Annuity Straight Talk

By Bryan AndersonBusiness News Education Investing Business News

Annuity Straight Talk episodes

November 18, 2021What If an Insurance Company Fails?
One of the most common fears that people share when faced with the prospect of getting an insurance policy is what happens if the insurer goes bankrupt. Can you recover? How much money would be lost? What insurance company should you choose?
It has happened in the past but insurance companies rarely fail. Understanding how past insolvencies were handled can give you comfort in knowing that insurance products are incredibly safe.
In this episode, Bryan explains why insurance is one of the safest investments or allocations you can make with your retirement assets and what you should know if an insurance company fails so you can be prepared to prevent an adverse outcome.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
04:53 Why insurance companies are really the bedrock of our financial system
05:37 The state guarantee fund
06:18 The difference between the offers in an insurance company and a bank
10:21 The two different types of accounts in an insurance company
11:33 Why insurance companies fail
15:48 What happens to your annuity if your insurance company fails
21:53 The four components to the safety of annuity
Key quotes:
15:53 “If a company fails, then another company is probably going to buy your annuity.” -Bryan Anderson
20:59 “In order for you to really lose money with an annuity, it's going to take like it's a failure of the system, not of the company.” -Bryan Anderson
21:55 “Remember, if you want security, you're going to pay for it in some way or another.” -Bryan Anderson
Links/Resources:
Annuity Straight Talk
Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com
29 min
November 11, 2021Matching Annuity Philosophy
The goal of retirement income planning is to provide income for life but matching your retirement income strategy to your specific needs can be a challenge. In this episode, Bryan Anderson is joined by a retirement income expert, Steve Price, to offer his insights into the importance of finding the right income planning for you—and why annuity is one of the best options to look for.
Bryan and Steve also cover how retirees can match their desired retirement income levels and options for building and protecting their retirement income.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[06:48] Choosing your advisor and setting your expectations
[10:05] What is a ‘Moatfolio’
[15:17] Why retirees have a fear of spending (Spend-a-phobia)
[20:59] The difference between insurance and investments philosophies
[22:32] Finding the most appropriate approach for your needs and strategies
[23:52] Insights on creating more freedom and flexibility with annuities
Key quotes:
[22:03] “There is no one product that solves all problems and you really need some exposure in all of those industries and products” -Steve Price
[22:44] “You have to be agnostic when you go into your planning and not care what product comes out the other end, you're just looking for the right solution, right?” -Steve Price
[25:48} But it's the idea of not worrying about it when it goes down because you have another place to draw money. You can give it the time it needs to recover, and that's going to lead to more growth. -Bryan Anderson
Links/Resources:
Annuity Straight Talk
Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com
29 min
November 04, 2021Basic Income Planning with Annuities
Making a great income with a steady paycheck is a dream for most. But the wrinkles in our lives make it more difficult to reach this peak. How long should you wait to actually get paid for and get the most out of your social security?
Following last week's discussion on maximizing social security, this episode will cover other factors that needed to be considered. Join our host, Bryan Anderson, as he explains how to use the numbers once you've determined which social security strategy is best for you!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[03: 02] What is the perfect balance, the perfect amount of Annuity?
[03: 53] An in-depth discussion of Bryan's recent case study of a couple deferring social security until they reach full retirement age.
[08: 26] Calculating payment losses due to waiting time vs. early social security income
[13: 54] Income planning recommendations based on the case study's portfolio
[17:10] The Mattress Strategy: How to fund retirement on a zero-growth income
[18: 28] Income requirement vs. annual inflation rate: What is the solution?
[24: 19] Final remarks on the case's planning point
Key quotes:
[03: 39] “Some people just really like annuities and they buy more of them because it's protected money. They get a nice growth rate out of it and they always get access to it.” ~Bryan Anderson
[20: 55] “What if we need long-term care? What if we have medical expenses and all this extra stuff? They've got to have some growth in the portfolio, no matter how they do it.”~Bryan Anderson
[25: 44] “Plan for income, have discretion over the assets that you invest, have control over the money, and do an annuity the right way. You can certainly take the income on an annuity and increase your wealth through retirement.” ~Bryan Anderson
Links/Resources:
How to Really Maximize Social Security
Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com
32 min
October 28, 2021Maximize Social Security
Social Security is a program that's been around for years. But several changes have come over the years, and some of those changes have made a big difference in how to best maximize your payments. In fact, there are fewer options now than ever. So, it's very important to know to analyze the numbers so you can get the most out of this program
In this episode, your host, Bryan Anderson will provide a summary of the most important strategies, as well as the supporting information from his case studies to help you learn more about how to maximize benefits.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[05:53] The average life expectancy: Should you delay until 70?
[08:34] The Cumulative Income and how it works.
[11:36] Time Value of Money vs. Lost Opportunity Cost.
