The McCanney process
Answer first.
Earn the next step.
More analysis is not automatically better. It is better only when it changes or strengthens the decision.
Name the decision
You tell Mark what you want to know now. That question defines the first scope; it does not automatically trigger a full financial excavation.
Gather only what matters
For a contract question, that may be a statement and contract. For retirement timing, it may be spending, dependable income, savings, and timing.
Read the real documents
Guarantees, projections, surrender values, riders, caps, fees, benefit triggers, and insurer details come from the source documents—not the headline.
Model the honest scenarios
The analysis includes lower assumptions, bad timing, changed needs, care events, and the cost of leaving an existing arrangement.
Put alternatives side by side
Keep it, modify it, replace it, self-fund, wait, or do nothing. The recommendation is incomplete until the alternatives are visible.
Decide—and stay for the result
If you proceed, responsibilities, compensation, implementation, review, and claim support are explained. The relationship does not end at issue.
What leaves the room
A conclusion you can explain to somebody else.
Question
Is the existing annuity still doing the job?
First conclusion
Keep pending two contract checks.
BRING ONE STATEMENT OR THE WHOLE PLAN.