Guaranteed Retirement Income, Without the Guesswork
An independent annuity broker who shops the market, explains every fee, and recommends a product only when it genuinely fits your retirement income goals.
Most workers no longer have a pension. Social Security covers part of the gap — but for many people, it doesn't cover enough. The question isn't whether you'll retire. It's whether your income will last as long as you do.
Annuities exist to solve that specific problem. Used correctly, they can provide a predictable payment stream for life — income you can't outlive, regardless of what the market does. Used incorrectly, they're expensive, inflexible, and wrong for your situation. My job is to tell you which one is true for you before you sign anything.
I've spent more than 40 years placing annuity cases across the major carriers. I work as an independent broker, which means I represent you — not any single company. I compare products, fee structures, and income projections across the market and explain everything in plain language before a decision is made.
The Three Types of Annuities I Work With
Every annuity I recommend falls into one of three categories. Each one serves a different retirement income goal.
Fixed and MYGA Annuities
A fixed annuity or multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA) locks in a guaranteed interest rate for a set period — similar to a CD, but typically with a higher yield and tax-deferred growth. If your priority is capital preservation and a predictable return, this is where we start.
Indexed Annuities
An indexed annuity ties your growth potential to a market index — such as the S&P 500 — while protecting your principal from market losses. You participate in a portion of the upside without exposure to the downside. These products vary significantly by carrier, and the details matter.
Income Annuities and Riders
A guaranteed income annuity — or a deferred annuity with an income rider — converts a lump sum into a predictable monthly payment, either immediately or at a future date you choose. For people who want the certainty of a pension-style income stream, this is the most direct path.
Every case handled directly by Richard — no handoffs, no call centers
Before any annuity recommendation, I walk through the same process with every client.
I ask about your income sources, expenses, and the gap you're trying to fill in retirement.
I identify which annuity type, if any, is appropriate for your situation.
I compare products across carriers and pull income projections for each option.
I explain the fee structure, surrender schedule, and any restrictions — in plain terms, not fine print.
If an annuity isn't the right tool for your goals, I'll tell you that directly.
An annuity is a long-term commitment. The decision should be made with complete information, not a sales presentation.
Common Questions About Annuities
How do annuities work?
An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company. You make a lump-sum payment — or a series of payments — and in return, the insurer provides either a guaranteed income stream or tax-deferred growth, depending on the product type. The specific terms, fees, and payout structure vary by product and carrier, which is why independent comparison matters.
Are annuities safe?
Fixed and income annuities are among the most conservative financial products available — your principal is protected and your income is contractually guaranteed by the issuing insurance company. Indexed annuities also protect your principal from market losses, though your growth potential is capped. No annuity is backed by the FDIC, but insurance companies are regulated by state insurance departments and are required to maintain reserves. Carrier financial strength ratings are one factor I review before recommending any product.
What is the difference between a fixed annuity and an indexed annuity?
A fixed annuity pays a set interest rate for a defined period — your return is known from day one. An indexed annuity links your growth to a market index, so your return varies based on index performance, subject to caps and participation rates set by the carrier. Both protect your principal. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize certainty of return or potential for higher growth.
Should I buy an annuity in New York?
That depends entirely on your retirement income situation. New York has specific regulatory requirements that affect which annuity products are available in the state, and not every product offered elsewhere is available here. As an annuity broker licensed in New York, I work with carriers that meet those requirements and can show you what's available and appropriate for your goals.
What is the best type of annuity for retirement income?
There's no universal answer. For guaranteed lifetime income, an income annuity or a deferred annuity with an income rider is typically the most direct solution. For capital preservation with a fixed return, a MYGA may be the better fit. For growth potential with downside protection, an indexed annuity is worth considering. The right answer comes from understanding your income gap, your timeline, and your other retirement assets — not from a product category.
Are annuities full of hidden fees?
Some annuities carry significant fees — particularly variable annuities with investment subaccounts. Fixed, indexed, and income annuities have a different cost structure, and many carry no direct annual fee. That said, every product has a surrender schedule, and some have rider charges if you add income or benefit guarantees. I review every fee and every restriction with you before any purchase is made.
Ready to See Whether an Annuity Fits Your Retirement Plan?
A conversation costs nothing. I'll ask the right questions, compare what's available across the market, and give you a straight answer about whether an annuity belongs in your retirement income plan.