When it comes to variable annuities, it is so important to read all of the information you are given. Those glossy sales pieces provided by the insurance company do offer some information, but you will always find the devil in the details in the prospectus.

Most people fail to realize that certain terms in the prospectus can and do change the terms of the benefits offered in a variable annuity contract if you violate them. The severity of the terms will vary by company. You need to know what happens if you violate these terms.

The sales material you receive will have some disclosure, but the prospectus carries all of the exact details. In other words, do not just believe what the glossy and colorful information tells you. It is your responsibility to read the prospectus.

The terms that really matter and what we are referring to are for variable annuity living benefits. Since these benefits carry such a higher degree of risk for the insurance carrier, there are lots of little terms that may negate the benefit all together. Terms such as the lesser of, proportionate or pro-rata and dollar-for-dollar can have a dramatic effect on the benefit and the guarantees offered by that benefit.

All of these terms are looked at by Annuity IQ to determine the “what if” factor. This “what if” factor is what would happen if the investor violates the terms of the benefit. It is critical that you now what happens if you take an excess withdrawal from these types of benefits. In some cases, it can negate the living benefit all together. You also need to know exactly how these benefits work. It is not wise to invest without knowing exactly how these benefits work. This is why the work of Annuity IQ is so important. You will get the little facts you need to know.

The sad fact is most people, including investment professionals, either do not have time or simply do not want to read the fine print in the prospectus. We do not blame them, as the language is so ambiguous and at times flat out confusing. We are not criticizing anyone for not reading the material. It is a simply a lack of time and the trust they put into the wholesalers telling them the story.

Getting the actual facts is so important, especially if you are relying on this money for your retirement needs. Why mess around? I have put the time into the research for you and the knowledge to understand all the little terms you need to know. Making an investment or investing someone’s money for them is a daunting task and why not check the facts using the information that is available.

We see a lot of annuities advertised on the internet as being the “best”. Since we have taken the time to learn all of the products and have spent so much time in the financial services business, we know why they are the “best”. They pay out higher commissions, the benefits are not always the “best” out there, but the commission is.

We do not care what the commission pays. We look at the facts of the contract. We do not even care if the broker gets paid a commission, and the consumer should not care either. It is about needs- based selling. What I mean is: does it matter if your broker gets paid 5% commission or 7.75% commission as long as the product meets your needs and is not over priced? Of course not. As long as the product is good and will not fail to meet your needs, who really cares about the commission paid to a broker. Remember, commissions are not paid up-front with an annuity contract (there are a few front loaded variable annuity contracts out there, but they are few and far between).

This is why Annuity IQ is so important; we have no vested interest in the product you buy. Without a commission hanging over my head, we will give you the straight answers you need. We are not just a resource for the broker, we are a resource for everyone and while my services are not free, they are priced very low as compared to other so called annuity information sources out there.

As always, feel free to check my record at nasdr.com the exact link is on my bio page, “about the expert”. We know our services are worth it and we know that we can help you find a better product for your needs. If you are going to buy an annuity for $20,000, $50,000 or $100,000 and you think the small price we am charging is too much, you should not be buying an annuity.

Remember, we do not and will not sell your information, nor will we try to sell you an annuity, ever. Also remember that not everyone is a candidate for an annuity, so please, consult a professional financial advisor to discuss your options. Get the facts; please do not get taken for a ride.