How annuities are taxed
Why the way your money goes in changes what you owe when it comes out.
Key terms, in one line each
Surrender charge, cap rate, participation rate, income rider and more.
Bonus: the Annuity Fit Check
Score yourself in two minutes and see whether an annuity deserves a serious look.
The most common surprise
Many annuities show two different values. Do you know which one is really yours?
Mixing them up is one of the most common annuity mistakes, and people usually find out at the worst possible time. The guide explains the difference.
This guide is for you if
You want income you can count on, without a costly mistake.
- Someone has recommended an annuity, and you want to know what to look for before you say yes.
- You're near or in retirement and want a portion of your income you can count on for life.
- You'd like to protect part of your savings from a market drop right before or after you retire.
Bonus inside
Your pre-purchase checklist: 8 questions to ask before you sign
Get a clear answer to each one and you can move forward with confidence.
The product
Getting your money out
Costs and the insurer
Your family and your plan
How it works
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Talk it through, if you like
Book a free Annuity Clarity Session with Roger to look at your own situation.
From the author
Hi, I'm Roger Fishel.
I help people who are close to retirement, or already there, turn what they've saved into income they can count on. I've seen annuities do exactly what people needed, and I've seen people locked into the wrong one for years because nobody explained the details first.
I wrote this guide so you can tell the difference before you sign anything, and make a decision you feel good about. Use it on your own, or bring your Fit Check score and your questions to a free Annuity Clarity Session and we'll look at your situation together.
Plan. Protect. Prosper.
Questions
Before you download
Is the guide really free?
Yes. There's no cost and no credit card. Fill in the short form and the PDF is yours.
Is this a sales pitch for an annuity?
No. It's education first: what to look for, the mistakes to avoid and the questions to ask, plus a Fit Check so you can see whether an annuity deserves a serious look for you. If you'd like help applying it to your own numbers, Roger is happy to talk.
Will someone pressure me?
No. You'll get the guide and a few helpful follow-up emails, and Roger's team may reach out once to make sure it arrived and answer any questions. You can unsubscribe at any time.
I already own an annuity. Is it still useful?
Yes. The don'ts, key terms and questions can help you understand the contract you already have, including its surrender period, fees and death benefit. If you'd like a second opinion, you can also book a free Annuity Clarity Session with Roger.
Is this financial or tax advice?
No. The guide is for general education only. Neither the firm nor its agents or representatives may give tax or legal advice. Please talk with a qualified professional about your own situation before you act.
How do I receive it?
It opens on the very next page as a PDF you can read on your phone or computer, and we also email you a copy so you can find it later.
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