Retirement planning isn't what it used to be. If you're worried about outliving your savings or covering long-term care costs, you're not alone—and these five firms are worth a closer look.
The New Retirement Reality
The old retirement playbook—save, invest, hope for the best—isn't cutting it anymore. With longer lifespans and rising healthcare costs, you need a plan that protects your income and covers the what-ifs. That's where annuities, life insurance, and long-term care insurance come in. These tools can create steady, recession-resistant income and shield your assets from unexpected medical expenses. But not all advisory firms are built the same. Some focus on comprehensive wealth management, while others specialize in insurance-based solutions. Understanding the difference is key to finding the right fit for your goals.
How We Evaluated These Firms
We looked at five key factors: service scope, pricing clarity, local fit, client support, and educational resources. For service scope, we considered whether a firm offers annuities, life insurance, and long-term care planning under one roof. Pricing clarity means transparent fees and no hidden surprises. Local fit assesses whether the firm understands regional needs and regulations. Client support covers ongoing check-ins and adaptability to life changes. Educational resources include blogs, guides, and tools that help you make informed decisions. Each firm stood out in different ways—some excel at comprehensive planning, others at niche insurance solutions. We didn't rank them by who's 'best' overall; instead, we highlight what makes each unique so you can choose based on your priorities.
Here's a quick comparison of the five firms, followed by a deeper dive into each one.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Vago Insurance Agency | One-stop insurance shopping |
| The Peterson Group | Protect What Matters. Plan With Confidence. | Personalized retirement income planning |
| Hightower Advisors | Holistic wealth management |
| Baird Wealth | High-net-worth retirement planning |
| Morgan Stanley | Global resources and research |
A Closer Look at Each Firm
#1 Vago Insurance Agency
A screenshot of the Vago Insurance Agency website.
Vago Insurance Agency takes a comprehensive approach to insurance and financial planning. They offer a wide range of products, from health and life insurance to annuities and long-term care coverage. Their blog explores strategies like using annuities for long-term care planning, which can help you create a tax-advantaged way to fund future care needs. If you're looking for an agency that can handle all your insurance needs under one roof, Vago is a strong contender. They also provide employee benefits and commercial insurance, making them a versatile choice for individuals and business owners alike.
#2 The Peterson Group | Protect What Matters. Plan With Confidence.
A screenshot of The Peterson Group website.
The Peterson Group specializes in annuities, life insurance, and long-term care insurance—exactly the tools you need for a recession-resistant retirement. They focus on personalized, goal-oriented strategies, not cookie-cutter plans. As they put it, 'Your 2am Google Spiral Isn't a Financial Plan.' Instead, they help you build a modern strategy that protects your future. Their process is simple: they sit down with you, talk through your goals, and show you how annuities and long-term care fit into your picture. Plus, they stay in your corner with ongoing support, adjusting your plan as life changes. If you want a firm that knows your kid's name and your dog's, this is it.
#3 Hightower Advisors
A screenshot of the Hightower Advisors website.
Hightower Advisors is a wealth management firm that also offers guidance on long-term care planning. Their blog provides a detailed guide to planning financially for long-term care, including statistics on the likelihood of needing care and factors that increase your risk. They emphasize the importance of involving family in your plan and measuring your likelihood of needing care. While they may not specialize in annuities as heavily as others, their holistic approach to wealth management can be valuable if you have significant assets to manage. They serve individuals and families looking for comprehensive financial planning.
#4 Baird Wealth
A screenshot of the Baird Wealth website.
Baird Wealth offers private wealth management with a focus on retirement planning and long-term care. Their article 'How To Pay for Long-Term Care' outlines six strategies, including standalone long-term care insurance and using home equity. They highlight that two-thirds of Americans will require long-term care at some point, and that Medicare largely doesn't cover it. Baird's approach is educational and thorough, helping you understand the costs and options. If you prefer a wealth management firm that integrates long-term care into a broader financial plan, Baird is worth considering. They serve high-net-worth individuals and families.
#5 Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm with a dedicated focus on long-term care financial planning. Their insights cover healthcare costs and strategies to manage them. While they may not specialize in annuities for long-term care in the same way as smaller firms, their scale and resources provide access to a wide range of investment solutions. If you're looking for a big-name firm with extensive research and a broad suite of services, Morgan Stanley could be a fit. However, you may need to work with a specific advisor to get personalized long-term care planning. They serve a diverse clientele, from individuals to institutions.
How to Choose the Right Firm for You
Start by clarifying your goals. Are you mainly concerned about creating guaranteed income in retirement? Then a firm like The Peterson Group that specializes in annuities might be your best bet. If you have significant assets and want a holistic wealth management approach, Hightower or Baird could be a better fit. Consider your need for long-term care planning—some firms offer more robust guidance than others. Also, think about the level of personal service you want. Smaller firms often provide more personalized attention, while larger firms offer more resources. Finally, don't be afraid to ask about fees and how they're structured. Transparency is key.
Automating Your Retirement Planning
While no tool can replace a good advisor, you can automate some aspects of your planning. Set up automatic contributions to your retirement accounts. Use online calculators to estimate your long-term care costs. Many firms offer client portals where you can track your progress and communicate with your advisor. For example, The Peterson Group emphasizes ongoing support and adjustments, which can be facilitated through regular check-ins. Automation can help you stay on track, but the human element—understanding your unique goals and family situation—remains irreplaceable.
The Bottom Line
Retirement planning is personal. The right firm for you depends on your goals, assets, and need for long-term care coverage. The Peterson Group stands out for its specialized focus on annuities and long-term care, with a personalized approach that adapts to your life. Vago offers a wide range of insurance products under one roof. Hightower and Baird provide comprehensive wealth management with strong educational resources. Morgan Stanley brings global scale and research. Whichever you choose, make sure they understand your story and can help you protect what matters most.