I Love Annuities

IRMAA surcharges can add $6,000+ annually to Medicare costs. Discover how Roth annuities create tax-free income that bypasses IRMAA income thresholds.Medicare IRMAA surcharges catch most retirees by surprise. When your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) crosses specific thresholds, you pay significantly more for Medicare Part B and Part D premiums - sometimes $6,000 or more per year per person.The good news? Roth annuities provide qualified tax-free income that doesn't count toward IRMAA calculations. This video breaks down exactly how this strategy works and whether it makes sense for your situation.What You'll Learn:0:00 - Introduction: The IRMAA Surprise1:45 - What Are IRMAA Surcharges and Who Pays Them?4:30 - 2025 IRMAA Income Thresholds Explained7:15 - How Roth Annuities Generate Tax-Free Income10:00 - Real Case Study: $8,400 in IRMAA Savings13:20 - Roth Conversion Strategy for Annuities16:45 - Who Should Consider This Approach19:30 - Common Mistakes to Avoid22:00 - Action Steps and Next MovesKey Points Covered:✅ 2025 IRMAA income brackets and surcharge amounts✅ How MAGI calculations trigger Medicare premium increases✅ Why Roth annuity distributions don't count as taxable income✅ The 2-year lookback rule for IRMAA determinations✅ Roth conversion timing strategies before age 65✅ Coordination with Social Security and RMDs✅ When traditional annuities might make more senseIRMAA planning requires understanding the intersection of tax law, Medicare rules, and retirement income strategies. At Annuity Association, we provide transparent education to help you make informed decisions about complex retirement planning scenarios.Worried about IRMAA surcharges eating into your retirement budget? 👉 Schedule your free Annuity Discovery Meeting today: ⁠https://annuityassociation.chilipiper.com/concierge-router/link/annuity-association-1st-appointment-routing?utm_source=podcast⁠Request Free Annuity Report Here: ⁠https://annuityassociation.com/podcast-annuity-report to explore Roth-qualified annuity options and get personalized guidance on tax-efficient retirement income planning.Subscribe for weekly retirement planning strategies that help you keep more of what you've earned.Related Topics: Medicare premium surcharges, MAGI reduction strategies, tax-free retirement income, Roth conversion planning, Medicare Part B costs, retirement tax planning

What does the Big Beautiful Bill mean for retirement planning, Social Security, annuities, and your future income strategy? In this episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast, Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es (The Annuity Dudes) break down how this sweeping legislation impacts retirees and pre-retirees.We cover the new senior tax deduction, potential Social Security tax relief, and what changes to Medicare and Medicaid could mean for your long-term health costs. Most importantly, we explore how to optimize your retirement income with annuities under the new law — protecting your essential living expenses while creating growth and peace of mind.Key topics include:✔️ What the Big Beautiful Bill actually does for seniors✔️ How Social Security taxation may change✔️ The risks of Medicaid & Medicare funding cuts✔️ Why annuities are more important than ever for guaranteed income✔️ Tax planning strategies, Roth conversions, and withdrawal sequencing✔️ The psychology of retirement in an uncertain policy environmentStay informed, stay prepared, and protect your retirement.👉 Schedule your free Annuity Discovery Meeting today: https://annuityassociation.chilipiper.com/concierge-router/link/annuity-association-1st-appointment-routing?utm_source=podcast

Request Free Annuity Report Here: https://annuityassociation.com/podcast-annuity-reportTimestamps:00:00 – Intro → Welcome, episode overview, why the Big Beautiful Bill matters for retirees.02:45 – What is the Big Beautiful Bill? → A plain-English breakdown of the legislation and its goals.07:30 – Key Retirement Changes → Senior deduction, Social Security tax relief, Medicaid/Medicare implications.18:00 – Fiscal Risks & Future Cuts → Deficits, Medicare/Medicaid funding pressure, what retirees should watch.22:15 – How Retirement Planning Changes → Annuity role, income sequencing, Roth opportunities, LTC planning.32:00 – Behavioral Impacts → Why perception of “tax relief” can cause mistakes (and how annuities help).35:00 – Case Study: Sarah & Tom → Real-world example of retirees recalibrating under the new law.39:00 – Key Takeaways → Checklist for listeners to act on today.41:00 – Call to Action / Outro → Discovery call invite, rating/review ask.

