Annuity

Hi Terry,
Great website , articles, financial columns & your financial knowledge.
I have no luck with advisors .This last one invested our money in Flexible Premium Fixed Annuities.
Mine was $ 819315.15 & my wife’s was $396,522.18. for the first 2 years we did not even receive
a penny of interest. When I called him to complain he said that I didn’t lose any money either!
I reached out to a financial attorney to sue only to find out she works in Florida but her business
is based in Arizona for legal protection.
Both these annuities are not even making 2% ( 1.9). we are 5 years into both these policies.
My early withdrawal penalties are $ 30,681.36 & my wife’s are $ 14,945.17.
It’s killing me to make such little interest when I could at least put it into a CD & make twice as much. So far I have taken out the penalty free money and invested it into commercial real estate, gold & silver. I know that the $45k is a lot to loose. I am 71 & my wife is 68. I am not desperate for the income but it would help. What would you do in this situation? I trust you but not another advisor never again!
Thanks again,