In this episode, Bryan Anderson shares a straightforward look at how he consistently finds better annuity rates than what Fidelity offers their clients.

With nearly 23 years in the business and a nationwide approach, Bryan has developed a unique perspective on annuity pricing and options. His experience across different markets and carriers has revealed opportunities that many advisors simply don't see. While some rely on aggressive sales tactics, Bryan's education-first approach focuses on finding the best value for each individual situation.

Key Topics:
• How a nationwide perspective reveals better annuity options
• Why taking time to compare rates leads to better outcomes
• The fundamentals of smart annuity planning
• What 202 episodes of research have taught about finding value
• How the right approach delivers impressive results

"It's not what an annuity does, it's the things that it protects you from," Bryan explains.

Whether you're comparing annuity quotes, have a Fidelity proposal in hand, or simply want to ensure you're getting the best rates available, this episode provides practical insights on finding better value in the annuity market.

In this episode, Bryan Anderson takes a hard look at one of the most talked-about annuities on the market — and why it continues to disappoint real retirees. After months of questions from listeners and clients, Bryan breaks down how Allianz contracts are sold, what they actually deliver, and why so many investors end up frustrated when the results don’t match the illustrations.

You’ll hear a real-world example of a client whose “guaranteed income” came up far short of projections, and Bryan explains what went wrong, how compensation structures drive these sales, and what alternatives could have doubled her payout.

If you’ve ever been shown an annuity promising huge bonuses and inflation-proof income, this episode will show you how to separate marketing from math — and why setting realistic expectations is the key to retirement success.

Key Takeaways:

How “illustrated income” differs from actual contract guarantees

Why Allianz products often underperform projections

What to look for before committing to any income rider

Better strategies for securing guaranteed lifetime income

Listen now to understand why another Allianz sales promise didn’t hold up — and how to make sure yours does.

Schedule a call at the top-right corner of any page on AnnuityStraightTalk.com for honest, data-driven guidance on your retirement plan.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are something almost every retiree has to face—but few understand how to handle them the right way. In this episode, Bryan Anderson breaks down what RMDs are, when they start, and how annuities can make the process easier while helping your money grow.

You’ll hear why most people end up taking more from their IRAs than necessary, how that affects taxes, and what a smart distribution plan looks like. Bryan explains two specific ways annuities can help—whether you need guaranteed income or just a safe place to protect part of your portfolio.

Learn how to keep more of what you’ve earned, avoid unnecessary taxes, and create a smoother retirement income plan.

Schedule a call at the top right corner of AnnuityStraightTalk.com to talk about your own RMD strategy and see if an annuity could make sense for you.

In episode 200 of the AnnuityStraightTalk.com Podcast, Bryan Anderson shares a story that highlights why no two retirement plans are ever the same. A listener’s question about her parents’ annuities opened the door to a bigger discussion — how required minimum distributions (RMDs), income, and long-term care planning all tie together.

Bryan explains how past annuity decisions can affect cash flow later in life, what to consider when parents have more income than they need, and how proper documentation and planning can make things easier for future generations. He also shares personal lessons from caring for his own family and why legacy planning is about more than just money — it’s about giving your loved ones clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re approaching your own RMDs or helping aging parents manage theirs, this episode offers practical insight on balancing income, care, and legacy.

Learn more or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com.

In episode 199 of the AnnuityStraightTalk.com Podcast, Bryan Anderson drills down on a core truth he’s learned over 23 years in the industry — the right annuity strategy can actually help you make more money.

Bryan breaks down real client examples showing how annuities can:

Create larger long-term portfolios

Protect against inflation without giving up growth

Leave a bigger legacy for your family

Whether your goal is more income, more stability, or simply more confidence in retirement, you’ll see why annuities are about efficiency and profitability, not restriction.

If you’re ready to see how the right plan can grow both your income and your wealth, schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com.

