This article made me sad for several reasons

{March 1st, 2023} by Sheryl J. Moore

This article, 3 REASONS YOU SHOULDN’T INVEST IN ANNUITIES  made me sad. For several reasons. First, I cannot IMAGINE someone being sold an annuity that only yields 2% annually- especially “a few years later” than 2002? If that were truly the case, it HAD to be a very short-term product. That said, the commission would […]

Stop Comparing Annuity Payout Rates to the 4% Rule

{January 18th, 2023} by David Blanchett

The recent rise in interest rates has changed the investment and lifetime income landscape. For example, payouts on immediate annuities have increased dramatically over the last year. The rise in interest rates has led to an increase in LinkedIn posts (at least, that I’m seeing) where some individual is effectively asking why someone would settle for 4% when they […]

Clickbait: Indexed Annuities: What Investors Need to Know

{December 12th, 2022} by SmartAsset

Someone sent me this article, Indexed Annuities: What Investors Need to Know on Yahoo Finance, from SmartAsset. It is about indexed annuities, and as usual, it has a bunch of inaccuracies in it. I won’t waste my time fact-checking it, as it is clickbait. I also won’t waste my breath because I understand that Ken Fisher […]

‘Are they all they’re claiming to be?’ What is an IUL, and what do advisers think of them?

{October 31st, 2022} by Alisa Wolfson

Wink’s Note: No, no, NO! On indexed life, it is inaccurate to say that a “portion of the funds are invested in a stock market index.” The purchaser is NEVER invested in the stock market index with these products. Later, an advisor is quoted as saying, “Most people try to get the most insurance for […]

The top 4 most common types of investment fraud

{October 17th, 2022} by Wink's Response

Wink’s Response: I didn’t know that annuities were one of the four most common types of investment fraud. I mean, that makes it sound like annuity sales are only as high as they are because of all the fraud that is occurring, right? I also didn’t know that annuities had “high commissions and fees.” I […]

Tips for choosing the right annuity plan

{April 20th, 2021} by Ronald Lipman

Q: I would like your thoughts about annuities. My husband is looking into putting his money from a savings account into an annuity. I have heard from friends that annuities are not a good investment. I will tell you he lost our retirement funds in the 2008 stock market crash. He is 80 years old […]

How To Construct A Simple Annuity For Retirement

{January 6th, 2021} by Yield Hunting Alternative Income Investments

(This report was issued to members of Yield Hunting on December 14th. All data herein is from that date.) I am always amazed how many retirees become quasi-professional investors upon retirement. Is that enjoyable? Is it worry-free?  Click HERE to read the full story via Seeking Alpha   Wink’s Note: The top fear of Americans […]

What Is An Immediate Annuity?

{December 23rd, 2020} by David Rodeck, Benjamin Curry

An immediate annuity is an investment that turns your current retirement savings into future income payments. When you buy an immediate annuity, you receive guaranteed income payments for a set number of years—or possibly for the rest of your life. Annuities are not for everyone, though. Click HERE to view the Forbes article.   Wink’s […]

An annuity is an insurance product that can provide a secure income stream for the rest of your life

{December 16th, 2020} by Karen Fernandez

“People always live forever when there is an annuity to be paid them,” observed Jane Austen in Sense and Sensibility.  An annuity isn’t literally an elixir for immortality, but Austen does have a point. For centuries, a broad range of investors has found that owning and receiving payments from an annuity has helped them —not to […]

…indexed life insurance: An investment with protection

{September 23rd, 2020} by Sanjeev Bhatia, MD, David B. Mandell, JD, MBA

With stock market volatility likely until the COVID-19 crisis ends, investors have become more risk averse.  Click HERE to read the full story via Healio.    Wink’s Note: PLEASE do not call it “EQUITY” indexed universal life/”EIUL.” Regulators do not like us to use the word “equity” with these products because they are not investments, […]

Annuities and the Impossible Dream of Risk-free Growth

{August 5th, 2020} by Sponsored Content

We should note right off that we’ve written plenty about the pitfalls of annuities, especially variable and equity-indexed annuities.  Click HERE to read the “Paid and posted by Fisher Investments” article via Reuters.   Wink’s Note:  Dear Reuters, We know that Fisher Investments sponsored this content, but you should be concerned about the inaccuracy of the […]

Retirement Basics: What Is An Annuity?

{July 6th, 2020} by David Rodeck

An annuity is an insurance contract that exchanges present contributions for future income payments. Sold by financial services companies, annuities can help reinforce your plan for retirement.   Full article at Forbes.   Wink’s Note: Gains are locked-in; you can never lose money when the market index declines on an indexed annuity. There are no […]

The Devil In The Details Of Annuities

{May 2nd, 2020} by David Kudla

Chances are that if you are approaching retirement, you have been contacted to purchase an annuity as an investment vehicle. It has been most likely marketed as a way to get “guaranteed income” or “market-like returns with only a fraction of the risk”.  Click HERE to read the full story via Forbes   Wink’s Note:  […]

The Risks Of Cash Value Life Insurance

{April 17th, 2020} by Garrett Gunderson

A large portion of the insurance and investment industry has perpetuated a dangerous narrative, a false belief.   One where if you want a return you must take higher risks.   Click HERE to read the full story via Forbes.       Wink’s Note: “…if you want a return you must take higher risks” is a […]

