Annuity guides

Sequence of returns risk is one of the biggest threats to retirement income, yet most retirees do not hear much about it until it is already affecting their portfolio. You can have a solid amount saved. You can follow a “safe” withdrawal strategy. You can even average a decent return over time. But if the […]

The biggest lie people believe about annuities is that they are designed to produce huge growth. That is not how I believe annuities should be viewed. Yes, some annuity illustrations may show impressive-looking numbers. You might see hypothetical returns that look like 20%, 30%, or even more in a single year. I have even seen

When people ask me about annuities, one of the most common things I hear is: “I want lifetime income, but I also want strong growth, flexibility, and money left behind for my family.” That sounds great. But here’s the truth: with annuities, there is almost always a trade-off between growth and guaranteed income. You can

If you’re thinking about buying an annuity, timing matters more than most people realize.And one of the biggest regrets I hear from retirees is simple: “I wish I had done this sooner.” The truth is, waiting too long to buy an annuity can cost you tens of thousands per year in retirement income. Let’s break

If you’re nearing retirement, you’ve probably asked this question: Should I be using CDs, bonds, or annuities right now? Because what worked 10–15 years ago… doesn’t always work today. Interest rates, inflation, and market volatility have changed the game. And right now, a lot of retirees—and even high-net-worth investors—are quietly shifting how they allocate their

If you already have millions saved for retirement, you might be thinking: “Why would I ever need an annuity?” After all, you may already have dividends, interest, rental income, or a well-built portfolio generating plenty of cash flow. But here’s the reality… Annuities aren’t just for people who need income. They’re often used by people

If you’re trying to figure out how to generate $100,000 per year in retirement income for life, you’ve probably realized something: The old ways, like the 4% rule or relying purely on the stock market… don’t guarantee anything. And when you’re retired, uncertainty is the last thing you want. In this article, I’m going to

Many retirees want reliable passive income once they stop working. Two of the most common strategies people consider are real estate investing and annuities. Both can work. I personally like both. But the reality is they serve different lifestyles and different retirement goals, and the right choice depends on your situation, taxes, and how involved

If you’re nearing retirement, you’ve probably heard the typical advice: reduce risk, move to safer investments, and protect what you’ve built. But what if there was a strategy that actually lets you take MORE risk, while still protecting your retirement income? That’s exactly what the right annuity strategy can do. I’m John Stevenson, the Guaranteed

If you’re planning early retirement, one of the biggest questions you might have is: Can an annuity provide income before age 59½ without penalties? This is a question I get all the time from people who want to retire in their 50s or early 60s. The challenge is that the IRS has rules about withdrawing