Episode 16: Why Buy An Annuity From Me?

I hate selling.

I know that’s a strong statement to make, especially in an industry often driven by numbers and closing deals. But let me clarify: it’s not the concept of selling that I’m against—it’s the traditional sales tactics that never sat right with me. You know the kind—aggressive follow-ups, pushing for a decision before you’re ready, or using psychological tricks to get you to say ‘yes.’ That’s just not me.

I’ve always believed in a different approach. Imagine sitting down with a friend, discussing your financial future over a cup of coffee. There’s no rush, no pressure, just a genuine conversation about what you want your retirement to look like. That’s the experience I aim to provide. I see myself more as a strategist than a salesman. My role is to listen, understand your needs, and then help you piece together the financial puzzle that is retirement planning.

Over the years, I’ve realized that being upfront and honest is the best policy. I don’t have a drawer full of closing techniques or manipulative questions designed to lead you down a path. Instead, I offer straightforward advice based on your individual needs and goals. It’s about building a relationship, not just making a sale.

This philosophy extends to every part of my business. Once I’ve shared my strategy with you, the ball is in your court. I won’t inundate you with calls or emails because I respect your space and decision-making process. It’s a method that might not work for everyone, but it’s the one that works for me and, more importantly, for my clients.

So that’s why I always cringe a little at the question of ‘why should I buy from you?’ It implies a transactional nature that goes against everything I stand for. I don’t want you to buy from me because I’ve ‘sold’ you an annuity; I want you to work with me because you trust in my expertise, my approach, and my commitment to your financial well-being.

But if I have to answer it and so-called sell myself, let’s start at the beginning…

From Firefighter to Financial Strategist

My journey into the world of financial strategy was anything but ordinary. I didn’t start out with a passion for numbers or markets. My first love was serving the community as a firefighter and paramedic. It was a career that taught me about teamwork, dedication, and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Little did I know, these lessons would become the foundation of my approach to financial planning.

The turning point came in 2007, a year that changed the course of my life. I lost my defined benefit pension—a safety net I had always counted on for retirement. Suddenly, I was thrust into the world of 401(k)s and personal investment, navigating uncertain waters just like millions of other Americans. And then 2008 hit, bringing with it a financial crisis that shook the very core of my beliefs about security and future planning.

In the aftermath, I found myself searching for answers. How could I, and others like me, find a way to secure a stable, worry-free retirement? I spent the next seven years diving deep into the financial industry, exploring every avenue from stocks and bonds to real estate and cryptocurrencies. But each path I explored seemed to carry its own set of risks and uncertainties.

It was during this quest for knowledge that I stumbled upon the concept of annuities. Here was a solution that echoed the stability and reliability of the defined benefit pension plans of old. An annuity could offer what seemed increasingly elusive: a guaranteed lifetime income without the need for constant management or the fear of loss. The more I learned, the more I realized that this was the piece of the puzzle I had been missing.

This discovery was not just a turning point for my personal financial planning but also the catalyst for my career shift. I realized that if I was searching for this kind of security, others were too. And nothing could produce a guaranteed lifetime income with no management and no risk of loss like the right kind of fixed indexed annuity could. It was this realization that led me to become a financial strategist, dedicated to helping others navigate the complexities of retirement planning with confidence and peace of mind.

Independence: The Key to Client-Centered Recommendations

I’ve talked about this extensively on this website: I’m an independent, or what’s known as a “non-captive”, producer.

This might sound like industry jargon to some, but it’s actually a crucial aspect of how I operate and serve my clients. Being independent means I’m not tied to any single annuity provider or financial institution. There’s no hidden agenda, no quotas to meet, no exclusive products that I’m pushed to promote. This freedom is not just liberating for me as an advisor; it’s fundamentally beneficial for my clients.

Why? Because it allows me to truly put your needs first. When I sit down to review your financial situation and retirement goals, I’m not restricted to a limited set of solutions. Instead, I can scan the entire market, comparing products from dozens of companies to find the one that best matches your unique needs and circumstances. It’s about crafting a custom-fit strategy rather than trying to make one-size-fits-all advice work for you.

This independence also means I’m able to be transparent about compensation. Since I receive a one-time commission directly from the annuity company, none of the costs come out of your pocket. Once our transaction is complete, my focus remains on your satisfaction and financial well-being, not on upselling or cross-selling additional products for ongoing commissions. This aligns my success with your success—when you’re happy with your financial strategy, that’s the ultimate reward for my work.

Perhaps most importantly, this approach allows me to be a true advocate for my clients. In a financial landscape that can often feel overwhelming and impersonal, I strive to be a trusted guide and ally. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of annuity products or making adjustments as your life and goals evolve, I’m here to provide clarity and confidence every step of the way.

And that’s just part of my ATLAS Annuity Strategy process.

It’s not about selling; it’s about serving. It’s about ensuring that when you make one of the most important financial decisions of your life, you’re doing so with the best possible information and a strategy tailored specifically to you. That’s the value of independence, and that’s the commitment I make to every client I have the privilege of working with.

Personalized Service and Expertise

Now this is a very rare situation, but I’ve had someone ask me before, ‘Why shouldn’t I just take your recommendation and go to my advisor?’ It’s a fair question, and it really gets to the heart of what sets me apart in this industry. The truth is, not all advisors are created equal, especially when it comes to specialized products like annuities.

My focus on annuities isn’t just a small part of what I do; it’s the core of my practice. This specialization has allowed me to gain a depth of knowledge and understanding that is rare in the financial world.

What this means for you is that when I make a recommendation, it’s not just based on a cursory review of your situation or a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s the result of a comprehensive analysis of your specific needs, goals, and financial situation, paired with my in-depth knowledge of the annuity market. This level of personalized service ensures that the strategies I propose are tailored to you, designed to meet your retirement objectives, and provide peace of mind.

Moreover, my commitment doesn’t end with the sale. I believe in building lasting relationships with my clients. You’ll have direct access to me, not just during the planning and implementation phases but throughout the entirety of our relationship. Whether it’s a question about your annuity, a change in your financial situation, or just a check-in to see how you’re doing, I’m here for you. This personal touch, combined with my expertise, is what I believe truly benefits those who choose to work with me.

And when it comes to accessibility, I take it to heart. All my clients have my personal cell phone number. They know they can reach out anytime with questions or concerns. Whether it’s a weekend or a holiday, I make it a point to be available for my clients. This level of service is something I pride myself on. It’s not just about being an advisor; it’s about being a trusted partner in your financial journey. And let’s face it, in today’s automated world, having a real person who genuinely cares about your well-being and is readily accessible is increasingly rare.

Not a lot of advisors can say that.

It’s not just a tagline; it’s a commitment to excellence and to the people I serve. Choosing to work with me means choosing a path of personalized attention, deep expertise, and a relationship built on trust and transparency.

Whether you choose to work with me or not, I will continue to share my experiences on the website and through the ATLAS Annuity Podcast and you are all welcome to pick and choose what you read, watch, or listen to.

I’m here to help educate and give you the tools to cut through the b.s. that seems to permeate the internet in regards to retirement and annuity advice.

If you ever want me to take a look at your situation, whether it’s a second opinion on an annuity you’ve been presented with, or if you have a question on how to get the most guaranteed income possible in your retirement, you can always book a call using my calendar.

Podcast Episode 16: Why Buy An Annuity From Me