Something Else Troubling Is Going Around: Dubious Investments

{March 31st, 2020} by Tara Siegel Bernard

Shortly after the stock market began its initial descent, Rob Phelan, a high school math teacher in Maryland, received an email sales pitch: “The Coronavirus may be Fatal — to Your Retirement Savings!” Click HERE to read the full story via The New York Times.      Wink’s Note:  1. Indexed annuities (IAs) are not […]

Beware of these overhyped financial strategies

{February 25th, 2020} by Liz Weston, NerdWallet

A good rule of thumb when you’re trying to eat healthfully is to beware of any food you see advertised. The most beneficial fare — whole grains, fruits, vegetables — tends not to have a marketing budget. Click HERE to read the full story via Star Tribune          Wink’s Note:  Anyone,  outside […]

The Society of Annuity Facts and Education (SAFE) responds to “Why Indexed Annuities May Promise More Than They Deliver”

{September 3rd, 2019} by Sheryl J. Moore

        Dear Ms. Wang,   We appreciate you reaching-out to us last week, to ensure the accuracy of your reporting on annuities. The Society for Annuity Facts and Education (SAFE) is always interested in discussing the facts about annuities.  That said, we found some errors in your article “Why Indexed Annuities May […]

The Society of Annuity Facts and Education (SAFE) responds to “Trump Could Cost Future Retirees Billions”

{May 7th, 2019} by SAFE

Dear Misters Schwartz and Whitehouse, We are longtime readers of Bloomberg, and are always interested in discussing the facts about annuities. That said, we found some errors in your article “Trump Could Cost Future Retirees Billions,” and would like to clarify some misconceptions. It is important to establish that annuities are insurance, not intended to […]

The Society of Annuity Facts and Education (SAFE) responds to “Why I still hate annuities: Here are the reasons these investments are bogus”

{April 22nd, 2019} by SAFE

Dear Mr. Fisher,   We are longtime readers and subscribers to USA Today, and are always interested in discussing the facts about annuities.  That said, we found some errors in your article “Why I still hate annuities: Here are the reasons these investments are bogus,” and would like to clarify some misconceptions.   It is important to establish […]

Meet the People Trying to Put a Friendlier Face on Annuities

{December 22nd, 2018} by Ron Lieber

Saving for retirement requires a strange sort of oddsmaking. On one hand, we’re somehow supposed to know what returns to expect from investments in our retirement accounts over the next 25 or 50 years. And on the other, we must apply our prediction skills to related questions about how long we’ll want to work, how […]

The Society of Annuity Facts and Education (SAFE) responds to “We Went to a Steak Dinner Annuity Pitch. The Salesman Wasn’t Pleased.”

{December 4th, 2018} by Bob Phillips

  Dear Mr. Ron Lieber and the Editors of the New York Times,   We are contacting you in response to your recent article on annuities, and want to thank you for taking the time to write about these retirement savings products. For the next 12 years, there will be an average of 10,000 people […]

The Society of Annuity Facts and Education (SAFE) responds to “Steak Dinner and Annuities: Retirement Product Surges after Fiduciary Rule’s Demise”

{November 6th, 2018} by Bob Phillips

Dear Mr. Eisen and Ms. Beilfuss, We are longtime readers and subscribers to the Wall Street Journal and are always interested in discussing the facts about annuities. That said, we found some errors in your article “Steak Dinner and Annuities: Retirement Product Surges after Fiduciary Rule’s Demise” and would like to clarify some misconceptions. Because the […]

Fixed-indexed annuities draw billions from retirees, criticism of returns

{August 16th, 2018} by Dennis Wagner

Each year, Americans pour billions of dollars into a curious financial product that, as it’s sometimes advertised,seems too good to be true. Some companies tout returns of up to 50 percent over five years, with the claim that consumers won’t lose their original investment even if the stock market crashes. The products, known as “fixed-indexed annuities” […]

In response to Jane Bryant Quinn

{November 14th, 2017} by Stephen Kelly

Recently, Jane Bryant Quinn wrote a column for the AARP Magazine and website trashing fixed index annuities. While many of the points Quinn states are in fact accurate, that doesn’t make them true. Accuracy and truth are not automatically one and the same. In fact, accuracy can be used to twist the truth and support […]

A non-fiduciary’s guide to the DoL rule

{July 11th, 2017} by Bob Veres

Person A: Pssst. Hey, you. Person B: What? Where are you? A: Over here in the shadows. Come on over closer to this alley. B: Okay… What can I do for you? A: A bunch of us sales organizations are trying to figure out how to comply with these new DoL fiduciary regulations. We all […]

Can the Repeal of the Fiduciary Rule Harm Your Annuities Investments

{March 26th, 2017} by John Persinos

If you’ve been following news coverage of the confirmation hearings of Alexander Acosta, Donald Trump’s appointee for head of the Department of Labor, you know he’s been taking heat from Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren over the fate of something called the fiduciary rule. This rule is actually a change to the set of rules […]

‘Magical’ or ‘Unsuitable’?

{March 5th, 2017} by Mark Fazlollah, Erin Arvedlund

Wink’s Note: Wink’s CEO provided an unbiased, point-by-point correction to this article in the comments section at the original article’s source at http://www.philly.com/philly/business/Fixed_Index_Annuities_Magical_or_Unsuitable.html  several days ago, and it has since been deleted. We challenge the authors and Philly.com if they are really looking to educate readers or if there is an underlying agenda? Journalists need to be willing […]

Have Indexed Annuities Jumped the Shark?

