Annuities Can Be an Essential Element of a Good Financial Investment Plan
This blog post is all about keeping your money alive and kicking; thriving while you get older than you thought you would ever be.
This hit home for me when my dad died at age 72. This caused me to believe when I was in my sixties that I would be gone by 75. But here I am today just 6 months from 90. How did that happen? It certainly was not because I eat right because I don’t. I still eat a Snickers and a Butterfinger candy bar once a week, and my ice cream has to have some caramel on it, and I definitely consider chocolate chip cookies almost a daily necessity.
I am not bragging here but instead just saying how lucky I am. Lucky in the sense that I would have died but for the fantastic doctors who kept me alive. For example, in 2006, I had open-heart quadruple bypass surgery. And anyone who also had this medical procedure, knows it’s a “let me outta here” type experience.
Research statistics indicate that of the four million or so people reaching the age of 65 this year, most, if not all of them, will try to figure out if they have enough money to live on until the day of their death.
Few people know when they will die. As they look at the research, they are told that if you are 65, depending on numerous variables, you might live to 78. And if your 75 you might just make it to 90……maybe, that is, if you’re lucky like me. I’m being optimistic here with six months to go.
So the questions therefore are, how much income will I have? At what rate will I or should I spend it? And how much can I earn through a good investment plan?
It is at this point of reasoning that almost all people realize, and are convinced, that they need the right kind of financial planner to address these questions and provide financial guidance.
In my new book, “How Do I Know You Won’t Steal My Money” I addressed these questions in chapter 24.
Over the past 56 years I have come to know a lot of financial planners. I was Chairman of the College for Financial Planning and also on the Certified Financial Planner Board and the Financial Planners Association Board.
And as you might have already concluded, there are some bad CFPs, but then again, there are also many who are very good. When it comes to financial investment planning the most important step is the first one, which is to find a very good, well proven, highly experienced, truthful, honest, qualified, certified financial planner (CFP).
Today when people ask me to recommend a very good CFP, I always refer them to Bill Brancaccio CFP. He has lots of experience, very intelligent, and a good ‘people person’. I have introduced him to all my clients over the years, and everyone really likes him. He can be trusted hands down. Check out these search results Bill Brancaccio – Search
I also strongly recommend reading five short chapters 2-6 in my book. I am confident that you will gain a foundational background for understanding annuities.
Then read the Barrons article, “The 100 Best Annuities. How to Avoid Common Mistakes and Pick the Right One.” Published July24.2026 by Karen Hube – Link The 100 Best Annuities of 2026: How to Buy the Right One – Barron’s
One small example from the article. The current top three annual income guarantees for a person investing $200,000 at age 60, and then after ten years turning on the income stream at age 70, averages $33,702 annually. That becomes a wonderful supplement to social security.
This is not an easy decision for anyone to make on their own. So again, I emphasize, this very important decision needs to be made from within the context provided by a proven financial planner’s guidance plan.
I’ve always said that “Good Luck” doesn’t just fall out of the sky, but instead is created through intelligence, knowledge, and truth. I have based my career on this financial philosophy and look forward to addressing any questions you might have so please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will do my best to point you in the best direction possible.
Please feel free to use the CONTACT THE AUTHOR – Vern Hayden CFP webpage.
