Resources
Annuity education that doesn't require a finance degree. Learn at your own pace.
Annuity 101
What Is a SPIA
A SPIA — Single Premium Immediate Annuity — is the oldest and simplest form of annuity. You give an insurance company a lump sum, and they send you a check every month for the rest of your life.
Read ArticleAnnuity vs. CD
Top MYGA rates typically run 0.50%-1.00% higher than comparable bank CDs. On $200K over 5 years, that could mean $5K-$10K more.
Read ArticleHow Annuity Income Riders Work
An income rider guarantees you can withdraw a certain percentage of a 'benefit base' every year for life — regardless of what happens to your actual account value.
Read ArticleWhat Is a Deferred Income Annuity?
A DIA is like a SPIA with a delay. You pay now, but income doesn't start until a future date — often 10, 15, or 20 years later.
Read ArticleHow to Read Your Annuity Statement
Annuity statements show multiple values that sound similar but mean different things. Unlike a bank statement where 'balance' means your money, an annuity might show 3-4 'values' — only one is actually your money.
Read ArticleAnnuity Taxation
You pay taxes on the gains, not on money you already paid taxes on (your 'basis'). How and when depends on whether your annuity is 'qualified' (inside IRA/401k) or 'non-qualified' (after-tax money).
Read ArticleWhat Is a 1035 Exchange?
A 1035 exchange is a tax-free transfer from one annuity to another. Named after Section 1035 of IRS code, it lets you switch products without triggering taxes.
Read Article10 Questions to Ask Before Buying Any Annuity
1. What problem does this solve for me? Should be able to clearly articulate specific purpose.
Read ArticleGuides & Deep Dives
How to Read Your Annuity Statement
Decoding account value, surrender value, benefit base, and what the numbers actually mean.
Read ArticleAnnuity Taxation Explained
Qualified vs. non-qualified, LIFO rule, 10% penalty, and death benefit taxation.
Read ArticleWhat Is a 1035 Exchange?
Tax-free annuity transfers: rules, when they make sense, and when they don't.
Read ArticleShould I Keep or Replace My Annuity?
A decision framework: when to keep, when to optimize, and when to consider replacement.
Read ArticleAnnuity Fees Explained
M&E charges, rider fees, fund expenses — and how they compound against you.
Read Article10 Questions Before Buying Any Annuity
The checklist everyone should use. If you can't answer these, don't sign anything.
Read ArticleReady to assess your situation?
Two minutes. Eight questions. Zero pressure.
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Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Cambridge and Aldrich Investment Management are not affiliated. Financial Professionals may only conduct business with residents of the states or jurisdictions in which they are properly registered, licensed or exempt from registration and not all of the securities, products and services mentioned are available in every state or jurisdiction.