Common FAQ

I’m an independent financial broker. That means I’m not captive to a single carrier or product. I compare multiple A-rated carriers and designs, then recommend the option that best fits your goals.

Search my NPN: 21183382 on your state Department of Insurance site or the NIPR Producer Database. You’ll see Life & Annuities active, resident in Maryland, non-resident in 27 states, and active E&O insurance.

I operate under insurance suitability standards (not investment fiduciary). My approach is education-first, carrier-agnostic, and fully disclosed. If you need investment fiduciary services, I’m happy to collaborate with your advisor/CPA.

I’m a U.S. Navy veteran. The values I bring to planning: integrity, clarity under pressure, and disciplined follow-through come from that experience.

Three steps:

1. Discovery (10–15 min): goals, timelines, concerns.

2. Custom design: side-by-side comparisons (protected growth, income options, tax impact).

3. Implementation & annual review: paperwork + check-ins to keep the plan on track.

There’s no fee to you for planning or proposals. If you implement a solution, the carrier compensates me. That compensation does not increase your premium or reduce your benefits.

Both. I work nationwide (where licensed) by Zoom/phone and can meet in person when practical.

Recent statements (401(k)/IRA/TSP/policies), basic budget/tax info, and beneficiary details. We’ll keep it simple.

No. The core solutions I use for principal protection (e.g., fixed annuities, fixed indexed annuities; properly designed life policies) are insurance contracts, not securities. They avoid direct market-loss participation.

Carriers guarantee that your account won’t lose value due to market index declines (subject to contract terms and any withdrawals). Guarantees rely on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurer.

The carrier tracks an external index (e.g., S&P 500®) and credits interest based on rules like caps, participation rates, or spreads. You don’t own the index; you simply receive interest credits per the contract. When the index is down, your crediting floor (often 0%) helps protect principal.

Cap: maximum interest you can earn for a period. (Usually 10-15%)

Participation rate: % of index movement you receive. (Usually 90-120%)

Spread/fee: an amount subtracted from index performance before crediting. (Usually 2% or less)
Carriers reset these periodically and always disclosed in the illustration and contract.

Contracts often include surrender charge periods (e.g., 5–10 years). You typically get annual free withdrawals (e.g., 10%), RMD-friendly options, and waivers for qualifying events (varies by carrier/state). We’ll match liquidity to your timeline.

Yes. Many annuities offer income riders that can turn savings into income you can’t outlive (with rider costs and rules). We’ll compare rider vs. no-rider designs.

They’re tax-advantaged, not “tax-free” universally. We use IRS-approved rules (e.g., IRC 7702 for life insurance taxation; 72(e) for withdrawals/loans; 72(q) for annuities before 59½; 401(a)/408/7702 contexts) to manage when and how you’re taxed. Always coordinate with your CPA.

In a properly structured policy, you may access cash value via withdrawals to basis and policy loans (interest applies; unmanaged loans can harm performance). We design to avoid MECs unless purposely chosen, and monitor to reduce over-loan risk.

IRAs follow RMD rules; rollovers must be handled per IRS/plan guidelines. We’ll ensure transfers (401(k)/403(b)/TSP/IRA) follow direct rollover or trustee-to-trustee standards to avoid taxes/penalties.

Some plans allow in-service rollovers after a certain age. We’ll check your plan document and options.

Yes. Properly structured policies can build liquid, tax-advantaged cash value you can collateralize. The design, funding discipline, and ongoing management matter more than the label.

Potentially. We can structure policy cash value to consolidate debt and improve cash flow while building an asset. It’s not magic, it’s math, design, and discipline.

Yes. Long-horizon, tax-advantaged accumulation for kids with access for education or opportunity. We’ll compare with 529s and other vehicles.

I coordinate beneficiary strategy, trusts (with your attorney), and liquidity planning to make wealth transfer more efficient.

Many policies offer accelerated or simplified underwriting; others may require labs/exam depending on age/amount/health. Annuities require no medical underwriting.

Typically 1–4 weeks, depending on carrier, underwriting, and transfer timelines. Some carriers offer instant approval decisions.

Most states include a free-look period (e.g., 10–30 days) to review the policy after delivery and receive a refund if you decline.

Direct sites usually show one carrier and limited context. As an independent broker I compare multiple carriers, explain trade-offs, and help you avoid mis-designs that can cost you later.

Yes. Taxes and estate matters are team sports. Happy to collaborate.

Applications use encrypted e-sign platforms. I store data securely, share only with carriers/partners involved in your case, and never sell your information.

Yes. I mentor new and experienced agents through product design, compliance, and client process. You’ll have access to carrier appointments, case design support, and a non-captive path.

$199 one-time onboarding fee, life & Annuities license in your state, E&O insurance, background check, and carrier appointments (I’ll help). Part-time or full-time options available.