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.

This one’s a little different. Yes, we talk annuities—but we also talk Alaska, grizzly bears, and what it means to live a meaningful life.

In this episode, Bryan reflects on a recent trip to Alaska—his best yet—and what it taught him about quality of life, longevity, and the retirement dreams we all chase. Along the way, he shares a few hard-won lessons from the wilderness, the annuity industry, and two decades of guiding people toward better financial outcomes.

Topics Covered:

Why some studies suggest annuity owners live longer (and what really matters more)

The connection between reduced financial stress and a better retirement

A story of patience, perseverance, and a lifelong dream fulfilled in Alaska

Thoughts on doing uncommon things—and the tools it takes to get there

The value of having a guide (in the woods and in retirement planning)

This episode is part reflection, part gratitude, and full of practical wisdom for anyone planning their next big chapter.

Need a strategy that supports your lifestyle dreams?
Click the top right corner of AnnuityStraightTalk.com to schedule a call.

Most people looking for guaranteed income from an annuity only get shown one option. But there are two—and if you don’t compare them side-by-side, you could miss out on more income, better flexibility, or a stronger long-term fit.

In this episode, Bryan breaks down the six key differences between SPIAs (Single Premium Immediate Annuities) and GLWBs (Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits), and explains when one might be better than the other.

You’ll learn:

Why income payments are just one part of the decision

What happens if your start date changes after purchase

How each option handles RMDs, legacy, and cash value

Which companies offer the strongest guarantees—and why that matters

If you’re deciding between these two options, don’t rely on a one-sided pitch. This episode gives you the full picture.

Schedule a call with Bryan to compare your own options.

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend John Balmer to talk through everything that’s been shaking up the market lately—tariffs, rate swings, wild headlines, and investor uncertainty.

We cover what’s really driving the recent volatility, what interest rates tell us about the economy, and how all of this affects your retirement planning. If you’ve been frozen in place, unsure what to do next, you’re not alone.

We’ve both been through long downturns and fast recoveries, and we share what we’ve learned about managing risk, avoiding hype, and building a plan that can weather whatever’s coming next.

Whether you’re fully invested or holding back, this episode will give you a clearer view of what’s happening—and what actually matters for the long run.

Most people think annuities mean giving something up—like growth, flexibility, or control. But that’s just not true.

In this episode, I explain why a properly used annuity can actually help you grow your overall portfolio, not shrink it. Whether it’s by reducing risk, generating more income with less money, or giving the rest of your assets room to grow, annuities can play a powerful role in your retirement plan.

I’ll walk you through real examples, share some of the conversations I’ve had with smart clients, and explain why even people who “don’t need” an annuity often choose to use one anyway.

If you want less stress, more certainty, and a bigger bottom line—this one’s worth your time.