Retirement Planning

Calculating Your Retirement Income Needs

The most common question we hear is, “How much do I need to retire?” The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all number. Your ideal retirement savings target depends on your lifestyle, your retirement timeline, your health, and how much guaranteed income you’ll have coming in each month. Instead of chasing a magic number, it’s more helpful to focus on the income you’ll need to support your lifestyle and how to reliably generate that income for life.

A solid retirement income plan starts with understanding your expenses, subtracting your guaranteed income, and then deciding how to fill the gap using a mix of investments and guaranteed income sources like annuities. This approach gives you a clearer picture than generic rules of thumb and helps you build a plan that reflects your real life, not just a spreadsheet.

The Traditional Rules (and Why They’re Incomplete)

• The 80% Rule: Aim to replace about 80% of your pre-retirement income.
• The 4% Withdrawal Rule: Withdraw 4% of your portfolio in year one of retirement and adjust for inflation each year.
• The 25x Rule: Save roughly 25 times your annual retirement expenses.

These rules can be helpful starting points, but they assume all of your income comes from investments. They rarely factor in the impact of guaranteed income sources like Social Security, pensions, and annuities. If a large portion of your expenses are covered by guaranteed income, you may not need as much saved as these rules suggest. On the other hand, if you have very little guaranteed income, you may need more.

Your Retirement Income Formula

Instead of guessing, use this simple framework:

Annual Expenses - Guaranteed Income = Income Gap
    

Step 1: Estimate Your Annual Retirement Expenses

Include housing, food, transportation, healthcare, insurance, travel, hobbies, and any debt payments. Be honest and realistic—it’s better to slightly overestimate than underestimate.

Step 2: Add Up Your Guaranteed Income Sources

• Social Security benefits
• Pension payments (if applicable)
• Annuity income (immediate or deferred)
• Rental income or other predictable cash flows

These income sources form the backbone of your “retirement paycheck” and continue regardless of market performance.

Step 3: Calculate Your Income Gap

Subtract your total guaranteed income from your total annual expenses. The result is your income gap—the amount you’ll need to generate from your savings and investments each year.

This is where your retirement nest egg, portfolio withdrawals, and annuities come into play. Annuities can be especially powerful because they convert a portion of your savings into a predictable lifetime income stream, helping to shrink or even eliminate that gap.

Real-World Examples

Example 1: $500,000 in Savings

• Annual expenses: $60,000
• Social Security: $30,000
• Income gap: $30,000

In this scenario, you need $30,000 per year from your savings. Possible strategies might include:

• Using a MYGA ladder (multi-year guaranteed annuities) to create predictable income over time.
• Purchasing an income annuity (SPIA or DIA) to cover part or all of the gap.
• Combining a systematic withdrawal plan from your portfolio with guaranteed income to reduce risk.

Example 2: $100,000 in Savings

• Annual expenses: $40,000
• Social Security: $25,000
• Income gap: $15,000

Here, the gap is smaller, but so is the portfolio. You may not want to rely on withdrawals alone. Strategies might include:

• Using an immediate annuity to convert a portion of your savings into lifetime income.
• Considering a deferred income annuity that starts later, paired with part-time work or savings early in retirement.

In both examples, the goal is the same: transform uncertain market-based income into a steady retirement paycheck you can count on.

Calculators to Help You Plan

Use these tools to refine your numbers and test different scenarios:

• Journey Guide Retirement Planning Calculator
• Retirement Nest Egg Calculator
• Immediate Annuity Calculator
• Social Security Taxable Benefits Calculator

Related Guides & Internal Links

• How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?
• Is 500k Enough to Retire at 60?
• How to Retire Like a Millionaire with 500k
• How Much Does a $500,000 Annuity Pay Per Month?
• How Much Does a $100,000 Annuity Pay Per Month?
• Journey Guide Calculator
• Retirement Nest Egg Calculator
• Retirement Income Gap Kit

Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits

Social Security is the foundation of most retirement income plans, yet many retirees leave tens of thousands of dollars on the table by claiming at the wrong time. When and how you claim can dramatically affect your lifetime benefits, survivor benefits, and tax situation. The good news: with a bit of planning, you can use Social Security as a powerful pillar of guaranteed income.

When Should You Claim?

You can generally claim Social Security as early as age 62 and as late as age 70. Your decision affects how much you receive every month for the rest of your life.

Age 62 (Early Claiming)

• Pros: Immediate income, more total payments if you pass away relatively early.
• Cons: 25–30% permanent reduction in benefits compared to Full Retirement Age (FRA); lower survivor benefits for your spouse.
• Best for: Those in poor health, with shorter life expectancy, or who truly need income right away and lack other options.

