Wholesale income is a strategy that allows you to purchase long-term, reliable income streams at more favorable “wholesale-level” pricing — instead of the expensive, inefficient “retail” ways that most people generate retirement income.
Think of it like this:
This approach lets you lock in income that starts when you need it, lasts as long as you live (or even longer if you choose), and helps ensure you don’t outlive your money — a major concern for many retirees today.
So, rather than relying on unpredictable stock returns or crossing your fingers that Social Security will be enough, wholesale income gives you a built-in paycheck that works like a private pension — one you can tailor to your own timeline.
Good question — because this term shows up a lot when talking about wholesale income.
Safe money refers to the portion of your retirement savings that you can’t afford to lose.
It’s the money you set aside to protect yourself from market risk, volatility, or unexpected downturns.
Think of it as your financial “do not disturb” fund — not meant for high-risk investments, but instead meant to preserve your lifestyle and peace of mind.
Examples of safe money tools include:
These are places where people park cash to avoid market losses, even if it means earning a little less in return.
But here's the thing: with traditional safe money vehicles, the trade-off is often low returns.
That’s where wholesale income comes in — it offers a way to optimize your safe money by turning it into more income, with more control.
Wholesale income isn’t some secret club — but it is a new way of framing an old idea: using specialized financial instruments (often backed by hug insurance companies or State governments) to buy income efficiently and safely. What’s changed is how people are accessing these tools.
In the past, these types of income strategies were mostly available through financial advisors or institutions working behind the scenes. But now, with better transparency and more consumer education, everyday investors are learning how to get income “at cost,” without the layers of fees and markups that often come with traditional solutions.
In other words, you’re no longer stuck paying “retail prices” to secure your retirement paycheck.
When you combine that with the fact that out of the more than XX,XXX licensed financial professionals out there, very few of them (under 1,100 last time I checked) are even appointed to offer this type of contracts to clients, it's no wonder only a few investors know about Wholesale Income.
The good news is that there's a way to buy DIRECT FROM THE SOURCE so you don't even have to deal with a financial advisor if you don't want to (keep reading to find out how...) .
Wholesale income is about leverage, efficiency, and peace of mind. It gives you the ability to transform a portion of your safe money into guaranteed income that pays you exactly when you need it — often at a better rate than you’d get from banks, bonds, or other fixed-income sources.
If you’ve ever wondered how to protect your retirement money while still generating enough cash flow to enjoy life, this might be the strategy you’ve never considered — but definitely should.
Let’s face it: the traditional retirement plan is showing its age.
Pensions are nearly extinct, Social Security feels more like a question mark than a guarantee, and 401(k)s have shifted the responsibility (and stress) of retirement planning squarely onto your shoulders.
Add in longer life expectancies, rising healthcare costs, inflation, and the constant rollercoaster of the markets — and it’s no wonder so many retirees lie awake at night wondering, “Will I have enough income to last during my retirement?”
This is where Wholesale Income steps in like a breath of fresh air.
For decades, retirement planning has mostly followed a simple formula:
But here's the problem: hope is not a strategy — especially when you're 75 and trying to figure out how to make your savings last for another 20 years.
Volatile markets, surprise expenses, or just plain living longer than expected can derail even the most carefully crafted plan.
Wholesale income flips the old model on its head by giving you something most retirees crave:
A reliable stream of income you can count on — no matter what the markets are doing.
Here’s why it works so well:
In short, it creates a private pension, on your terms, without relying on the stock market to behave.
A 401(k) (or IRA or brokerage account) is a great tool for growing your money. But once you retire, your priorities shift.
It’s no longer about accumulation — it’s about distribution. In other words: how do you turn your savings into consistent income without running out?
And here’s where the danger lies: if you’re forced to sell investments during a market downturn, you can lock in losses and create a domino effect that eats through your savings faster than expected.
Wholesale income can act as a buffer.
It gives you a stable paycheck that arrives like clockwork, so you don’t have to tap into your 401(k) or portfolio at the wrong time.
Sure, everyone wants higher returns. But in retirement, what most people really want is peace of mind:
Wholesale income isn't a flashy investment that promises double-digit returns. Instead, it’s a way to make your money work smarter, not riskier — especially with the portion of your nest egg that you can't afford to lose.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
Let’s say you want to generate $40,000 a year in retirement income.
In fact, in a case study you'll see in a little bit, you'll see how using Wholesale Income contracts for the "safe" side of your portfolio can lead to over 44% MORE assets at the end of just 15 years when compared to a "cookie-cutter" Wall Street approach (hard to believe, I know, but you can check it out for yourself).
That’s why this strategy is such a game-changer. It’s not just about creating income — it’s about creating more income with less money, while protecting the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard for.
Retirement is no longer about crossing your fingers and hoping your investments last.
Wholesale income offers a smarter, safer way to create the paycheck you’ll need in retirement — one that doesn’t depend on Wall Street’s mood swings.
It’s efficient. It’s stable. And it gives you the one thing that’s harder to buy than income itself: peace of mind.
Now that you know why wholesale income can be such a powerful strategy for retirement, let’s talk about how it actually works. Don’t worry — this isn’t going to be a lecture in finance. We’re going to walk through the core concepts using real-world language and simple ideas.Now that you know why wholesale income can be such a powerful strategy for retirement, let’s talk about how it actually works. Don’t worry — this isn’t going to be a lecture in finance. We’re going to walk through the core concepts using real-world language and simple ideas.
As we covered earlier, safe money is the part of your retirement savings that you absolutely, positively can’t afford to lose. This is not the place for risky stocks or crypto speculation. It’s the money you want to count on — no matter what happens in the market.
Instead of letting that money sit in a CD earning 2%, or a savings account barely beating inflation, you can use it to “buy” future income — often at a higher rate and with guarantees built in.
This is where wholesale income comes in.
