Q: Do you update The Annuity Report?
A: Absolutely. I update The Annuity Report every 3 months or as features change or products are added. Typically changes to variable annuity contracts happen every quarter, or 3 months. As things change so does the information in the report.
Q: Why do you only offer subscriptions now?
A: Because information changes so rapidly the subscription can change with it. A book, especially an e-book, is static, difficult to change and to redistribute. The member’s area also offers an easy to use search area that was designed for the user to find the information you want.
Q: Can I still download The Annuity Report in the member’s area?
A: Yes, of course you can.
Q: I do not want to subscribe, I just want the information, cut and run as so to speak, is that possible?
A: You can do that. You may sign up and then get the information you need, download it and be on your way.
Q: Why did you switch to a subscription system?
A: Again, it is easier to keep people updated on changes. Also, the members area is a searchable database and easy to navigate. the book was 200 pages of information, although valuable, it was very difficult to use. This new system is streamlined and modern.
Q: What is so unique about the member’s area?
A: There is nothing like Annuity IQ on the internet. I trust you have seen other annuity sites before mine. On those other sites they offer free information to hook you into the site and try to sell you a product. The information offered is far from complete and is only what they deem "acceptable" to show you. If they are making the decision on what to show you, do you think you are getting the full list of what is available? At Annuity IQ you get a list, the inner workings and a rating system of the best selling variable annuities being sold in the market today. Try to find a comparable database anywhere else.
Q: You change your site a lot, why?
A: I am always trying to offer visitors more, for free. Changing my site keeps it interesting and fresh, nothing really changes, and things just get added and moved around.
Q: When are you going to add new contracts to your database?
A: I am always looking for new contracts to add. It is difficult to find contracts that meet the specified requirements to be added.
Q: Are you easy to get a hold of?
A: Absolutely! Use my contact page and I will respond back as soon as possible. I will admit at times I cannot get back to everyone in a timely manner, but I will get back to you.
Q: Your ratings do not seem fair to some contracts and I disagree with them. Can I request you re-evaluate the contract?
A: Yes, you can. I do stand firmly on the ratings and odds are it will remain the same, unless there is a compelling reason to change it, like a change to the contract. It comes down to factual information on the products and features. This report is not about what we think is the best, it is about what is the best. There is a science behind the ratings and it is mostly an automated process based on simple, yet in-depth, information.
Q: Why do you request an email address for your free e-book?
Q: As any author would like to know who is reading their material, I want to know. It also gives me an opportunity to write you and get input and feedback. I also want to keep people up to date on what is happening at Annuity IQ.
Q: I do not want emails from you, but I want your free e-book. How can I make it so I do not get unwanted emails from Annuity IQ?
A: You may, at anytime, unsubscribe to any email you receive from Annuity IQ. I respect your wishes and do not want to intrude on your privacy.
Q: Do you sell your information you gather on your visitors?
A: No. I will not and do not sell any information you provide me. I do not want my information shared and will not share yours. I will, however, provide you with a recommendation of a good financial advisor, if you request it, and I can, at your request, pass along your information to that advisor. Keep in mind you have to request this and i will NOT do it without your express written consent.
Q: You seem harsh at times and very critical, why is that?
A: I tell it like it is and some people find that abrasive. I find it refreshing; aren't you looking for the right answers, the honest answers, unbiased answers? That is what I provide and sometimes the real answer cannot be sugar coated. I am also tired of seeing bogus information being written about annuities. I see lots books being written about, mostly about variable annuities that are meant to sway you to an equity index annuity. Unlike the other people who are writing "books" about annuities I want facts, not opinion pieces. I do actually read these people's material and I can tell you for a fact, they are not worth it.
Q: You seem like you despise the media and their view of variable annuities, why?
A: I despise un-factual information and any type of biased behavior, not the media. I think these people have not thought out or made a compelling argument about why annuities are bad. I think they write their opinions about these products, not facts. I have opinions, but I keep them to myself, I give out factual information. Opinions become beliefs and beliefs are hard to change, facts are just that facts. I am also tired of seeing comparisons being made that are ridiculous, like comparing an S&P 500 fund to a growth and income fund, don't get me started.
Q: I noticed you were the first to add an honest straight forward approach to your site, i.e. the broker check link on your bio page. I have noticed other sites copying that idea, why is that and are you upset over it?
A: Yes, I was the first to add broker check to an "annuity" site and I suspect that others recognized the importance of being truthful and straightforward and copied the idea. I am not upset over it, I find copying an idea I came up with as a form of flattery. I am happy that the consumer is now more aware of the fact that they can check their broker’s record online and find out if the person they work with is a reputable person. I hope all consumers become more aware of this free service offered by the NASD.
