Why An Insider Bought The Midland National IncomeVantage Pro Annuity
Every now and then I like to step back and look at what people inside this business actually do with their own money. It’s one thing to talk theory or pitch a product, but it’s another thing entirely when someone with 20 years of industry experience makes a personal decision for themselves and their family.
That’s what happened here. My friend Nate has spent most of his career wholesaling annuities — meaning he worked directly for the insurance companies, training agents and advisors on how to sell their products. He’s seen every pitch, every angle, and every contract you can imagine.
And last year, Nate decided to buy an annuity. Out of all the options he knew about, he came to me to get it done.
Now, why would an insider do that?
Too Many People Don’t Know What They Own
Let me start by saying this: I talk to people all the time who bought an annuity years ago and don’t even know what they got. They can’t explain the benefits, don’t know what the contract is supposed to do, and usually can’t find the guy who sold it to them.
That’s not how this business should work.
Nate saw the same thing from the inside. Some advisors are excellent, but plenty take the easy commission and disappear. He didn’t want that for himself or his family. He wanted someone who would explain the contract, show him the pros and cons, and stick around after the sale.
The Contract He Chose
Nate ended up putting $350,000 into the Midland National IncomeVantage Pro. He’s 48 years old, so his plan is to let it grow until age 60 and then turn on lifetime income.
Here’s what he liked about it:
- Flexibility – He can use it for income later, or walk away with the account value if his plans change.
- Growth potential – A 7% S&P 500 cap rate with no fees dragging down performance.
- No fees – Unlike a lot of income contracts, this one doesn’t charge for the rider. That means his account value has a real shot at compounding.
- Death benefit options – If he passes away before using it, his family can choose between the full account value in a lump sum or a higher payout over five years.
In 12 years, the illustration shows his $350,000 could grow to about $735,000 in account value — with zero downside risk. And if he turns on income, the benefit base projects to nearly $1.3 million, which would pay him over $70,000 per year for life starting at age 60.
Not bad.
Why It Matters
The point here isn’t that everyone should go buy the IncomeVantage Pro. The point is that someone who knows this business inside and out — and has seen all the smoke and mirrors — chose it for himself and even for his own father.
That tells you something.
Annuities are not one-size-fits-all. The right fit depends on your age, your goals, your income needs, and your comfort with risk. But if you’re comparing options, you need to know there are products that combine growth, income, and flexibility without loading you up with fees.
My Takeaway
I’ve been in this business long enough to know there’s a lot of noise out there. Sales pitches, exaggerated illustrations, advisors who disappear after the paperwork is signed.
This story is different. An industry veteran looked at all the noise, weighed his options, and decided to put real money into a contract that gave him flexibility, growth, and security — without the gimmicks.
That’s worth paying attention to.
If you’re curious what kind of annuity would make sense in your situation, I’d be glad to talk through it with you.
Have a great weekend,
Bryan
Watch Episode 191: Why I bought The Midland National IncomeVantage Pro Annuity
Download Episode 191: Why I bought The Midland National IncomeVantage Pro Annuity on Apple Podcast
Last Updated on August 23, 2025 by Bryan Anderson
