"Variable annuity sales in the U.S. totaled $142.8 billion last year, down a tad from $145 billion in 2012 ... Proponents argue that for their money, investors get those valuable tax breaks as well as a death benefit. But their clients may not realize that they are tying up their money for as long as ten years. Clients may also not understand that hefty surrender charges apply if they cash in the product earlier, sometimes as much as 8 percent."  MORE >>