Brian H. Breuel
1 too basic for most people
this book should really be titled "Buying Insurance." there is almost nothing in it about annuities, which is the primary reason i bought the book. there is no explanation of guaranteed vs. current annuity rates, different provisions like MVA, etc. it did help me out with a couple of insurance topics, but if you are really sitting down and getting ready to actually make decisions or pruchase insurance/annuities, this book doesn't even begin to get you prepared for the real world. it's good bathroom reading for someone just curious about the subjects, but not a very practical book with real money/lives on the line. if you're a do-it yourselfer, or like to be prepared before meeting with financial professionals, i think you almost have to buy a few different books, one specializing in each subject.
2 Almost everything you need to know
This is a wonderful explanation of all the terms you need to understand before buying life insurance. Just bear in mind this one thing. The insurance company will always try to get more money out of you then you get from them. So, life insurance is a bad investment unless there is a catastrophe.
3 some good basic info, but....
This book has some good information, but after reading the section on annuities, I put the book down and refuse to read another word of it and do not recommend it to anyone. This is because the author fails to even mention that anyone can purchase an annuity with no surrender penalties whatsoever with many no load mutual fund companies. Sorry Brian, but that fact you left that out reveals your bias perspective, and is just plain unacceptable for a book like this. Shame on you.
4 Good, general guide
This is a good investment if you are looking at establishing financial security and your plan includes insurance coverage. This will prepare you with some good common sense tips and easy to understand explanations. It is a quick read but worthwhile if you are totally new to this area.
5 The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buying Insurance and Annuities
For the insurance poor! If insurance is greek to you, this is a great book to have. It provides great simple explanations and illustrations. For the readers ease they included "jargon alerts" so you don't have to have a dictionary to read the book and "insider tips" to advice you even more. Makes for a great reference tool.