Full Retirement Age (FRA: 66–67)

• Pros: Receive 100% of your earned benefit; earnings test no longer applies if you keep working.
• Cons: You miss out on valuable delayed retirement credits available after FRA.
• Best for: Average health, balanced risk tolerance, and those who want a middle-of-the-road strategy.

Age 70 (Delayed Claiming)

• Pros: Benefits increase by about 8% per year from FRA to 70, resulting in 24–32% higher monthly benefits; higher survivor benefits for your spouse.
• Cons: You must fund 3–8 years of retirement expenses without Social Security income.
• Best for: Good health, strong longevity in the family, other income sources or annuities available to bridge the gap.

How Annuities Can Bridge the Gap

One of the most effective ways to delay Social Security (and increase your benefit) is to use annuities or other assets to provide income in the meantime.

• Deferred income annuity (DIA): Purchase now, start income in a few years to cover expenses while you delay Social Security.
• MYGA ladder: Use a series of MYGAs maturing at different times to create predictable income up to age 70.
• Immediate annuity: Turn a portion of your savings into income right away, allowing you to delay claiming or reduce withdrawals from your portfolio.

Special Situations

Spousal Benefits

• Spouses may be able to claim benefits based on the higher-earning spouse’s record.
• Survivor benefits can continue for the surviving spouse, often at the higher of the two benefits.
• Divorced spouses (married at least 10 years and currently unmarried) may be eligible for benefits on an ex-spouse’s record.

Working in Retirement

• Before FRA, the earnings test can temporarily reduce your benefits if you earn over certain limits.
• After FRA, you can work and earn as much as you want without reducing your monthly benefit.
• In some cases, working longer can increase your benefit by replacing lower-earning years in your calculation.

Taxation of Social Security

Depending on your combined income (also called provisional income), up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable.

• Your combined income includes half of your Social Security plus other income such as wages, interest, dividends, and some annuity income.
• Strategic use of annuities, Roth accounts, and withdrawals can help manage how much of your benefit is taxed.

Coordination Strategies

Some older claiming strategies like “file and suspend” and certain restricted applications are no longer widely available, but couples can still coordinate to maximize lifetime benefits.

• Staggering claim dates between spouses to balance current income needs and future survivor benefits.
• Having the higher earner delay to age 70 to maximize the survivor benefit.
• Using annuity income or savings to bridge the gap for one or both spouses.

Internal Links & Resources

• Social Security Hub
• Social Security Optimization
• Social Security Spousal Benefits
• Social Security Benefits for Divorced Spouse
• Full Retirement Age (FRA)
• Social Security Taxable Benefits Calculator
• Income Annuities (for bridging strategies)
• MYGA Guide (for ladder strategies)

Your Retirement Roadmap: Planning at Every Age

Retirement planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. The decisions you make at age 52 look very different from the decisions you make at 72. Your strategy should evolve as you move through different life stages, taking into account changing time horizons, risks, and priorities. Use this roadmap to focus on the right actions at the right time.

Ages 50–55: The Pre-Retirement Decade

Key Focus: Catch-up contributions and risk assessment.

Action Items

• Maximize 401(k) catch-up contributions (up to the allowed extra amount).
• Use IRA catch-up contributions to boost tax-advantaged savings.
• Review your investment allocation and begin gradually reducing excessive risk.
• Estimate your Social Security benefits and review your earnings history.
• Calculate your retirement income needs using tools like Journey Guide.
• Start evaluating long-term care planning options.

Annuity Strategies

• Deferred income annuities (DIAs) for future guaranteed income.
• Fixed index annuities for growth potential with downside protection.
• QLACs (Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts) for future income and RMD management.

Ages 55–60: The Transition Zone

Key Focus: Fine-tuning your plan and protecting gains.

Action Items

• Finalize your target retirement date or window.
• Create a detailed retirement income plan, including an income gap analysis.
• Review healthcare options (COBRA, marketplace plans, or employer coverage).
• Understand the age 59½ rule for penalty-free IRA and qualified plan withdrawals.
• Consider Roth conversions during peak earning or early retirement years.
• Review and update beneficiary designations on all accounts and policies.

Annuity Strategies

• MYGA ladders for guaranteed growth and predictable time horizons.
• Fixed index annuities with income riders to position for future guaranteed income.
• Gradually begin positioning assets for the income phase of retirement.