Key quotes:
“What's happened with the social security administration is they've changed the rules a little bit over the years. So there's fewer options now than there were.” -Bryan Anderson
“The only reason you should [delay] is if you're continuing to work, just because you create an extra tax burden.” -Bryan Anderson
“You can delay till age 70 and get more money out of it, but it's going to cost you money elsewhere. So you're going to have to be, you're building it up in one pocket and, but you're pulling it out of the other.” -Bryan Anderson
Links/Resources:
How to Really Maximize Social Security
Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com
18 min
October 21, 2021Annuity Alternatives
Many people want to protect money to produce income or to just accumulate but fear a long-term commitment with annuities.
The list of alternatives is about as straightforward as it gets. But there is a lot of confusion about exactly what is available and if it's right for you.
In this episode, Bryan Anderson covers topics on retirement in relation to annuity alternatives with John Balmer, a registered investment advisor in Los Angeles to answer your questions and help you learn more.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[04:20] Different alternative investments in a low-yield environment -- that are low-risk.
[07:43] Hedging strategies in retail investments.
[11:34] The importance of seeking professional help when choosing risky options.
[13:13] Strategies for dividend stocks.
[17:31] Opportunities to diversify your portfolio.
[19:44] Should you opt for preferred shares?
Key quotes:
“If you're a long bondholder, and interest rates continue to spike on you, you're going to suffer some principal loss.” -John Balmer
“Always seek professional help and seek professional advice from someone who knows exactly what they're doing.” -John Balmer
“Annuities got to play a part in it for retirement or it should anyhow, but this is again, just a diversification opportunity for people who want to protect everything, but you probably shouldn't have all your money into annuities.” -Bryan Anderson
“Nothing comes without risk.” -John Balmer
“True stability can only be found in a few places. And only one of them really has any yield to it.” -Bryan Anderson
Links/Resources:
Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com
33 min
October 14, 2021Performance-Based Income Annuities
In this episode, Annuity Straight Talk founder Bryan Anderson talks about a guaranteed income product called performance-based income annuity. He then goes on to explain certain terms, drawing examples from the newsletter that he published on October 8th.
After explaining why he doesn’t sell contracts from B-rated companies, Bryan introduces Athene’s Agility contract and weighs in on its guaranteed and non-guaranteed values. He offers sound advice for people who are looking into this particular product as an option, highlighting the importance of managing one’s expectations.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[01:52] About performance-based income annuities, roll-ups, and income values
[04:10] One of the problems that emerged when guaranteed income contracts came out roughly 10 years ago
[05:18] Some A-rated companies that offer performance-based income annuities
[10:30] Athene’s Agility contract values
[16:15] If you’re looking for income, compare 4 or 5 annuities to get the value of contracts especially the guaranteed minimum
[16:50] How Athene’s Agility contract works hypothetically
[22:00] Bryan’s issue with this product
[25:22] His conclusion and recommendations
Key quotes:
“I’ve never disliked a single annuity because of the contract itself. I didn’t like them because of how they were sold.” ~Bryan
“Any of these (annuities) can be a good option for you, but you need to realize what you’re actually getting out of it.” ~Bryan
“A lot of people still believe they can strike it rich with an annuity, and I’ve talked to a lot of people who were disappointed.” ~Bryan
Links/Resources:
Performance-Based Income Annuities
Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com
31 min
October 07, 2021What Should You Do with an Old Variable Annuity?
Brian Anderson, founder of Annuity Straight Talk, has been a leading annuity education specialist since 2008. He has helped hundreds of clients across the country navigate complex annuity strategies and achieve a profitable and secure retirement.
In this episode, Brian talks about old variable annuities and how they fit in a retirement plan. He breaks down 3 case studies that he covered in his October 2 newsletter, addressing concerns regarding taxation, principle protection, and market volatility. For every case study, he presents solutions and options that he recommended to his clients based on their individual circumstances.
This podcast offers you advice so you can make an informed decision when faced with one of life's biggest decisions. Bold, informative and engaging, the Annuity Straight Talk Podcast is your source for all things annuity.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[01:35] About variable annuities
[04:52] Case study #1: a non-qualified variable annuity with a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit
[07:27] What happens if you annuitize the cash value of your assets
[10:12] Case study #2: a variable annuity in an IRA
[13:04] Case study #3: a non-qualified variable annuity with no additional income or death benefit riders
[15:05] How to eliminate fees and market risks from your assets
Key quotes:
“The importance of getting a guarantee in the plan is critical. And so the best thing to do is to annuitize assets”. ~Brian
“If you decide whether you keep an annuity you've owned for a while, or if your objectives have changed, it might be worthwhile to evaluate that”. ~Brian
“With an old variable annuity, you should always analyze and always be able to change”. ~Brian
Links/Resources:
What Would You Do with an Old Variable Annuity?
Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com
20 min
September 23, 2021When Will the Market Crash?
