Annuity Straight Talk

Unlike other financial instruments, variable annuities bring the power of investing and insurance meshed together in one retirement product. With variable annuities, all the money that would have been paid in taxes remains in the account with the opportunity to grow until it is withdrawn. There are a lot of benefits when you buy one; you get the flexibility to move your money, legacy protection, income guarantees and more. 

And a lot of people in the Annuity world have been wondering why Bryan doesn’t sell Variable Annuities; this podcast episode will reveal the reasons why.

What You’ll Learn from This Episode:

[2:20] Variable Annuities are the most popular annuity product on the market.

[6:35] How do you best maximise the potential benefits of retirement?

[8:26] Why are variable annuities the most popular product?

[13:22] Additional fees for contract guarantees

[18:01] Instances where a variable annuity is the best option for the traditional purpose of variable annuities

[24:58] The variable annuity opens a certain type of protection if you want to invest in the stock market.

[31:26] Variable annuities come down to their fees, market volatility and personal preference

Key Quotes:

[4:17] “Variable annuities are what got me into the topic of retirement planning.”

[12:24] “Essentially what they are doing is trying to maintain assets or collect more assets that they can put  on their books as managed.”

[15:23] “If you want the benefit, you have to pay the fee.”

Resources:

Annuity Newsletter

Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com

Since the pandemic downturn occurred, financial experts have been in a frenzy, plotting every possible worst-case scenario. The market's a game of tic-tac-toe. One minute, it's hitting record highs. The next thing you know, we're on the verge of a market correction. The markets have been experiencing extreme volatility since the beginning of this calendar year. Concerns about rising inflation and interest rates have been the number one topic for most investors. Whether we like it or not, the market crash is here, and it's bound to happen.

 Understanding that a crash could happen means that we can plan for our next move and plot it thoughtfully. Bryan and John are here today to talk about some game plans for what to do and what to expect as this phenomenon continues. Pay attention to their discussion, squeeze out some important points from it, and listen to this episode with an open mind. 

What You’’ll Learn From this Episode:

[2:33] Bryan’s retrospection on making investments: Taking finance classes, experimenting with portfolios, selecting stocks, and justifying your decisions based on metrics should be your guide. 

[4:30] Accumulation is far different from distribution when it comes to retirement. Providing a sustainable income to people is difficult.

[7:50] John talks about volatility, where the market’s being pushed up all over the place.

[10:22] Nobody can get away from the stress that they feel through momentary lapses.

[14:00] You have to have a different mindset when it comes to your retirement income plan.

[14:44] Everybody thinks yield is the key, but saving money is 95% of the issue.

[18:48] There’s massive carnage in the market even if the market is down 20%.

[20:55] Now’s the time to be diversified. between growth and value, stocks and bonds, alternative investments and commodities, and fixed instruments like annuities and insurance products. Right now, it’s all about the preservation of capital.

[30:22] John explains the pattern of value destruction.

[31:33] Always think about risk management and where you can take profits. Sell some of your winners and buy some of those losers.

Key Quotes:

[1:50] "Interacting with people and making a positive change for them is the goal."

[9:01] "The machines have literally taken over the market. To me, this is the scariest, most ominous, and worrisome development in my investing lifetime."

[21:54] "The market is being driven a lot by a large institution of buyers and sellers."

Resources:

Annuity Newsletter

Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com

As you retire from a workaholic culture, it’s time to grab your sunglasses, drink that Martini, and go on a vacation. Rather than viewing retirement as the finish line, think about it as an opportunity to find new beginnings because there’s so much in life than just grinding your way to the success ladder 24/7. 

The liberation that retirees experience from their often fast-paced past is fulfilling. It’s important to understand that we are worthy of enjoying life, having fun, and going on grandeur trips. In this episode, catch Bryan as he gives you a taste of his well-balanced life. Helping you realize that leisure is as important as the work culture. So make sure to strap in because this episode will bring so much value to the table.

What You’ll Learn from This Episode:

[2:27] What’s more important about money in retirement?

[2:36] Once you get sorted out, your money is in good shape. Then you can focus on the main purpose of retirement like leisure, relaxation, travel, family, etc. 

[3:39] It is important to understand that all of this comes from a fairly well-grounded place

[3:52] The importance to talk about time and retirement because everybody has a different plan 

[5:36] Bryan talks about how he’s good at having fun and doing leisure because there’s so much more to life than money 

[6:44] It’s worthwhile to focus on the things outside your job

[15:08] When you say retire, it means not taking in clients

Key Quotes:

[2:52]  “Everybody’s different regarding how they plan the spectrum in their retirement years.”

[7:01] “Once the money is out of the way, you have to figure out what to do with your time.”

[17:18] “Think about it, dream and imagine. The money’s easy; make your decision, set it aside, and don’t worry about it. Sometimes it’s nice to have a slice of paradise.” 