Ages 60–65: The Launch Pad

Key Focus: Executing your retirement plan.

Action Items

• Decide on your Social Security claiming strategy.
• Enroll in Medicare at 65 and choose appropriate supplemental coverage.
• Begin systematic withdrawals or annuitization as needed for income.
• Consider part-time work or phased retirement if desired.
• Finalize estate planning documents (will, powers of attorney, healthcare directives).
• Review tax strategies for the first phase of retirement.

Annuity Strategies

• Immediate annuities for instant income.
• SPIAs to create pension-like lifetime income.
• Income riders on fixed or fixed index annuities for guaranteed lifetime withdrawals.
• Annuity laddering for staged income over time.

Ages 65–75: The Active Retirement Years

Key Focus: Enjoying retirement while managing income and risk.

Action Items

• Monitor your withdrawal rates and adjust as needed.
• Review your income plan annually and adjust for inflation.
• Revisit your investment allocation and risk exposure each year.
• Consider lifestyle changes such as downsizing or relocating.
• Plan for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) beginning at age 73 (current law).

Annuity Strategies

• Income annuities to fill any remaining income gaps.
• Fixed annuities for safe money allocation and interest-based income.
• Consider annuitizing existing deferred annuities to create new income streams.

Ages 75+: The Legacy Years

Key Focus: Preserving wealth, simplifying finances, and planning your legacy.

Action Items

• Manage RMDs efficiently and coordinate with tax planning.
• Consider Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs.
• Review and update your estate plan and beneficiary designations.
• Plan for potential long-term care needs and caregiving support.
• Simplify accounts and investments to make administration easier.
• Consider gifting strategies to family or charities.

Annuity Strategies

• Annuities with death benefits for legacy planning.
• Joint-life annuities for survivor protection.
• Charitable gift annuities to support causes you care about while creating income.

Internal Links & Resources

• 6-Step Retirement Planning Checklist
• Guide to 59½ Rule for IRA Distributions
• Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
• 401(k) Rollover
• Does an IRA Annuity Make Sense for You?
• Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract (QLAC)
• Deferred Annuity
• Income Annuities
• Annuitization Payout Options
• Charitable Gift Annuities

Customized Strategies for Your Unique Situation

Not everyone’s retirement journey looks the same. Life events like divorce, widowhood, early retirement, or building significant wealth can all change the way you plan. The key is to tailor your strategy to your specific circumstances rather than relying on generic advice.

Women & Retirement Planning

Unique Challenges:

• Longer life expectancy (often outliving men by 5–7 years).
• Career gaps due to caregiving responsibilities.
• Lower average lifetime earnings and potentially smaller Social Security benefits.
• Higher healthcare costs in later years.

Strategies:

• Prioritize longevity protection with lifetime income options.
• Consider joint-life annuities with period-certain guarantees.
• Maximize spousal Social Security benefits where available.
• Plan for a 30+ year retirement horizon.

Women & Retirement Planning (dedicated resource coming soon).

Divorce & Retirement Planning

Financial Impacts:

• Retirement accounts may be split via QDROs (Qualified Domestic Relations Orders).
• Reduced household income and higher individual expenses.
• Potential loss or reduction of spousal benefits (unless married 10+ years).
• Need to rebuild retirement savings, often later in life.

Recovery Strategies:

• Understand your Social Security options as a divorced spouse.
• Consider immediate annuities to create a base of stable income.
• Maximize catch-up contributions where possible.
• Build a new financial plan and identity around your current situation.

Real Story: “Meet Sarah, a 58-year-old divorcee who used a portion of her settlement to purchase an immediate annuity, creating $2,000/month in guaranteed income while she rebuilt her career.”

Related link: Divorce & Retirement Financial Recovery (coming soon) and Social Security Benefits for Divorced Spouse.

Early Retirement (Before Age 60)

Challenges:

• Longer retirement period to fund (30–40+ years).
• No penalty-free IRA access until age 59½ (with exceptions).
• No Medicare eligibility until 65.
• Social Security reduction if claimed early.

Strategies:

• Use the Rule of 55 for certain 401(k) withdrawals.
• Consider 72(t) SEPP distributions for structured IRA withdrawals.
• Use a Roth conversion ladder to access funds tax-efficiently later.
• Bridge income with taxable accounts and short-term annuities.
• Use deferred income annuities to provide income later and delay Social Security.

Related link: Guide to 59½ Rule for IRA Distributions.

Single / Never Married Retirees

Considerations:

• No spousal safety net for income or care.
• Single income source and potentially higher per-person expenses.
• Estate planning for non-spouse beneficiaries.

