Independent Annuity Brokerage
Equity-Indexed Annuities Reviewed With an Independent Broker
Ken Orenstein compares index-linked annuity contracts from many top carriers, so you can see how caps, participation rates and income riders really work.
- Contracts from many top carriers, compared side by side
- Caps, spreads and participation rates explained in plain words
- No-cost first consultation by phone, video or in Flemington, NJ
Independent agency. No direct fee to you for annuity brokerage services.
Prefer to talk? Call (888) 315-3608
Request a no-cost annuity consultation
Tell us a little about your situation. Ken Orenstein will follow up to set up a phone, virtual or in-person consultation.
Why work with an independent annuity broker
Many carriers, not one
As an independent agency, Ken Orenstein represents many of the top annuity carriers, including Aetna, Humana and TransAmerica.
The fine print, explained
Caps, participation rates, spreads, crediting methods and surrender schedules are reviewed with you in writing before anything is placed.
Income riders compared
See how guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit and minimum income benefit riders differ across contracts, including joint-life options for couples.
No direct cost to you
There is no direct fee for annuity brokerage work. Compensation comes as commission paid by the issuing insurance carrier.
Built around your income plan
An equity-indexed annuity is one layer. We look at Social Security, pension, TSP and portfolio assets together.
Federal retiree experience
Ken Orenstein is a Federal Retirement Consultant and author of 'The Informed Fed: A Survival Guide to Federal Employee Benefits.'
What an equity-indexed annuity is, and how it is reviewed
An equity-indexed annuity, also called a fixed indexed annuity (FIA), is an insurance contract that links growth to a market index such as the S&P 500 instead of investing directly in the market. Many contracts can be paired with a contractual income rider that pays a set amount for life once it is turned on.
Because contract terms differ widely from carrier to carrier, the review focuses on the mechanics: how index credit is calculated, what limits apply, how long the surrender schedule runs, and what the income rider does at the age you plan to start income. Indexed annuities are long-term retirement income vehicles, not short-term investments, and may include caps, restrictions, fees and surrender charges as described in the contract.
- Participation rates: the share of index gain credited to your contract
- Caps: the ceiling on the annual index credit in a given contract
- Spreads: a fixed percentage deducted before index credit is applied
- Crediting methods: annual point-to-point, monthly point-to-point, monthly average, monthly sum
- Index choices such as the S&P 500, Russell 2000, MSCI EAFE and volatility-controlled indexes
- Single-tier vs two-tier contracts, and bonus structures vs straight contracts
- Income rider analysis: GLWB and GMIB riders, roll-up rates and joint-life options
- 1035 exchange review for an existing annuity you already own
- Carrier financial strength review using A.M. Best, Moody's, S&P and Fitch ratings
- Sold under NAIC suitability and best-interest standards with written disclosure before placement
What happens after you request a review
You send your details
Share your age, retirement timing and the amount you are looking to position. We reach out to set a time that works for you.
No-cost consultation
Meet by phone, video or in person in Flemington, NJ. We review your income needs, risk comfort and any annuity you already own.
Side-by-side contract review
Ken Orenstein compares suitable contracts from multiple carriers and walks you through caps, riders and surrender schedules in writing before any decision.
Frequently asked questions
What does an equity-indexed annuity review cost me?
The initial consultation is at no cost, and there is no direct fee to you for annuity brokerage services. Ken Orenstein is compensated through commission paid by the issuing insurance carrier.
Is there a minimum amount to work with?
Annuity placements typically involve at least $250,000 in investable assets available as a deployable lump sum. If you are below that, a consultation can still help you understand your options.
How is an equity-indexed annuity different from a variable annuity?
An indexed annuity ties credit to an index formula set by the contract. A variable annuity invests in sub-accounts and the account value moves with those investments, which carries market risk including possible loss of principal.
Can I move an annuity I already own?
A 1035 exchange review looks at whether transferring an existing annuity contract to another contract makes sense for you. Surrender charges and contract features on the current policy are reviewed first.
Which states do you serve?
Insurance licensing covers NJ, NY, NC, MD, VA, DC and many other states. Investment advisory work is licensed in NJ. Consultations are held by phone, virtually or in person in Flemington, NJ.
Are these contracts suitable for short-term money?
No. Indexed and fixed annuities are long-term retirement income vehicles and may include caps, restrictions, fees and surrender charges described in the contract. Any guarantee depends on the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing carrier.
Talk through equity-indexed annuities with an independent broker
Get a no-cost consultation with Ken Orenstein. Compare contracts from many top carriers and see the caps, riders and surrender terms in writing before you decide. Call (888) 315-3608 or send your details.
- Contracts from many top carriers, compared side by side
- Caps, spreads and participation rates explained in plain words
- No-cost first consultation by phone, video or in Flemington, NJ
Prefer to talk? Call (888) 315-3608