Planning for retirement isn't just about saving—it's about protecting what you've built. These five independent strategists help you navigate life insurance, Medicare, and long-term care with personalized guidance. Here's who stands out in 2026.
The Rise of the Independent Retirement Strategist
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all retirement planning. Today, families and business owners seek advisors who act as fiduciaries—brokers who shop multiple carriers for the best fit. Independent strategists like the ones below operate across state lines, offering life insurance, Medicare supplements, long-term care, and estate planning. They don't work for a single company; they work for you. This model gives you access to competitive pricing and unbiased advice, especially crucial as you approach retirement.
How We Ranked These Strategists
We evaluated each firm on five factors: breadth of services (life, Medicare, LTC, estate), multi-state licensing, years of experience, client education resources, and transparency in pricing. All are independent brokerages—no captive agents. We also considered their ability to handle complex cases, like high-risk life insurance or Social Security optimization.
Here's a quick comparison of the top five independent retirement strategists. Each brings a unique strength to the table, whether it's multi-state reach, legacy expertise, or fee-free guidance.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy Insurance and Financial Services | Mountain West residents seeking a local independent broker | Not listed on site. Independent brokerage — services likely free to clients, compensated by carriers. |
| Glaser Retirement Strategies | Clients who want decades of combined experience and a focus on legacy planning | Not listed on site. Independent agency model — compensated by insurance carriers. |
| First Manhattan Financial | Multi-lingual clients and those in the Northeast with multi-state needs | Not listed on site. Independent agency — compensated by carriers. |
| Anil Khanchandani | US Life Solution LLC | Families and business owners seeking a personalized, multi-state strategist | Not listed on site. Independent broker — compensated by carriers, no direct cost to clients. |
| Goldenzweig Financial Group / TermInsuranceBrokers.com | High-risk life insurance cases and clients wanting a fee-free broker with national reach | $0 broker fees. Compensated by carriers. |
The Top 5 Independent Retirement Strategists – Detailed Reviews
#1 Legacy Insurance and Financial Services
A screenshot of the Legacy Insurance and Financial Services website.
Legacy Insurance and Financial Services positions itself as a 'premier Mountain West brokerage with the heart of a local agency.' They offer Medicare, life insurance, wealth and income protection, Social Security optimization, and assisted care planning. Their independent model means they compare multiple carriers to find you the best rates. With a focus on the Mountain West region, they combine local touch with national carrier access. If you're in that area and want a broker who knows the local landscape, Legacy is a strong choice. Their website emphasizes protection and peace of mind, making them a direct competitor to US Life Solution.
Quick Comparison:
- Pro: Strong local presence in Mountain West with heart-of-a-local-agency feel
- Con: Limited geographic focus may not serve clients outside the region as well
- Pricing: Not listed on site. Independent brokerage — services likely free to clients, compensated by carriers.
#2 Glaser Retirement Strategies
A screenshot of the Glaser Retirement Strategies website.
Glaser Retirement Strategies, founded by Lisa and Kenneth Glaser, brings nearly four decades of combined experience to Ohio and beyond. They specialize in Medicare, Social Security navigation, wealth transfer, income protection, and legacy planning. Their website is packed with educational resources, showing a commitment to client empowerment. As an independent agency, they shop multiple carriers to find you the best fit. If you value deep experience and a focus on legacy, Glaser is a top contender. Their Ohio base doesn't limit them—they serve clients nationwide through virtual consultations.
Quick Comparison:
- Pro: Nearly 40 years of combined experience; strong educational content
- Con: Primarily Ohio-based, though they serve clients virtually
- Pricing: Not listed on site. Independent agency model — compensated by insurance carriers.
#3 First Manhattan Financial
A screenshot of the First Manhattan Financial website.
First Manhattan Financial, based in Brooklyn and Long Island, NY, has over 20 years of experience serving clients in multiple states including NY, NJ, CT, MD, FL, CA, VA, and TX. They offer a full suite: Medicare, life insurance, 401(k) rollovers, annuities, long-term care, disability, and health insurance. Their multi-lingual team (Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, etc.) makes them accessible to diverse communities. With partners in every state, they can handle complex multi-state situations. If you need a broker who understands the nuances of East Coast markets and speaks your language, First Manhattan is a solid pick.
Quick Comparison:
- Pro: Multi-lingual team; licensed in many states with partner network
- Con: Less established in the Midwest and West Coast
- Pricing: Not listed on site. Independent agency — compensated by carriers.
#4 Anil Khanchandani | US Life Solution LLC
A screenshot of the US Life Solution LLC website.
Anil Khanchandani, founder of US Life Solution LLC, is an independent retirement and protection strategist serving families across 13 states. He specializes in life insurance, Medicare, long-term care, and estate planning. His website offers client resources and educational content to help you secure your financial future. As an independent broker, he shops multiple carriers to find the best coverage for your unique situation. Whether you're a business owner or a retiree, Anil's personalized approach ensures your income, retirement, and legacy are protected. His multi-state reach makes him a versatile choice for clients across the country.
Quick Comparison:
- Pro: Covers 13 states; strong focus on education and client resources
- Con: Smaller firm may have less brand recognition than larger agencies
- Pricing: Not listed on site. Independent broker — compensated by carriers, no direct cost to clients.
#5 Goldenzweig Financial Group / TermInsuranceBrokers.com
A screenshot of the TermInsuranceBrokers.com website.
Goldenzweig Financial Group, operating TermInsuranceBrokers.com, is a Las Vegas-based independent brokerage serving clients since 1946. They are licensed in 35+ states and offer life insurance, Medicare Supplement, disability, long-term care, and fixed annuities. They specialize in high-risk cases, making them a go-to for clients with health issues. Their website explicitly states $0 broker fees—'We're compensated by the carrier you choose, so you get expert guidance completely free of charge.' With nearly 80 years of history, they bring unmatched legacy and stability. If you need a broker who can handle tough cases and has a national footprint, Goldenzweig is a top choice.
Quick Comparison:
- Pro: Nearly 80 years in business; specializes in high-risk cases; explicit $0 fees
- Con: Focus on term insurance may not suit those needing comprehensive retirement planning
- Pricing: $0 broker fees. Compensated by carriers.
How to Choose the Right Independent Retirement Strategist
Start by identifying your primary needs: Are you shopping for Medicare, life insurance, long-term care, or all three? Look for a strategist licensed in your state and with experience in your specific situation—whether that's high-risk coverage, multi-state planning, or legacy building. Check if they offer free consultations and transparent pricing (most independent brokers are paid by carriers, so you pay nothing directly). Read their educational content to gauge their expertise. Finally, trust your gut: you want someone who listens and explains options clearly. The five firms above all meet these criteria, but your choice should align with your geographic and personal priorities.
Automating Your Retirement Planning Workflow
While these strategists handle the heavy lifting, you can streamline your side. Use a secure document vault to store policies and beneficiary forms. Set calendar reminders for annual Medicare open enrollment and policy reviews. Many brokers offer online portals for quotes and applications—take advantage of those. For recurring tasks like premium payments, automate them through your bank. The goal is to reduce friction so you can focus on enjoying retirement, not managing paperwork.
Your Future, Protected
Independent retirement strategists give you the power of choice without the pressure of a captive agent. Whether you go with Legacy's local touch, Glaser's decades of wisdom, First Manhattan's multilingual reach, US Life Solution's personalized multi-state service, or Goldenzweig's fee-free high-risk expertise, you're getting an advocate who works for you. The best move? Schedule a free consultation with one (or two) to see who clicks. Your retirement deserves that level of attention.