Methodology: How We Rank and Review Annuities

This is example Phase 2 trust-page copy. Final methodology language lands in the trust-page phase of the migration.

Ranking math

Rankings are IRR-driven. For each product we compute the internal rate of return of the illustrated crediting outcomes over the full surrender schedule, then compare across products within the same category (FIA, MYGA, RILA, VA, SPIA/DIA). A product cannot appear in a ranking without all of:

1. A documented, carrier-published crediting schedule and floor.
2. A known surrender-charge schedule (for illiquidity normalization).
3. Current carrier financial-strength ratings from at least one major rating agency.

Review criteria

Each review evaluates, at minimum:

• Carrier financial strength. A.M. Best, S&P, Moody’s — all quoted as-of date.
• Product structure. Surrender length, free-withdrawal allowance, MVA treatment.
• Crediting mechanics. Cap / participation / spread levers and their renewal history.
• Fees. Base contract fees plus any optional rider fees.
• Buyer fit. A plain-English “who this fits” and “who should pass” section.

Data sources

Product mechanics are sourced from carrier-published brochures and rate sheets. Financial-strength ratings are sourced from the issuing rating agency. We do not use third-party aggregators as primary sources for rates. Every source on every review is listed with a URL and publisher label.

Update cadence

Rate snapshots for the rates and rankings pages are refreshed on a cadence described on those pages. Every review carries both a “Published” and “Updated” date; major changes trigger a new “Updated” date and, when material, a change log at the bottom of the review.

Conflicts of interest

During Phase 2 of the migration the site carries no paid placements, no affiliate relationships, and no lead-routing arrangements. Any future commercial relationships will be disclosed and will not determine editorial ordering.