Straight Talk on Annuities
Plain-English articles on annuities, retirement income, and how to evaluate financial products. Written by a retirement income specialist with 20+ years of hands-on experience working with these products.
What Is a Fixed Indexed Annuity? A Plain-English Guide
Fixed Indexed Annuities are one of the most commonly sold, and most misunderstood, financial products. Here's what they actually do, how they work, and when they make sense.
Read Article5 Questions to Ask Before Signing Any Annuity Contract
Before you sign an annuity contract, there are five questions every buyer should ask, and most people never do. The answers will tell you whether the product is right for you.
Read ArticleShould You Roll Your 401(k) Into an Annuity?
Rolling a 401(k) or IRA into an annuity is one of the most significant financial decisions a pre-retiree can make. Here's how to think through it and what to watch out for.
Read ArticleUnderstanding Annuity Surrender Charges: What They Are and Why They Matter
Surrender charges are one of the most important, and least understood, features of annuity contracts. Here's what they are, how they work, and how to evaluate them.
Read ArticleSPIA vs. FIA: Which Annuity Is Right for Your Retirement Income?
Both SPIAs and FIAs can provide retirement income, but they work very differently. Here's how to choose between them based on your specific situation.
Read ArticleAnnuity Fees: What You're Really Paying (And Whether It's Worth It)
Annuity fees can range from zero to 4%+ per year. Understanding what you're paying, and what you're getting for it, is essential before you commit.
Read ArticleIncome Riders Explained: Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits
Income riders promise guaranteed lifetime income, but the fine print matters. Here's how GLWBs actually work, what they cost, and when they're worth adding.
Read ArticleMYGAs as a CD Alternative: What to Know Before You Switch
Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities often offer higher rates than CDs, but they're not the same product. Here's what to consider before using a MYGA as a CD replacement.
Read Article7 Red Flags That an Annuity Is Being Oversold to You
Not every annuity sale is in your best interest. Here are seven warning signs that you're being oversold, and what to do if you spot them.
Read ArticleHow Annuity Caps and Participation Rates Actually Work
Cap rates, participation rates, and spreads are the three numbers that determine how much of the market's growth you actually receive in a fixed indexed annuity. Here's what each one means and why it matters.
Read ArticleVariable Annuities: What They Are and Why Most Retirees Should Think Twice
Variable annuities were once one of the most popular retirement products in America. Understanding what they actually cost, how they work, and where they fit (or don't) in a retirement plan is worth your time, especially if you already own one.
Read ArticleThe Difference Between a Deferred and an Immediate Annuity
The difference between a deferred and an immediate annuity comes down to one question: when do you want income to start? Here's what each structure does, how interest rates affect both, and which one belongs in your retirement plan.
Read ArticleHow Annuity Taxes Work
Annuities offer tax-deferred growth, but the tax treatment at distribution is more nuanced than most people realize. The LIFO rule, the exclusion ratio, and the absence of a step-up in basis all affect how much you actually keep.
Read ArticleWhat Is a Deferred Income Annuity (DIA)?
A deferred income annuity lets you buy guaranteed income now that doesn't start until a future date you choose. Here's how DIAs work, why the deferral period matters, and when this structure makes sense as longevity insurance.
Read ArticleAnnuity Surrender Charges Explained: What They Are, How They Work, and How to Avoid Them
Surrender charges can cost you 7 to 10% if you exit an annuity early. Learn exactly how they work, what a typical schedule looks like, and the legal ways to avoid them.
Read ArticleHow Annuity Income Riders Work: A Plain-English Guide to GLWBs
An income rider (GLWB) can guarantee lifetime withdrawals even if your account balance hits zero. Here is how the benefit base, payout rate, and roll-up work in plain English.
Read ArticleHow to Get Out of an Annuity: Your Options, the Costs, and What to Consider First
Need to exit an annuity? Learn the four main options, what each one costs, and how to decide which path makes the most sense for your situation.
Read ArticleHow Much Does a $500,000 Annuity Pay Per Month?
A $500,000 annuity can pay between $2,693 and $3,671 per month depending on your age, gender, and payout option. See the full breakdown by age and annuity type.
Read ArticleHow Much Does a $1 Million Annuity Pay Per Month?
A $1 million annuity can pay between $5,369 and $7,343 per month depending on your age, gender, and payout structure. See the full breakdown with current 2026 data.
Read ArticleThe Annuity Buyer's Guide
8 pages covering the 5 questions to ask before signing any annuity contract, red flags to watch for, and how to evaluate carrier strength.