New the this VB plan, I have been doing some reading. I have spent the better part of my life studying finance on my own and one of the two tenets I live by are this:

1) Anything with annuity in the title or any title with an effort to hide the word annuity is to be avoided. Annuities make a lot of money for people, usually the person who sells it.

ie. The VB plan is also called the variable annuity pension plan, I wonder why it's not called what it is, a cow is a cow not a spotted four legged animal.

2) The more complicated an instrument seems, the more likely you have to work really hard to figure out where you are going to get ripped off. Any guaranteed returns need to be questioned.

I suggest you read this "white paper" as it contains some interesting information about how your actual benefit can decline with market decline during the years that count most, retirement years.

I would rather have fluctuations during my working years and stable during my retirement years. Our pension plan provides that peace of mind, coupled with the ability to grow money in retirement.

Attachment 3408

http://findleydavies.com/Variable_Be...e%20_Paper.pdf

I haven't made up my mind, I am not trying to make up yours, but due diligence on everybody's part is needed.