Independent Annuity Brokerage
Retirement Annuity Advice From an Independent Broker
Ken Orenstein compares annuity contracts across many top carriers, so you can see how each option fits your retirement income plan before you commit.
- Fixed, indexed, immediate and deferred annuities compared
- Independent broker, not tied to one carrier
- No-cost first consultation by phone, video or in person
Insurance licensed in NJ, NY, NC, MD, VA, DC and many other states.
Prefer to talk? Call (888) 315-3608
Request a no-cost annuity consultation
Tell us a little about your situation and Ken will reach out to talk through your options.
Why people bring their annuity questions here
One broker, many carriers
Ken is an independent broker. He compares contracts across many top annuity carriers instead of pushing one company's product.
Income-first planning
Retirement is an income question. We map how Social Security, a pension and an annuity layer can work together.
Plain-English contract review
Caps, participation rates, spreads, surrender schedules and rider terms are explained in writing before anything is placed.
No direct fee for brokerage
You do not pay Ken directly for annuity brokerage. He is paid a commission by the issuing insurance carrier.
Federal retiree experience
Ken is a Federal Retirement Consultant and author of 'The Informed Fed', so FERS, CSRS and TSP income fit into the plan.
Meet the way you like
Phone, virtual or in person at the Flemington, NJ office. Clients are served across many states.
Which retirement annuity types we review
An annuity is a contract with a life insurance company that provides a stream of payments. The right structure depends on when you need income, how much market movement you are comfortable with and what you want to leave behind.
Ken walks through each annuity classification with you: fixed or variable, deferred or immediate, single or flexible premium, qualified or nonqualified. A single contract can sit in several of these categories at once, which is why side-by-side comparison matters.
- Fixed annuities and MYGAs with a set interest rate for a 3, 5, 7 or 10 year term
- Fixed indexed annuities linked to indexes such as the S&P 500 with principal protection
- Immediate annuities (SPIAs) that turn a lump sum into monthly income, often within 30 days
- Deferred annuities and income riders you set up now and activate at a later date
- Deferred income annuities (DIAs) and QLACs held inside an IRA
- Variable annuity review and 1035 exchange analysis on contracts you already own
- Income rider comparison: GLWB and GMIB terms, roll-up rates and joint-life options
- Carrier financial strength review using A.M. Best, Moody's, S&P and Fitch ratings
What happens after you submit
We reach out
Ken contacts you to set a time for a no-cost first conversation by phone, video or at the Flemington, NJ office.
We review your situation
You share your retirement timeline, income sources and the assets you have available. Nothing is placed at this stage.
You see the options side by side
Ken compares suitable contracts from multiple carriers and reviews the disclosure and surrender schedule with you in writing.
Frequently asked questions
What does the consultation cost?
The initial consultation is at no cost. For annuity brokerage there is no direct fee to you. Ken is paid a commission by the issuing insurance carrier. Investment advisory work through Brookstone Capital Management is billed as a monthly fee based on assets under management.
Is there a minimum amount to invest in an annuity?
Annuity clients typically have about $250,000 or more available as a deployable lump sum. If you are below that, a consultation can still help you look at other retirement income options.
Which carriers do you work with?
Brokerage Consulting is an independent agency representing many top annuity carriers. Existing carrier relationships include Aetna, Humana and TransAmerica, among others.
Do you work with people outside New Jersey?
Yes. Insurance licensing covers NJ, NY, NC, MD, VA, DC and many other states, and consultations can be done by phone or video. Investment advisory work is licensed in NJ.
Can I move an annuity I already own?
Often yes. A 1035 exchange can move an existing annuity into another contract without triggering tax on accumulated gains. Ken reviews your current contract, its surrender schedule and rider terms before suggesting any change.
Are annuities a short-term investment?
No. Indexed and fixed annuities are long-term retirement income vehicles. They may include caps, restrictions, fees and surrender charges as described in the contract, and any contract guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing carrier.
Talk through your retirement annuity options
Send a few details and Ken Orenstein will set up a no-cost conversation about which annuity structures fit your retirement income plan. Call (888) 315-3608 if you would rather speak now.
- Fixed, indexed, immediate and deferred annuities compared
- Independent broker, not tied to one carrier
- No-cost first consultation by phone, video or in person
Prefer to talk? Call (888) 315-3608