Category: Annuities

ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER Understanding Riders in Annuities The Death Benefit Rider Sales Pitch Riders are endorsements added to annuity contracts sold to enhance the benefits payable under those contracts. There are several types of riders, two of the most common being income riders and death benefit riders.  We have written on […]

ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER Beware Fixed Index Annuities Americans pump billions into complex fixed indexed annuities every year. Insurance agents push the annuities as a safe bet in volatile markets – they’ll tell you the policy offers the upside of market increases (the “indexed” part) with downside protection (the “fixed” part).  Advertised […]

ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER Fighting Harm to Senior Citizens Insurance agents and carriers target seniors for expensive insurance products like life insurance and annuities that charge high premiums and pay big commissions but are unsuitable for the senior’s financial picture and station in life. After the policies are in place, seniors find […]

ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER Seniors Beware of Deferred Annuities Deferred annuities are complicated insurance policies where the policyholder pays a premium today for a series of income payments in the future. Carriers and agents sell deferred annuities with fixed interest rates, variable rates, and in policies offering fixed and variable funds. All […]

ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER Fiduciary Rule No Longer Restraining Brokers Unfortunately, President Obama’s initiative to protect consumers from financial advisors who put their own interests before those of their clients has been destroyed by the current administration. Turning its back on consumers, the Trump Administration stalled and then rejected entirely the Department of Labor’s “fiduciary rule” […]

ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER The Trouble With Annuity Replacements Churning Annuities In shifting economic climates, insurance agents often recommend replacement of old annuity or whole or universal life insurance policies with promises of better, newer products. For most policyholders, especially seniors, replacements are inappropriate because they are expensive, can trigger tax liabilities, […]

ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER Broker Pushed More Expensive Variable Annuities L-Share and B-Share Variable Annuities Not all variable annuities are the same. Carriers offer B-share contracts with long surrender charge periods and L-share policies with shorter surrender periods but higher fees and commissions.  Both types of variable annuities may be inappropriate for […]

ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER How You Can Lose Money On Annuities  Investors, especially seniors, can get into real trouble investing in annuities. Annuities are expensive, complex long-term insurance products that tie up your money for years.  If you need your money for an emergency or increased living expenses, you’ll pay a penalty […]

ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER Beware Fixed Index Annuities Americans pump billions into complex fixed indexed annuities every year. Insurance agents push the annuities as a safe bet in volatile markets – they’ll tell you the policy offers the upside of market increases (the “indexed” part) with downside protection (the “fixed” part).  Advertised […]

ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER Be Wary of Annuities in Retirement Accounts 401(k)s and IRAs Are Already Tax-Deferred Tax deferral is the key to successful retirement savings. 401(k)s, IRAs, SEPs and the like offer tax deferral and retirement savings grow tax-free until it’s time to withdraw without penalty after age 59 ½. Earlier […]