Service

Annuities

I'm licensed. I don't push. If you ask, we'll talk. If you don't, we won't.

What it is

The plain-English version.

An annuity is a contract with an insurance carrier where you put in a lump sum (or a series of payments) and in exchange the carrier guarantees you income later — either for a fixed period or for the rest of your life.

There are several flavors: fixed annuities (predictable, conservative), fixed-indexed annuities (linked to market performance with downside protection), and variable annuities (more market exposure, more risk). The right one depends on your situation, your goals, and your timeline.

Annuities are a tool. Like any tool, they're great when they're right for the job and the wrong choice when they're not.

Who it's for

Probably you, if any of these sound familiar.

  • Retirees concerned about outliving their savings.
  • Folks who want a guaranteed income stream alongside Social Security.
  • Conservative investors looking to lock in a portion of their nest egg with downside protection.
  • People rolling over a 401(k) or IRA who want a portion in a guaranteed product.
How I Help With It

In John’s own words.

I'll be honest with you. Annuities aren't a product I push. Most of the seniors I talk to don't need one. But when someone asks — usually because they're worried about outliving their savings or they want a guaranteed income piece alongside Social Security — I'm licensed to help.

If we decide an annuity fits your situation, I compare contracts across carriers for the same income guarantee and pick the one with the best terms. No hidden riders, no surrender-charge surprises.

If we decide it doesn't fit, I'll tell you that too. The right answer is usually 'leave it alone'.

— John F. Morrison
FAQ

About Annuities

Are annuities a good investment?
They're not really an investment in the way a mutual fund is. They're an income-guarantee product. Whether they're the right tool depends on what you're trying to accomplish. We'll talk it through.
What's the difference between fixed, indexed, and variable annuities?
Fixed: predictable, conservative, set rate. Indexed: linked to a market index with caps and floors — upside potential without downside risk to your principal. Variable: more like investing — more upside, more risk. The right one depends on your goals.
What are surrender charges?
Most annuities have a surrender period — typically 5 to 10 years — during which you'll pay a fee if you take more than the contracted amount out. That's not always bad, but you have to know what you're signing. I'll walk through it with you.
Can I roll over my IRA or 401(k) into an annuity?
Yes, with care. A rollover into an annuity inside an IRA preserves the tax-deferred status. But it has trade-offs — surrender charges, less flexibility. We'd look at whether it's right for you specifically before doing anything.

Ready to talk? Let’s find 30 minutes.

No pressure. No quotas. I’ll listen, ask a few questions, and if I can help you I’ll tell you how. If I can’t, I’ll tell you that too.

I read every text. Even on Christmas.