Education Center
Learn first. Decide second.
Practical guides and trusted articles about annuities, rollovers, and retirement income, so you walk into any conversation already knowing the right questions to ask.
Be curious: the questions that protect you
Before you move a dollar of retirement money, these are the questions worth asking any advisor, including us. A good professional welcomes every one of them.
What is this product actually designed to do for me?
What does it cost me each year, in plain dollars?
How do I get my money out if I need it, and what would that cost?
What happens to my income if the market drops right after I retire?
What is guaranteed in writing, and what is only an illustration?
How does the person recommending this get paid?
What are the alternatives, and why is this better for my situation?
What happens to my spouse or family if something happens to me?
Our practical guides
Short, plain-English reads on the decisions that matter most.
What are your options for an old 401(k)?
A neutral walk-through of staying put, moving to a new plan, rolling to an IRA, or taking a distribution.
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Annuity surrender charges: what to understand first
What a surrender charge is, how it interacts with exchanges, and questions to ask before changing a contract.
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A practical way to think about retirement income
A framework covering Social Security timing, withdrawal order, taxes, and planning for the unexpected.
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Why early-retirement market losses can matter
An educational look at sequence-of-returns risk and approaches some people consider to help manage it.
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A guide to reviewing a potential 1035 exchange
How Section 1035 exchanges work, what they don't solve, and questions to bring to a contract review.
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Worth reading from around the web
Educational articles from trusted publications. We did not write these, and we think that is exactly why they are worth your time.
You can turn part of your retirement savings into a paycheck for life
How turning a portion of savings into lifetime income works, and why it takes careful planning.
Read on CNN Business
CNN MoneyWhen an annuity makes sense for you
A candid look at when rolling a 401(k) into an annuity can make sense, and when to ask harder questions.
Read on CNN Money
CNN MoneyShould I buy an annuity or invest my savings on my own?
Comparing guaranteed monthly income against investing on your own, with the trade-offs spelled out.
Read on CNN Money
KiplingerIs an annuity your missing retirement piece?
Why annuities are growing in popularity and how to decide whether one fits your situation.
Read on Kiplinger
KiplingerHow much income can you get from an annuity?
The factors that determine your payout: timing, age, policy features, and the insurer you choose.
Read on Kiplinger
InvestopediaAnnuities explained: advantages and key considerations
A plain-language overview of annuity types, tax treatment, payouts, and withdrawal rules.
Read on Investopedia
These resources are for educational purposes only and are not individualized investment, tax, or legal advice. External articles are the work of their publishers and do not represent the views of Be Wealth. Outcomes and suitability can vary depending on your circumstances. Consult qualified professionals before making decisions about your retirement accounts or insurance contracts.