Retire with confidence
We investigate hundreds of annuities from top-rated insurance companies to find the best retirement annuity for you. Whether you want more income or growth without the risk of losses so you can retire with confidence, we can help.
We investigate annuities, so you can retire with confidence
We are independent investigators that investigate only top retirement annuities























Hear from our clients
Rated Excellent
Rated 4.9 | Based on 412 Trustpilot reviews
Doug Bentle was very informative and
Doug Bentle was very informative and helpful in educating me on different annuities and proposed few products for me to consider investing for retirement.
- Hersh
Outstanding service.
Barry explained everything! He had patience and took his time to make sure we didn’t feel rushed or obligated at all.
- Christopher
Easy to understand
Easy to understand, plenty of common sense examples and no pressure tactics
- Saul
Excellent
Excellent – Jerry was professional, friendly & very helpful!
- Jeff
The agent went out of his way to help
The agent went out of his way to help me even knowing that I may not have been in a position to purchase. Very, very, helpful.
- Carol
I was so fortunate to have had Scott
I was so fortunate to have had Scott Plamondon take me as his client. He is so knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of financial planning not just annuities. He has guided me through an extremely tough situation for which I am eternally grateful.
- Patricia
Exceptional Service
Mr. James Ault was my consultant and he was very concerned that the information he gave me was relevant to my situation. He explained everything carefully and answered all my questions. He sent me all the information I asked for and showed me exactly what each item was.
- Martha
Outstanding Service
My advisor, Wendy Pyne, was outstanding. She spent hours with me patiently explaining the different products on the market and walking me through the unfamiliar terms and concepts used in the annuity field. Very knowledgeable! Ms. Pyne then spent additional hours helping me find the right product for my individual needs. Could not be happier with the service I received
- Joe
Advisor was very seasoned informational
Advisor was very seasoned informational and extremely knowledgeable. Great Experience!!!
- Joseph
Best Advice Given Hands Down
Our representative is very knowledgeable and professional as well as patient . Able to make complex issues very understandable.
- Peter
Lot of great advice.
Lot of great advice.
- Sal
Service rep was the difference
Service rep Jeff Woodard was so helpful. He made the entire process so easy to understand. He was friendly,patient, and gave me the feeling that he was working for me, to try and get a good product within the constraints of my own personal financial situation.
- Ken
Terry was very helpful explaining the
Terry was very helpful explaining the options I have and how each one works in general and also specific to my situation. I will review his information and go over it with my wife. Just not sure if this is the time for me to commit yet since I do have other income sources currently filling any potential gap, but I can see where a FIA would be perfect for me if one or more of these sources were interrupted and a gap materialized.
- Michael
Worked with Ken Anderson from NJ
Worked with Ken Anderson from NJ. He walked us through the entire process, was very professional and we feel he advised us properly. We committed to an annuity that fit our particular needs, investing a lump sum , choosing to wait 4 years to start our withdrawal and feel the value is acceptable with the investment we made. We would highly recommend Annuity Gator, and especially Ken Anderson.
- David
Annuity Gator Review
Annuity Gator never did make contact with me to set up a review of my financial plan?
- Robert
Jason Solomon is very informed and
Jason Solomon is very informed and professional, he helped me through the entire application process with great expertise. His level of communication was great. I will highly recommend him to my friends. Thank you so much Jason.
- Art
James went the extra mile to ensure
James went the extra mile to ensure that our needs were satisfied.
- Kenneth
It was a pleasure working with the
It was a pleasure working with the advisor. The advisor provided adequate information to make a decision.
- Kishore
Working with Cal was fantastic
Working with Cal was fantastic. We did talk to other representatives from other companies and he was by far the best. He had a lot of patience with us. Never pushed us and provided all the information that we need, asked about our goals and was always there to answer any question we had.
- Ofer
Hi Casey
Hi, it was nice to talk business with Casey, he was able to explain about annuities and was clear about the various options that we have as we prepare for our future as retired folks. We hope that we can work with Casey going forward and develop a nice balanced plan. Thank you
- John
I found the right person
I was fortunate to have found a person that I could trust with my money. Mr Soloman is highly recommended.
