Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:
calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

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24. Annuity Fees Explained: SPIA, DIA, MYGA, FIA vs. Variable Annuities

In this Retirement Income School™ lesson, Dr. Amanda tackles one of the biggest misconceptions about annuities — that they all come with high fees.
She breaks down the four main types of annuities — SPIAs, DIAs, MYGAs, and FIAs — and explains which ones truly have fees (and why).
You’ll learn how to spot hidden costs, understand what you’re actually paying for, and discover why some of the best income strategies for retirees come with no fees at all.

By the end, you’ll know how to confidently evaluate annuities, compare options side by side, and understand exactly how each type fits into your retirement plan.

00:00 – Introduction: “Do all annuities have high fees?”
01:00 – The four main annuity types explained
02:00 – Why SPIAs, DIAs, and MYGAs have no ongoing fees
03:00 – How FIAs work and when an income rider adds value
05:00 – Why variable annuities carry the highest fees (and the biggest risks)
07:00 – Inside an FIA with income rider: how fees are calculated
08:00 – Comparing SPIA/DIA vs. FIA with income rider
10:00 – The benefits and tradeoffs of guaranteed lifetime income
12:00 – Understanding MYGAs and tax-deferred safe growth
13:00 – Variable annuity layers of fees (M&E, subaccounts, riders)
17:00 – Hidden costs and compounding fee impact
18:30 – Recap: which annuities charge fees — and which don’t
20:00 – How to evaluate annuities and ask the right questions
21:00 – Key takeaways and next steps for your retirement plan

🔗 Show Links

📅 Want to Find Out More?:
Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
www.RetirementIncome.School

📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-866-444-2997
LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.