How We Work
From your first question to a confident decision. Here is exactly what working with us looks like, how we vet the specialists we introduce you to, and how we are paid.
Our Process
There is no pressure and no obligation at any step. You move forward only when it makes sense for you.
Learn
Start with our free guides. Understand what an annuity is, what it can do, and whether it fits your goals, before you talk to anyone.
Talk It Through
A 15-minute call with an independent specialist. It is a fit conversation, not a sales pitch. If an annuity is not right for you, you will hear that plainly.
See the Numbers
If it is worth exploring, the specialist prepares an illustration built around your situation, so you can see real figures rather than generic examples.
Decide on Your Terms
You take whatever time you need. There is no obligation to buy anything, and no follow-up pressure if the answer is no.
How We Vet the Specialists We Work With
We do not hand your information to whoever pays the most. The specialists we introduce you to are independent professionals we have screened against a clear set of standards. We look for people who treat education the way we do.
Specifically, we look for specialists who are properly licensed and in good standing, who work independently with access to multiple carriers rather than a single product line, who focus on retirement income and principal protection for people in the 55 to 65 stage of life, and who have a documented habit of telling prospective clients the truth, including when an annuity is not the right fit. A specialist who only ever recommends one product, regardless of the situation in front of them, is not someone we want representing this brand.
What to Look For in Any Advisor, and What to Avoid
Whether you work with someone we introduce or someone you find on your own, the same signals apply. Use this as a quick gut check on anyone advising you about your retirement money.
Good signs
- They ask about your full picture before recommending anything
- They explain the trade-offs and what you give up, not just the upside
- They work with multiple carriers and can compare options
- They are comfortable saying an annuity is not right for you
- They put the key figures in writing and give you time to review
Walk away if
- They push for a decision today or use a deadline to rush you
- They dodge direct questions about fees, surrender terms, or how they are paid
- They recommend the same single product no matter what you describe
- They lean on fear or guaranteed-sounding promises that seem too good
- They are vague about their license or who actually holds your contract
How We Are Paid
We believe you should understand this clearly. The Annuity Institute is paid a referral fee by the specialists in our network when we introduce them to someone actively looking for help. That is our business model, and it is why our guides are free to you.
You never pay us anything. Just as important, our referral fee does not change what you would pay for any product you ultimately choose. The cost of an annuity is set by the insurance carrier, not by us, and it is the same whether you came through us or walked into the specialist's office on your own. Our fee is for the introduction, not a cut of your contract. If anything about how we are paid is ever unclear, ask, and we will give you a straight answer.
Ready to Talk It Through?
A 15-minute call is enough to know if an annuity fits your situation. No commitment, no sales pressure.
Get Started