Learn the truth about annuities as a financial planning tool

Annuities aren’t right for most clients. That’s why we use industry expertise and data to help you understand when an annuity might make sense — and when to go with other options.

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Why Blue Herring?

What are annuities?

Annuities are often misunderstood as a financial tool that can provide a steady income stream. While they allow individuals to convert a lump sum into payouts over time, it’s important to understand the associated terms and fees. At Blue Herring, we help advisors evaluate each product to ensure they align with a client’s financial goals and needs before making a commitment.

Are annuities misunderstood?

Many people see annuities as straightforward investments, but we see them differently — as a useful tool for divesting from other commitments.

  • Annuities inside retirement accounts are a common but problematic practice.
  • Many annuities come with significant fees, such as surrender charges and management costs that can eat into your clients’ returns.
  • There are often long lock-in periods, limiting clients’ access to their funds when they need them most.
  • The terms and conditions of annuities can be complicated, making it difficult for clients to fully understand what they’re buying.
  • Funds tied up in annuities might be better suited for other higher-yielding investment opportunities.
  • Once clients commit to an annuity, changing their investment strategy can be challenging and costly.

Potential benefits of annuities

Divestment

Done right, annuities can become a useful vehicle for divesting from unnecessary permanent insurance policies that have large tax gains or losses.

Tax Deferral

The investment growth within an annuity is tax-deferred, meaning clients won’t pay taxes on earnings until they withdraw funds, which can help maximize growth over time.

Customization Options

Annuities can be tailored to meet specific client needs, with options for different payout structures, death benefits, and riders.

Income

For the right client, exchanging a principal sum for a lifetime income stream can reduce risk, portfolio stress, and longevity.

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Why Blue Herring?

We expect more from the life, disability, long-term care, and annuities insurance industry. So should you. Our fiduciary- and attorney-preferred independent underwriting model gives individuals, businesses, and financial advisors the transparency and leverage they need to get the right policies for their insurance plans, at significantly lower prices.

  • We comparison-shop real prices for your insurance policies — not quotes based on incomplete information.
  • We tell you everything you need to make the best decision, and we’ll share industry secrets you should know before you buy.
  • We operate as a team with companies, individuals, and advisors looking for the best insurance policies at the best price.
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Meet your match.

Our extensive network of small, large, mutual, and public carriers positions us to find the best policy at the best price.

How it works

Our planning and analysis are aimed at meeting client needs, not just making sales.

1. Collaboration

We work as a team with you and your client’s trusted advisors to analyze new and existing policy needs and discuss ways to tackle any challenges.

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2. Easy on-boarding

Your client authorizes Blue Herring to collect the data needed for due diligence. We make it easy with our independent underwriting model, including one universally-accepted medical exam (when necessary).

3. Due diligence

We review applicable health, financial, and existing policy data to uncover the best solutions for your client.

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4. Unbiased recommendations

We provide transparent results delivered in easy-to-understand language so you can recommend the solutions that are truly in your client’s best interests.

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4. Implementation

After your client and their team agrees on the plan, we do the legwork to put the recommended policies in place.

4. Ongoing support

Unlike other brokers, we provide proactive monitoring and analysis to ensure that the plan stays on track.

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Don’t take our word for it

Hear from the clients who’ve experienced the Blue Herring difference.

“Blue Herring is very responsive and willing to listen to my desires and goals. It’s good to have the sense that someone has my interests in mind, and I’m not just a number. Trust is key and it goes both ways. Well done Blue Herring.”
Bob S
“Blue Herring has been an invaluable resource in my professional life as throughout numerous pivots and growth moments. Zach in particular has shown up with an impeccable strategic mindset offering a steadfast partner in planning when the seas turned rough. I can’t imagine doing business without Blue Herring providing the unseen but critical infrastructure needed to thrive.”
Colin Boyd
“Zach has been patient and great to work with in helping us find the best options for my family and I.”
J J
“Alex was communicative and made sure all of my questions were answered. I would recommend reaching out to him if you were interested about the services he offers to see what he can do for you. I had a good experience and would recommend Blue Herring to others.”
Jamie
“Blue Herring has created a terrific "listen first, act accordingly" environment, and built a comfortable strategy around that, specific to my family’s needs.”
Jay Rushforth
“Zach has been excellent and continues to work hard to make sure my family and I are well positioned for our future and our goals. Zach has a knack for helping you understand what can at times seem very complicated. Overall I’ve been very happy with my time with Zach and Blue Herring.”
Jeffrey McLaren
“The process was smooth and seamless. Such a good idea to pre-qualify an applicant through MANY companies and then, once quotes come in, to then formally apply and do blood work/medical exam. Through this process, we found some excellent rates.”
Zac Kester
“Zach and the team at Blue Herring are the best I have worked with in their field (and raising the standard for financial services). Always a great experience!”
Maria Castellez
“Alex, Zach and the Team at Blue Herring have gone to great lengths to keep my family and I on the right track to a secure financial future. Admittedly, I’m not the best at keeping up with my own business. The follow through, updates and reminders have been incredibly helpful; to keep us on track and engaged. I’d 1000% recommend Blue Herring to anyone trying to increase their personalized connectivity with their financial portfolio.”
Michael Fawcett
“Zach is great! Very knowledgeable about his business and cares about the success of his clients. You can feel confident that he is looking out for your best interest with what ever he suggests. I can’t recommend him highly enough.”
Paul Stanley
“Zach and his team are true professionals: honest, prompt, and kind. It has been a joy being their client. It’s a great relief knowing that my best interests are in such great hands. I can’t recommend them highly enough.”
Scott Moreau
“Zach and the team help you plan for the future of your business whether you plan to stay in it or not. Very honest and trustworthy – have proven time and time again they have the client’s best interests on their minds.”
Shannon Foglia
“What a pleasure to work with Alex Grammatic of Blue Herring. He’s knowledgeable, honest and hard-working, and managed to get us the best insurance policy for the most reasonable cost. A win-win. My husband and I highly recommend doing business with Blue Herring.”
Sue Zelie
“Alex was knowledgable, presented choices, and discussed what various options meant for us. He was always available to answer questions and concerns via email or cell phone. We were confident that he would always follow through and check up on how things were going, and if we felt they were proceeding smoothly. He was professional and addressed our specific insurance needs. We would recommend Blue Herring and Alex Grammatic if your business has insurance needs.”
Victoria Sabo
“Zach and the team help you plan for the future of your business whether you plan to stay in it or not. Very honest and trustworthy – have proven time and time again they have the client’s best interests on their minds.”
Shannon Foglia
“The process was smooth and seamless. Such a good idea to pre-qualify an applicant through MANY companies and then, once quotes come in, to then formally apply and do blood work/medical exam. Through this process, we found some excellent rates.”
Zac Kester
“Zachary Taylor, of Blue Herring, provided my family with the security we needed to feel confident and prepared for the future. We highly recommend their services.”
Zachary Wise

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