Annuity.org, a trusted financial education platform, recently surveyed over 500 adults aged 50 and older to uncover what matters most when selecting a financial services provider. The full report offers a detailed breakdown of the results.

While investment returns remain important, respondents overwhelmingly prioritized trust, clarity, and guaranteed income.

Nearly half of the respondents (46.8%) are already retired, and an additional 26.5% expect to retire within the next five years. With more than 70% either living in retirement or actively preparing for it, the findings offer timely insight into the priorities of people making some of life's most critical financial decisions. In retirement planning specifically, trust takes the lead, with 71% saying that trustworthiness matters most.

One respondent summed it up clearly, expressing the desire for "someone who is interested in my finances, not just earning a commission," highlighting how essential it is for consumers to feel understood, valued, and supported.