--- title: "Hidden Value: Exposing the Annuity Bonus Trap" description: Check out the latest Hidden Value column for ThinkAdvisor, Exposing the Annuity Bonus Trap. image: https://www.covisum.com/hubfs/think-advisor-logo-blog.jpg --- [Login](https://www.covisum.com/login-experience) | [Call: 402-235-4500](tel:1-402-235-4500) | [Contact Us](https://www.covisum.com/contact) ** [![covisum-logo](https://www.covisum.com/hs-fs/hubfs/covisum-logo.png?width=264&height=41&name=covisum-logo.png "covisum-logo")](https://www.covisum.com/) [![Start Your Free Trial](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2755909/b23743cd-d0df-4907-a66d-293b58ab1164.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2755909/b23743cd-d0df-4907-a66d-293b58ab1164) [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2755909/6c6d7fe7-e094-4fc0-9c82-d93d4ccbb532.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2755909/6c6d7fe7-e094-4fc0-9c82-d93d4ccbb532) # Hidden Value: Exposing the Annuity Bonus Trap [IN THE NEWS  |  ](https://www.covisum.com/blog/topic/in-the-news)7/30/19 9:11 AM  |  by [Lauren Laferla, Director of Communications](https://www.covisum.com/blog/author/lauren-laferla-pr-content-marketing-manager) ![Think Advisor Logo | Annuity Bonus Trap](https://www.covisum.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Think-Advisor-Logo-Color.png?width=600&name=Think-Advisor-Logo-Color.png) Hidden Value is a column in [ThinkAdvisor](https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2019/07/25/exposing-the-annuity-bonus-trap/) where Joe Elsasser, CFP®, answers common questions with insights that advisors and their clients may not have considered. This week, Joe discusses the annuity bonus trap, the misleading nature of annuity bonuses, and how advisors can add value to their clients by exposing them for what they are—advances on future earnings.  > "People are looking for a financial advisor they can trust, who can add value and clarity to some of the more complex elements of their financial plans. One way to build trust is by exposing the trap that annuity bonuses can create." In the [article](https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2019/07/25/exposing-the-annuity-bonus-trap/), Joe suggests that referring to the product as a "bonus" is misleading to consumers. The word implies extra money, but in reality, an annuity bonus is an advance on future earnings. Learn how you can explain the complexities of the annuity bonus trap, and help your clients make the best decision for their unique situation.  You can add value to your clients' [retirement investment strategies](https://www.covisum.com/blog/how-to-improve-lives-through-offering-better-retirement-investment-strategies) by clearing up other common misconceptions, for instance those surrounding when to claim Social Security. 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