Annuity Articles & Guides

Everything you need to know about rolling your 401k into an annuity — the benefits, the process, the tax implications, and when it actually makes sense for your situation.

Fixed, indexed, or hybrid — which annuity type is right for your retirement situation? We break down every option with honest pros and cons so you can decide with confidence.

Annuities aren't right for everyone. Here's the complete, unbiased breakdown of the real benefits and genuine drawbacks so you can make an informed retirement income decision.

The definitive introduction to annuities — what they are, how they work, the history behind them, and whether they belong in your retirement plan.

Go beyond the basics. Understand the full lifecycle of an annuity, know what to watch out for, and learn how to take confident action toward guaranteed retirement income.

A plain-English breakdown of all five major annuity types — with honest pros, cons, and a guide to which type fits which retirement situation.

Not a sales pitch — and not anti-annuity either. A balanced, evidence-based look at when annuities genuinely help and when they genuinely don't.

Most buyers don't ask enough questions before signing. Here are the 10 that reveal hidden costs, protect your liquidity, and ensure the annuity actually fits your retirement goals.

Riders customize your annuity contract — but each one costs money. Learn what GLWB, GMIB, LTC, and death benefit riders actually do and whether they're worth adding.

Annuities vs. mutual funds — which belongs in your retirement plan? A direct comparison of guarantees, risk, fees, and flexibility to help you decide with confidence.

What are the best investments for retirement? A practical framework for building a portfolio that balances growth, protection, and guaranteed income.

What's the difference between an annuity and a perpetuity — and can an annuity pay forever? A clear explanation of both concepts and what it means for retirement income planning.

Seven annuity payout structures explained — life only, joint and survivor, period certain, lump sum, and more. The choice you make at annuitization is typically permanent.

Secondary market annuities can offer above-average yields by purchasing existing structured settlement payments. Here's how they work, the real risks, and who they're suited for.

An ALDA lets you defer income to age 80 or 85 — reducing required savings and providing longevity insurance. Here's how they work and when they make sense for retirement planning.

The DOL fiduciary rule requires more advisors to act in your best interest when recommending annuities. Here's what changed and what it means for annuity buyers.

How to build a retirement income plan that pays you for life — regardless of market conditions. The role of annuities, Social Security, and other guaranteed income sources.

A step-by-step guide to purchasing secondary market annuities — the due diligence process, what to verify, and how to evaluate whether an SMA is priced fairly.

A 1035 exchange lets you move from one annuity to another without triggering a taxable event. Here's how it works, what qualifies, and the common pitfalls to avoid.

How accumulation works inside a deferred annuity, how your money grows during the accumulation phase, and what happens to the fund when income payments begin.

Retirement planning for singles is fundamentally different. With no spouse to rely on, guaranteed income strategies matter more — and the risk of outliving your savings is higher.

Inherited an annuity? You have options — and time limits. What beneficiaries need to know about the five-year rule, stretch provisions, spousal continuation, and tax treatment.

Green flags, red flags, and the right questions to ask before hiring a financial advisor. How to find someone who is genuinely qualified and working in your interest.

Will Social Security be there when you retire? What the funding projections show, how benefits may change, and how annuities provide guaranteed income on top of whatever Social Security pays.