Resources:

Annuity Newsletter

Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com

All deferred annuities come with a surrender period, during which you are charged a fee for any funds withdrawn in excess of your penalty free withdrawal.  The charge declines over the years and eventually goes to zero, meaning you have access to all your funds without penalty.  Most contracts are open-ended after that but some require you to move the money soon or recommit to a new surrender term.

In this episode, Bryan will take it a step further and explain all products and scenarios. He will give us a clear picture of what a “surrender free annuity” means.

What You’ll Learn from This Episode:

[4:30] Bryan talks about surrender free Annuity 

[5:17] What happens to a surrender fee?

[5:40] Surrender period for annuity vs. a Maturity date for annuity

[7:35] For the next ten years, there will be a reset to the current rates subject to a guaranteed minimum

[10:17] You do not automatically enter a new surrender period

[13:34] Generally, a surrender-free means no surrender fee. The contract just stays the same.

[13:57] Surrender free annuity doesn’t end; it only continues 

Key Quotes: 

[5:20] “When it comes to a surrender free in most cases, it simply means that you don’t have surrender charges.”

[7:12] “With a contract like traditional fixed annuities, they would spell out your options.”

[10:34] “You can’t just blankly assume that they all work that way. You should know ahead of time what your options are.”

Resources:

Annuity Newsletter

Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com

In this episode, let’s loosen our grip on the technical side of things and have a perspective shift. Because there’s a lot more to learn in life that doesn’t necessarily involve numbers and charts.

Today, Bryan tells a life-changing story that occurred to him on a trip a few years ago. He referred to it as the “best annuity training” possible as he went home with so many lessons learned in such a bizarre adventure. If you’re curious, this is the sign to click that play button.

What You’ll Learn From This Episode:

[8:50] Understand what people want and be able to give them proper communication 

[14:47] Recognizing people and being able to communicate with them is important

[15:41] Recognize success and appreciate the hard work of other people. Have respect for the assets they’ve got and the things that they keep private

[17:07] There are a lot of bad actors in the corporate world, but you have to understand that there are many good people out there.

[19:14] Experiencing the freedom of having independence 

[21:50] Picking up business conversations and learning a lot about them 

Key Quotes:

[4:01] “I want people to imagine and dream.”

[13:19] “If you work hard and are honest, the opportunity will come, and you’ll know how to take advantage of it.”

[17:19] “If you do things the right way, you would be able to attract the type of people that will be worth the effort.”

Resources:

Annuity Newsletter

Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com

So much is happening today that we’re all left with uncertainties. No one could predict time. Or what will happen in the upcoming years; that’s why it’s better to be safe than sorry. Three-year indexed annuities are often pegged as a safer way to invest in the market because it gives you more options compared to your usual straightforward investment strategies. Today Bryan will talk about a three-year index deal annuity that he encountered firsthand and the benefits that it entails. Keep your eye on the ball and start reconsidering your long-term investments by listening to this episode. 

What You’ll Learn From This Episode:

[2:07] Bryan talks about a 3-year index annuity deal

[3:09] Interest rates are going up right now and you should be on the lookout for that

[5:25] With the index annuity, you got more options

[7:43] Mortgage rates are 2% higher than they were a year and a half ago

[10:28] Low band vs High band rates

[11:21] Explaining the advantages of a three-year annuity 

[15:14] A three-year annuity is a perfect three-year contract because it has the options and opportunities, and potential that the other arrangements don’t have

Key Quotes:

[4:19] “In a rising rate environment, when do you make a move to pull the trigger?”

[7:58] “Deflation always follows inflation. So be careful, don’t just think about inflation. Think about protecting yourself. Annuities are a great way to do that.”

[12:11] “There is more uncertainty now than I think there is in any other time.”

Resources:

Annuity Newsletter

Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com 

Assets that aren’t required in retirement might be excellent candidates for charitable gifts, and they can potentially avoid gift and estate taxes. You have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy to your family and your chosen charity by offering charitable giving programs. If you still aren’t sold on this idea, you might consider giving this episode a listen. 

Joining us in today’s episode is no other than John Frazier from the LegacyTree Foundation. Before entering the company, he worked as a tax support specialist and independent advisor in the financial service industry. He’ll be introducing the LegacyTree Foundation’s valuable planning concepts today. Tag along with us as we deep dive into the nit and grit of charitable giving in retirement.

What You’ll Learn From This Episode:

[1:53] John explains the LegacyTree Foundation 

[3:42] Do people receive an additional retirement boost when they leave a legacy?

[5:17] What is structured inheritance?

[6:01] What types of assets can be used with the strategies that John has mentioned?

[7:37] The split-interest transaction

[8:35] The charitable bargain sale and its ability to purchase assets at a discount

[11:39] How is the installment sale different from the charitable bargain sale?

[15:36] Talking about his LEAF program

[19:39] Charitable planning is a great way to offset using a high-level tax deduction 

[19:55] Charities are much more efficient at providing aid to those in need than any government agency

[20:49] If you leave income to your kids, it’s not considered part of the gift tax

Key Quotes:

[4:06] “There’s a lot of people who have annuities out there that bought an annuity but are not using it.”

