Author name: John Stevenson

Inflation is the hidden tax that eats into every retiree’s income. And many retirees are asking the same question: “Do annuities actually grow fast enough to beat inflation… or even keep up with it?” It’s a smart question—especially when you want market protection and growth. Traditional thinking says, “Just buy more stocks to beat inflation,” […]

If you’re approaching retirement and you have a pension, you’ve probably wondered: “Should I take the pension payout… or would I get more income by moving that lump sum into an annuity?” This is one of the most common questions retirees bring to me. And the truth is: sometimes the pension is the better deal

High-bonus annuities sound great on paper. 20%… 25%… sometimes even more. But are these bonus annuities actually good, or are they “too good to be true”? Today, I’ll break down exactly how they work, when they are worth it, and when you should stay far away. Need help choosing the best annuity for your unique

If you’ve ever looked at a lifetime income annuity and thought, “This looks too good to be true,” you’re not alone. Clients tell me this every week. “Guaranteed income for the rest of my life? No stock market losses? Stable payouts? What’s the catch?” There are drawbacks you need to understand — but they’re not

If you’re considering an annuity, one of the first questions that comes up is simple…\ “What happens to my money when I die?” Many retirees worry that the insurance company keeps the remaining balance. Others aren’t sure what their spouse or kids will actually receive. And with so many contract options—SPIAs, DIAs, MYGAs, income riders—it

Interest rates are on the move again—and not in the direction many retirees were hoping for.The Fed recently lowered rates and has signaled that more cuts could be coming. That’s why so many pre-retirees and retirees are reaching out in a panic saying:“John, should I lock in an annuity before rates fall again?” In this

Most retirees buy annuities because they don’t want to lose money. They want lifetime income, market protection, and predictable retirement cashflow. But here’s the real question: Can you actually lose money in an annuity? Short answer: Yes — but only under specific circumstances. And most retirees never experience those scenarios if they structure their annuity

When people start comparing annuities and the stock market, this question always comes up: Are fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) really safer? The short answer: Yes — if you choose the right one and use the right strategy. Let’s break it down in plain English. Need help choosing the best annuity for your unique situation? Have

When you’re planning for retirement income, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options inside an annuity contract — especially those income riders. Are they worth the extra cost, or are they just an expensive add-on? Let’s break it down so you can decide for yourself. Need help choosing the best annuity for your

If you’ve been wondering whether annuities are still worth it in 2025—or if they’re just a clever way for insurance companies to take your money—you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions I get. And I get it. You’ve worked hard for your money, and you don’t want to throw it into