Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Variable annuities are often sold as the ultimate "peace of mind" retirement tool, but for retirement, we have to look past the sales pitch to the actual math. While they offer tax-deferred growth and a "guaranteed" income floor, the truth is often buried in a mountain of fees, mortality and expense charges to high management fees and optional rider costs, that can easily eat 3% or more of your returns every year. Unlike a simple low-cost brokerage account, your money is often locked behind surrender periods that can last a decade, and those "guaranteed" gains are frequently taxed as ordinary income rather than at the lower capital gains rate. Variable annuities can be a powerful shield against outliving your money, but they are a high-cost tool that only makes sense if the insurance guarantee is worth more to you than the flexibility and lower fees of a traditional portfolio.
Follow my page for clear, no-fluff financial planning steps!
Visit for more - wealthrb.com
Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/ SIPC. Investment advice offered through IHT Wealth Management, a registered investment advisor. IHT Wealth Management and RB Wealth Partners are separate entities from LPL Financial.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.
#CFP #Financialplanner #retirement #retirementincome #IRS #retirementfinancialplanning
Variable annuities are often sold as the ultimate "peace of mind" retirement tool, but for retirement, we have to look past the sales pitch to the actual math. While they offer tax-deferred growth and a "guaranteed" income floor, the truth is often buried in a mountain of fees, mortality and expense charges to high management fees and optional rider costs, that can easily eat 3% or more of your returns every year. Unlike a simple low-cost brokerage account, your money is often locked behind surrender periods that can last a decade, and those "guaranteed" gains are frequently taxed as ordinary income rather than at the lower capital gains rate. Variable annuities can be a powerful shield against outliving your money, but they are a high-cost tool that only makes sense if the insurance guarantee is worth more to you than the flexibility and lower fees of a traditional portfolio.
Follow my page for clear, no-fluff financial planning steps!
Visit for more - wealthrb.com
Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/ SIPC. Investment advice offered through IHT Wealth Management, a registered investment advisor. IHT Wealth Management and RB Wealth Partners are separate entities from LPL Financial.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.
#CFP #Financialplanner #retirement #retirementincome #IRS #retirementfinancialplanning
