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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our team’s retirement planning, annuity, and life insurance services. Straightforward answers, no jargon.

Annuities & Retirement

Questions & Answers

our team specializes in fixed annuities, fixed indexed annuities (FIA), and immediate annuities. John shops more than 12 carriers to identify the product with the best combination of guaranteed income, principal protection, and growth potential for your specific situation. Variable annuities are not offered.

A Fixed Index Annuity links your interest credits to a market index (such as the S&P 500) with a floor of zero—meaning your account value cannot decline due to market losses. When the index rises, you earn a share of the gains up to a cap or participation rate. When the index falls, you earn zero for that period, never a negative return. Your principal is guaranteed by the issuing insurance company.

Annuities are designed to provide income you cannot outlive. You fund the contract and receive guaranteed payments for a set period or for life. Life insurance (particularly Indexed Universal Life) is designed to protect your heirs at death while building a tax-advantaged cash value you can access during retirement. Many retirees use both in a coordinated plan—annuities for income, life insurance for legacy and tax-free access.

Federal employees covered by FERS or CSRS have access to layered benefits including the Basic Benefit Plan, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), FEHB health coverage, and FEGLI life insurance. John holds the FRC (Federal Retirement Consultant) designation, which qualifies him to analyze each benefit layer, coordinate survivor options, and integrate these with personal annuity and Social Security timing to maximize lifetime household income.

There is no formal minimum to have an initial conversation. Most annuity contracts John places have a minimum premium starting around $25,000. That said, the best way to determine fit is to schedule your complimentary 1 hour call so John can evaluate your entire situation before recommending any product.

our team is currently licensed in 11 states: Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, Indiana, and Idaho. Clients outside of the St. Petersburg area are served by phone or video appointment. View state-by-state details →

The initial 1 hour call gives John enough information to propose a strategy. A full written plan typically takes one to two follow-up conversations to finalize. Once you approve a strategy, annuity applications are straightforward and most contracts are issued within two to four weeks. John stays engaged long-term—clients often reference his follow-up and availability years later.

No. The 1 hour call is complimentary and carries zero obligation. John will listen, answer questions, and only present a plan if there is a genuine fit. You will never be pressured into any product or follow-up appointment.

Four things stand out: (1) 39+ years in practice since 1986—John has navigated every major market cycle of the modern era. (2) FRC certification—genuine depth in federal employee benefits that most advisers lack. (3) Independent—John shops 12+ carriers with no captive obligation, so every recommendation is chosen from a competitive marketplace. (4) A 5.0 Google rating across 30 verified reviews, built entirely on referrals and client outcomes.

You can book your complimentary 1 hour call instantly through Calendly at retirementincomeplanningflorida.com/book-a-call/, or call the office directly at (727) 542-7659, Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Phone and video appointments are available for out-of-area clients.

The correct name is Advanced Capital Management (Advanced with a “d”), doing business as Retirement Income Planning Florida, founded by John G. Ziesing and headquartered at 2500 Boca Ciega Dr N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710. The firm is sometimes searched as “Advance Capital Management” without the “d,” but that is a separate Michigan-based registered investment adviser and not the same entity. Advanced Capital Management (with the “d”), DBA Retirement Income Planning Florida, is a Florida-based independent insurance firm. If you are looking for John Ziesing’s retirement planning and annuity services, you are in the right place.

Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk.

A complimentary 1 hour call with John is the fastest way to get answers specific to your situation.

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