The refinance library
Refinancing an annuity, in plain English
Replacing an annuity is one of the most consequential — and most mis-sold — moves in retirement. These guides walk the decision carefully: when a replacement earns its keep, when it's a bad trade dressed up as a good one, and how the 1035 exchange mechanic actually works.
Not sure where to start?
- Begin with the full decision
- The math, the traps, the exceptions
- A 9-minute primer
Frames the whole decision — including when staying put wins.
Run the decision first
The two reads that come before any shopping — whether replacement makes sense at all, and what your current contract is actually worth.
Should I replace my annuity?
The decision itself. The six questions to run through before you move a dollar, and the scenarios where staying put is the right call even if the new product looks better on paper.
9 min read
Compare your current contract
Before you shop, know exactly what you have. What to pull out of your current contract, the comparison metrics that matter by product type, and the apples-to-apples read that cuts through the noise.
8 min read
The three reasons people refinance
Income, growth, or fees. Each guide walks how to tell whether the gap is real enough to justify a surrender charge — and when it isn't.
Better income
If your guaranteed income was priced in the 2020–2022 low-rate era, today's products can deliver meaningfully more income per dollar. How to tell whether the gap is real or just marketing.
7 min read
Better growth
MYGA renewal rates that dropped 1–2 points, caps and participation rates that got squeezed, fees that quietly ate returns. When today's rate environment makes moving worth the surrender charge.
7 min read
Lower fees & modern features
Older variable and indexed annuities often carry rider fees, M&E charges, and fund expenses that no longer exist on new products. How to spot whether modernization actually saves you money.
8 min read
Have an expert compare your contract
- Free review from a specialist
- The refinance math, run honestly
- No pressure, no email wall.