Here’s the magic: instead of drawing down your savings a little at a time (and hoping it lasts), you can use a portion of your safe money to secure a guaranteed income stream — one that pays you exactly what you need, exactly when you need it.
This is usually done through insurance-based financial instruments — most commonly a fixed or fixed-indexed annuity with an income rider.
Don’t let the term “annuity” scare you off — this isn’t your grandfather’s annuity. These modern income tools are highly customizable and designed specifically for income optimization, not just savings accumulation.
Here’s what happens:
You contribute a lump sum from your safe money.
The provider (typically a highly rated insurance company) guarantees a future income amount, either starting immediately or at a future date.
That income can be set up to last for your entire life — or both your life and your spouse’s.
In some cases, your beneficiaries can receive any unused balance, depending on the contract.
Here’s where the “wholesale” part really comes in.
These instruments are structured with lower internal costs, meaning you’re getting more income per dollar contributed. The wholesale pricing structure may be made available through direct platforms or specially negotiated advisor programs — eliminating layers of traditional fees and commissions that often eat into your returns.
That means you get:
More income for less money
Contractual guarantees that don’t fluctuate with the market
More efficiency from your safe money, without taking on more risk
In simple terms: it’s like buying your retirement paycheck at a discount.
Flexibility is a key advantage. You don’t have to start income immediately (though you can).
Many people choose to delay income for 2–10 years, depending on their retirement timeline.
The longer you wait, the higher the income — much like delaying Social Security.
In fact, many Wholesale Income purchasers use the income to DELAY taking their Social Security payments which helps them get the highest possible payout from Social Security.
You can schedule the income to:
Because you can set up wholesale income strategies to cover your baseline income needs, your remaining savings and investments are freed up. You can invest more confidently, spend more freely, or leave a legacy — without worrying that you’re going to run out of money at 85 or 90.
Think of it like this:
Your wholesale income = your predictable monthly paycheck
The rest of your portfolio = your flexible money (vacations, emergencies, gifting, investing)
It creates a powerful one-two punch of security and freedom.
Let’s say John is 60 years old and has $500,000 in savings. He wants to retire at 67 and knows he’ll need an additional $3,000 each month to supplement Social Security.
He sets aside $240,000 of his savings right now into a wholesale income strategy that begins paying out at age 67.
Thanks to the power of contractual income and the efficient structure of wholesale pricing, that $240,000 could secure a full 15 years of a guaranteed $3,000/month starting at age 67... no matter what the markets do.
That takes him up to age 82 with no worries about what his monthly income will be.
That also means he still has $260,000 freed up to grow for a full 22 years — but now, he has the peace of mind of a retirement paycheck locked in.
Now check this out: by using the calculator at Investor.gov, a conservative growth investment returning 7.5% per year average means the $260,000 grows to almost $1,300,000 before John needs to tap into it for additional income at age 82.
That's the power of using Wholesale Income to free up your remaining assets for long-term growth.
Wholesale income works by turning a portion of your safe money into guaranteed income — bought at a discount, structured for your situation, and built to last.
Instead of crossing your fingers and hoping your investments hold up, you’re using proven financial contracts to create certainty, control, and cash flow.
It’s not about gambling. It’s about knowing you’ll get paid — whether the market goes up, down, or sideways.
Now that you know why wholesale income can be such a powerful strategy for retirement, let’s talk about how it actually works. Don’t worry — this isn’t going to be a lecture in finance. We’re going to walk through the core concepts using real-world language and simple ideas.Now that you know why wholesale income can be such a powerful strategy for retirement, let’s talk about how it actually works. Don’t worry — this isn’t going to be a lecture in finance. We’re going to walk through the core concepts using real-world language and simple ideas.
Let’s be real: anytime someone says “you can get more income with less money and no market risk,” your internal alarm bells probably start going off.
And honestly? That’s a healthy reaction.
In a world full of too-good-to-be-true investment pitches, it's smart to approach any unfamiliar financial concept — especially one that promises retirement income — with a touch of skepticism. So let’s break it down and answer the big, bold question:
Short answer: No, it’s not a scam.
But… it is widely misunderstood.
And like any financial tool, it can be misrepresented, misused, or mis-sold — especially by those who don’t fully explain (or understand) how it works.
So let’s clear the air.
Wholesale income is simply a way to purchase guaranteed, contractually defined income, typically through existing structured contracts that were a result of some court-ordered judgement.
The income is guaranteed by huge multi-billion dollar companies like New York Life, Metlife, Berkshire Hathaway (Warren Buffet's company), or other household name companies.
Sometimes, the contracts are a result of State Lottery winnings so in those cases the income is guaranteed by the State where the lottery was won.
What makes it “wholesale” is the efficiency of the structure — often:
Virtually zero internal costs
Streamlined distribution models
Individual contracts that cut out traditional retail fees, commissions, or markups associated with typical investments like hard-to-understand retail annuities or risky bond investments that Wall Street calls "safe"
In other words, it's a smarter, leaner way to buy income and earn a higher rate of interest, not speculate or gamble.
Let’s get a few misconceptions out of the way:
It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme.
It’s not an “investment” in the traditional sense (like buying stocks or crypto).
It’s not a magic money machine — it works through math, contracts, and risk pooling.
It’s not about “beating the market” — it’s about avoiding the market when it counts most.
And despite what some high-pressure salespeople might imply, it’s not some top-secret Wall Street strategy. It's built on publicly available, regulated financial products, issued by highly rated insurance companies, and backed by contractual guarantees.
Just because wholesale income itself isn’t a scam doesn’t mean every offer is created equal. Here’s what to watch for:
If someone can’t clearly explain where the income is coming from or makes sweeping claims like “this will solve all your problems,” pump the brakes.
Any legitimate strategy will involve pros and cons. If you're only hearing about the upside, it's a red flag. A good advisor will explain liquidity limits, opportunity costs, tax considerations, and how this fits (or doesn’t) into your broader plan.