- Maurice
I had many questions about Annuity’s
I had many questions about Annuity’s and did not feel the people I had been talking to were giving me all my options. But one email to Annuity Gator began a process where they went the extra mile to inform me of the many choices out there. I even got a breakdown in the mail just today. I would recommend them to anyone looking to find out more on how annuities work and what to expect across the board. They have been outstanding in helping me make some tough decisions. Thank You!
- Randy
Ryan McNeil was truly a sincere and
Ryan McNeil was truly a sincere and professional gentleman. He did not pressure me into making any decisions and explained all the different types of annuities that are available with great precision and patience. I am very thankful for the education that he provided to me with all the options that I have to choose from. I am looking forward to continue to work with him.
- David
Awesome company
Awesome company. Great experience.
- Fay
Annuity questions!
Annuity Gator Team is very precise in assisting you with your needs. They take time out and answer all of your question without feeling that you are being pressured. Thanks
- Reginald
Training is very good
Training is very good, but you have to put the time in.
- Phillip
Barbara Halperin is the BEST!
Barbara Halperin made my experience great with Annuity Gator! She is knowledgeable, understanding, patient and a true fiduciary. Which is very rare in the current investing climate. Twice Barbara lead me to great annuities with my best intentions at heart. I am very grateful as the proud owner of (2) annuities and my retirement is monstrously more secure than previously! I owe Barbara a tremendous gratitude and I now consider her a dear friend. Thank you again Barbara!
- Boyd
Making the Right Personal Choice in an Annuity
Investigating and attempting to understand different annuity products is very challenging. So it requires a person who can help and has great expertise and is willing to go the distance, in conveying information in an articulate and patient way. And Matthew Taub is that guy for the Job ! He truly enjoys helping people. He has been so industrious, enthusiastic and conscientious in educating me on the annuity products that are tailored to my individual needs. It is so important to find the Right fiduciary willing to point you in the correct direction ! Great Experience ! Thanks Matthew . . . You are one in a Million !
- GiGi
I am working with Jason Siebert
I am working with Jason Siebert. He has been incredibly patient in educating me towards products that best fit my financial needs. Very friendly and professional. Feel he really wanted to help me. No pressure. Will certainly use him for any other investment needs I may have.
- customer
Josh was excellent
Josh was excellent, explaining program details thoroughly and answering all questions. No pressure approach is definitely appreciated.
- Sharron
Knowledgeable on the subject
Knowledgeable on the subject . Help customer find the right product for her/his conditions . Willing to compare and find the best to fit the customer’s needs. Always prepared for online meeting with remote customers .
- customer
Andrew Wallop knows annuities!
One on one service with a knowledgeable person who listened to my needs and concerns. I was furnished many options and after several meetings and countless emails, I could weed out what was not the right options. Then Andrew let me know his evaluations on what was still on the table. I never felt rushed nor pressured into anything. I feel my retirement plans are taking shape. I will contact Andrew / Annuity gator when phase two is to be put into motion.
- Thomas
Not needed but very welcomed advise…
I have been following Annuity Gator now for several years so by the time I was ready to discuss annuity’s with a broker I felt very comfortable understanding the different types of annuities available in the marketplace. What I really liked was the broker that was introduced to me through AG. As he evaluated my current financial scenario he actually realized I did not need an annuity. I decided to get a small one just as protection in the future of some of my retirement funds. The whole process has been very professional. Thanks AG!
- Dave
Joshua is very knowledgeable and not
Joshua is very knowledgeable and not pushy about the subject matter. He was very pleasant to work with.
- Rick
I am a retired engineer and not that
I am a retired engineer and not that familiar with annuities. I originally chose Annuity Gator from the ethernet. I was a bit concerned that I chose wisely, as I wanted to find a representative that had my best interests as a priority. I couldn’t be more pleased with my choice. From the onset, Annuity Gator under the direction of Page Peterson has done everything possible to educate me and raise my level of confidence. As a direct result, I have contracted with Annuity Gator for what I believe is the best Annuity for my specific needs. A 5 star experience.
