This 94-Year-Old's Adviser Told Her Put $1.4 Million Into An Annuity — Suze Orman Said 'Run Away' From That Person

Core Insights - The article discusses a financial advisory situation where a 94-year-old individual, Jewel, is advised to invest $1.4 million in a single S&P 500-indexed annuity, which raises concerns about the adviser's motivations and the safety of such an investment [1][2]. Investment Risks - The proposed annuity would protect 90% of the principal and return 80% of the S&P 500 gains over six years, but financial expert Suze Orman warns of significant risks associated with this investment strategy [2]. - A major concern is the commission earned by the adviser, which could amount to around $70,000 for the transaction, indicating potential conflicts of interest [3]. - Concentration risk is highlighted, as investing more than $250,000-$300,000 in a single annuity is generally considered unsafe due to insurance limits, putting up to $1.1 million at risk if the company faces financial difficulties [4]. - Tax implications are also a concern; investing in the stock market could allow Jewel's heirs to avoid income tax on gains, while an annuity could subject them to ordinary income taxes on growth, reducing their inheritance [5]. Personal Comfort - Orman emphasizes the importance of personal comfort in financial decisions, stating that feeling uneasy about an investment is a warning sign, regardless of the adviser's recommendations [6].