Before your consultation
Common questions
Questions people ask before a free annuity consultation, answered in about a minute each. Open the one that matters to you.
About annuities
How annuities work, what they cost, and when they may fit.
13 questions
- What is an annuity?An annuity is a contract with an insurance company. You put money in for growth, a retirement paycheck, or both.
- Can I lose money if the market drops?It depends on the type. Fixed and fixed indexed annuities protect your savings from market drops. Variable and index-linked annuities can lose money.
- Will I lose access to my money?Yes, an annuity can limit access. Some charge for early withdrawals. Turning money into lifetime payments generally means giving up control.
- How long is my money tied up?Often 5 to 10 years, sometimes longer. Even then, you can generally take some out each year, and shorter terms may be available.
- What happens to the money when I die?The contract and payment choice decide. Some keep paying a spouse. Others may pay little or nothing after you die.
- How much should I put in?There's no one right amount, and it doesn't have to be all or nothing.
- Can one annuity do growth and income?Yes. Some annuities let your money grow and provide income.
- Are the fees high?Fees can be high. What you pay depends on the annuity type and contract.
- I heard the bonus is a gimmick. Is it real?Yes, it's a real credit from the insurer. But it doesn't always add to money you can take out.
- I heard annuities are bad. Are they?Long lock-ups, high fees on some types, and hard selling gave annuities a bad name. Those concerns are fair.
- Do I still pay taxes and take required withdrawals?Yes. Pre-tax money still gets taxed, and an IRA's required withdrawals still apply.
- Can I change my mind later?You can usually cancel for a full refund within a set window, often 10 days after you get the contract. Later changes depend on its terms.
- What if the insurance company fails?The insurance company backs the guarantee. It depends on that company's ability to pay. Annuities aren't FDIC insured.
About the meeting
What to expect before, during, and after your consultation.
5 questions
- Is this just a sales pitch?A sale can come up. But your consultation starts with your retirement, and you never have to buy.
- Why is this free? What's the catch?You never pay Retire Handbook. Your retirement advisor pays us to set up the meeting.
- What if I say no?You can say no. Taking the free consultation doesn't mean agreeing to buy.
- Why do you need my information?Your retirement advisor needs a rough picture of your retirement to talk about it.
- I'm only on my phone. Can I still do the Zoom?Yes. Zoom works on your smartphone, and your consultation shouldn't move because of a screen.
About your retirement advisor
Who the retirement advisor is and how they can help.
4 questions
- Who will I be talking to?Your retirement advisor handles the free Zoom consultation. I'll call first to confirm it.
- I already have someone. Why talk to another retirement advisor?You don't have to replace someone you trust. Bring one retirement question you'd like a second view on.
- I've been pushed before. What if that happens again?You can stop the conversation, ask for more time, or say no. Call or text me if anything feels off: (646) 684-5544.
- Should my spouse be there?Your spouse is welcome. You can also come alone or bring someone you trust.
About the timing
When to consider your options and what can wait.
4 questions
- I'm not ready to decide. Should I still come?Yes. You can come to learn without choosing a product.
- I don't know what I spend yet. Should I still come?Yes, come. Rough numbers are enough to start.
- Shouldn't I wait for the market to settle?You don't need a calm market to review retirement spending. Meeting and moving money are separate choices.
- Can't I just figure this out myself?Yes, you can work on this yourself. A second set of eyes gives you another view without taking control.