- Reginald
William Seeley was excellent in keeping
William Seeley was excellent in keeping up with the progress of my annuity. We will use him again in the future!
- Steven
Spread income for retiring years will
Spread income for retiring years will bring seniors peace in mind.
- Yam
Helpful and Educational
Ryan is very knowledgeable of the many options/strategies for buying annuities. He does a great job of explaining the details so that you can feel comfortable with the products.
- Scott
Exceptional Advisor
Terry Ciotti was excellent in helping me understand how annuities work and explaining the policy terminology. He has a great demeanor and concern for his client. He is a highly valued employee for annuity gator and should be referred for new clients at any level.
- Robert
Very responsive company and people
Very responsive company and people. Happy to be part of their team and journey.
- Jerry
Always get a second opinion
I was given incorrect information about taxes, I m glad I didn t go ahead with the transaction.
- Mark
Great!
Greg was great to talk to. Very informative and unbiased. Appreciate the information.
- Pat
Glad We turned to Annuity Gator !!
Darryl J. Stein was fantastic he went through several scenarios, to ensure we got the best product. We were looking to get extra income from the money we had in other accounts. The product he found for us beat other financial advisors literally by thousands of dollars, we were very pleased with Darryl from Annuity Gator and would recommend him to all our family and friends.
- Wayne
Annuity performance analysis augmented by IRA alternatives
Appreciated the in-depth review we received and especially the detailed data analysis and summary of our path forward thru retirement.
- atlPeter
Jeff was a great guy to get information
Jeff was a great guy to get information regarding annuities. He did research for our fafamily
- Duke
Bill Decker was very helpful
Bill Decker was very informative and helped me and my wife understand all of our options. With all of the uncertainty in the investing world right now he explained our options in a way that will help us in making the right decisions going forward. I highly recommend Bill for anyone that would want an advisor that they can trust and is great at explaining financial matters in an easy to understand way.
- Paul
Annuity review
Explained very well.
- Prahad
Annuity Gator helped me find a suitable Annuity for Retirement Income
After contacting Annuity Gator I was contacted by a licensed insurance advisor who offered me a choice of annuities based on my specific retirement income need. I was presented with a list of insurance companies along with their company ratings. I went with an insurance company with an “A” rating that was offering a promotional interest rate during the five year accrual period which allowed for the principle investment to grow significantly prior to the first distribution. The advisor then worked with me to fill out the necessary forms (of which there are many) to submit an application to the insurance company I chose. Keep in mind that this process takes several weeks and multiple telephone calls, but the advisor was there for me every step of the way.
- Joseph
Mark Newman: Takes the complex and make it simple
I worked with Mark Newman for the first time and he took the complexity and made it simple for me. Was able to answer my questions understand my needs and put together a solution that worked for me. I ll be working with him in the future on some additional investments as he was able to build trust quickly and great follow up as well.
- Erich
I was contacted by Mark Shelby who
I was contacted by Mark Shelby who answered my question and patiently walk me through very clear explanation on how annuities work. I also listened to the recent webinar that was very well done. Thank you, Lyn
- Lyn
Brian Greco was just awesome to work
Brian Greco was just awesome to work with. He took his fiduciary responsibility seriously and gained my trust by being patient, clearly explaining all of my options and never pushing to sell me on anything. I really felt Brian listened to my needs and had my best interest at heart in making retirement planning decisions. His follow up, knowledge and customer service were outstanding as well. I highly recommend Brian!!
- Kelly
First contact with Annuity Gator
John Montoya shared information that I did not know. He was also clear and concise in his communication with me. I am currently waiting for him to get back to me with advice to accomplish my goals.
- Elizabeth
Terry Ciotti was Excellent
Terry Ciotti was available as scheduled and forthright with his recommendations. He fielded questions effectively and gave me assurances in the products offered.
- William
Thank you
I was unfortunate to have had a very unqualified & dishonest financial advisor for my IRA investments including my Annuity. I was recommended by Fidelity to contact Annuity Gator for advice. I am fortunate to have been connected with Merrit Strunk as my advisor to advise about my inappropriate Annuity. He has shared his knowledge, expertise, & sincere caring attitude & attention to my situation. I am very grateful for his professional advice. Thank you!