{December 20th, 2016} by Barron's

Indexed annuities’ design has grown unnecessarily complex, and that’s not good for advisors or clients, InvestmentNews reports. The publication points to “the uptick in new, ‘exotic’ indices used by insurers, as well as a broad number of mechanisms used to determine the interest credited to an investor.” The exotic “hybrid” indexes behind the new crop […]

Slow down before you buy this complicated investment

{November 3rd, 2016} by Darla Mercado

As long as interest rates remain low, investors will search for investments that promise safety and better-than-average returns. This is especially true for retirees, who have been waiting for years for a boost in interest rates in order to earn more on certificates of deposit and money market funds. That search for yield is highlighting […]

Low Rates Spark Interest in Indexed Annuities: BLOG

{November 3rd, 2016} by Rachel Summit

With no real sign of an increase in interest rates, investors continue to look for places to put their money that promise both safety and reasonable returns. Retirees who thought the rate boost was on the horizon have been waiting to earn more on their certificates of deposit and money market funds for quite some […]

What Your Financial Adviser Should be Doing for You

{August 26th, 2015} by Chuck Epstein

The age of consumerism has passed over the financial services industry. This means average investors who buy mutual funds, insurance policies, annuities and other types of investments work under the assumption that their financial adviser is working in their best interests. This is a false assumption. As numerous lawsuits and ongoing battles over the role […]

Elizabeth Warren Is Worried About Annuities: Should You Be, Too?

{May 19th, 2015} by Selena Maranjian

If you’re a financial-services company, can there be a scarier sound than the footsteps of Elizabeth Warren approaching you? Senator Warren is famous on Wall Street and beyond for taking on banks and other financial companies, criticizing many of their practices, and advocating for us American consumers. She’s the one we have to thank for […]

NAFA Response to Sean Williams, Motley Fool’s, The Five Worst Things you can do with your Money

{November 12th, 2014} by NAFA Response

NAFA Response to Sean Williams, Motley Fool’s, The Five Worst Things you can do with your Money November 3, 2014 Sean – thank you for your enthusiasm for investing and helping consumers. It will come as no surprise that NAFA, the National Association for Fixed Annuities, is extremely supportive when financial journalists relate accurate and […]

AARP article: “Don’t buy equity indexed annuities

{October 31st, 2014} by James Cadle

Well, here we go again. This time, it’s published by AARP in the April/May 2014 issue of their magazine. Titled “Don’t Buy It” and written by a stock broker, professor and financial writer named Allan Roth, the article describes equity indexed annuities and several other products as “some of the worst investments and financial products you can […]

Response from NAFA: Watch Your Back in the Annuity Game at MarketSurge.com

{September 29th, 2014} by NAFA CEO

  September 23, 2014 RE: Watch Your Back in the Annuity Game at MarketSurge.com    Dear: MarketSurge.comNAFA is writing to request that you update your website because the information contained in this article (which is dated September 2014 by the URL) is no longer accurate or relevant. Since it repeatedly references the “NASD” which changed […]

Response to Andrew Silva, Financial Planning

{September 11th, 2014} by NAFA Response

NAFA Response to Annuity Sales Up, But Should They Be? Financial Planning By Andrew Pavia September 10, 2014   Annuity sales are up, even as some experts question whether certain products make sense for clients in a low-interest rate environment.   In the second quarter, industry-wide annuity sales reached the highest level in three years, […]

NAFA Response: Beware of the Equity Indexed Annuity blog – Could it be merely a Siren Song?

{June 18th, 2014} by NAFA President

NAFA Response: Beware of the Equity Indexed Annuity blog – Could it be merely a Siren Song? NAFA Response to Zamansky LLC Posted: May 07, 2014 As an organization exclusively dedicated to promoting the awareness and understanding of fixed annuities, NAFA, the National Association for Fixed Annuities, is compelled to share its concerns regarding the way […]

NAFA Responds to AARP Article on FIAs

{May 13th, 2014} by NAFA President and CEO

May 5, 2014 RE: AARP Article on Fixed Indexed Annuities Dear Editor: Sadly, NAFA has been forced to respond to Mr. Roth’s inaccurate and self-promoting attack articles against annuities numerous times. We are sorry that AARP got caught in this one. First, NAFA believes that everyone saving for retirement or planning for their financial future […]

A Response to a Dave Ramsey column

{May 5th, 2014} by NAFA President & CEO

The National Association for Fixed Annuities, was very intrigued by the advice Dave Ramsey gave to an individual. The world of fixed annuities is governed by very strict laws of disclosure and suitability determination before any recommendation of a product can be given. The law requires that the individual providing the advice, must ask very […]

Ramsey: Your bank’s advice is bad. NAFA Response

{April 30th, 2014} by NAFA

Posted: Wednesday, April 9, 2014 7:42 am Dear Dave, I want to roll over a 401(k), and my bank is encouraging me to roll it over to fixed annuities. Is this a good investment? John Dear John, More times than not, when you go to a bank for investment advice, what you’ll get in the […]

NAFA Response to Malcom Berko Article in Oklahoma

{December 3rd, 2013} by NAFA

Re: Malcom Berko 11/24/2013 “Steer clear of equity-indexed annuities” Dear Editor: We respect every person’s right express their opinion about financial and insurance products. And, while Mr. Berko is entitled to his opinion, he ISN’T entitled to altering facts to justify his opinion. Mr. Berko: EIAs are unregistered investments FACT: Indexed annuities are insurance products […]

NAFA Responds To INN Article On Fiduciary Standard Debate

{July 22nd, 2013} by Jeff Mose

NAFA, the National Association for Fixed Annuities, has responded to a recent InsuranceNewsNet article, “War of the Advisor Groups Heats Up,” written by Cyril Tuohy and published July 12. Read Cyril’s article here. Cyril, You’ve articulated the fiduciary agenda very well. And you presented an interesting editorial comment in your column when you write “…or […]