You should never feel rushed or pressured into a financial decision. If someone’s saying “you have to act now or miss out,” that’s a problem.
A real wholesale income plan is tailored to you — your retirement timeline, income needs, and goals. If you're being pitched a one-size-fits-all product, walk away.
Honestly?
Because the financial world often doesn't lead with income — it leads with investments, growth potential, and fancy charts.
Income planning is typically seen as boring. But for retirees, it's everything.
And as financial consumers get smarter, there's more demand for efficient, no-nonsense ways to create reliable income.
That’s why the wholesale income conversation is growing — and you’re ahead of the curve just by being here.
Skepticism is good. It protects you from scams, hype, and one-size-fits-all sales pitches.
But don’t let healthy doubt turn into analysis paralysis. Wholesale income is just one tool in your toolbox.
When used correctly, it can do what very few things can: turn a portion of your savings into income for your entire life expectancy (and beyond, if you want), without the stress of stock market swings.
The key is understanding it, vetting the options, and working with a qualified Wholesale Income supplier who puts education before sales.
No, wholesale income is not a scam. It’s a legitimate, contract-based income strategy that’s backed by regulated financial institutions and math — not market guesswork.
That said, it’s not a silver bullet, either. Like any retirement income strategy, it works best when it’s tailored to your needs, backed by clear information, and paired with the right expectations.
So far, we’ve covered what wholesale income is, why it matters, and how it works. Now let’s bring it to life.
The truth is, wholesale income isn’t just theory — real people across the country are already using it to solve real financial problems in retirement.
Whether it’s to create reliable monthly income, plan for a future event, or pass money on to loved ones, this strategy offers flexibility most retirees don’t even know exists.
Here are a few everyday scenarios where wholesale income has made a big difference:
Carol is 68, recently retired, and already collecting Social Security.
But it’s not quite enough to cover her living expenses, and she doesn’t want to sell investments when the market is down.
Her Goal:
Add $1,000/month of reliable, safe income immediately — without dipping into her IRA too early.
Her Strategy:
Carol used $142,000 of her safe money to purchase a Wholesale Income Payment stream that pays her $1,000/month for 20 years — at a 5.935% yield, compared to the 4.6% she was offered from a traditional fixed annuity.
The Result:
By buying at a “wholesale” discount, Carol saved over $16,000 upfront compared to similar income options. She now receives dependable monthly payments that supplement Social Security and ease her budget... and has an extre $16,000 in her bank account!
The Situation:
Dave and Lisa are both 60, still working, but planning to retire in 7 years. They know that their future income gap will hit once Social Security begins — and they don’t want to rely entirely on market withdrawals.
Their Goal:
Create a future income stream that kicks in right at retirement, with higher yield and no market exposure.
Their Strategy:
They used a portion of their safe money to purchase deferred Wholesale Income Payments, scheduled to begin paying at age 67. Because they locked in the income years in advance, the yield was significantly higher than other fixed-income products... almost 2% higher!
The Result:
They secured income for the future and locked in a much higher rate for the long-term — with a plan that’s fully predictable, easy to understand, and entirely separate from market risk.
The Situation:
Joe, a 72-year-old grandfather, wants to leave his 12 year old granddaughter something meaningful — but he doesn’t want to hand over a pile of money with no structure or purpose.
His Goal:
Pay off her student loans in full with a $250,000 lump sum when she turns 22 in ten years.
His Strategy:
Joe used a portion of his IRA funds to purchase a lump-sum Wholesale Income, contractually guaranteed to pay $250,000 in ten years.
The Result:
He purchased the future payment at a discount today, grew his safe money with no market risk, and now knows his granddaughter’s financial future is on solid ground — without gifting early or worrying about investment timing.
The Situation:
Anna owns a family vacation home that needs major roof repairs in 5 years. She doesn’t want to drain her savings all at once when the time comes.
Her Goal:
Create a planned lump-sum payout to fund the repairs five years from now.
Her Strategy:
Using a Wholesale Income Payment strategy, she bought a future lump-sum payout scheduled for exactly when she needs it.
The price she paid today was much lower than the amount she’ll receive — all fully guaranteed.
Plus she chooses to let the money grow tax-deferred so there's no drain on the growth.
The Result:
No surprises. No scrambling. Just strategic capital planning, done years in advance — with safe money that keeps working in the background.
Despite their different goals, each of these people used wholesale income strategies to:
Buy future income at a discount
Lock in predictable payments
Avoid market risk and investment timing stress
Use safe money more efficiently
Whether it’s income now, income later, or income for someone else — wholesale income creates solutions that are simple, structured, and sustainable.
Wholesale income isn’t just a concept — it’s a real-world solution being used by retirees, parents, and planners who want more control and certainty over their financial future.
With flexible structures, higher yields, and no reliance on market performance, it’s no wonder more people are choosing this path — not just to survive retirement, but to enjoy it.
If you’ve been saving for retirement, at some point you’ve probably heard the standard advice:
"Put your money somewhere safe — like a CD, bond ladder, or fixed annuity — and just live off the interest."
And yes, those are tried-and-true options. But “tried-and-true” doesn’t always mean efficient.
What if there were a way to take the same safe money and turn it into more income, with better pricing, and no added risk?
That’s exactly what wholesale income offers — and it’s why many people are rethinking their approach to retirement income.
Let’s break it down.
| Income Option | Typical Yield | Liquidity | Risk Level | Income Certainty | Cost Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificates of Deposit (CDs) | 1.5%–2.5% | High (after term) | Very Low | Medium | Low (low return) |
| Treasury Bonds | 2%–3.5% | Medium | Very Low | High (if held to maturity) | Low |
| Fixed Annuities | 3%–5% | Low | Very Low | High | Medium |
| Dividend Stocks | 3%–6% (variable) | High | Medium-High | Low (not guaranteed) | Medium |
| Wholesale Income | 4%–7%+ | Low (structured) | Very Low | Very High | High |
Note: Yields vary with timing, provider, and economic conditions. Wholesale income rates reflect discounted pricing on structured settlement payments or similar fixed receivables.
