A retired couple is questioning their financial adviser’s persistent push for annuities, especially after they’ve already declined the offer. The adviser claims they are his only clients not investing in this ‘great opportunity,’ raising concerns of undue pressure and potential conflicts of interest, as his company owns the annuity product.
With retirement income heavily reliant on their investments, the couple seeks clarity on whether to proceed or find a new advisor, especially given the complexity and potential sales-driven nature of annuities.
‘I feel like he may be taking advantage of us’: Our adviser pushes annuities after we already said no. Do we fire him?
‘He claims that we are his only clients who have not jumped on this great opportunity’
By The Moneyist
Published: June 11, 2026 at 5:15 a.m. ET
Last Updated: June 13, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. ET
“My husband is planning to retire next year. I have been retired for several years.” (Photo subject is a model.) Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Dear Quentin,
Our financial adviser wants us to invest our money in an annuity with dual directional indexed accounts. My husband is planning to retire next year. I have been retired for several years. Our adviser works for a large financial-services company that owns the product he is recommending.
I don’t know much about annuities, but I’ve heard they can be very beneficial for the person selling them. He suggested this to us before, and we said no, but he has brought it up again. He claims that we are his only clients who have not jumped on this great opportunity.
We are retired and rely on our investments for income. We’ve been saving for a long time, and we don’t want to make a mistake. Is this something we should consider, or should we be looking for a new adviser?
Sincerely,
A Concerned Couple
Dear Concerned Couple,
It is understandable that you feel uneasy when your financial adviser continues to push a product you have already declined. This persistent pressure, especially when coupled with a claim that you are unique in your hesitation, raises a red flag. Annuities, particularly indexed annuities, can be complex financial products with varying benefits and drawbacks, and their suitability depends heavily on an individual's financial situation, risk tolerance, and goals.
The fact that your adviser works for a company that owns the annuity product he is recommending introduces a potential conflict of interest. Financial professionals have a fiduciary duty to act in their clients' best interests, and that means recommending products that are suitable for you, regardless of whether they are the most profitable for the adviser or their company. The statement that you are his 'only clients who have not jumped on this great opportunity' is a common sales tactic designed to create a sense of urgency and fear of missing out, but it is not a sound basis for making financial decisions.
Before making any decision, it is crucial to fully understand the annuity's fees, surrender charges, payout options, and the specific guarantees or lack thereof. Seek a second opinion from an independent financial advisor who does not have a vested interest in selling you this particular product. If your current adviser cannot provide clear, unbiased answers and continues to pressure you, it may be time to seek a new financial professional who prioritizes your needs and financial well-being.
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