NAFA Responds to Christine Benz at Yahoo! Finance

{May 6th, 2013} by NAFA President & CEO

NAFA Responds to Christine Benz at Yahoo! Finance April 30, 2013 Letter to the Editor of Yahoo! Finance Morningstar Re:       “5 Key Questions to Ask Before Purchasing an Equity-Indexed Annuity” by Christine Benz, 4/25/2013 Dear Editor, We appreciate Ms. Benz’s effort to educate readers about indexed annuities. We can all agree that the public should […]

NAFA Response to Stan Haithcock from LifeHealthPro

{April 10th, 2013} by Kim O'Brien

April 5, 2013 LifeHealthPro Editorial Headquarters 7009 S. Potomac Street, Suite 200 Centennial, CO 80112 Letter to the Editor of LifeHealthPro Re:  “The annuity industry needs its own Series 7 exam…now” by Stan Haithcock Dear Editor, NAFA, the National Association for Fixed Annuities, has been advocating on behalf of fixed annuities for more than 15 […]

Is Fidelity Investments on a Mission to Deceive Indexed Annuity Prospects and Policyholders?

{August 7th, 2012} by Sheryl J. Moore

In the past week, I have received two reports of representatives from Fidelity Investments aggressively bad-mouthing indexed annuities to purchasers and/or prospects of these “safe money” products. This cannot be a coincidence. These two different insurance agents did business on opposite sides of the country. They both told me that their clients felt “strong-armed.” The Fidelity Investments representatives were reportedly very aggressive, merely […]

Response from NAFA: Indexed Annuities May Be Risky Investments

{April 23rd, 2012} by Pamela M. Heinrich, Esq.

  Click here to read NAFA’s response to Meiselman, Denlea, Packman, Carton, & Eberz P.C.: http://nafa.com/2012/04/18/nafa-responds-to-indexed-annuities-may-be-risky-investments%E2%80%9D/ Dear Mr. Denlea, At the National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA), we recognize that the California indexed annuity case referenced in your blog article may signal an opportunity for your firm.  However, if a client contacts you as a […]

Response from NAFA: Index Annuities: Complex, Aggressively Sold Investments

{September 30th, 2011} by Kim O’Brien

Click here to read NAFA’s Letter to the Editor of ABC News in response to Ted Schwartz’s “Index Annuities: Complex, Aggressively Sold Investments”: http://nafa.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Response_ABC_News_Ted_Schwartz_Article092611.pdf   Read original article by Ted Schwartz : http://abcnews.go.com/Business/index-annuities-beware-greatest-investments-sold/story?id=14554506

Response to Lisa Gibbs, Money Magazine

{August 11th, 2011} by NAFA Response

Dear Editor, At the National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA), we and our members agree that there is no place for abusive sales practices in our industry, and much effort has been made both on a regulatory front and within the industry voluntarily to prevent such practices and punish their purveyors.  NAFA, for example, is […]

Response: Equity-indexed annuities: investor-friendly?

{April 23rd, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with The Mutual Fund Store ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Equity-indexed annuities: investor friendly? The following email was sent to the owners of The Mutual Fund Store, in response to the article below: Dear Principals of The Mutual Fund Store, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes […]

Response: Considering an annuity? There’s always a catch

{April 20th, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Terry Savage ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Considering an annuity? There’s always a catch Ms. Savage, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over […]

Response: Too much confusion about annuities and fixed index annuities

{April 11th, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Bill Robbins ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Too much confusion about annuities and fixed index annuities  Mr. Bill Robbins, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products […]

Response: How Do Equity Indexed Annuities Stack Up?

{April 10th, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Lon Jeffries ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: How Do Equity Indexed Annuities Stack Up? Mr. Jeffries, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. […]

Response: The ABCs of doing due diligence on fixed income annuities

{April 5th, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Ron Rhoades ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: The ABCs of doing due diligence on fixed income annuities  Dear Mr. Rhoades, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for […]

Response: Equity index annuities can torture retirees' nest eggs

{April 4th, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Malcolm Berko ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Equity index annuities can torture retirees’ nest eggs Dear Mr. Berko, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over […]

Response: Equity index annuities can torture retirees’ nest eggs

{April 4th, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Malcolm Berko ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Equity index annuities can torture retirees’ nest eggs Dear Mr. Berko, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over […]

Response: Looking for Protection

{April 4th, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Alan Levine ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Looking for Protection Dear Mr. Lavine, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. I used to provide […]

Response: Choosing from contrasting varieties of annuities

{April 4th, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Pocono Record ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Choosing from contrasting varieties of annuities Dear Ms. Baehr, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. […]

Response: Index annuities are poison for your pocketbook

{March 14th, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Clark Howard   ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Index annuities are poison for your pocketbook The following letter was sent to Mr. Clark Howard, in response to the article above. March 13, 2011 Consumer Action Center Attn: Clark Howard 1601 W. Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, Georgia  30309 Advantage […]

Response: Harry Gross: Does it pay to drop annuities?