Here’s what makes wholesale income such a compelling alternative:
Because you're buying income at a discount — often through already-issued structured settlement annuities — you're essentially purchasing more income for less money. That’s the power of wholesale pricing.
Like CDs and fixed annuities, wholesale income is backed by guarantees from top-rated insurance carriers. The difference? It’s not based on projections — it’s based on in-force payment contracts already in place.
Unlike dividend stocks or bond funds, wholesale income doesn’t fluctuate with the market. Your payments are fixed. There’s no guessing, no timing the market, and no surprises.
If you're going to allocate money to something “safe,” you might as well get the most income possible. Wholesale income typically offers 1% to 3% more yield than comparable traditional safe money options — and that makes a big difference over time.
Yes — this may be a key difference depending on the situation.
It's important to remember that money is NOT GOOD at doing more than one job at a time.
The money you need liquid for emergencies is not going to be a great source for ongoing, regular, predictable income.
The rates on liquid money are almost ALWAYS much lower than rates on longer-term investments like Wholesale Income.
By the same token, the money that's allocated for growth should not be used for income either.
Remember, Warren Buffet said "Only Buy Something That You'd Be Perfectly Happy To Hold if the Market Shut Down for 10 Years."
Which is also a good reason that stock market investments are not great at providing income and shouldn't be considered liquid.
That being said, Wholesale income strategies involve committing a lump sum in exchange for a fixed payment stream, and you can’t easily unwind them or access the money early.
That’s why it’s important to use only a portion of your safe money — the part specifically meant for income, not emergencies or for the stock market.
But when compared to traditional annuities or long-term bonds, the liquidity tradeoff is similar — and the income efficiency is usually much, much higher.
Traditional "run-of-the-mill" fixed income tools have their place.
But if your goal is to maximize guaranteed income from your safe money, wholesale income offers higher yields, more cost efficiency, and stronger contractual certainty — all without increasing your risk.
In fact, in most cases, using Wholesale Income DECREASES YOUR RISK.
You’re not just parking your money.
You’re putting it to work, strategically and smartly.
So, you're interested. You're intrigued. Maybe you're even a little excited. (Don’t worry — that’s normal when you realize there’s a better way to create retirement income.)
Now let’s talk about how to actually build your own wholesale income plan.
The good news? You don’t need to be a financial wizard or decode complicated spreadsheets to get started. Whether you’re looking for income now, later, or for a specific goal (like legacy planning), the process boils down to three clear steps.
Before anything else, ask yourself:
How much income do I need — monthly, annually, or in a lump sum?
When will I need it — now, in 5 years, or at a specific age?
How long do I want it to last — for life, for 10 years, until a certain event?
These answers will help define your “income gap” — the difference between what you’ll receive from things like Social Security or a pension, and what you’ll actually need to live comfortably.
🔍 Example:
You might determine you need an extra $2,000/month starting at age 67 to supplement Social Security — or perhaps $100,000 in 10 years to help a grandchild with college.
🧠 This step is about clarity. When you know your numbers, you can match the right strategy to the goal.
Wholesale income works best when you fund it with safe money — the portion of your savings you’ve set aside for security, not speculation.
This might be money currently sitting in:
CDs
Money market accounts
Short-term bonds
IRAs or qualified retirement accounts not tied to market growth
Other low-yield, principal-protected assets
You don’t have to allocate everything. The key is matching the right amount of safe money to secure just the income you need, so your other funds stay flexible.
🔍 Example:
Instead of setting aside $500,000 to generate $20,000/year the traditional way, you might only need $400,000 with a wholesale income plan, thanks to better pricing and higher contractual yields.
🧠 This step is about efficiency. You’re using less money to secure more guaranteed income.
Once you know what you need and what you can allocate, it’s time to customize your wholesale income solution. There are a few flexible structures to choose from:
For retirees who need immediate income, this structure starts monthly payments right away. Great for filling Social Security gaps or replacing a paycheck.
For those planning ahead, you can defer payments for 5, 10, even 15 years. The longer the delay, the higher the yield — making it a great choice for people still working.
Want to fund a specific future event (college tuition, a balloon mortgage, a legacy gift)? Lump-sum payments can be scheduled years in advance, letting you lock in future cash flow at today’s lower cost.
Each of these is structured through contractual receivables — meaning your payments are backed by law, regulated transfers, and top-rated insurance carriers.
🧠 This step is about alignment. You’re matching the right tool to the right timeline — and locking it in with confidence.
You don’t have to choose just one structure. Many retirees blend multiple wholesale income solutions to create a retirement paycheck that adjusts over time:
Income now to bridge early retirement
Deferred income to kick in later
Lump-sum income to cover big life events
This creates a cash flow timeline that works exactly the way you need it to — steady, stable, and smart.
You don’t need to gamble in the stock market to generate retirement income. And you don’t need to overpay for it, either.
With just a few simple steps — identify your need, allocate smartly, and structure intentionally — you can build a wholesale income plan that turns your safe money into secure, sustainable retirement cash flow.
No spreadsheets. No stress. Just a plan that pays you — when and how you want.
Let’s be honest: anytime you bring up a lesser-known retirement strategy that promises higher yields, guaranteed income, and lower cost… people start raising eyebrows.
And that’s fair.
Skepticism is healthy — especially when it comes to your life savings.
But here’s the problem: there’s a lot of misinformation and confusion floating around about wholesale income.
Some of it comes from outdated assumptions. Some comes from the complexity of financial products in general.
And some… well, some is just plain internet noise.
So let’s clear the air and bust the biggest myths — once and for all.
🧠 Truth: Not everything unfamiliar is untrustworthy.
Wholesale income isn’t a magic loophole — it’s a structured way of buying future income streams that are already in force.
