In episode 192 of the AnnuityStraightTalk.com Podcast, Brian Anderson takes a deep dive into bonus annuities and the often-cited 17.42% first-year return. He explains exactly how this number is calculated, the situations where a true bonus annuity can make sense, and the tradeoffs you need to understand before committing.

Brian walks through the four main scenarios where bonus annuities can provide real value—exiting an underperforming contract, adding an immediate cash value boost, enhancing death benefits, and supporting systematic withdrawals. He also outlines the downsides, including reduced long-term growth potential and the need for a multi-year commitment.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a bonus annuity is a smart move or just a marketing gimmick, this episode will give you the clarity you need.

Learn more or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com

In this episode of the AnnuityStraightTalk.com Podcast, Bryan Anderson welcomes back his friend and industry insider, Nate, for a candid conversation about why he personally bought the Midland National Income Vantage Pro annuity.

After nearly 20 years as an annuity wholesaler working with top insurance companies, Nate has seen it all — the good, the bad, and the products that often aren’t in the client’s best interest. So why did he choose Midland National for his own retirement money?

We break down:
✅ Why Nate trusted Bryan to handle his personal annuity purchase
✅ What makes the Income Vantage Pro stand out — guaranteed income, growth potential, and no fees
✅ How this product works for both younger investors and retirees
✅ The flexibility and death benefit options that set it apart from competitors
✅ Real-life numbers from Nate’s $350,000 investment case study

If you’ve ever wondered whether an annuity can actually deliver long-term value — or why an industry professional would put his own money into one — this episode gives you a transparent look at the decision-making process.

There’s a dark side of the annuity industry that no one wants to talk about — but it’s time someone did.

In this episode, Bryan Anderson calls out the deadbeat annuity agents who are giving the business a bad name. These are the advisors who chase a quick commission, disappear after the sale, and leave clients in the dark about the products they bought. If you’ve ever felt abandoned or confused about your annuity, you’re not alone — and it’s probably not your fault.

Bryan shares real stories, red flags to watch for, and the key questions every consumer should ask before signing anything. Not all agents are bad — but the bad ones are out there, and they’re costing people money and peace of mind.

Learn how to protect yourself.
Find out what real service looks like.
And make sure you're not stuck with a deadbeat.

What do index annuities actually deliver? In this episode, Bryan Anderson shares performance data from real client contracts — no hypotheticals, no marketing spin.

You’ll see:

✅ Two real-world annuities with multi-year performance
✅ Actual interest credits and blended allocation strategies
✅ How index-linked growth compares to MYGAs
✅ What worked, what could’ve worked better, and why

Whether you’re evaluating options for safe growth, trying to decide between a fixed annuity and an indexed one, or just want transparency from someone who’s seen it all — this episode is for you.

It’s not about hype. It’s about real outcomes, backed by real numbers.

Ready to compare your options? Schedule a call now

Not all high interest rates are created equal—and chasing the top MYGA rate can lead you straight into trouble.

In this episode, Bryan Anderson explains why he prioritizes financial strength, policy flexibility, and long-term safety over chasing the highest yields in multi-year guaranteed annuities. He shares a real-life story of a client walking away from a well-rounded product in favor of a higher rate, and breaks down the hidden risks behind some of the top-paying MYGAs on the market today—many of which are backed by private equity and have questionable long-term strategies.

What you’ll learn:

Why the “highest rate” isn’t always the best deal

The hidden dangers of new and obscure annuity issuers

How private equity is changing the insurance landscape

What to look for in a truly safe annuity

Why Bryan sticks to long-term fundamentals, even if it means losing a sale

If safety, simplicity, and stability matter to you in retirement, this episode is a must-listen.

▶️ Tune in now to hear why Bryan never chases MYGA rates—and why you shouldn’t either.

Not everyone starts out liking annuities — and that’s okay.

In this episode, Bryan takes a step back from the technical talk and walks through the basics of safe money in retirement. He compares the core options most people consider: cash, CDs, treasuries, bonds, and annuities — breaking down where annuities offer a real strategic edge.

You’ll hear:

Why some people don’t need an annuity (and how Bryan handles those calls)

When annuities outperform other safe-money options

What makes a fixed annuity different from a CD or bond

The real reason retirees are giving annuities a second look

If you’ve ever wondered whether an annuity actually makes sense for you — or if you’re just tired of the one-size-fits-all sales pitch — this episode will help you see the full picture.

In this episode, Bryan Anderson breaks down one of the most aggressively sold annuity products on the market: the Allianz 222 and Allianz Benefit Control. Bryan doesn’t pull any punches—he explains why these products aren’t necessarily bad, but how they're often misrepresented by salespeople chasing commissions. You’ll learn:

The three types of fixed indexed annuities and which one might actually fit your goals

Why the “big bonus” pitch can be misleading and what that bonus really means

What makes a performance-based income annuity work—and when it doesn’t

Real-world examples of clients who used these contracts correctly (and those who didn’t)

The red flags to watch out for when you're being pitched an annuity

If you’ve been offered an Allianz annuity or are just trying to make sense of your options, this episode gives you the clarity you need. As Bryan puts it, “All fixed index annuities do about what they're expected to do”—it’s up to you to make sure you understand exactly what that means for your future.

Want to talk it through? Schedule a call at the top right of any page on AnnuityStraightTalk.com

Most people wait until the last minute to think about retirement income—but what if getting in early could cost you a lot less and pay you a lot more?

In this episode, Bryan follows up on last week’s discussion of guaranteed income and dives into the math behind buying annuities before retirement. You'll hear why deferring income just a few years can lead to massive increases in payouts—and how people in their 40s and 50s are locking in high-income contracts that start paying out in their 50s or early 60s.

Bryan also shares real examples, from a 65-year-old couple who can now get 7.85% payouts after one year of deferral, to a younger couple set to receive 13.5% income starting in their 50s.

If you’re thinking about buying income “someday,” you need to understand why doing it sooner can save you thousands.

Back in 2021, a 5% payout from a guaranteed income product was considered a solid deal. Today, that same product pays over 7%. In this episode, Bryan takes a look back at an early podcast episode to show just how much the annuity landscape has shifted—and why it matters for your retirement plan.

Whether you've been researching annuities for years or are just starting your search, this episode breaks down:

What higher interest rates have done to annuity income

How much more income you can expect today

Why the math is finally tipping in favor of guaranteed income

It’s a short, eye-opening look at the evolving value of annuities—and a good reminder that timing matters.

▶️ Listen now and see how far things have come.

You’ve probably heard the pitch: “No market losses, all the upside!” But is that really how it works?

In this episode, I get back to business and break down what I believe are the best fixed index annuities (FIAs) for growth—based on more than 22 years of experience. This isn’t sales fluff. It’s the real criteria I use when recommending annuities to clients looking for safe accumulation.

What You’ll Learn:

Why most advisors show you the same basic illustrations—and what they’re leaving out

The two companies I trust most (and the specific products I use)

What matters more than chasing yield: financial strength, index options, and rate stability

Why surrender terms affect your flexibility—and how to think about duration

How I compare hundreds of annuities to find the right ones for your goals

Whether you’re looking to lock in a portion of your portfolio, avoid fees, or just keep things simple, this episode is for anyone who wants upside without unnecessary complexity.

▶️ Click play and get the straight talk on what makes a good fixed index annuity actually worth owning.

Need help sorting through your options?
Schedule a call—top right corner of any page at AnnuityStraightTalk.com.