Independent Annuity Brokerage
Annuity Cost: See What You Pay Before You Buy
Ken Orenstein compares contracts from many top carriers and walks you through every fee, cap and surrender charge in writing before anything is placed.
- No direct fee to you for annuity brokerage work
- Fees, caps and surrender schedules explained in plain English
- Compare contracts across many top carriers, not just one
No-cost initial consultation by phone, virtual, or in person in Flemington, NJ.
Prefer to talk? Call (888) 315-3608
Request a no-cost annuity cost review
Tell us a little about your situation and Ken Orenstein will walk you through how the costs work.
Why people ask us about annuity costs
Every charge in writing
Caps, participation rates, spreads, rider fees and surrender schedules are disclosed and reviewed with you before any contract is placed.
You pay no direct fee
For annuity brokerage work, Ken Orenstein is paid a commission by the issuing insurance carrier, not by you.
Many carriers, one comparison
As an independent agency, we line up contracts from many top annuity carriers so you can see how costs and features differ.
Costs matched to the product type
Fixed, fixed indexed, immediate and variable annuities carry very different cost structures. We explain which applies to you.
Review of a policy you already own
Own an annuity already? We can review its fees and surrender schedule and look at 1035 exchange options.
Talk your way
Meet by phone, virtually, or in person at our Flemington, NJ office.
What actually drives the cost of an annuity
There is no single price tag on an annuity. What you "pay" depends on the type of contract, the riders you add, and the limits written into the contract. A fixed annuity or MYGA has a very different cost structure than a variable annuity with living benefit riders.
In your consultation we go line by line through the contract features that affect your money, so you can compare offers on the same terms instead of guessing.
- Fixed indexed annuities: caps, participation rates and spreads limit how much index gain is credited
- Income riders: rider fees are charged annually on the income base in many contracts
- Variable annuities: mortality and expense charges, administrative fees and sub-account expenses all apply
- Surrender charges: declining schedules such as 9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-0% over ten years
- Free withdrawal provisions, commonly around 10% of contract value per year
- MYGA terms of 3, 5, 7 or 10 years and how term length changes the trade-off
- 1035 exchange analysis for moving an older contract without triggering tax on gains
- Carrier financial strength review using A.M. Best, Moody's, S&P and Fitch ratings
How the cost review works
Send your details
Share your situation using the form. There is no cost and no obligation.
Talk it through
Ken Orenstein reviews your goals, timeline and any contract you already own by phone, video or in person.
Compare side by side
You get a plain-English comparison of contract features, fees, caps and surrender schedules from multiple carriers before you decide anything.
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost to work with you on an annuity?
Nothing directly. For annuity brokerage, Ken Orenstein is compensated through commission paid by the issuing insurance carrier. The initial consultation is at no cost.
How much does a lifetime annuity cost?
There is no fixed price. The amount of lifetime income a contract can provide depends on your age, the premium amount, the payout structure you choose and the carrier's current terms. A consultation shows you real numbers from several carriers for your own situation.
Is there a minimum amount to get started?
Annuity clients typically have at least $250,000 available as a deployable lump sum. If you are below that, this may not be the right fit.
What fees are inside the contract itself?
It depends on the product. Fixed and indexed annuities may include caps, participation rates, spreads and surrender charges. Variable annuities add mortality and expense charges, administrative fees and sub-account expenses. Income riders carry their own annual fee. All of it is disclosed in writing before placement.
Can I get out of an annuity if I change my mind?
Most contracts have a surrender charge schedule that declines over time, plus a free withdrawal provision, commonly around 10% of contract value per year. Annuities are long-term retirement income vehicles, not short-term investments, so we review liquidity needs up front.
Where do you work with clients?
Insurance licensed in NJ, NY, NC, MD, VA, DC and many other states, with investment advisory licensed in NJ. Consultations are by phone, virtual, or in person at 203 Main St #122, Flemington, NJ.
Get a clear picture of annuity costs
Ask your questions and see contract fees, caps and surrender schedules side by side from multiple carriers. The initial consultation is at no cost. Call (888) 315-3608 or send the form.
- No direct fee to you for annuity brokerage work
- Fees, caps and surrender schedules explained in plain English
- Compare contracts across many top carriers, not just one
Prefer to talk? Call (888) 315-3608