These payment streams are backed by top-rated insurance carriers, regulated by court-ordered transfers, and used by institutions all the time.
In fact, over 92% of the available contracts each year are snatched up by Wall Street sharks and hidden away in huge hedge fund portfolios, not leaving very much for the rest of us.
The “wholesale” part refers to the discounted pricing and higher efficiency, often accessed through specialized advisors or platforms.
Just because it hasn’t shown up in your inbox doesn’t mean it’s not real — or reliable.
🧠 Truth: Not quite. Wholesale income may involve annuity-like payments, but this is not your typical "retail" annuity contract — and it's structured very differently.
Traditional annuities are often sold at retail pricing, with long surrender periods, fees, and less income per dollar invested.
Wholesale income strategies often involve structured settlement receivables, pre-set contractual payouts, and pricing models that provide more income with less capital.
Think of it like this:
Retail annuity = buying a car off the lot
Wholesale income = buying that same car at dealer pricing, already preloaded with gas and ready to go
🧠 Truth: Not in this case.
The higher yield associated with wholesale income isn’t because you’re taking on more risk — it’s because you're buying discounted payment streams that are already guaranteed and in force.
You're not betting on the market, you're simply stepping into a contract that someone else no longer needs (like a structured settlement or deferred payout), and purchasing it at a lower price.
It’s math — not magic. More income comes from better pricing, not higher danger.
🧠 Truth: In truth, it's far from losing control of money, you're creating control over your whole financial situation and future.
You’re exchanging some liquidity for predictable income — on your terms.
It’s true that once you purchase a wholesale income stream, you can’t usually access that money again.
But that’s by design — it’s meant to provide stable, hands-off income. You still control:
When the payments start
How long they last
Who receives the income
Whether it’s monthly or lump-sum
And since you’re using safe money — not your emergency fund or speculative investments — it’s not about losing control.
It’s about putting a portion of your assets on autopilot.
🧠 Truth: Maybe. But you probably shouldn’t.
Finding, procuring, and then owning Wholesale Income payment streams involve:
Navigating regulated court-ordered payment transfers
Evaluating provider credit ratings and contract structures
Timing payment schedules with future needs
Understanding yield-to-cost calculations
You wouldn’t do your own dental surgery.
Why try to DIY your retirement income blueprint?
Working with a specialist — especially one with access to advisor-only wholesale inventory — ensures your plan is customized, compliant, and cost-effective.
🧠 Truth: You absolutely can.
Virtually all wholesale income contracts can be set up with beneficiary options.
That means if something happens to you, remaining payments go to your spouse, children, or a designated heir — either as a continuation of income or as a lump sum.
Legacy planning is not only possible — it's actually one of the most powerful uses of wholesale income.
And, again, you have control over what you want to happen and when you want it to happen.
Wholesale income isn’t a gimmick. It’s not a buzzword. It’s not a risky workaround.
It’s a proven, regulated strategy that offers a better way to turn safe money into income — with clarity, control, and confidence.
So if you’ve been holding back because of something you read in a comment thread or assumed from a headline… take another look. The truth about wholesale income is a lot more empowering — and accessible — than the myths suggest.
In today's financial landscape, finding safe investments that offer attractive returns can be challenging.
Traditional options like Certificates of Deposit (CDs), high-yield savings accounts, and money market accounts provide security but often come with modest interest rates.
Enter wholesale income—a strategy that can potentially boost your returns by 1% to 3% or more without compromising on safety.
Let's first examine the typical returns from conventional safe investments:
High-Yield Savings Accounts & Money Market Accounts: These accounts are offering interest rates around 4% or more.
Certificates of Deposit (CDs): Depending on the term length, current CD rates range from 3.75% to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY).
While these rates are relatively higher than in previous years, they may still fall short of meeting the income needs of many retirees or conservative investors.
Wholesale income involves purchasing existing, in-force payment streams—often from structured settlement annuities—at a discounted rate. This approach offers several compelling benefits:
Enhanced Yields: By acquiring these payment streams at a discount, investors can achieve effective yields ranging from 4% to 7% or higher, surpassing the returns of many traditional safe investments.
Extended Duration: Unlike typical CDs or fixed annuities that may have shorter terms, wholesale income payments can be structured for periods extending up to 30 or 40 years, providing long-term income certainty.
Predictable Cash Flow: These payments are fixed and predetermined, offering a reliable income stream without exposure to market volatility.
To illustrate the potential benefits, let's compare wholesale income strategies with traditional safe investment options:
| Investment Type | Typical APY/Yield | Term Length | Liquidity | Risk Level | Income Certainty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-Yield Savings Accounts | ~4% | Variable | High | Very Low | Variable |
| Money Market Accounts | ~4% | Variable | High | Very Low | Variable |
| 1-Year CDs | 3.75%–4.50% | 1 year | Low (penalties apply) | Very Low | High |
| 5-Year CDs | 4.35%–4.50% | 5 years | Low (penalties apply) | Very Low | High |
| Wholesale Income Payments | 4%–7%+ | Up to 30–40 years | Low | Very Low | Very High |
Note: Rates are subject to change based on market conditions and specific offerings.
Investors often prioritize safety, especially when allocating "safe money."
Wholesale income payments are typically backed by highly rated insurance carriers and involve court-ordered, state-regulated transfer procedures, ensuring a high level of security.
This structure provides confidence comparable to, if not exceeding, that of traditional bank products.
While wholesale income offers attractive benefits, it's essential to assess your individual financial goals, liquidity needs, and risk tolerance.
Consulting with a financial advisor experienced in wholesale income strategies can help determine if this approach aligns with your retirement planning objectives.
In a low-interest-rate environment, securing higher returns on safe investments is a priority for many.
Wholesale income presents a compelling alternative, offering 1% to 3% higher yields compared to traditional options, along with the added advantage of long-term income certainty.