In episode 198 of the AnnuityStraightTalk.com Podcast, Bryan Anderson asks a simple but provocative question: are Cd

Bryan breaks down the hidden mechanics behind certificates of deposit—how banks use leverage to earn many times more on your money than they pay you, and why that “safe” 5 percent CD might not be as smart a move as it seems. He explains where CDs make sense, why short-term interest rates are a gamble, and how the lack of compounding quietly erodes long-term growth.

You’ll also learn:

When short-term CDs can be useful for short-term goals

Why many savers get trapped in a “renew and repeat” cycle that stalls real planning

How MYGAs and other fixed annuities can outperform CDs through compounding, tax deferral, and higher guaranteed yields

Bryan closes with practical guidance on using CDs wisely while you research longer-term income options—and why locking in better rates now could protect your retirement income from falling yields.

Learn more or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com.

In episode 197 of the AnnuityStraightTalk.com Podcast, Bryan Anderson breaks down one of the most common retirement planning questions: should you pay a fee for maximum guaranteed income, or choose a no-fee annuity contract that relies on performance?

Bryan explains the trade-offs between the two approaches:

Fee-based contracts that deliver the highest guaranteed lifetime income, backed by the insurance company.

No-fee options that offer more growth potential and flexibility, but less certainty.

The role of interest rates, age, and retirement timing in choosing the right strategy.

Real client examples showing when each option can make sense.

If you’ve ever wondered whether paying a small fee is worth it for long-term income security—or if you’re better off keeping your options open—this episode will give you the objective framework to decide what fits your situation best.

Learn more or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com.

In episode 196 of the AnnuityStraightTalk.com Podcast, Bryan Anderson takes on one of the most common misconceptions in retirement planning — that Federal Reserve rate cuts automatically change annuity rates. With so much noise in the media about the Fed’s latest move, many people feel rushed to act before “rates drop.”

Bryan explains why annuity rates often move ahead of Fed decisions, why they don’t follow the federal funds rate directly, and what really drives yields for MYGAs and income products. He walks through the supply-and-demand forces that impact bond markets, how fear-based sales tactics exploit Fed headlines, and why staying calm leads to better long-term decisions.

If you’ve been told to “act fast before rates fall,” this episode will help you separate fact from hype and give you a better way to watch the indicators that actually matter for your retirement plan.

Learn more or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com

In episode 194 of the AnnuityStraightTalk.com Podcast, Bryan Anderson tackles the worst annuity advice he’s seen in years. A couple in their early sixties was told to move their entire $1.7 million in 401(k) savings into a single annuity contract — without proper disclosure, without a clear income plan, and without even being shown other options.

Bryan breaks down exactly what went wrong in this case: a lack of transparency, unrealistic promises, and zero retirement planning. He explains why putting all of your assets into one contract is dangerous, what questions should have been asked, and how to recognize when an advisor is putting commissions ahead of clients.

If you’ve ever felt pressured to make a big financial decision without clear explanations, this episode will show you the red flags to watch for and why education and disclosure must come first.

Learn more or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com.

In episode 195 of the AnnuityStraightTalk.com Podcast, Bryan Anderson tackles one of the most common problems in retirement planning — terrible annuity advice.

Bryan shares a real-life case where a couple with an ESOP was being pressured to make a long-term financial commitment under a 30-day deadline. Instead of rushing them into a sale, he showed them a simple step that bought them time to think through their options — opening a traditional IRA first and transferring funds there.

This episode is all about protecting yourself from scare tactics, rushed sales, and advice that puts the advisor’s commission ahead of your best interest. Bryan explains why taking time to build an income plan, understand your risk tolerance, and weigh your options leads to better results — and how a quick, low-pressure move can give you the breathing room you need.

If you’ve ever felt pushed to act fast on an annuity or investment decision, this episode will show you how to slow things down, avoid costly mistakes, and make the choice that’s truly right for your retirement.

Learn more or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com.