{March 13th, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Philadelphia Daily News ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Does it pay to drop annuities? Dear Mr. Gross, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a […]

Response: Retirement: Live Long and Don't Prosper

{March 13th, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Bloomberg Businessweek ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Retirement: Live Long and Don’t Prosper Dear Mr. Steverman, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. […]

Response: Retirement: Live Long and Don’t Prosper

{March 13th, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Bloomberg Businessweek ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Retirement: Live Long and Don’t Prosper Dear Mr. Steverman, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. […]

Response: Equity-index annuities entangle, jilt investors

{March 9th, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Chris Hopkins ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Equity-index annuities entagle, jilt investors Dear Mr. Hopkins, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. I […]

Response: Indexed Annuities Cap Gains, Obscure Fees as Sellers Earn Trip to Disney

{January 21st, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Bloomberg ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT:  Indexed Annuities Cap gains, Obscure Fees as Sellers Earn Trip to Disney Peggy, Good afternoon. As I am certain you have anticipated, I wanted to reach-out to you in regards to the article that you recently published with Bloomberg, “Indexed Annuities Cap Gains, […]

Response: The Safety Trap (a.k.a. My 52-Point Correction to Lisa Gibbs)

{January 5th, 2011} by Sheryl J. Moore

AnnuitySpecs-Setting-It-Straight-with-MONEY2 The Safety Trap original article is longer available at CNN Money and can still be viewed by clicking HERE. Ms. Lisa Gibbs, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. I […]

Response: A Flawed but Diligent Watchdog

{December 3rd, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with National Underwriter ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: A Flawed but Diligent Watchdog  Trevor, Good afternoon. My name is Sheryl J. Moore and I am the foremost authority in the indexed annuity market. I believe that you are acclimated with my work, as I wrote for National Underwriter: Life and […]

Response: Equity Indexed Annuities Get Name Change

{November 30th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Equity Indexed Annuities Get Name Change Dear AnnuityNewsJournal, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. I used to provide similar services for fixed and variable […]

Response: A sure thing? Better to avoid those equity index annuities

{November 26th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with the San Diego Union-Tribune ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: A sure thing? Better to avoid those equity index annuities Ms. O’Shaughnessy, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these […]

Response: Building Your Own Equity-Index Annuity

{November 26th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Bob Carlson2 ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Building Your Own Equity-Index Annuity Mr. Carlson, As you well know, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products […]

Response: Indexed Annuities: Protection Racket

{November 23rd, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Forbes2 ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Indexed Annuities:  Protection Racket Dear Mr. Barrett and the editors of Forbes, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a […]

Response: The good, bad and ugly

{November 16th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Motley Fool ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: The good, bad and ugly Dearest Motley Fool, My name is Sheryl Moore, and I am the foremost authority in the indexed annuity market. I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have […]

Response: Index annuities: Some tricks among the treats

{November 16th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Humberto Cruz ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Index annuities: Some tricks among the treats  Dear Mr. Cruz, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. […]

Response: Possible securities fraud involving equity indexed annuities

{November 15th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with White Law Group ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Possible securities fraud involving equity indexed annuities  Mr. D. Daxton White, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over […]

Response: Finance Guy: Equity indexed annuity

{November 1st, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

Setting It Straight with News 8 Austin ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Finance Guy: Equity indexed annuity Dear Mr. John Henry McDonald, Good evening. I am the foremost authority on indexed life and indexed annuity products. I am also an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed insurance markets. I have tracked the […]

Response: Real Money vs. Not-Real Money

{October 31st, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

Setting It Straight with Scott Burns5 ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Real Money vs. Not-Real Money  Scott,  I had the occasion to read your article, “Real Money vs. Not-Real Money.” You are correct in one regard on this article: the value of the annuities in question, accumulating at 8%, are “NOT the actual cash value” […]

Response: Investment Tricks – Annuity Style

{October 31st, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

Setting It Straight with CBS MoneyWatch ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Investment Tricks – Annuity Style  Allan, All earnings on indexed annuities are limited via the use of a cap, participation rate, or spread. The fact that gains are limited on indexed annuities is advertised blatantly by the underwriting insurance company, as this is how the […]

Response: Planning to Buy Retirement Fund? Stay Away from Indexed Annuities

{October 31st, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

Setting It Straight with Varun Walia ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT:  Planning to Buy Retirement Fund? Stay Away from Indexed Annuities Dear Ms. McDonough and the team at BrightHub.com, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes in the indexed annuity and life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of […]

Response: Surging Interest in Stock-Based Annuities

{October 21st, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Bob Carlson ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Surging Interest in Stock-Based Annuities Dear Mr. Carlson, I recently had the occasion to read an article that you authored for Investing Daily, “Surging Interest in Stock-Based Annuities.” While your efforts to provide an favorable article on indexed annuities is to be […]

Response: Downside Protection Has Its Downsides

{October 15th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Wall Street Journal5 ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Downside Protection Has Its Downsides  Dear Mr. Zweig, I believe that you are acclimated with who I am because of my October 4, 2010 correction to Allan Roth’s article, “Build Your Own Annuity” (attached). In the event you do not recall, […]

Response: Build Your Own Annuity

{October 4th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with CBS MoneyWatch ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Build Your Own Annuity  Allan, I am really starting to get the feeling that I may be able to get you to endorse indexed annuities by the end of 2010 after all! After reading the article below, it actually sounds like you […]

Response: The Truth About Equity-Indexed Annuities

{August 26th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Forbes ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: The Truth About Equity-Indexed Annuities Dear Forbes Editor, I recently had an article on your website forwarded to me, which is very misleading and inaccurate. “The Truth About Equity-Indexed Annuities,” by Mel Lindauer reflects poorly on Forbes because of the misinformation in the […]