Strategies:

• Prioritize guaranteed lifetime income to cover essential expenses.
• Consider life-only annuities for higher payout (with careful risk analysis).
• Build robust emergency reserves.
• Proactively plan for long-term care, including housing and support options.

High-Net-Worth Retirees

Unique Concerns:

• Tax efficiency and bracket management.
• Estate planning and legacy objectives.
• RMD management and asset location.

Strategies:

• Use QLACs to reduce RMDs and provide later-life income.
• Consider charitable gift annuities to pair philanthropy with income.
• Use structured annuity strategies as part of a broader wealth plan.
• Pursue multi-generational planning, including trusts and beneficiary education.

Related links: Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract, Charitable Gift Annuities, C-Corp Business Owners: Maximize Retained Earnings.

Widows & Widowers

Challenges:

• Sudden income reduction and potential change in tax status.
• Emotional decision-making during a very difficult time.
• Complex financial decisions regarding insurance proceeds, pensions, and investments.
• Survivor benefit optimization for Social Security.

Strategies:

• Avoid making major irreversible financial decisions too quickly, especially with life insurance proceeds.
• Understand your survivor Social Security benefit options and timing.
• Consider immediate annuities to create stable income and reduce anxiety.
• Work with a fiduciary advisor who can help you create a clear, written plan.

Building Your Personal Retirement Paycheck

The goal of retirement planning is simple: create reliable, sustainable income that covers your expenses for as long as you live. Instead of hoping your savings will last, you can design a “retirement paycheck” that blends guaranteed income, flexible withdrawals, and growth assets.

The Retirement Income Pyramid

Think of your retirement income plan as a pyramid with three distinct layers:

Foundation Layer: Guaranteed Income

• Social Security
• Pensions (if available)
• Immediate annuities (SPIAs)
• Fixed annuities with income riders

Goal: Cover essential expenses (housing, food, utilities, basic transportation, and core healthcare costs).

Middle Layer: Flexible Income

• Systematic withdrawals from IRAs and 401(k)s
• Dividend income from stocks or funds
• Interest from bonds and CDs
• Fixed index annuities used as an income source

Goal: Cover discretionary expenses (travel, hobbies, entertainment, gifts, and upgrades).

Top Layer: Growth & Legacy

• Stock portfolio or growth-oriented funds
• Investment real estate
• Business interests
• Variable annuities (for suitable, risk-tolerant retirees)

Goal: Provide long-term growth, inflation protection, and potential legacy or long-term care reserves.

The Bucket Strategy

The bucket strategy segments your assets by time horizon, helping you balance liquidity, safety, and growth.

Bucket 1: Immediate Needs (0–2 Years)

• Cash and high-yield savings accounts
• Money market funds
• Short-term CDs

Purpose: Provide immediate liquidity and peace of mind.

Bucket 2: Near-Term Needs (3–10 Years)

• MYGAs (3, 5, 7-year terms)
• Short- to intermediate-term fixed annuities
• Short- to intermediate-term bond funds
• Annuity ladder strategies to provide staggered income.

Purpose: Provide stable, predictable income and growth over the next decade.

Bucket 3: Long-Term Growth (10+ Years)

• Fixed index annuities
• Stock portfolios or growth funds
• Deferred income annuities
• Long-term bonds and other growth-oriented assets

Purpose: Combat inflation, support later-life expenses, and build legacy.

Creating Your Income Timeline

By layering different income sources, you can map out how your retirement paycheck will evolve over time:

• Years 1–5: Immediate annuity + Social Security (if claimed) + short-term MYGAs and Bucket 1 assets.
• Years 6–10: Longer-term MYGAs mature, income riders may activate, and Bucket 2 assets begin providing income.
• Year 11+: Deferred income annuities begin paying, and Bucket 3 growth assets support later retirement years.

How Annuities Fit into Your Plan

• Fixed Annuities (MYGAs): Safe growth, CD alternative, ideal for ladder strategies and Bucket 2.
• Fixed Index Annuities: Growth potential with downside protection, useful in Bucket 2 or 3.
• Immediate Annuities: Instant lifetime income, pension replacement, strong foundation layer.
• Deferred Income Annuities: Future income and Social Security bridge, helpful for longevity planning.
• Income Riders: Flexibility to start and stop withdrawals while still providing lifetime guarantees.