Should you convert your IRA to a Roth IRA, or is it better to leave your money where it is? In this episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast, Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es break down the pros and cons of Roth conversions, the benefits of staying with a traditional IRA, and how this decision impacts your retirement income, taxes, and legacy.We cover everything retirees and pre-retirees need to know about Roth IRA conversions, including:The tax benefits of Roth IRAs vs. traditional IRAsHow Roth conversions affect Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)The role Roth conversions play in retirement planning and tax diversificationSix domino effects that happen if you don’t convert: higher AGI from RMDs, Social Security taxation, loss of deductions, the widow’s penalty, Medicare IRMAA surcharges, and heirs inheriting a tax liability under the SECURE Act 10-year ruleThe advantages of NOT converting, including QCDs, lower expected retirement income, and avoiding a large upfront tax billStrategic ways to approach conversions: tax bracket management, timing before RMDs, and using annuities with bonuses to help offset conversion taxesIf you’ve ever wondered whether a Roth conversion is right for you, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.👉 Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: IRA vs Roth Basics04:30 – Why People Convert IRAs to Roth IRAs09:00 – Downsides of Roth Conversions13:30 – Pros of NOT Converting18:00 – The Six Chain Reactions of Not Converting34:00 – Strategic Roth Conversion Considerations40:00 – Action Steps & Closing🔑 Keywords to Boost SEO: Roth conversion, Roth IRA, IRA, traditional IRA, RMD, required minimum distributions, Social Security taxation, Medicare IRMAA, widow’s penalty, SECURE Act 10-year rule, retirement planning, annuities, guaranteed income, tax diversification, Roth conversion strategies, retirement income planning, tax-free growth.

Roth conversions with annuities could be the game-changing strategy for retirement planning you’ve never heard of. In this episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast, Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es (The Annuity Dudes) reveal how to use an annuity bonus to help cover your Roth conversion taxes — turning a painful tax bill into an opportunity for tax-free growth, guaranteed income, and peace of mind in retirement.We’ll break down:✅ Why Roth conversions matter in today’s tax environment✅ How a premium bonus annuity can offset your Roth tax liability✅ The pros and cons of this strategy (including surrender charges & bonus vesting)✅ Using annuities for tax-free lifetime income or protected growth✅ Key considerations before you implement this strategy✅ Next steps if you’re considering annuities for your Roth conversionWhether you’re planning your retirement income, exploring tax-free retirement strategies, or just trying to understand how annuities work, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence you need to make better decisions.👉 Schedule Free Annuity Discovery Zoom Meeting: https://annuityassociation.chilipiper.com/concierge-router/link/annuity-association-1st-appointment-routing?utm_source=podcast👉 Request Free Annuity Rates Report: https://annuityassociation.com/podcast-annuity-report🕒 Timestamps0:00 – Intro: Why Roth conversions + annuities2:45 – How annuity bonuses offset Roth taxes8:15 – Benefits: tax-free growth & income14:30 – The cons & caveats you must know20:55 – Real-life Roth conversion example28:10 – Key considerations before using this strategy34:00 – Next steps: how to evaluate products & carriers40:00 – Wrap-up and final thoughts🔑 KeywordsRoth conversions, annuity bonus, annuities explained, retirement income planning, tax-free retirement, Roth IRA conversion, fixed index annuity, guaranteed income, retirement strategies 2025, Roth annuity

Are Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) going to wreck your retirement tax plan? In this episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast, hosts Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es – The Annuity Dudes – break down how annuities and Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs) can help you take control of your retirement income.With the SECURE 2.0 Act raising RMD ages to 73 (and 75 in 2033), many retirees face the “RMD tax trap.” These forced withdrawals can push you into higher tax brackets, increase your Medicare premiums (IRMAA), and make more of your Social Security taxable. But there are smarter ways to plan ahead.We’ll cover:✅ What RMDs are and why they matter✅ How QLACs can shrink your RMDs by up to $200,000✅ Using annuities for tax planning and guaranteed income✅ QLAC + Roth conversion strategies✅ Case studies showing real tax savings and longevity protection✅ The risks, limitations, and how to evaluate if a QLAC is right for youIf you want clarity, confidence, and peace of mind in retirement, this episode is for you.⏱ Timestamps0:00 – Intro: RMDs and the tax trap3:15 – What are Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)?8:40 – How annuities fit into RMD planning14:10 – QLACs explained: rules, limits, and benefits22:20 – Tax-smart retirement strategies with QLACs29:30 – Case study: Dave & Linda’s $1.2M IRA35:45 – Risks and considerations of QLACs40:00 – Wrap-up: Key takeaways + CTARequest Free Annuity Report: https://annuityassociation.com/podcast-annuity-reportSchedule Free Annuity Discovery Zoom Meeting: https://annuityassociation.chilipiper.com/concierge-router/link/annuity-association-1st-appointment-routing?utm_source=podcast

