Should You Buy an Annuity?
The free guide that helps you decide without the hype or the hate.
Step 1: Read the book
Get the digital book and discover the different types of annuities so you can start to see them as tools you may or may not use in retirement.
Step 2: Run a few scenarios
Enjoy our calculator that is intended to let you run various scenarios so you can get used to how annuities may play a role in retirement.
Step 3: Know your next move
If you believe annuities may be right for you, schedule a call and get personalized help finding the right one for you and your retirement.
Someone told you annuities are the safest thing you can own. Someone else told you they're the worst financial product ever created. And now you're somewhere in between, trying to figure out who's telling the truth.
Here's the problem... Most of what you'll find online was written by someone who either earns a commission selling annuities or earns a fee by convincing you never to buy one.
The information isn't neutral because the person delivering it isn't neutral.
Meanwhile, you're left trying to sort through MYGAs, FIAs, SPIAs, income riders, surrender charges, and cap rates without a clear framework for knowing which type actually fits your situation... or whether any of them do.
That's why I wrote The DIY Annuity Guide: How to Decide Whether to Buy One or Not, Without the Hype or the Hate.
Inside, you'll see how each annuity type actually works, what it costs, what it's designed to do, and where it falls short. You'll also get a 12-question checklist you can bring to any meeting with any annuity provider, including us, so you can tell the difference between a recommendation that fits your plan and a sales pitch dressed up as advice.
Download the guide, the checklist, and a lifetime income calculator (just for fun), so you can sit down on your own time and make a decision you're confident in, whether that decision is yes, no, or not yet.
Download the DIY Annuity Guide
"My story with annuities is simple. I was trained to hate them. Then I was told to love them. It was confusing... and I'm the one with the licenses.
During some economic seasons, they didn't seem to make much sense. During others, they seemed like a great deal. Eventually, I realized the debate itself was the problem. An annuity is a tool. It's not good or evil. It either fits your plan, or it doesn't.
But that's not the conversation most people are having. They're either sitting across from someone who earns a commission by selling one or someone who earns a fee by telling them to never buy one. The information isn't bad... It's just not neutral.
So, I wrote this guide to give you what I wish someone had given me early on: a clear, honest breakdown of how each type works, what it costs, where it falls short, and a 12-question checklist you can bring to any meeting with any advisor, including me, to tell the difference between a recommendation and a pitch.
Some people will read it and decide an annuity doesn't belong in their plan. Others will realize one fits perfectly. Either way, the goal is the same... To help you make a decision you're confident in, not one you were talked into."
— Michael Decker, NSSA®
Author of How to Retire on Time and the DIY Annuity Guide
Founder of Kedrec Wealth
Everything You Get
The DIY Annuity Guide (Digital)
Learn how annuities actually work, three strategies for using them in retirement, and the hard questions to ask before you sign anything. You'll get a digital copy instantly.
The Lifetime Income Calculator
Sometimes, it's easier to learn by doing. We built the calculator to help you run different scenarios and determine if an annuity, or lifetime income, should be a part of your retirement plan.
Weekly Live Q&A with the Author
Every week, Michael Decker, NSSA® goes live to share market updates, a few timely retirement planning tips, and answer questions submitted by Kit owners in real time, on camera, with no filter
Total Value
The DIY Annuity Guide
The Lifetime Income Calculator
Weekly Q&A Sessions
Today: FREE
Why Is This Free?
Because the best time to plan is before you need to... And most people just need clarity to get started. If this book and calculator give you the confidence to retire on your own terms, that's a win. And if you decide you'd like professional help, we're here.
This content on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as the basis for financial decisions. It should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation.
Investment advisory services are offered through Kedrec, LLC, a Kansas state Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance products and services are offered through its affiliate, Kedrec Legacy, LLC. We are not affiliated with the US government or any governmental agency.
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee success, ensure a profit or guarantee against losses. Insurance product guarantees are backed solely by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing company.
Insurance and annuity products involve fees and charges, including potential surrender penalties. Annuity withdrawals are subject to ordinary income taxes and potentially a 10% federal penalty before age 59-1/2. Life insurance generally requires medical and potentially financial underwriting to qualify for coverage. Optional features and riders may entail additional annual cost. Product and feature availability may vary by state.
Tax, legal and estate planning services are available only to members who purchase the Kedrec Wealth Membership level. Tax, legal and estate services provided by our network of tax and legal professionals. Always consult with qualified tax/legal advisors regarding your unique circumstances.