Bryan Anderson, founder of Annuity Straight Talk, speaks with Ashok Ramji, a financial consultant with TOP Planning LLC, an independent asset protection and retirement income planning firm serving retirees and pre-retirees alike. In this episode, they dive into the topic of surrender fees.
Bryan and Ashok weigh in on why fixed deferred annuity contracts have surrender fees and why the surrender schedule is important. They review one of Bryan’s newsletters, diving into the two main reasons why surrender fees are not a big deal.
Ashok then shares what a 10-year surrender fee schedule looks like. He and Bryan look into a couple of case studies, illustrating the pros and cons of surrender fees and offering some solutions. They end the show with the advantages of working with Annuity Straight Talk.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[02:25] How surrender fees and annuities work compared to other investments
[05:35] How much banks charge compared to insurance companies
[08:00] When you have the right protection component, you get more over time
[10:28] Ashok’s clarification about Bryan’s newsletter on surrender fees
[16:42] You’ll have the ability to reposition of your money every year
[20:35] Most index annuities have growth in the first few years that exceeds the surrender fee
[28:22] Ashok’s observations about the case study
[31:02] People can maximize the withdrawal from a potential contract and get a substantial amount of money out before the surrender period ends
[34:45] If you get a 4 or 5% yield, you'll pull a majority of the money out and still have a big remainder left
Key quotes:
“Surrender fees are the stick used to beat annuities.” ~Bryan
“I love when consumers have choices.” ~Ashok
“A good plan has got long term perspective.” ~Bryan
“Surrender fees—they're important to consider.” ~Ashok
Resources:
Surrender Fees Are Not a Big Deal
What It’s Like to Own a Good Annuity
How to Beat a Guaranteed Income Contract
Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com
45 min
September 17, 2021Annuity Surrender Fees Are Not a Big Deal
Bryan Anderson, founder of Annuity Straight Talk, speaks with Ashok Ramji, a financial consultant with TOP Planning LLC, an independent asset protection and retirement income planning firm serving retirees and pre-retirees alike. In this episode, they dive into the topic of surrender fees.
Bryan and Ashok weigh in on why fixed deferred annuity contracts have surrender fees and why the surrender schedule is important. They review one of Bryan’s newsletters, diving into the two main reasons why surrender fees are not a big deal.
Ashok then shares what a 10-year surrender fee schedule looks like. He and Bryan look into a couple of case studies, illustrating the pros and cons of surrender fees and offering some solutions. They end the show with the advantages of working with Annuity Straight Talk.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[02:25] How surrender fees and annuities work compared to other investments
[05:35] How much banks charge compared to insurance companies
[08:00] When you have the right protection component, you get more over time
[10:28] Ashok’s clarification about Bryan’s newsletter on surrender fees
[16:42] You’ll have the ability to reposition of your money every year
[20:35] Most index annuities have growth in the first few years that exceeds the surrender fee
[28:22] Ashok’s observations about the case study
[31:02] People can maximize the withdrawal from a potential contract and get a substantial amount of money out before the surrender period ends
[34:45] If you get a 4 or 5% yield, you'll pull a majority of the money out and still have a big remainder left
Key quotes:
“Surrender fees are the stick used to beat annuities.” ~Bryan
“I love when consumers have choices.” ~Ashok
“A good plan has got long term perspective.” ~Bryan
“Surrender fees—they're important to consider.” ~Ashok
Resources:
Surrender Fees Are Not a Big Deal
What It’s Like to Own a Good Annuity
How to Beat a Guaranteed Income Contract
Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com
38 min
September 09, 2021The Art of Annuity Maintenance & Advocacy
Bryan Anderson, founder of Annuity Straight Talk, speaks with Ashok Ramji, a financial consultant with TOP Planning LLC, an independent asset protection and retirement income planning firm serving retirees and pre-retirees alike. In this episode, our hosts talk about the art of annuity maintenance from an advisor’s perspective.
Bryan and Ashok share some of their experiences as servicing agents. They present cases where they have walked clients through the procedural aspect of annuities, highlighting the advantage of working with Annuity Straight Talk.
Ashok weighs in on the pros and cons of switching to another contract if your current one does not work for you. He and Bryan then review the performance of carriers that have helped them give their clients what they were due.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[06:33] On doing business with a carrier and getting notices for insufficient production
[11:25] How Ashok helped his client whittle down his annuities from 10 to 3
[13:32] You’re only limited by your imagination and the ideas/strategies your advisor can come up with
[17:47] Ashok’s story about an “overfunded” client who had a fixed deferred annuity with an income rider
[21:15] The importance of reviewing contracts annually
[23:12] Ashok and Bryan’s positive experiences with carriers
[27:58] Have an advocate for yourself
Key quotes:
“If you feel like sometimes we’re running too fast, it’s okay to crawl, walk, and then run.” ~Ashok
“The annuity that you get is not the most important thing. It’s how you use it and have a good strategy surrounding it.” ~Bryan
“We always look at the pluses and minuses.” ~Ashok
“There’s a human error to everything, and that’s why it takes good service to be in position.” ~Bryan
Call Annuity Straight Talk at 800-438-5121 or schedule a call at AnnuityStraightTalk.com
33 min

About Annuity Straight Talk

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Bryan Anderson started AnnuityStraightTalk.com in 2008. Since then, he has been cataloging annuity information, and doing research about different retirement strategies. His newsletters are typically…