Writing in Advisor Perpectives, RetireOne CEO David Stone provides some insights into how to examine client variable annuities. Some advisors hate them for their complexity, high cost, and lack of transparency. And because RIAs aren’t typically insurance licensed, when clients walk in to their offices with VAs, some would rather refer them to an insurance agent or ignore the VA altogether.
Ignoring the asset is problematic if the goal is holistic advice and recommending they speak with an insurance agent comes with a host of other risks.
Focusing on five key fees and charges can help an Advisor make a pretty quick assessment about a VA’s relative value to a client. Knowing these costs can help guide their conversations about the best courses of action and help them bring those assets under their management.
