June is Annuity Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to spotlight how annuities can strengthen client outcomes and how 1847Financial supports financial professionals in delivering those solutions with confidence.

As financial professionals look to meet the evolving needs of clients approaching or in retirement, annuities remain a powerful solution for income protection and long-term security. At 1847Financial, our commitment to protection-first holistic planning is backed by a suite of annuity products from Penn Mutual. For those affiliated with HTK, there is also access to leading variable annuities from other carriers.

Even better, financial professionals are not navigating the annuity landscape alone. With the deep experience and hands-on support of annuity product and concept wholesalers Steve Schaack and Mike Siebecker, our team has a clear advantage in helping clients find the right fit without doing all the heavy lifting.

Why Annuities, and Why Now?
According to LIMRA, total U.S. annuity sales reached a record $434.1 billion in 2024, up 13% from 2023. That growth continues to be driven by clients seeking guaranteed income and principal protection amid ongoing market volatility and inflation. LIMRA also reported strong fixed indexed annuity sales, with continued demand from clients nearing retirement.

“Clients are definitely getting more fee-conscious,” said Mike Siebecker. “We’re seeing steady demand for products that offer both income protection and lower costs. That’s where our new variable annuity with low-cost features has been well received.”

Support That Goes Beyond the Product
Mike brings a unique perspective to annuity planning, with a background that spans Wall Street trading desks to retail financial services.

“I realized early on that my passion was in helping people take ownership of their financial future,” said Mike. “Now I get to bring that passion to a broader audience of financial professionals by supporting them with case design, illustration support, and insight on product positioning.”

Steve Schaack, who has wholesaled everything from mutual funds to simplified issue life insurance since 1997, shares that same dedication to hands-on guidance.

“Most financial professionals reach out when they have a case, and we jump on a Zoom to talk through it,” said Steve. “I ask a lot of questions—risk tolerance, time frame, health concerns—so they’re equipped to make the best decision for their client.”

Flexibility Through HTK, Our Broker-Dealer
For financial professionals affiliated with HTK, the range of available annuity solutions expands even further. Through HTK, FPs can access a full suite of annuities from top carriers and become the servicing agent for those policies.

“This flexibility is a game-changer,” said Mike. “HTK professionals have more tools at their disposal to grow their practice on their own terms.”

Steve added, “It’s a more integrated platform. Since many FPs coming to 1847 are bringing books of business with them, being able to continue servicing those products makes the transition smoother and more efficient.”

New Tech to Simplify the Process
HTK recently launched digital annuity order entry (AOE), streamlining the application process and speeding up turnaround times.

“This has been one of our most anticipated initiatives,” said Mike. “Auto-save, error detection, built-in guardrails—it’s designed to reduce Not-In-Good-Order apps and make the process easier from start to finish.”

Steve agreed, noting that electronic processes are what many new FPs expect. “AOE will help get them producing faster. It’s efficient, intuitive, and exactly the kind of tech forward-thinking FPs want.”

Looking for annuity options that fit a range of client needs? Penn Mutual’s annuity portfolio includes a competitive lineup of fixed, indexed, immediate, and variable solutions designed to help protect and grow retirement savings. 

Mike Siebecker presenting the “Sequence of Returns” marketing piece to financial professionals.

Want to grow your annuity business with comprehensive guidance and access to robust solutions? Email opportunities@1847financial.com to start the conversation. You can also request to receive our most popular annuity marketing materials, including:
• Sequence of Returns
• Bridging the Retirement Income Gap
• Retirement Expense Worksheet

These client-ready resources can help you explain key concepts and drive meaningful retirement conversations. Reach out today to see how 1847Financial can help take your practice further.

About Steve Schaack
Steve Schaack is an annuity wholesaler with over 25 years of experience in financial services. He has worked with mutual funds, managed money, and life insurance, but found his passion in annuity distribution. A CFP professional, Steve is known for asking the right questions, supporting case strategy, and helping financial professionals build confidence with complex planning scenarios.

About Mike Siebecker
Mike Siebecker began his career on Wall Street trading commodities and managing institutional relationships before shifting to the retail side of financial services. With over 25 years of experience in financial services, his focus on education and protection-first planning led him to annuity wholesaling, where he helps financial professionals design strategies, navigate product positioning, and grow their annuity business with personalized support.

^{Stephen Schaack and Mike Siebecker are affiliated with HTK and are not affiliated with 1847 Financial. Annuities are long-term investments designed for retirement purposes. Withdrawals of taxable amounts are subject to income tax and, if taken prior to age 59½, a 10% federal tax penalty may apply. Early withdrawals may be subject to withdrawal charges. Optional riders are available at an additional cost. All guarantees are contingent on the financial strength of the issuing company. 7987088RG_May27}