Internal Links & Resources

• Annuity Ladder Strategy 2025
• Annuity Types Hub
• Fixed Annuity Guide
• MYGA Guide
• Fixed Index Annuity Guide
• Income Annuities
• SPIA
• How to Buy an Annuity
• Fixed Annuity vs CD
• MYGA vs CD (coming soon)

Minimizing Taxes in Retirement

It’s not just about how much you’ve saved—it’s about how much you get to keep after taxes. Smart tax planning can significantly extend the life of your retirement savings and give you more flexibility in how and when you spend your money.

Understanding Your Tax Buckets

Taxable Accounts

• Brokerage accounts
• Savings and money market accounts
• Non-qualified annuities (gains taxed when withdrawn)

Strategy: Harvest capital losses, manage realized gains, and coordinate income timing.

Tax-Deferred Accounts

• Traditional IRAs
• 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and similar plans
• Qualified annuities

Strategy: Use strategic withdrawals and Roth conversions to manage future RMDs and tax brackets.

Tax-Free Accounts

• Roth IRAs
• Roth 401(k)s (after qualified distribution rules are met)
• HSAs (for qualified medical expenses)

Strategy: Let these accounts grow as long as possible and use them strategically in high-tax years.

Strategic Withdrawal Order

Option 1: Traditional Approach

1. Spend from taxable accounts first.
2. Tap tax-deferred accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s) next.
3. Preserve tax-free accounts (Roth) for last.

Option 2: Tax Diversification Approach

• Pull from all three buckets in a coordinated way.
• Manage your tax bracket year by year to avoid spikes.
• Reduce exposure to IRMAA surcharges on Medicare premiums.

Roth Conversion Strategies

• Convert in lower-income years (often early retirement before RMDs and Social Security).
• Fill up lower tax brackets without jumping into higher ones.
• Pay taxes now for potentially tax-free growth and withdrawals later.
• Reduce the size of future RMDs from tax-deferred accounts.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

• Begin at age 73 (current law), with some exceptions.
• Calculated using IRS life expectancy tables.
• Failure to take RMDs can result in significant penalties.
• Strategies like QLACs can reduce the RMD base by shifting a portion of assets into later-starting income.

State Tax Considerations

• Some states don’t tax retirement income or offer special exemptions.
• State rules for annuity taxation vary widely.
• Relocation decisions should consider both financial and lifestyle factors.

How Annuities Affect Taxes

• Non-qualified annuities: Only gains are taxed when withdrawn; principal is generally returned tax-free.
• Qualified annuities: Fully taxable at ordinary income rates when withdrawn.
• Immediate annuities: May benefit from the exclusion ratio, where part of each payment is treated as return of principal.
• 1035 exchange: Allows tax-free transfer between annuity contracts (and some life insurance policies to annuities) when used correctly.

Internal Links & Resources

• Are Annuities Taxable?
• States That Don’t Tax Retirement Income
• Exclusion Ratio
• Cost Basis
• 1035 Exchange Annuity
• Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract (QLAC)
• IRS Reduces Minimum Withdrawal Amounts
• SECURE Act 2.0 Summary
• 10 Year-End Tax Planning Tips

Avoid These Costly Retirement Mistakes

One of the easiest ways to improve your retirement plan is to learn from the mistakes others have made. Here are some of the most common pitfalls we see—and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Claiming Social Security Too Early

Cost: 25–30% permanent reduction in benefits.

Solution: Use savings or annuities to bridge to a later claiming age, often up to 70.

Mistake #2: Underestimating Longevity

Risk: Outliving your money.

Solution: Use guaranteed lifetime income annuities to cover essential expenses for life.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Sequence of Returns Risk

Risk: Retiring into a bear market and selling investments at a loss.

Solution: Use fixed and fixed index annuities and a bucket strategy to protect near-term income.

Mistake #4: Not Planning for Healthcare Costs

Risk: Underestimating medical and long-term care expenses.

Solution: Incorporate HSAs, asset-based long-term care, and income riders into your plan.

Mistake #5: Keeping Too Much in Stocks

Risk: Excessive volatility just when you start drawing income.

Solution: Gradually shift toward guaranteed income and more stable assets as retirement approaches.

Mistake #6: Not Having a Written Plan

Risk: Emotional decisions and inconsistent strategies.

Solution: Create a documented income plan with clear timelines, sources, and contingencies.

Mistake #7: Paying Too Much in Fees

Risk: High advisory and fund fees erode returns over time.

Solution: Use low-cost index funds and fee-transparent products like many fixed annuities.

Mistake #8: Forgetting About Inflation

Risk: Erosion of purchasing power over a 20–30 year retirement.

