A clear, step-by-step walkthrough of the entire annuity buying process — from setting your goal all the way through funding, policy issuance, your free-look period, and the ongoing service relationship. No surprises, no guesswork.
If you've never bought an annuity before, the process can feel intimidating — but it's more straightforward than most people expect. This page walks you through it step by step, in plain English, so you know exactly what to expect before you ever talk to anyone.
Before anything else, ask yourself what you want this money to do. Are you after safe, guaranteed growth? Income you can't outlive? Or protection from market swings? Your goal points you toward the right type of annuity — not the other way around.
When might you need this money? Annuities are built for money you can leave in place for a set number of years. Knowing your timeline helps match you to the right term and avoids surprises later.
This is where independence matters. Rates, terms, and features vary widely between carriers. Devin shops 40+ companies and compares them side by side — bringing you a clear picture of your best options rather than presenting whatever one company happens to offer.
The highest rate isn't automatically the best contract. A complete picture weighs the rate alongside the carrier's financial strength, the surrender schedule, withdrawal flexibility, and any special features. Devin walks through this with you so nothing is unclear before you decide.
When you're ready to move forward, Devin fills out the application alongside you — walking through every field, explaining what the insurance company is asking and why. There's no paperwork to figure out on your own. Once it's complete, Devin submits it to the carrier on your behalf.
The insurance company reviews your application — typically within a few business days, though timelines vary by carrier and product. During this period, Devin stays in contact and keeps you updated. If the carrier needs anything additional, he handles it.
Once approved, you fund the annuity. This can happen two ways: with new money (a check or wire from your bank), or as a transfer or rollover (moving funds from an existing annuity, IRA, or other account directly to the carrier). Devin coordinates the transfer paperwork so nothing gets lost and the money arrives correctly. If it's a 1035 exchange or IRA rollover, the transfer goes directly between institutions — you don't touch the funds.
Once funding is confirmed, the carrier issues your policy. You'll receive the official contract — your legally binding document that lays out your guaranteed rate, term, withdrawal rights, and all the details. Devin reviews it with you to make sure everything is exactly as expected.
Every annuity includes a free-look period — typically 10 to 30 days after you receive the contract — during which you can cancel for a full refund, for any reason, no questions asked. Read your contract carefully during this window. If anything looks different from what you expected, Devin is a phone call away.
The relationship doesn't end at purchase. Devin is your point of contact for the life of your annuity — whether that's answering questions about your statement, updating a beneficiary, processing a free withdrawal, or reviewing your options when your term approaches its end. You'll always reach him directly, never a call center. Many clients who've worked with Devin once come back when their term ends and it's time to compare the next set of options.
We put together a free, no-strings 20-page guide that walks through everything on this page in more depth — the types of annuities, how the guarantees work, taxes, the questions to ask any advisor, and a checklist to bring with you. It's written in the same plain-English style as the rest of the site.
You don't need to be an expert to protect yourself — you just need the right questions. Bring these to any advisor, not just to us:
A fixed annuity is a long-term commitment of your money. You have every right to take your time, ask hard questions, and say "let me think about it." A trustworthy advisor welcomes that.
No pressure, no obligation. Explore the rate tool, take the 2-minute quiz, or ask Devin anything — whatever helps you understand your options.