- LS
We couldn’t be more pleased!
Annuity Gator connected us with a real find, Sean Mason from Fresno Financial advisors. Sean is extremely knowledgeable, thoughtful and trustworthy, the exact type of professional we search for when it comes to consultants, from doctors to finance. Since we made contact with Sean via Annuity Gator a couple of months ago, we have established a wonderful working relationship with Sean and his great staff and completed several major transactions. We couldn’t be more pleased. Thank you, Annuity Gator.
- Barbara
I love Steve of Annuity Gator
I love Steve of Annuity Gator, at first I was hesitant but he was patient and so informative…and due to his thorough work I found out I was eligible for a pension from my previous employer!!! He has helped me out a lot with understanding my retirement options. And thanks to his help I feel confident about my future retirement.
- Draga
Awesome and very informative!
Awesome and very informative!
- Suzanne
Great resource and helpful and knowledgable agent
Annuity Gator was very educational for me, and ultimately I bought an annuity through Greg Ferguson I’m very happy with (and just before the market crashed!)
- Maggie
Very honest and upfront
Very honest and upfront
- James
Jerry Means did an excellent job
Jerry Means did an excellent job explaining annuities
- Dan
We were greeted with very knowledgeable
We were greeted with very knowledgeable people willing to answer a lot of different questions on a level people can understand Thank you all and we are not done yet we may need your help very soon again
- Robert
From what I can see
From what I can see, your representative is very knowledgeable and that is what a fiancial planner is required to be!
- Marguerite
My annuity gator experience
Hands on and very thorough from A to Z. They were able to answer all questions that came up. The whole process was painless smooth.
- Calvin
Keeping It Simple
My advisor explained the Annuity I was interested in simple terms. He was patient. I felt I was being educated.Have not made a decision yet after 4 conversations..but that’s ok..this is important to really understand before I lay my money down.
- Kate
Excellent annuity service
Excellent support and service. I would highly recommend to anyone that needs an annuity.
- Mary
Lance Riddle worked with my wife and I
My wife and I have been working with Lance Riddle the past few months. He has been very responsive and professional. When we had questions and needed help he was quick to reply We felt very comfortable with his suggestions and recommendations. We ended up purchasing 5 different annuities while working with him.
- Kenneth
Marcos is excellent
Marcos is excellent. Very knowledgeable, and explains all products in simple terms. Answered all questions, explanations made simple.
- Len
jeff woodard a very dedicated person with annuity gator
it was a tough road to hoe but jeff woodard was on top of it every day. Always responded to emails and phone calls
- Stanley
Excellent support and knowledgeable
Excellent support and knowledgeable answers. If you want objective, fact based information, this is a very good resource.
- Apples1128!
Marcus was very helpful in explaining
Marcus was very helpful in explaining all the pros and cons of various annuities and helped me choose the best one for me.
- Richard
Helpful advice given
Helpful advice given, good information
- Wilson
Scott was very knowledgeable and
Scott was very knowledgeable and explain annuities where I could understand. It was very pleasant and helpful on the phone and I would recommend him.
- Bonnie
Great products
Great products
- Sharma
My advisor – Joshua
Worked with Joshua Schlinsky back in Q3 2022, and we did our annual review this year. I found him patient, a good listener and most important, giving me a sense of an advisor who projected a fiduciary perspective towards my situation with knowledge of products towards a modeled solution. AnnuityGator is fortunate to have him as an asset to help folks on some financial planning.
- CKwan
Knowledgeable, Reliable and Trustworthy
Approximately a 15 months ago I met Joshua Schlinsky through a visual phone meeting. I was skeptical, I wasn’t a fan of discussing my needs and financial matters over the Zoom Meeting. I prefer face to face. After about 5 zoom meetings, I found Joshua to be very knowledgeable about the many constantly changing Annuities and their crediting options from different Insurance Companies. Joshua gained my Trust and I found him very easy to work with. Not a pushy salesman. He educated me with the newest options in the ever-changing market. Along with his professional advise, He and I made good solid choices. I am thankful for Joshua and his staff for being a Professional, Educated and Passionate firm representing me.