Solution: Consider indexed annuities, COLA riders, and a measured allocation to equities.

Mistake #9: Not Coordinating with Your Spouse

Risk: A surviving spouse is left without a clear plan or sufficient income.

Solution: Plan Social Security, pension options, and annuities jointly, including survivor benefits and joint-life annuities.

Mistake #10: Trying to Time the Market

Risk: Selling low, missing rebounds, and increasing stress.

Solution: Use a systematic strategy, diversification, and annuity ladders to reduce the need for market timing.

Internal Links & Resources

• Can You Lose Money in an Annuity?
• Should I Buy an Annuity?
• Are Annuities a Good Investment for Retirement?
• How to Mitigate Sequence of Returns Risk
• Long-Term Care Annuity

Free Retirement Planning Tools & Calculators

The right tools can turn fuzzy ideas into clear numbers. Use these calculators and resources to test different scenarios and make more informed decisions.

Featured Tool: Journey Guide Retirement Planning Calculator

The Journey Guide is a comprehensive retirement planning calculator that helps you:

• Model your retirement income from multiple sources.
• Optimize your Social Security claiming strategy.
• Project taxes and account balances over time.
• Compare multiple “what-if” scenarios side by side.

Start Planning Now

Other Helpful Calculators

• Fixed Annuity Calculator: Model MYGA growth scenarios.
• Immediate Annuity Calculator: Estimate lifetime income payments.
• Income Rider Calculator: Compare guaranteed withdrawal benefits.
• CD vs Annuity Calculator: See which option may fit better.
• Social Security Taxable Benefits Calculator: Understand how much of your benefit may be taxed.
• Retirement Nest Egg Calculator: Estimate how long your savings may last.
• Compound Interest Calculator: Project growth over time.

Educational Resources

• 6-Step Retirement Planning Checklist (downloadable guide).
• Retirement Income Gap Kit to identify your income shortfall.
• Annuity Types Guide to understand your choices.
• Glossary to decode retirement planning terminology.
• FAQs with clear answers to common questions.

State-Specific Resources

• State Guaranty Associations Directory
• State Insurance Departments Directory
• States That Don’t Tax Retirement Income

Internal Links & Hubs

• Journey Guide Calculator
• All Calculator Pages
• Resources Hub
• Annuity Types Hub
• Retirement Income Gap Kit
• Glossary
• FAQs

Independent, Unbiased Retirement Planning Guidance

Unlike captive agents who can only offer products from a single company, My Annuity Store gives you access to dozens of top-rated carriers. Our mission is simple: help you find the right solution for your situation—not ours.

Why Work With Us

✓ Multi-Carrier Platform

• Access to 40+ A-rated insurance companies.
• Compare rates, features, and guarantees side by side.
• No bias toward any single carrier.
• Named “Best Multi-Carrier Annuity Platform 2025.”

✓ Independent & Unbiased

• We don’t manufacture products—we help you choose them.
• Transparent comparisons and clear explanations.
• Education-first approach with no pressure or sales tactics.

✓ Technology-Driven

• Journey Guide Retirement Planning Calculator.
• Real-time rate and product comparisons.
• Online application process from the comfort of your home.
• Digital document management and secure communication.

✓ Licensed Nationwide

• Serving clients in 48 states.
• Local expertise with national reach.
• Understanding of state-specific regulations and tax nuances.

✓ Educational Resources

• Comprehensive guides and in-depth articles.
• Free calculators, tools, and comparison resources.
• Ongoing support as your situation evolves.
• No question is too small or too basic.

Our 4-Step Process

Step 1: Assess Your Situation

• Use the Journey Guide Calculator to get a baseline plan.
• Review your current assets, income sources, and goals.
• Identify your retirement income gaps and key risks.

Step 2: Explore Your Options

• Compare products from multiple carriers, side by side.
• Understand the pros and cons of each strategy.
• Model different “what if” scenarios before making decisions.

Step 3: Make an Informed Decision

• Get personalized recommendations tailored to your situation.
• Review illustrations and contract details in plain language.
• Ask questions until you feel fully confident.

Step 4: Implement Your Plan

• Complete a simple online application process.
• We handle the paperwork and carrier coordination.
• Receive ongoing support, service, and periodic check-ins.

Internal Links

• About Us
• Best Multi-Carrier Annuity Platform 2025
• How to Buy an Annuity
• Buying an Annuity Online
• Annuity Quote Request
• Contact
• Licenses

Frequently Asked Questions About Retirement Planning