By exploring this strategy, you can enhance your retirement income while maintaining the safety and predictability you value.
Why the “Safe” Options Might Not Be So Safe After All
We’ve all been told to play it safe with our retirement money — especially the portion we can’t afford to lose.
But what if many of the so-called “safe money” vehicles are actually quietly eroding your financial future?
It’s time to take a hard look at the most common conservative strategies — CDs, Treasuries, “safe” bonds, bond funds, and even fixed indexed annuities — and compare them honestly with wholesale income.
Because safety without strategy?
That’s not safe — it’s stagnant.
CDs are often the first place people park “safe” money. Why? Because they’re simple. But simplicity comes at a cost.
Low interest rates: Even in a higher-rate environment, most CDs barely keep pace with inflation — and over time, that means your purchasing power quietly shrinks.
Short-term guarantees: You might get 4% now, but what happens in a year or two when rates drop?
Limited income potential: CDs don’t create lasting income — they’re just cash with a waiting period.
💡 CDs give you the illusion of security, but no real long-term income planning.
Treasuries are “risk-free” — in name only. Here’s the fine print:
Interest rate risk: When rates rise, the market value of your bonds drops. If you need to sell early, you could lose principal.
Long-term bonds = long-term uncertainty: Sure, you’re guaranteed a payout if you hold until maturity, but that could mean locking in underwhelming returns for decades.
Zero flexibility: Treasuries don’t adapt to your life. They mature on their schedule — not yours.
💡 Treasuries may protect your principal, but they won’t grow your income.
Many brokers sell corporate or municipal bond funds as “safe,” but here's what they don't tell you:
No guarantees: Funds fluctuate daily. There’s no guarantee you’ll get your money back when you need it.
Hidden fees: Management costs, trading fees, and commissions silently eat into your yield.
Income instability: Unlike a bond you hold to maturity, bond fund payouts vary. In down markets, those “safe” funds could turn into portfolio sinkholes.
💡 Bond funds trade security for convenience — and often leave you exposed when it counts most.
FIAs are often marketed as the “best of both worlds” — upside potential with no downside risk. But real-world performance doesn’t always match the hype.
As shown in the comprehensive study by Babbel, Marrion, and VanderPal in the Wharton Financial Institutions Center report, many of the most critical studies of FIAs are based on unrealistic, hypothetical assumptions — not real contract performance.
Even still, the drawbacks are real:
Opaque structures: Complex formulas, participation rates, caps, and spreads make it hard to understand what you’re actually earning.
Disappointing returns: Despite promises of “market-linked growth,” many real-world returns fall well below expectations — especially after the first few years.
Severe surrender penalties: Withdraw early and you could get hit with steep fees, even if your money didn’t grow.
💡 FIAs can work — but only if you fully understand the contract. Most people don’t.
Now let’s revisit wholesale income — not as a unicorn, but as a practical, proven alternative to the above.
Here’s how it compares:
| Feature | CDs/Treasuries/Bond Funds | Indexed Annuities | Wholesale Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return Potential | 2–4.5% (short-term) | 3–6% (often less after fees/caps) | 4–7%+ (real contractual yield) |
| Transparency | Moderate | Low (complex crediting formulas) | High (fixed contractual payments) |
| Liquidity | Limited (CDs, bonds) / Variable (bond funds) | Limited with penalties | Low (known upfront, built-in timeline) |
| Market Risk | Minimal to Moderate | Low, but not zero (fees eat returns) | None – not market dependent |
| Duration Options | Short to Mid | Mid-range only (usually <15 years) | Customizable – up to 30–40 years |
| Simplicity | Easy to buy, limited utility | Hard to understand | Easy to understand, easy to plan with |
The real risk isn’t choosing wholesale income.
It’s settling for low returns, complex contracts, and limited income — all in the name of “safety.”
CDs might protect your money, but they won’t protect your lifestyle.
Treasuries might look secure — but they can trap your money in outdated rates.
Bond funds might sound familiar — but their returns are anything but reliable.
Indexed annuities might be promising — but only if you understand every word of the fine print... and you're shown the best contract.
Wholesale income flips the model: You don’t hope for income — you buy it.
Contractually.
Efficiently.
Predictably.
If you’re tired of settling for safe choices that underperform, or products that sound too good to be true but deliver too little in practice, wholesale income offers a breath of fresh air.
It doesn’t try to be everything. It just does one thing really well:
📦 Deliver reliable, contractual income at a better value than traditional safe money options.
And in retirement, that might be the most valuable asset of all.
Let’s be clear:
There is no such thing as a risk-free retirement strategy.
Even wholesale income — with all its benefits, guarantees, and efficiency — comes with trade-offs. And while these risks are generally manageable (especially compared to the rollercoaster of market-based investments), it’s important to go in with eyes wide open.
So let’s talk about where wholesale income can fall short — and, more importantly, what you can do about it.
The Issue:
Once you purchase a wholesale income stream, that money is committed. You can't decide halfway through that you want it back in a lump sum or reinvest it somewhere else.
These are contractual obligations — structured settlement payment streams or in-force annuity receivables — and they aren’t designed to be reversed, traded, or tapped for emergency spending.
How to Manage It:
Only use safe money you don’t need immediate access to. This is income money, not emergency fund money.
Maintain a liquidity buffer in savings or short-term instruments for flexibility.
Blend wholesale income with other assets to balance cash flow needs.
💡 Wholesale income is like a pension: dependable, but not a piggy bank.
The Issue:
The income you buy is the income you get. You’re locking in certainty — which means you’re giving up any future upside. No bonus returns. No market gains. Just what you signed up for.
In a roaring bull market, that might feel like you’re missing out.
How to Manage It:
Remember: this is your floor, not your ceiling. It covers essentials, not extras.
Pair wholesale income with growth-oriented assets for long-term upside.
Celebrate the predictability. You won’t have to stress about market crashes, interest rate dips, or bond volatility.