[11:04] “Everybody in real estate or stock with capital gain and business owners who sell their businesses will also have capital gain as part of that windfall.”

[17:44] “Many people hold onto a capital-appreciated asset just because they don’t want to pay the taxes.”

[22:42] “It is important to know that there are laws that can benefit people in this country to lower their taxes.”

Resources:

The LegacyTree Foundation

LegacyTree’s SocMed

Annuity Newsletter

Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com 

When soon-to-be retirees are faced with money problems such as market volatility, it can be tough to find solutions that provide peace of mind and reliable income for the upcoming years. Luckily, traditional retirement account alternatives can now offer lifetime income regardless of the economy's financial state. Many people sell annuities as if it's a "one-size fits all," but what they don't know is that there are many options out there. It would help if you were smart enough to find them. Today, we are coming in episode 35 as Bryan will talk about what a 35% bonus annuity entails. So come on, jump right in and give this podcast a listen!

What You'll Learn From This Episode:

[2:50] Insurance companies didn’t become stable by giving away money. 

[4:03] Many people sell annuities but they are too lazy to find something else, so they don’t know what’s in store for them.

[6:16] There’s a gap between what the sales agent says and what the company agent states.

[9:46] If you activate lifetime income, the amount will be calculated using a payout factor that depends on your age.

[10:25] What is the guaranteed minimum payout?

[11:05] It is a bonus that boosts your income, but you have to wait to get it.

[11:15] If you pull money out before the waiting period is over, if you take a free withdrawal, then you can take a free withdrawal.

[13:05] Bonus is available as a death benefit if paid over five years.

[15:29] Get the highest growth rate you can and the highest potential on your money if you want to protect it.

Key Quotes:

[4:39] “Many people sell annuities as if it is one size fits all.”

[5:28] “There’s nothing out there that is free money. There’s a fine print that everything goes along with bonuses, and you have to focus on that to wrap your mind around what the contract does.”

Resources:

Annuity Newsletter

Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com

Annuities are always a good investment idea, especially when you’re looking for ways to supplement your income in retirement. Retirees who have an annuity have more fun because it reassures them that they won’t outlive their savings. The annuity also allows them to open their wallets whenever they want and have a good time without worrying afterward. Well, if that’s not exciting for you, then maybe you should consider clicking on today’s episode and understanding the context a little bit more (come back and thank me later).

Also, if you’re out there saying that annuities are boring, maybe you should give this podcast a listen and hear these helpful insights. You’ll definitely learn a thing or two from this episode and reconsider some thoughts.

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

[3:39] Annuities are exciting

[7:11] The answers to over half the questions that you have when it comes to annuities don’t even exist 15-20 years ago.

[8:03] The fundamental reasons why annuities are beneficial in retirement?

[13:27] The advantage that annuities have over bonds and retirement portfolios.

[15:11] What types of things you can’t do with an annuity?

[16:24] When looking for annuities, you’re not looking for top-length growth. You’re just looking to preserve some of your assets.

[17:11] You don’t have to watch your market day in and day out because you’re protecting yourself.

Key Quotes:

[7:23] “This is something that requires you to change everything that you thought about annuities.”

[13:48] “You have to understand that there’s a better option, and there might be another benefit in doing it.”

[10:31] “So if you’re helping people to retirement, that’s accumulation. At retirement, the game changes, and that’s the truth.”

Resources:

Annuity Newsletter

Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com

When different ideologies, perspectives, and political views collide, it can result in serious conflict, leading to war. A timely example of this would be the ongoing dispute between Russia and Ukraine. If you look right into the main root of all strife (including this one), it all boils down to a pointless motive fueled by greed. And this unnecessary feud requires perpetual spending, which can lead to severe ramifications. 

All of this for what? Ah yes, personal gain for power and money. Business interests commercially benefit from all warfares amidst the mass human suffering, and today Bryan will be discussing a specific book that explains that proposition very well. 

This episode may be different from the previous ones, but this is undoubtedly a must-hear.

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

[2:58] Understanding the Politics Divide

[4:07] Going over the severity of the Russian and Ukraine War and its consequences 

[8:49] War is a Racket: “Why profit is the motivation of a war?”

[10:49] How the book talks about the increase of profit during World War I and II.

[11:17] The involvement of banks in a war.

[12:56] The people who have to vote for the war have to be the ones who have to fight the war.

[18:25] Why is it important to act on your motivations?

[18: 28] Tone down the drama, tone down the arguing, don’t fight someone you disagree with.

Key Quotes:

[6:38] “Behind every social, economic, or political problem is a pile of money that somebody controls.”

[9:12] “A racket is best described as something that is not what it seems to the majority of the people. Only a small inside group knows what it is all about. It is conducted for the benefit of the very few, at the expense of the very many.”

[15:24] “Fear and greed drive all decisions.”

Resources 

War is a Racket: The Antiwar Classic by America's Most Decorated Soldier

Annuity Newsletter

Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com