Response: An Annuity You Really Should Avoid

{August 24th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Kiplingers ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: An Annuity You Really Should Avoid The following email was sent to Kimberly Lankford of Kiplingers, in addition to her editors. Ms. Kimberly Lankford, I recently had the occasion to read an article that you authored for Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. “An Annuity You […]

Response: The Disadvantages of Fixed Index Annuities

{August 3rd, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with FinanceCove ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: The Disadvantage of Fixed Index Annuities  The following comment was submitted to the blog author at www.financecove.doodig.com. I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, […]

Response: Fixed Indexed Annuities are almost out of the SEC’s claws

{August 3rd, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Lisa Cintron ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Fixed Indexed Annuities are almost out of the SEC’s claws The following email was sent to Lisa Cintron of AdvisorWorld.com in addition to the editors and legal team at Examiner.com regarding the article below. Lisa and Examiner.com Staff, I recently had the […]

Response: Fixed Indexed Annuities are almost out of the SEC's claws

{August 3rd, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Lisa Cintron ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Fixed Indexed Annuities are almost out of the SEC’s claws The following email was sent to Lisa Cintron of AdvisorWorld.com in addition to the editors and legal team at Examiner.com regarding the article below. Lisa and Examiner.com Staff, I recently had the […]

Response: It’s Right for the SEC to Regulate Annuity Products

{August 2nd, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Christopher Cox   ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: It’s Right for the SEC to Regulate Annuity Products The following comment was posted on www.wsj.com in response to the Letter to the Editor below and submitted as its own Letter to the Editor: Dear Christopher Cox, I am sorry to […]

Response: It's Right for the SEC to Regulate Annuity Products

{August 2nd, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Christopher Cox   ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: It’s Right for the SEC to Regulate Annuity Products The following comment was posted on www.wsj.com in response to the Letter to the Editor below and submitted as its own Letter to the Editor: Dear Christopher Cox, I am sorry to […]

Response: Buyer beware: A primer on equity-indexed annuities and life settlements

{July 28th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Dian Vujovich ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Buyer beware: A primer on equity-indexed annuities and life settlements Ms. Reingold and staff at the Palm Beach Daily News, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked […]

Response: Fixed Deferred Annuities: CDs With Gotchas

{July 23rd, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Mel Lindauer ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Fixed Deferred Annuities: CDs With Gotchas  Dear Forbes Editor, I recently had the occasion to read an article on your website, which is very misleading and inaccurate. “Fixed Deferred Annuities: CDs with Gotchas,” by Mel Lindauer reflects poorly on Forbes because of […]

Response: 5 ways to keep your cool in a scary market

{July 23rd, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Janice Revell ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: 5 ways to keep your cool in a scary market Ms. Jane Revell, Apparently the only way to keep cool in a scary market is not to read CNN Money. Janice Revell, you know NOTHING about indexed annuities! Your statement “the only […]

Response: Scott Brown's Financial Regulation Failure

{July 20th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with William A. Jacobson ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Scott Brown’s Financial Reform Failure Mr. Jacobson, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. […]

Response: Scott Brown’s Financial Regulation Failure

{July 20th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with William A. Jacobson ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Scott Brown’s Financial Reform Failure Mr. Jacobson, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. […]

Response: Some Advisers Dismayed By Indexed Annuity Regulation

{July 19th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with WSJ4 ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Some Advisors Dismayed By Indexed Annuity Regulation  Ms. Maxey, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. […]

Response: High rates may leave you snakebit

{July 14th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Scott Burns3 ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: High rates may leave you snakebit Scott, Alas we meet again! As you well know, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and […]

Response: Juicing Your Life Insurance

{July 14th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with WSJ3 ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Juicing Your Life Insurance  Leslie, As you VERY well know, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. This is a fact that is well-known and something that I have made clear […]

Response: COLUMN: Financial reform: The good, the bad, the ugly

{July 13th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Buz Livingston   ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: COLUMN: Financial reform: The good, the bad, the ugly Dear Mr. Livingston, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of […]

Response: Are Annuities a Good Investment?

{July 12th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with InvestingBlog ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Are Annuities a Good Investment? Dear Jordan, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. I […]

Response: Dem-Sponsored Loophole In Financial Reform Bill Could Hurt Seniors

{July 9th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with The Huffington Post ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Dem-Sponsored Loophole In Financial Reform Bill Could Hurt Seniors Dear Huffington Post Editor and staff, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, […]

Response: @theMarket: Back to the Future

{July 9th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Bill Schmick ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: @theMarket: Back to the Future Dear Mr. Bill Schmick, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a […]

Response: Congress Sells Out Seniors: No SEC Regulation for Indexed Annuities

{July 7th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with CBS MoneyWatch ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Congress Sells Out Seniors: No SEC REgulation for Indexed Annuities Jane, Good afternoon. I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of […]

Response: FINRA Investor Alert/Equity-Indexed Annuities—A Complex Choice

{July 7th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with FINRA ORIGINAL FINRA ALERT CAN BE FOUND AT: Equity-Indexed Annuities- A Complex Choice  My corrections to the FINRA Alert are as follows: These products are not called “equity-indexed annuities” or EIAs. Indexed annuities have not been referred to as “equity indexed annuities” since the late 1990’s. The insurance industry has […]

Response: From Card Fees to Mortgages, a New Day for Consumers

{July 1st, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with NY Times ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: From Card Fees to Mortgages, a New Day for Consumers Tara and Ron, As you both well know, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, […]

Response: Consumer Advocates Critical of Annuity Proposal

{June 24th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for AnnuitySpecs Setting It Straight with New York Times ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Consumer Advocates Critical of Annuity Proposal Tara, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over […]

Response: Annuities Entice Risk-Averse Investors

{June 15th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for AnnuitySpecs Setting It Straight with The Street ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT:  Annuities Entice Risk-Averse Investors Stan, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. […]

Response: Consumer Alert: Equity Index Annuities

{June 7th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

Jeff, As you know, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. I used to provide similar services for fixed and variable products, but I believe so strongly […]

Response: Are Equity-Indexed Annuities Right For You?