- Rosario
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First, we gather basic information from you to understand your goals and determine if a certain retirement annuity is right for you.
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Last, you can retire with peace of mind and confidence knowing that you found the right retirement annuity that provides you the highest income and benefits.
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annuity journey?
Let our Licensed Annuity Investigators get you started on the path to a comfortable retirement in three easy ways.
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How we are different…
We don’t confuse you with fancy brochures or complicated charts and graphs. We keep it simple with
honest guidance, full transparency, and personalized recommendations, all without high-pressure
sales tactics, in-person meetings, or complicated insurance jargon.
We focus relentlessly on three areas:
Honest guidance
Best annuities
Personalization
Honest guidance
We give it to you straight. We don’t hide anything or avoid conversations about fees, commissions, or fine print. Our Licensed Annuity Investigators provide full transparency, answer all your questions, and give honest guidance so you can retire with confidence.
Best annuities
With our technology-driven approach, we can investigate hundreds of top annuities from multiple top-rated insurance companies. Our Licensed Annuity Investigators can help you understand your options and feel confident you have found the best retirement annuity for your situation to financially prepare for a comfortable and worry-free retirement.
Personalization
There is no one-size-fits-all annuity. The right annuity for your retirement depends on your goals, needs, and desired retirement outcome. Our Licensed Annuity Investigators can help you customize a strategy that helps you reach your desired outcome with minimal effort from you.
Need help finding the right annuity?
We have over 100 retirement annuities in our review database.
FAQs
What are annuities, and how do they work in retirement planning?
Annuities are financial products offered by an issuing insurance company that can help you convert your retirement savings into a guaranteed income stream. They are often used as part of retirement planning to ensure you have enough money to cover your expenses throughout retirement. Depending on the type of annuity—such as fixed annuities, variable annuities, or deferred income annuities—you can receive guaranteed lifetime income, tax-deferred growth, and protection from market declines. These products can be tailored to meet your investment objectives and provide regular payments, either immediately or in the future, based on your needs.
What is the difference between fixed and variable annuities, and can I lose money with them?
Fixed annuities provide a guaranteed rate of return and predictable payments, making them a safer option for those seeking stability. Variable annuities, on the other hand, offer underlying investment options tied to market performance, which means your account value may fluctuate. While fixed annuities protect your principal, variable annuities carry market risk, so it’s possible to lose money depending on how the investments perform. Both types may include additional features like a death benefit or a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit for an extra fee.
How do taxes work with annuities, and what is tax deferral?
Annuities offer tax-deferred growth, meaning you don’t pay taxes on earnings until you withdraw them. When you take distributions, they are taxed as ordinary income rather than capital gains. This can help your retirement nest egg grow faster compared to taxable accounts. However, early withdrawals may incur surrender charges and additional penalties. It’s important to consult a licensed insurance agency or tax professional for personalized tax advice before making decisions about an annuity.
What should I consider when evaluating a retirement annuity?
When evaluating retirement annuities, consider reviewing unbiased reviews and analyses to understand the pros and cons of each product. Websites like AnnuityGator.com provide independent reviews to help you make informed decisions. Look at the financial strength of the issuing insurance company, such as York Life Insurance Company, as their claims-paying ability is crucial for honoring guarantees like guaranteed lifetime income. Also, evaluate the fees, investment options, and any additional features like cost-of-living adjustments that align with your retirement goals.
What happens to my annuity if I pass away?
Many retirement annuities include a death benefit that ensures any remaining contract value or specified funds are passed on to your beneficiaries. Some contracts also allow you to choose income options that continue payments to a spouse or heir after your death. The specifics vary depending on the type of annuity and the terms outlined by the issuing corporation. Be sure to review these details carefully when purchasing an annuity to ensure it aligns with your legacy planning goals.
See How Stephen Turned His 401(K) Into a Guaranteed Lifetime Income and Can Now Retire with Confidence