💡 Peace of mind often beats “what if” returns.
The Issue:
Most wholesale income payment streams are fixed in nominal terms — meaning $2,000/month today is still $2,000/month in 15 years. That amount may buy less down the road due to inflation.
How to Manage It:
Use wholesale income to cover fixed expenses (housing, food, insurance) that won’t grow dramatically with inflation.
Offset inflation risks by:
Delaying income start dates to lock in higher future payouts
Pairing with investments that have inflation hedging potential
Purchasing staggered income streams that kick in at different phases of retirement (a technique known as income laddering)
💡 It’s not about beating inflation — it’s about outlasting it with smarter planning.
The Issue:
Wholesale income payments are typically backed by either insurance companies or State governments — not banks or the federal government.
That means you need to trust that your payment provider will fulfill their obligations for years (or decades) to come.
How to Manage It:
Work only with providers who are financially sound and highly-rated (A or better) by agencies like AM Best, Moody’s, or Standard & Poor’s.
Confirm your income stream is purchased through a regulated, court-ordered process (as is the case with structured settlements).
Diversify by not putting all your wholesale income with a single carrier, especially for larger portfolios.
💡 You wouldn’t give your life savings to a sketchy online bank.
The same goes for Wholesale Income income providers.
The Issue:
If your life plans change — you retire earlier, move, face unexpected expenses — your wholesale income payments may not adjust accordingly.
These contracts are fixed, not flexible.
How to Manage It:
Don’t guess — plan backwards from your known income gaps.
Work with an advisor to map income to specific timelines, events, and goals.
Use multiple contracts with staggered payment start dates to maintain flexibility and adapt over time.
💡 A rigid plan is risky. A well-structured income timeline is resilient.
Every retirement strategy has risk — the question is which risks are you comfortable with?
With wholesale income, the trade-offs are:
Less liquidity
No market upside
Fixed income that may not keep up with inflation
But the upside?
Guaranteed, predictable cash flow
Long-term security
1% to 3% higher income yields compared to traditional safe options
When used wisely — as part of a diversified retirement strategy — wholesale income provides a rock-solid income foundation that most traditional tools simply can’t match.
It’s not about eliminating all risk.
It’s about trading uncertainty for stability, and stress for strategy.
By now, you’ve got a clear picture of what wholesale income is, how it works, and why it could be a smart part of a retirement plan.
But here’s the million-dollar question (maybe literally):
“Is this actually right for me?”
Let’s find out.
This isn’t a quiz with right or wrong answers. It’s more like a mirror — a way to look at your financial goals, risk tolerance, and retirement vision to see if wholesale income fits.
Do you have a chunk of cash in CDs, money market accounts, or savings accounts earning minimal interest?
That’s prime material to put to better use.
🔍 Example: $200,000 sitting in a 4% CD could potentially generate more income — and for a longer time — when shifted into a wholesale income stream.
If you’re nearing retirement (or already retired) and want monthly cash flow without worrying about the markets, wholesale income can help bridge the gap.
This strategy works best when you can say, “I need $X starting in [Year].” That makes it easy to match income to your life plan.
Maybe you’ve been through 2008 or 2020 and don’t want to ride the rollercoaster anymore. Wholesale income offers peace of mind — without needing to “beat the market.”
If your ideal retirement includes fewer spreadsheets and more sunshine, this strategy could be your happy place.
Wholesale income isn’t just for you — it can also be used to fund college tuition, gift lump sums, or leave a structured financial legacy for family.
If your financial situation could require frequent, unpredictable access to the funds, wholesale income might feel too rigid (But, sadly, if you're in that situation then ANY type of long-term planning is going to be a problem for you).
This isn’t a “beat the market” play. Wholesale income trades upside potential for guaranteed performance. If you want moonshot returns, this isn’t your ride.
If your retirement timeline is still fuzzy or your lifestyle spending is inconsistent, you might want to wait until your plan firms up.
💡 Remember: Wholesale income works best when used with intention. It’s a tool — not a magic wand.
Some people assume this strategy is only for the ultra-wealthy or the ultra-cautious. Not true.
In reality, it’s ideal for anyone who wants more from their safe money:
More yield
More income certainty
More peace of mind
Whether you’re building a retirement paycheck, creating a future legacy, or simply using your money more efficiently, wholesale income is one of the most versatile tools available.
And it’s not about going “all in.” Many smart retirees use wholesale income alongside their investments, Social Security, and other income sources — creating a layered strategy that works for them.
There’s no perfect retirement product.
But there are perfect fits for certain goals.
If you’re looking for:
Guaranteed income without market risk
Higher yield from your safe money
Simplicity, transparency, and security
Income tailored to your retirement timeline
Then wholesale income might be exactly the tool you've been missing.
Not every financial decision needs to be complicated.
Sometimes, the right answer is the one that pays you back — exactly when you need it.
At this point, you’re probably thinking one of two things:
“This sounds promising, but I have no idea where to begin.”
“I want in — just show me how to do it right.”
Either way, you're in the right place.
Getting started with wholesale income doesn’t require a finance degree or a crystal ball. What it does require is a little planning, the right support, and a mindset that favors smart, strategic action over passive hope.
Let’s walk through what that looks like.
Before you crunch a single number, take a breath and remind yourself what you’re really doing here.
You’re not “investing.”
You’re not “chasing yield.”
You’re building income you can count on.
That shift in mindset — from growth-at-all-costs to dependable-cash-flow-for-life — is the foundation of any great wholesale income strategy. It’s about using your safe money to create certainty instead of sitting on the sidelines or settling for weak returns.
🧠 Mindset checklist:
✔️ I’m okay trading some liquidity for predictable income
✔️ I want to eliminate guesswork from at least part of my retirement plan
✔️ I’m more interested in income I can count on than “getting rich”
✔️ I understand this isn’t a speculative product — it’s a cash flow solution
Let’s keep it simple. You don’t need to overhaul your finances — just sketch out your income plan:
What’s your monthly retirement budget?
