A paycheck in retirement, planned in plain English.
We help people within ten years of retirement see how much of their monthly budget Social Security and pensions will cover, and whether an annuity could help fill the rest. No pressure, and no jargon.
Licensed agentsInsurance-licensed in OH and PA
Many carriersWe compare, not one company
1,800+ familiesServed across two states
Written summariesEvery option explained on paper
Your retirement income gap.
Enter rough monthly numbers. You'll see how much of your budget is covered by income that arrives every month for life, and how much is left to your savings.
For education only. Figures are simple estimates in today's dollars and ignore inflation, taxes, investment returns and changes to benefits. This is not a recommendation to buy any product.
Annuity types, explained simply.
An annuity is a contract with an insurance company. You pay a premium, and the insurer agrees to certain terms. Here are the four most common kinds.
Fixed annuity
Works a bit like a certificate of deposit issued by an insurer. Your money earns a set interest rate for a set number of years. Interest grows tax-deferred until you withdraw it.
- How it grows
- A declared interest rate for a set term, often 3 to 10 years
- Access to money
- Usually up to 10% a year without a charge; more may trigger surrender charges
- Market risk
- Principal is not exposed to stock market losses
- Trade-off
- Rates may not keep pace with inflation over long periods
Fixed indexed annuity
Interest is credited based partly on how a market index performs, up to a cap or participation rate. If the index falls, credited interest is typically zero for that period rather than negative.
- How it grows
- Index-linked interest, limited by caps, spreads or participation rates
- Access to money
- Free withdrawals are limited; surrender periods are often 7 to 10 years
- Market risk
- You don't invest directly in the index; principal isn't reduced by index losses
- Trade-off
- Upside is limited, and features can be complex. Optional riders cost extra
Immediate income annuity
You exchange a lump sum for income payments that start within about a year, for a set period or for life. It turns savings into something that feels like a pension.
- How it pays
- Monthly income for life, joint life, or a guaranteed period
- Access to money
- Generally none after purchase; the lump sum becomes income
- Market risk
- Payments don't change with the market
- Trade-off
- Less flexibility, and fixed payments lose buying power to inflation unless you add an increase option
Deferred income annuity
Similar to an immediate annuity, but income begins at a future date you choose, often 5 to 15 years later. Waiting typically means a larger payment for the same premium.
- How it pays
- Income starting at a chosen future age
- Access to money
- Very limited before income begins
- Market risk
- Payment amount is set by the contract, not the market
- Trade-off
- If you pass away early, payments may be limited unless you choose a death benefit option
Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Surrender charges, fees and rider costs vary by contract.
How we help, step by step.
Listen first
A relaxed conversation about your budget, savings, health and family. Bring your spouse or an adult child.
Show the gap
We map your guaranteed income against expenses and show options side by side, including doing nothing.
Decide in your own time
You take home a written summary. If an annuity isn't right for you, we'll say so plainly.
"Most people don't need a complicated plan. They need to know their bills will be paid, and they need someone to explain the fine print slowly."
Margaret HollisFounder and licensed insurance agent, License #DEMO-0000
Free educational workshops.
"Turning Savings into Income" is a 75-minute talk with time for questions. Light refreshments provided. Spouses and guests are welcome.
Workshops are educational. Insurance products may be discussed, and a licensed agent may contact you afterward. You're never obligated to buy anything.
Thank you, .
What attendees tell us.
Margaret drew our income on a single sheet of paper. For the first time, my husband and I understood where the shortfall was.
Nobody pushed. They told me to keep part of my savings liquid for the grandkids, and I appreciated that.
The workshop was clear and the slides were large enough to read. My daughter came along and asked all the hard questions.
Sample testimonials for demonstration. Experiences are individual and not indicative of future results.
Good questions to ask.
If you're considering an annuity from anyone, these are worth asking.
No. Annuities can be useful for turning savings into predictable income, but they tie up money, can carry surrender charges and aren't ideal for funds you may need soon. Many people use them for only part of their savings, and some don't need one at all.
A fee for withdrawing more than the allowed amount during the early years of a contract. It usually decreases each year. Always ask how long the surrender period lasts and what the charge is in each year.
No. Annuities are insurance products, not bank deposits, and are not FDIC insured. Guarantees depend on the financial strength of the issuing insurance company. State guaranty associations provide limited protection; ask us about the limits in your state.
Our agents are typically paid a commission by the insurance company when a contract is purchased. We disclose this upfront, and the commission is not deducted from your premium on most contracts.
Most states give you a "free look" period, often 10 to 30 days, to cancel and receive a refund. The length depends on your state and age.
No. We can explain how annuities are generally taxed, but for advice about your situation please speak with a tax professional or attorney. We're glad to coordinate with them.
Talk it through, at your own pace.
Reserve a workshop seat, or call and speak with a licensed agent. Either way, you'll leave with a clearer picture.