Annuities are a clear choice if you’re looking for guaranteed income in retirement. The issue is that, although this product can give you a guaranteed income stream, managing your retirement portfolio on your own is far less expensive than using this strategy.
To assist you in determining whether an annuity makes sense for your retirement, here is a look at the various types of annuities, their benefits and drawbacks, and the most affordable options.
Annuities can be a complex financial product, and understanding how financial advisors are compensated when selling them is important for making informed decisions about your retirement planning. This article will explore the different ways financial advisors earn commissions on annuities, the potential impact on the annuity’s value, and how to choose an advisor who aligns with your best interests.
How Financial Advisors Earn Commissions on Annuities
Financial advisors typically earn commissions on annuities in two ways:
- Direct commissions from the insurance company: When an advisor sells an annuity, they receive a commission directly from the insurance company offering the product. This commission is usually a percentage of the premium paid for the annuity.
- Trailing commissions: In some cases, advisors may also receive trailing commissions, which are ongoing payments from the insurance company as long as the annuity owner continues to hold the contract.
The amount of commission an advisor earns can vary depending on the type of annuity, the insurance company, and the advisor’s experience and qualifications. However, it is important to note that the commission does not affect the value of the annuity or the benefits the owner receives. The insurance company pays the commission out of its own profits.
Potential Impact of Commissions on Annuity Sales
While commissions do not directly affect the value of an annuity, they can potentially influence an advisor’s recommendations. An advisor who is primarily motivated by earning commissions may be more likely to recommend an annuity that pays a higher commission, even if it is not the best option for the client’s needs.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of potential conflicts of interest when working with a financial advisor who earns commissions on annuities. Ask questions about the advisor’s compensation structure and how it might influence their recommendations.
Choosing a Financial Advisor for Annuities
When choosing a financial advisor to help you with your annuity purchase, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Compensation structure: Ask about the advisor’s compensation structure and whether they earn commissions on annuities. If they do, inquire about the amount of commission they typically earn and how it might influence their recommendations.
- Experience and qualifications: Choose an advisor who has experience selling annuities and who is knowledgeable about the different types of annuities available.
- Fiduciary duty: Look for an advisor who is a fiduciary, which means they are legally obligated to put your interests first.
- Client reviews: Read online reviews and talk to other clients to get an idea of the advisor’s reputation and track record.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a financial advisor who will help you make informed decisions about your annuity purchase and ensure that your best interests are protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do all financial advisors earn commissions on annuities?
A: No, not all financial advisors earn commissions on annuities. Some advisors are fee-only, meaning they charge a flat fee for their services.
Q: How can I find a fee-only financial advisor?
A: You can find fee-only financial advisors through organizations such as the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and the Garrett Planning Network.
Q: What are some questions I should ask a financial advisor before buying an annuity?
A: Some questions you should ask a financial advisor before buying an annuity include:
- What is your compensation structure?
- How much commission do you typically earn on annuities?
- Are you a fiduciary?
- What experience do you have selling annuities?
- What types of annuities do you recommend?
- What are the risks and benefits of each type of annuity?
- How will this annuity fit into my overall retirement plan?
By asking these questions, you can get a better understanding of the advisor’s qualifications and how they might be compensated for selling you an annuity.
Understanding how financial advisors are compensated for selling annuities is important for making informed decisions about your retirement planning. By choosing an advisor who is experienced, qualified, and who aligns with your best interests, you can ensure that you are getting the best possible advice and that your retirement savings are protected.
Buying an Annuity
There are two different ways to purchase an annuity. Purchasing an immediate payment annuity with a lump sum payment, such as the money you plan to roll over from a 401(k) when you retire, is one option. In this case, the payments start immediately. Alternatively, you may opt for a deferred payment annuity, which is financed over time by recurring deposits and begins to pay out at a predetermined future date.
There are three varieties of annuities available for both types: fixed, variable, and equity index. Each offers its own combination of certainty, risk, and fees.
Variable Annuities
These annuities offer “sub-accounts,” which are investment accounts that function similarly to mutual funds and allow you to benefit from market gains. The most common kind of annuity is now a variable annuity since there is less chance that a fixed rate of return will reduce your income stream. The success of the investments in your sub-accounts will determine how much of that stream increases and decreases.
Because of their high management fees, variable annuities are disliked by many financial advisors. Notably, Suze Orman believes that “. The sole purpose of variable annuities is to generate revenue for the financial advisors who offer them. “.