Know the questions.
Understand what you own.

Question 01

Start with the contract you actually own.

What type of annuity is it? When was it issued? What is its current contract value?

Bring the contract and your latest statement. Fixed, fixed indexed, registered index-linked, and variable annuities have different risks and features. A product name alone does not tell the whole story.

Question 02

Understand access and surrender charges.

How much can I withdraw? When does the surrender period end?

Ask your insurer for the current cash surrender value and the withdrawal rules. Confirm whether a market value adjustment or other charge applies. A withdrawal described as penalty-free under a contract is not necessarily tax-free.

Question 03

Make annuity fees and rider costs visible.

Which charges apply to my contract? What do optional benefits cost?

Use your contract’s fee schedule and rider documents. Ask for each applicable charge in plain language, including how it is calculated. Do not assume every annuity has the same fee structure.

Question 04

Ask how your income benefit works.

What income is available, at what age, and under which conditions?

If you have an income rider, ask the insurer to distinguish the value used to calculate benefits from the amount available to withdraw. Request an explanation of how withdrawals and the income start date affect that benefit.

Question 05

Check your crediting and renewal terms.

What rate or crediting method applies now? What can change at renewal?

For a fixed indexed annuity, ask how caps, participation rates, or spreads affect interest credits where applicable. Index-linked interest does not mean you directly own the index. Review the actual crediting terms rather than comparing a headline percentage alone.

Question 06

Compare keeping the contract with changing it.

What would I give up? What new restrictions would begin?

Identify existing benefits, beneficiary provisions, and any costs of leaving. A replacement may introduce a new surrender period. Keep your current needs, income timing, and access to other savings at the center of the conversation.

Bring your questions. We’ll take the time.

Keep your latest statement, contract, and rider notices available. Start your request with general information; do not put account numbers, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive details in the initial form.

A complimentary annuity review with Safe Strategies Financial is an educational conversation with no obligation to purchase. Keeping your current contract may be the right outcome. Meet the people behind your review.