Continuing Education for Variable Annuities Training

The training covers how variable annuities work, including sub-account investing, tax-deferred growth, market risk, living benefit riders, mortality and expense charges, administrative fees, surrender schedules, and suitability considerations. It is designed to help participants understand contract mechanics, compare alternatives, and ask better questions before purchasing, retaining, or replacing a variable annuity.

Yes. Existing variable annuity owners often benefit from reviewing rider fees, income guarantees, surrender charges, investment sub-accounts, and whether the contract still fits their retirement plan. Brokerage Consulting can also discuss 1035 exchange considerations, including when replacement may reduce cost, improve income features, or shift risk toward fixed or indexed annuity alternatives.

Yes. Variable annuities invest premiums into sub-accounts that function similarly to mutual funds, so account value can rise or fall with investment performance. Optional living benefit riders may provide certain contractual guarantees, but those guarantees have specific rules and fees. Sub-account performance itself is not guaranteed, and loss of principal is possible.

Common variable annuity costs include mortality and expense charges, administrative fees, sub-account expenses, and optional rider fees. Living benefit riders may add roughly 1.0% to 1.5% annually, and total costs can exceed 3% per year depending on the contract. Training helps participants evaluate whether those costs are justified by the benefits received.

A GLWB generally focuses on guaranteed lifetime withdrawals, a GMIB may provide a guaranteed minimum income benefit after specific conditions are met, and a GMAB may protect a minimum accumulation value. Each rider has contract rules, costs, waiting periods, and benefit calculations. Understanding these details is essential before relying on a rider for retirement income.

A comparison may be useful when the client wants less market exposure, stronger principal protection, lower ongoing costs, or more predictable income features. Fixed indexed annuities can offer index-linked growth potential with principal protection, while variable annuities provide greater market participation and greater risk. The right fit depends on income needs, risk tolerance, and existing guarantees.

Yes. A 1035 exchange can allow one annuity to be exchanged for another without immediately triggering taxation, but it requires careful review. Training explains surrender charges, new contract fees, rider comparisons, income guarantees, carrier strength, and whether the exchange improves the client’s position. Replacement should be justified by clear benefits, not sales pressure.

Yes. Brokerage Consulting offers a no-cost initial consultation by phone, virtual meeting, or in person. For annuity brokerage services, Ken Orenstein is compensated through commissions paid by the issuing insurance carrier, not a direct client fee. Investment advisory services, when applicable, are offered separately through Brookstone Capital Management with an assets-under-management fee.