Frequently Asked Questions

An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company. You give them a lump sum (or a series of payments), and in return they guarantee you income -- either right away or down the road. Think of it like creating your own personal pension. The insurance company takes on the risk so you don't have to worry about outliving your money.

A Fixed Indexed Annuity lets your money grow based on how a market index performs -- like the S&P 500 -- but here's the key part: when the market goes down, you don't lose anything. Your principal is protected. You participate in a portion of the upside without taking the downside risk. It's one of the most popular tools we use for people who want growth without the stomach-churning drops.

Fixed and fixed indexed annuities are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company -- not the stock market. The insurance industry is one of the most heavily regulated in the country, and these companies are required to hold reserves to back their guarantees. That said, not all annuities are the same, which is why it matters who you work with and what product you choose.

Both are considered safe money vehicles, but they work differently. A CD gives you a fixed interest rate for a set period and is FDIC insured. An annuity is an insurance product that can offer higher growth potential (especially indexed annuities), tax-deferred growth, and lifetime income options that CDs simply don't have. The tradeoff is that annuities typically have longer commitment periods.

Not from market losses -- that's the whole point. With a fixed indexed annuity, your principal is protected from market downturns. The only way you'd take a hit is if you withdraw more than the contract allows during the surrender period, which triggers a penalty. That's why it's important to make sure the annuity fits your timeline before you commit.

A GLWB is a rider you can add to certain annuities that guarantees you a specific income stream for the rest of your life, regardless of what happens in the market. Even if your account value drops to zero, the insurance company keeps paying you. It's one of the most powerful tools available for retirees who want income they absolutely cannot outlive.

This is the risk that you retire right before a major market downturn. If you're pulling money out of your portfolio while it's dropping in value, the damage compounds fast -- and your savings may never recover. It's one of the biggest threats to retirement that most people have never heard of. It's also one of the main reasons people look at annuities for at least a portion of their retirement money.

There's no magic number that works for everyone. It depends on your expenses, your lifestyle, your health, Social Security, and what kind of retirement you want to live. The real question isn't just "how much" -- it's "how do I make what I have last?" That's what we focus on: building a plan that turns your savings into reliable, lifelong income.

The best time is 5-10 years before you plan to stop working. That gives you enough runway to make adjustments, maximize your Social Security strategy, and position your savings properly. But honestly, if you're already retired and don't have a clear plan, right now is the right time. The sooner you get clarity, the better off you'll be.

A financial advisor typically manages investment portfolios and may charge ongoing fees based on your assets. An insurance agent specializes in insurance-based products like annuities and life insurance. Tracy is a licensed insurance agent, which means he focuses specifically on guaranteed solutions -- not market-based investments. Both have their place, and a good retirement plan often involves both.

It's a 30-minute phone or video call where Tracy reviews your current situation, answers your questions, and helps you understand your options. There's no cost, no obligation, and no pressure. If it makes sense to work together, great. If not, you'll still walk away with more clarity than you had before.

There is no fee for our services. Tracy is compensated by the insurance companies when a product is placed -- not by you. That means you get professional guidance and a customized plan without paying anything out of pocket. The products you'd get through us cost the same whether you go direct or work with an advisor.

Both, but education always comes first. Tracy won't recommend a product until you fully understand what it does, how it works, and why it fits your situation. If a product isn't the right fit, he'll tell you that too. The goal is to make sure you feel confident in whatever decision you make -- whether that involves working with us or not.

We serve clients in all 50 states. Everything is done over the phone or video, so it doesn't matter where you live. Most of our clients have never met Tracy in person -- and that hasn't stopped them from getting the same personal attention and thorough planning they'd get sitting across a desk.

It's a complimentary review of any annuity you currently own. Tracy will pull up your contract, explain exactly what you have, identify any fees or surrender charges, and let you know whether you're getting the most out of it. A lot of people own annuities they don't fully understand -- this is your chance to get straight answers about what you already have.