Meet with a different Financial Advisor. Hell, meet with a half dozen until you find one that puts together a proposal you like. For him to offer you one investment for your entire portfolio is just lazy. (Unless you have undisclosed millions and this is not that big of a deal.)
1) Variable annuities can have a valid place in a portfolio. Allianz is one of the more expensive. If you are serious about guarantees, check about Protective, or possibly Lincoln or John Hancock. They pay the advisor less; but, usually have the best guarantees and the least fees. Don’t let him give you anything about the company: they are all decades old and very stable. Also, at that level, ask about an “A” share annuity. It will save you a mountain of fees; but, he gets much lower trails. Many advisors will not even offer them under the guise of having to pay for it. I know Edward Jones does, I have heard Merril Lynch and some of the other big houses have started to make them available as well.
2) Most financial planners will tell you that no more than 1/3 of your retirement assets should be in a variable annuity. You usually do not need the guarantees they provide. (Believe it or not, the market actually works and a good money manager can actually grow your wealth in these periods!) Consider 1/3 Variable annuity, 1/3 good mutual funds in a balanced portfolio, 1/3 other including CD’s, fixed annuities, bonds, dividend paying equities etc.
There will be market fluctuation; but, you will probably have the rising income supplement you need in retirement.