{June 7th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

AnnuitySpecs Setting It Straight with Investopedia ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT:  Are Equity-Indexed Annuities Right for You? Dear Ms. Yuille, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a […]

Response: New Post: The Pros and Cons of Equity Indexed Annuities

{April 22nd, 2010} by Unknown

PDF for Setting It Straight with Atlanta Tribune ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT:  New Post: The Pros and Cons of Equity Indexed Annuities Ms. Mines, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of […]

Response: When comparing investments, put performances in context

{April 2nd, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Scott Burns ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT:  When comparing investments, put performances in context Scott, As you well know, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of […]

Response: Equity-indexed annuities: Rip-off or bad rap?

{March 24th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Pop Economics ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT:  Equity-indexed annuities: Rip-off or bad rap? Dear Pop Economics blogger, Good afternoon. I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of […]

Response: Equity Indexed Annuities — The Bitter Truth

{March 24th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with ProWriter ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Equity Indexed Annuities — The Bitter Truth  Dear Mr. “ProWriter,” I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over […]

Response: Want Recovery? History Says Be Patient. Very Patient.

{March 18th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Eric Schurenberg ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Want Recovery? History Says Be Patient. Be Very Patient. Mr. Schurenberg, Good afternoon. I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of […]

Response: Equity-Linked Certificated of Deposit: The Safer Low-Cost EIA Alternative

{March 18th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

  ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Equity-Linked Certificates of Deposit: The Safer Low-Cost EIA Alternative Jeff, How can I be so fortunate to correct you on inaccurate blogs that you have written twice in a 24-hour time period? Three times in a week in fact, and the fifth time in a period of eight months, […]

Response: Retirement Safety Comes with Earnings Cap

{March 17th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with U.S. News & World Report ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Retirement Safety Comes with Earnings Cap Mr. Philip Moeller, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these […]

Response: Annuities? Give Me a Break!

{March 17th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

  ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Annuities? Give Me a Break! Jeff, As you well know, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. I used to provide […]

Response: Today's lesson: Avoid equity-indexed annuities

{March 11th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Scott Burns ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: The Statesmen Mr. Scott Burns, Good afternoon. I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. […]

Response: Today’s lesson: Avoid equity-indexed annuities

{March 11th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Scott Burns ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: The Statesmen Mr. Scott Burns, Good afternoon. I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. […]

Response: Crooks Are After Your Retirement Plan

{March 10th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Kathy Kristof ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: CBS MoneyWatch Kathy, As you well know, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. […]

Response: Annuities: Rising Interest Rates: Another Reason To Avoid Equity-Indexed Annuities

{March 9th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting It Straight with Jeffrey Voudrie ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Annuities Blog  Jeffrey,  As you well know, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. […]

Response: Equity-Indexed Annuities on Roll at Banks, With SEC's Help

{March 4th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF For Setting it Straight with Insurance Networking News ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Equity-Indexed Annuities on Roll at Banks, with SEC’s Help Dear Mr. Garmhausen: I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of […]

Response: Equity-Indexed Annuities on Roll at Banks, With SEC’s Help

{March 4th, 2010} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF For Setting it Straight with Insurance Networking News ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Equity-Indexed Annuities on Roll at Banks, with SEC’s Help Dear Mr. Garmhausen: I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of […]

Response: Benelli: SEC chickens out on annuity rule

{January 3rd, 2010} by Al Benelli

PDF for Setting It Straight with Al Benelli ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Benelli: SEC chickens out on annuity rule Dear Mr. Benelli: I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over […]

Response: For Now, SEC Shifts Gaze From Indexed Annuities

{January 3rd, 2010} by Sarah Morgan

PDF for Setting It Straight with SmartMoney ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: For Now, SEC Shifts Gaze From Indexed Annuities Dear Ms. Morgan: I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over […]

Response: Are annuities a good investment?

{January 3rd, 2010} by Bill Stanley

PDF for Setting It Straight with Bill Stanley ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Are annuities a good investment?  Dear Mr. Stanley: I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a […]

Response: Inside Secrets: How Insurance Agents Get You to Buy

{December 31st, 2009} by Kathy Kristof

PDF for Setting It Straight with Kathy Kristof ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Inside Secrets: How Insurance Agents Get You to Buy Dear Kathy: I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products […]

Response: Indexed-Annuity Crusader? Really???