What are your fixed income sources? (Social Security, pension, etc.)
What’s your gap? (This is what wholesale income can help fill.)
When will you need the income? (Now, later, or in phases?)
🧩 Pro tip: Think in buckets.
Bucket 1: Emergency cash
Bucket 2: Income-generating wholesale assets
Bucket 3: Growth investments (market-based)
This layered strategy helps balance flexibility, income, and LONG-TERM upside.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. In fact, you shouldn’t.
Wholesale income strategies are specialized — and while they’re straightforward once in place, structuring them correctly requires expertise.
🔎 Here’s what to look for in a specialist:
Works with court-ordered, regulated wholesale income contracts
Can access discounted, in-force structured settlement annuities
Offers transparency about pricing, contract terms, and timelines
Provides clear yield-to-cost comparisons vs. traditional safe options
Understands retirement planning, not just product sales
🧭 Look for someone who starts with your goals — not with a pitch.
Income gap calculator: Estimate what you’ll need and when
Yield comparison charts: Compare CDs, bonds, annuities, and wholesale income
Cash flow timeline worksheet: Plan out your needs year by year
Safe money allocation tool: See how much you can earmark for guaranteed income
You don’t need to go “all in” on day one.
Many people test the waters with a small portion of their safe money, see how it works, and then scale up with confidence.
In fact, one Wholesale Income provider states that over 92% of their customers start with 1 contract and then return to buy again and again.
✔️ Start with one income stream — maybe $1,000/month starting at age 67
✔️ Or buy a deferred lump sum for a future milestone (like a home repair or gifting plan)
✔️ Or structure a multi-year stream to replace part of your paycheck post-retirement
Then evaluate, adjust, and add to your plan as needed.
💡 Wholesale income is modular — you can build it over time.
Even smart strategies can be derailed if you’re not careful. Here’s what to avoid:
❌ Jumping in without understanding liquidity trade-offs
❌ Working with someone who doesn’t specialize in wholesale income
❌ Focusing only on rate — and ignoring timing or tax strategy
❌ Confusing wholesale income with “just another annuity”
❌ Using money you might need for emergencies
🔐 Remember: this is income money, not “rainy day” money.
Getting started with wholesale income is more about alignment than complexity. You don’t need to solve everything today — you just need to take the next smart step:
✅ Define your goals
✅ Know your income gap
✅ Connect with the right expert
✅ Put your safe money to work — with purpose
You’re not just preparing for retirement.
You’re pre-paying your paycheck — with efficiency, security, and strategy.
And it all starts now.
Let’s step back for a moment.
You’ve just explored a strategy that few people have even heard of — and yet it may be one of the most effective tools available for creating lasting, reliable, and smart retirement income.
So here’s the question:
Why settle for less?
Why accept low returns on CDs, unpredictable bond funds, or opaque annuity contracts that don’t do what they promise — when you could use wholesale income to:
Lock in guaranteed cash flow
Leverage your safe money to get more income for less
Gain peace of mind knowing your future paychecks are already secured
Tailor income exactly to your timeline, your needs, and your goals
Here’s what makes Wholesale Income so powerful:
✅ It’s not tied to the market.
✅ It’s not based on projections or hope.
✅ It’s not flashy — it’s functional.
✅ It’s not new — it’s just newly available to you.
It gives you certainty in a world where most retirement strategies are built on “maybe.”
Let’s recap the key takeaways:
Wholesale income is a smart way to buy income at a discount — with better yields and stronger guarantees than traditional safe money tools.
It can help fill retirement income gaps with less capital, often producing 1% to 3% higher yield compared to CDs, bonds, or retail annuities.
It’s built for people who want simplicity, security, and stability — not guesswork.
It works best when paired with a clear plan and the right partner to help structure it.
It isn’t perfect — nothing is — but the risks are manageable and the benefits are real.
If wholesale income seems like a good fit, don’t let it sit in your mental “maybe someday” folder. Take a step:
Revisit your income goals.
Identify the portion of your assets you want to use for income — not growth.
Talk to a licensed advisor or specialist who understands the wholesale market and can help you source high-quality contracts.
This doesn’t need to be overwhelming. It can start with one conversation. One contract. One piece of your bigger retirement puzzle — solved.
At the end of the day, this isn’t about spreadsheets or interest rates. It’s about living the life you want, without constantly worrying about whether the money will last.
It’s about creating a strategy that pays you exactly what you need, exactly when you need it. Not too late. Not too risky. Just right.
That’s what wholesale income can offer.
And that’s why, even though most people have never heard of it…
it might be the smartest move you ever make.
Answers to the most common questions about wholesale income, simplified.
You’ve read the deep dive — now here’s the fast track. This FAQ section is designed to answer the biggest, most practical questions people ask when exploring wholesale income (also known as secondary market annuities or structured settlement income streams).
Whether you’re doing early research or ready to dive in, these quick answers will help you move forward with confidence.
Wholesale income means buying a pre-structured, discounted income stream. These are typically fixed annuity contracts or court-ordered settlements.
No. It’s backed by insurance carriers and state-regulated court transfer processes, not the FDIC.
Yes. It offers higher yield, zero market risk, and guaranteed cash flow — ideal for retirees seeking security and efficiency.
Yes. It offers higher yield, zero market risk, and guaranteed cash flow — ideal for retirees seeking security and efficiency.
Yes. It offers higher yield, zero market risk, and guaranteed cash flow — ideal for retirees seeking security and efficiency.
Yes. It offers higher yield, zero market risk, and guaranteed cash flow — ideal for retirees seeking security and efficiency.
Yes. It offers higher yield, zero market risk, and guaranteed cash flow — ideal for retirees seeking security and efficiency.
Yes. It offers higher yield, zero market risk, and guaranteed cash flow — ideal for retirees seeking security and efficiency.
