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Watch This 3-Minute Video to Prepare for Your Free Consultation
Learn what to expect so you can get the most out of your call
Don't Miss Your Appointment
Add it to your Google Calendar, Outlook, or whatever calendar you prefer - or simply write it down in your agenda. Our advisors are in high demand, and if you miss your call, there's no telling when we can get you back in.
Look for the calendar invite in your email with the subject line: "Annuity Consultation"
Invite Your Spouse or Partner
Retirement decisions affect both of you. Couples who attend together get the most out of the consultation - both partners can ask questions and hear the answers firsthand.
Forward the Zoom link from your email or text so they can join from their own device, or sit together at the same screen.
How to Join Your Zoom Call
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Open Your Email or Text
Look for the section in your email that says:
How To Join The Meeting:
Click here to join the Zoom meeting
Click the Blue Link
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Type Your Name & Join
Click "Join from your browser" - enter your name and you're in!
Having trouble? Text us at (336) 753-5156 and we'll help you join - or do the entire call by phone.
Helpful Information to Prepare for Your Consultation
The more you know going in, the more you'll get out of your call
Why This Call Matters Right Now
The financial landscape is shifting. Here's what the latest research says - and why the timing of your consultation could make a real difference.
Highest Annuity Rates in Over a Decade
Fixed annuity rates are currently between 5.5% and 6% - the highest they've been in over 15 years. For most of the past decade, rates hovered around 2% to 3%. On February 17, 2026, Federal Reserve official Austan Goolsbee indicated that "several" rate cuts could happen this year. As rates come down, so do the guaranteed income amounts insurance companies can offer. For someone with $500,000, even a 1% drop in rates could mean roughly $5,000 less per year in guaranteed income - for life.
Sources: Annuity.org (Nov 2025); Reuters, "Fed's Goolsbee: Several rate cuts possible" (Feb 17, 2026); Sexton Advisory Group
Learn More: Best Annuity Rates in 2026J.P. Morgan Predicts 35% Chance of Recession
J.P. Morgan's 2026 outlook estimates a 35% probability of a U.S. recession this year. In 2022, the average 401(k) balance dropped 23%, according to Fidelity. For retirees, a market downturn in the first few years of retirement - known as "sequence of returns risk" - can permanently reduce how long savings last. Annuities can help protect your principal from market losses while still allowing for growth when markets rise.
Sources: J.P. Morgan 2026 Market Outlook (Dec 2025); Fidelity Investments 401(k) Report (Feb 2023); CNBC
Learn More: What Is Sequence of Returns Risk?Retirees With Annuities Live Longer, Happier Lives
Research shows that retirees with guaranteed income are significantly happier and healthier. A TIAA study found that retirees with annuity income report higher life satisfaction and less financial stress. A February 2026 MetLife study confirmed that 94% of retirees with annuities feel financially secure, compared to just 49% without. The same study found that 46% of retirees who took a lump sum now wish they had chosen guaranteed lifetime income instead - up from just 15% in 2017.
Sources: TIAA Institute, "Annuities and Retirement Happiness" (2012); MetLife 2026 Paycheck or Pot of Gold Study (Feb 10, 2026); Kiplinger (Dec 2020)
Learn More: Creating a Retirement Paycheck StrategyNew Tax Benefits Expire Soon
The "One Big Beautiful Bill," signed into law in July 2025, includes a new "Senior Bonus Deduction" of up to $6,000 for individuals age 65 and older. This deduction is only available through 2028. Combined with current lower tax brackets, this may create a limited window to reposition retirement funds - such as IRA or 401(k) rollovers - at a lower tax cost. Your advisor can help you understand if this applies to your situation.
Sources: IRS.gov, One Big Beautiful Bill Provisions; AARP, "7 Big Changes for 2026 Tax Season" (Nov 2025)
Learn More: How Annuities Are TaxedIn 2025, Americans purchased a record $461 billion in annuities - the fourth consecutive year of record sales - as more retirees moved to lock in today's rates.
Source: LIMRA U.S. Individual Annuity Sales Survey (Jan 2026); InvestmentNews (Feb 2026)
What to Expect on Your Call
One-on-One with a Licensed Advisor
You'll speak directly with a licensed annuity advisor who works with people in your situation every day - not a sales rep or call center.
Review Your Situation
Your advisor will ask about your retirement income, tax situation, and existing accounts to understand your unique needs.
See Your Actual Numbers
Your advisor will run real calculations showing exactly how much guaranteed income you could receive - your specific number, not a guess.
No Pressure, No Obligation
This is an educational conversation. If an annuity isn't right for you, your advisor will tell you that. You are never charged a fee for this consultation.
Before Your Call, Have Ready:
- 1.A rough idea of your account balances (IRA, 401k, savings)
- 2.Your Social Security or pension income information
- 3.Your top priority: guaranteed income, market protection, or tax savings
- 4.A pen and paper - you'll want to write down what they show you
Recommended Reading Before Your Call
These articles answer the most common questions our clients have
What Is an Annuity? A Simple Explanation
Start here if you're new to annuities
Annuity Fees Explained
Understand the costs before your call
Protecting Your Retirement from Market Risk
How annuities shield your savings
How Much Should You Put in an Annuity?
Guidelines for sizing your annuity
Can You Access Your Money in an Annuity?
Understand withdrawal options
Retirement Income Planning Guide
Building a reliable retirement paycheck
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your consultation
Sources & Disclosures
Annuity.org, "As the Fed Cuts Rates, the Clock Ticks on High-Yield Annuities" (November 4, 2025).
Reuters, "Fed's Goolsbee: 'Several' rate cuts possible this year if inflation gets on track" (February 17, 2026).
J.P. Morgan Global Research, "2026 Market Outlook" (December 9, 2025).
Fidelity Investments, "401(k) Retirement Savings Account Balances Report" (February 23, 2023).
MetLife, "2026 Paycheck or Pot of Gold Study" (February 10, 2026).
TIAA Institute, "Annuities and Retirement Happiness" (2012).
Kiplinger, "Retirees with a Guaranteed Income Are Happier, Live Longer" (December 24, 2020).
LIMRA, "U.S. Individual Annuity Sales Survey - 2025 Full Year Results" (January 28, 2026).
IRS.gov, "One, Big, Beautiful Bill Provisions" (2025).
AARP, "7 Big Changes for the 2026 Tax Season" (November 19, 2025).
Important Disclosure: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Annuity guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Annuity rates and product availability are subject to change without notice. Individual results may vary based on age, state of residence, product selected, and other factors.
Please consult with a licensed financial professional to determine whether an annuity is appropriate for your individual situation. RetireWizard connects consumers with licensed, independent annuity advisors. RetireWizard does not provide investment advice or sell insurance products directly.
Questions before your call? (336) 753-5156
Or email us at [email protected]