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Understand Annuity Basics

An annuity is a financial product offered by an insurance company. It is designed to help your money grow on a tax-deferred basis (meaning you don’t pay taxes on the gains until you withdraw the money) and later provide income, often during retirement.

You buy an annuity with either a single payment (premium) or a series of payments. In return, the insurance company gives you interest credits to grow your account. Each contract has rules, such as a surrender charge period (fees if you withdraw early), and options for how and when you can access your money.

When it’s time to use your annuity, you can:

  • Receive regular income payments (annuitization).
  • Use optional income riders (added features for a fee).
  • Withdraw funds in a lump sum.

Understand the risks, the strategies, and the smarter options for your retirement savings

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Need to review an existing annuity?

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Key Benefits of Annuities

Trusted Guidance

Financial Security

Lasting Stability

When certain funds may not be a fit for an Annuity

  • Short-term liquidity needed (emergency, near-term large expenses).
  • Already have most of your assets in an annuity
  • High-fees for an IRA without needed riders (duplicative tax deferral).
  • Purchase driven solely by bonus or promotional feature without understanding long term impact and restrictions. *We can review these concerns with you
Help Me Decide

How Fixed Index Annuities Earn Interest

  • Growth is usually based on changes in an index such as the S&P 500.
  • Your principal is protected—if the index goes down, you don’t lose money (guaranteed floor, often 0%).
  • Gains are limited by caps (maximum interest you can earn) and participation rates (the portion of index growth credited).
  • These annuities often provide higher potential than fixed annuities, but without full market participation. 

Bottom Line: There are many types of annuities that could benefit someone’s retirement concerns. We are here to help you understand what may work for you and why, before you commit to a path forward.

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We make it easier to compare and buy annuities in one place

We make it easier to compare and buy annuities in one place

Questions? We Have Answers!

Review Existing Annuity

We can review and assess your current annuity(s) and give you a thorough analysis. The more information we have, the more accurate and informative we can be. You can upload a statement to the message below.

About Joseph Jacobs

We  started Annuity Informant with a simple belief: most people don’t need a harder sell—they need straight answers from industry insiders. Since 200 I’ve worked across the financial services world—I started in Retail banking, had a licensed Mortgage Brokerage and eventually found my way to serving financial professionals as a Senior Annuity Wholesaler.  After 20+ years I have learned there is a better way to serve people nearing or in retirement. My passion is helping clients maximize their security with retirement funds, creating stability, and solving concerns about longevity, inflation and legacy planning.We want to deliver facts, easy to understand information, and honest support through important financial decisions.

Today, I help clients—especially those nearing or in retirement—understand Guaranteed Rate Annuities (MYGAs/GRAs), Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs), and guaranteed lifetime income options in plain English. We are independent of any single carrier, which means I can compare multiple designs, features and benefits to find what truly works for you!

My approach

  • Education first: I explain caps, participation rates, spreads, fees, and surrender schedules in dollars and timelines you can see.
  • Your pace: No rush. We walk scenarios side-by-side so trade-offs are crystal clear.
  • Tax-aware guidance: I aim to help keep your money safe and reduce unnecessary taxes, coordinating with your CPA or attorney.
  • From plan to implementation: If you choose to move forward, I handle implementation and provide ongoing reviews to ensure our plan meets your needs.


Why work with me

  • Experience that spans both sides of the table (Annuity Wholesaler, Business Owner, Life Insurance Specialist)
  • Independent access to multiple carriers and product types
  • Process-driven analysis with simple visuals and take-home summaries
  • A proven track record of helping protect hundreds of millions of dollars for countless clients all over the United States


Background & credentials

  • BBA; currently pursuing ChFC®
  • Licenses: Life & Health Insurance
  • Michigan Mortgage Broker (inactive)


How we work

Our first meeting is pure discovery—on both sides. I get to know your goals, timelines, risk comfort, tax picture, and income needs. I ask thoughtful questions, take careful notes, and then build clear comparisons so you can decide with confidence.

A bit about me

I am the proud Father of two teens, Ben and Nicholas. Ben is a senior in high school and recently got accepted to Western Michigan, (Go Broncos!)  Nick is a junior in high school pursuing the same college. Both plan to pursue a career in finance.

We live in the country and enjoy our two Goldens, Penney, and Oakey. While work and school are busy, we do find time to travel to our favorite spot in Frankfort MI a few times a year and spend a lot of time just enjoying our quiet spot in the country!

Don’t Be Sold. Be Informed.
Your Retirement. Your Pace. Your Terms.

Contact: Joe@annuityinformant.com

About Brent Celso

Joe and I started Annuity Informant with a simple belief: most people don’t need a harder sell—they need straight answers from industry insiders. Since 1996 I’ve worked across the financial services world—as a Senior Annuity Wholesaler, a former co-owner of a boutique Annuity Distribution Firm, and a Life Insurance Specialist serving high-net-worth families on tax and estate strategies. That vantage point showed me how complex annuities can feel from the client’s side. So we built a straight-talk alternative.

Today, I help clients—especially those nearing or in retirement—understand Guaranteed Rate Annuities (MYGAs/GRAs), Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs), and guaranteed lifetime income options in plain English. I’m independent of any single carrier, which means I can compare multiple designs to find fits, not force fits. 

My approach 

  • Education first: I explain caps, participation rates, spreads, fees, and surrender schedules in dollars and timelines you can see. 
  • Your pace: No rush. We walk scenarios side-by-side so trade-offs are crystal clear. 
  • Tax-aware guidance: I aim to help keep your money safe and reduce unnecessary taxes, coordinating with your CPA or attorney. 
  • From plan to paperwork: If you choose to move forward, I handle implementation and provide ongoing check-ins. 

Why work with me 

  • Experience that spans both sides of the table (Annuity Wholesaler, Business Owner, Life Insurance Specialist) 
  • Independent access to multiple carriers and product types 
  • Process-driven analysis with simple visuals and take-home summaries 
  • A proven track record of helping protect hundreds of millions of dollars for countless clients all over the United States

 Background & credentials 

  • MBA; currently pursuing ChFC® 
  • Licenses: Life & Health Insurance 
  • Securities: Series 6 & 63 (inactive) 

How I work 

Our first meeting is pure discovery—on both sides. I get to know your goals, timelines, risk comfort, tax picture, and income needs. I ask thoughtful questions, take careful notes, and then build clear comparisons so you can decide with confidence. 

A bit about me 

I’ve been married to my amazing wife, Erica, for nearly 20 years. We have two kids: Grace, studying nursing at the University of Toledo, and Gavin, a high-schooler with dreams of becoming a game creator. When I’m not with family, you’ll likely find me on the ice playing hockey or in the kitchen cooking up something delicious. 

Don’t Be Sold. Be Informed. 

Your Retirement. Your Pace. Your Terms. 

Contact: brent@annuityinformant.com