{December 31st, 2009} by Lee Munson

PDF for Setting It Straight with Lee Munson ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Indexed-Annuity Crusader: Really??? Dear Mr. Munson: I guess you know that you’ve hit the big time when people start blogging about you. Although I appreciate the attention, indexed annuities are neither “high cost” nor “high load.” There are indexed annuities with first-year […]

Response: Cluttered annuities typically make for bad Investments

{December 31st, 2009} by John Henry McDonald

PDF for Setting It Straight with Austin8 ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Cluttered annuities typically make for bad Investments Mr. John Henry McDonald: I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for […]

Response: Annuities: Equity-Indexed Annuities: Putting Lipstick On A Pig

{December 31st, 2009} by Jeffrey Voudrie

PDF for Setting It Straight with PymntsAnnuity ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Annuities: Equity-Indexed Annuities: Putting Lipstick On A Pig  Web administrator, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over […]

Response: Securities attorney tests financial professionals with Jeopardy-style game

{December 31st, 2009} by Harriet Johnson Brackey

PDF for Setting It Straight with Chicago Tribune ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Securities attorney test financial professionals with Jeopardy-style game Mr. Kern: I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for […]

Response: Annuities: Oversight Needed On Equity-Indexed Annuities

{December 31st, 2009} by Jeffrey Voudrie

PDF for Setting It Straight with Jeffrey Voudrie ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Annuities: Oversight Needed on Equity-Indexed Annuities Jeffrey, As you know, I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for […]

Response: Avoiding Risk May Be Costly!

{December 31st, 2009} by Dave Patterson and Erin Preston

 PDF for Setting It Straight with CFPs ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Avoiding Risk May Be Costly  David and Erin,  I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. […]

Response: Why So Critical on Annuities?

{December 31st, 2009} by Allan Roth

PDF for Setting It Straight with CBS Money Watch ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Why So Critical on Annuities?  Allan,  I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. […]

Response: With Recent Market Conditions, are Equity Indexed Annuities a Good Option for Retirement Savings?

{December 31st, 2009} by John Houck

PDF for Setting It Straight with John Houck ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: With Recent Market Conditions, are Equity Indexed Annuities a Good Option for Retirement Savings?  John,  I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and […]

Response: Sales of Indexed Annuities Soar in 2nd Qtr, Says Beacon

{December 31st, 2009} by Kerry Pechter

PDF for Setting It Straight with RIJ ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Sales of Indexed Annuities Soar in 2nd Qtr, Says Beacon  Kerry,  I have just returned to the office to find your latest issue of the Retirement Income Journal. I have received a slew of emails today about your article, “Sales of Indexed Annuities […]

Response: Don’t rush into equity-indexed annuities

{December 31st, 2009} by Barry Dodd

PDF for Setting It Straight with Edward Jones2 ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Don’t rush into equity-indexed annuities Barry,  I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. I […]

Response: Don't rush into equity-indexed annuities

{December 31st, 2009} by Barry Dodd

PDF for Setting It Straight with Edward Jones2 ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Don’t rush into equity-indexed annuities Barry,  I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. I […]

Response: Beware the Siren Call

{December 31st, 2009} by Steve Stang

PDF for Setting It Straight with Steve Stang ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: Beware the Siren Call  Steve,  I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. I used […]

Response: The four types of annuities

{December 31st, 2009} by Stephen P. Poitevint

PDF for Setting It Straight with RJ ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT:  The four types of annuities  Stephen,  I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. I […]

Response: COLUMN: Don’t rush into equity-indexed annuities

{December 31st, 2009} by Randy Price

PDF for Setting It Straight with Edward Jones ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT:  COLUMN: Don’t rush into equity-indexed annuities  Randy,  I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a […]

Response: COLUMN: Don't rush into equity-indexed annuities

{December 31st, 2009} by Randy Price

PDF for Setting It Straight with Edward Jones ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT:  COLUMN: Don’t rush into equity-indexed annuities  Randy,  I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a […]

Response: Pop quiz: What do you know about index annuities?

{December 31st, 2009} by John Sullivan

PDF for Setting It Straight with BMA ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT:  What do you know about index annuities?  John,  I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life (IUL) markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over […]

Response: To Attorney Randall S. Ford

{December 31st, 2009} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Lawyer Randall Ford March 2, 2009 Randall S. Ford, Attorney at Law 2330 University Blvd, Ste. 505 Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35402 Advantage Group Associates, Inc. Sheryl J. Moore 215 SE Wildflower Court Pleasant Hill, Iowa  50327 Dear Mr. Ford,  I wanted to take a moment to write to you, and […]

Response: To Attorney Mark Dobin

{December 31st, 2009} by Sheryl J. Moore

PDF for Setting it Straight with Lawyer Marc Dobin February 8, 2009 Dobin & Jenks, LLP Marc S. Dobin 140 Intracoastal Pointe Drive, Ste. 207 Jupiter, Florida 33477 Advantage Group Associates, Inc. Sheryl J. Moore 215 SE Wildflower Court Pleasant Hill, Iowa  50327  Dear Mr. Dobin,  I wanted to take a moment and follow-up with […]

Response: How Well Do You Know…Indexed Annuities?

{December 31st, 2009} by Leslie Schism

PDF for Setting It Straight with WSJ 2 ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT:  How Well Do You Know…Indexed Annuities?  Leslie,  I know that you know who I am, but for the benefit of those copied on this email, I’ll provide a refresher. I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the […]

Response: Inside Secrets: How Insurance Agents Get You to Buy

{October 14th, 2009} by Sheryl J. Moore

Dear Kathy:

I am an independent market research analyst who specializes exclusively in the indexed annuity (IA) and indexed life markets. I have tracked the companies, products, marketing, and sales of these products for over a decade. I used to provide similar services for fixed and variable
products, but I believe so strongly in the value proposition of indexed products that I started my own company focusing on IAs exclusively.

Response: How Well Do You Know… Fixed Annuities?

{March 2nd, 2009} by Leslie Schism

PDF for Setting It Straight with WSJ 1  ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: [URL no longer available] Leslie, Although I appreciate your efforts to educate millions of American consumers on the value of fixed annuities, I deplore the closing statement in your article regarding indexed annuities, “These fixed annuities are complex, so much so […]