Are your money habits helping or hurting your retirement? In this episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast, Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es sit down with Hugh Massie, founder of DNA Behavior, to uncover how your behavioral DNA shapes your financial decisions — and why understanding your money wiring is the missing link in smarter retirement planning.We explore how behavioral psychology, money habits, and financial DNA directly impact retirement income strategies, spending confidence, and long-term security. You’ll learn how loss aversion, present bias, and spending anxiety show up in retirement — and how tools like annuities, guaranteed lifetime income, and protected retirement strategies can calm the behavioral traps that cause retirees to overspend, underspend, or freeze when it matters most.If you’re nearing retirement, already retired, or simply want to understand how your unique financial DNA impacts money decisions, this episode is packed with insights. From the science of behavioral finance to the peace of mind offered by annuities and lifetime income, Hugh Massie reveals how aligning your behavior with your plan leads to a more confident, worry-free retirement.👉 Subscribe for more episodes where we break down annuities, retirement planning, behavioral psychology, lifetime income strategies, and guaranteed income solutions.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Why behavior drives retirement success05:00 – Meet Hugh Massie & DNA Behavior10:00 – Behavioral DNA explained: natural vs learned money habits18:00 – Retirement pitfalls: loss aversion, fear, and spending anxiety28:00 – How annuities and lifetime income protect against behavioral traps36:00 – Key takeaways for retirees & couples39:00 – Closing thoughts + CTA🔗 Resources & LinksLearn more about Hugh Massie: dnabehavior.comSchedule Free Annuity Discovery Meeting:https://annuityassociation.chilipiper.com/concierge-router/link/annuity-association-1st-appointment-routing?utm_source=youtubeSubscribe for future episodes of I Love Annuities Podcast

Are you overwhelmed by the complexity of annuities? In this episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast, Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es (The Annuity Dudes) sit down with their team member Tom Boyle to uncover how he helps retirees and pre-retirees cut through the noise and make smarter annuity buying decisions.Tom shares his background, what motivated him to enter the annuity industry, the hurdles most people face when shopping for annuities, and how he transforms confusion and skepticism into confidence and peace of mind.👉 If you’re considering annuities—or just want clarity on how they fit into a retirement plan—this conversation is packed with insights, real stories, and practical tips.

Schedule Free Annuity Discovery Meeting: https://annuityassociation.chilipiper.com/concierge-router/link/annuity-association-1st-appointment-routing?utm_source=podcast

⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview3:10 – Meet Tom Boyle: His Background & Story8:45 – Why the Traditional Annuity Buying Experience is Broken13:20 – How Tom Creates a Better Annuity Buying Process18:50 – Common Hurdles Buyers Face (Confusion, Skepticism, Fear, Trust)26:15 – How to Overcome Annuity Misconceptions & Find Clarity31:00 – Real Stories: Clients Who Found Confidence with Annuities37:20 – The Future of Annuity Buying: Transparency & Technology41:00 – Final Takeaways & Call to ActionAnnuities explained, annuity buying process, retirement income, guaranteed lifetime income, fixed index annuity, annuity education, annuity podcast, retirement planning, Tom Boyle annuity association, I Love Annuities Podcast, Jeremiah Konger, Zachary Van Es, annuity transparency, annuity myths, better annuity buying experience.

In this special I Love Annuities Podcast episode, hosts Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es sit down with Steve Rowswell, Co-Founder & CFO of Annuity Association, to peel back the curtain on how and why the firm was founded in 2019.Jeremiah and Steve share the industry wrong-doings they witnessed early in their careers, why they saw a huge opportunity to right the wrongs through transparency, education, and empowerment, and how that mission has propelled Annuity Association to become one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies—ranking #294 overall and #21 in the financial services category.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview02:01 – Introducing Steve Rowswell, Co-Founder & CFO of Annuity Association03:45 – Founding Story: How Jeremiah & Steve Launched the Company in 201906:58 – Industry Wrong-Doings We Identified from Day One09:25 – The Opportunity to Right the Wrongs: Transparency, Education & Empowerment12:50 – Peeling Back the Curtain on the Annuity Marketplace15:22 – The Multi-Point Annuity Inspection: Objective Annuity Scoring18:05 – From Startup to Inc. 5000: Ranked #294 Overall & #21 in Financial Services20:40 – How Our Process Differs from the Industry Norm24:15 – Our Mission to Raise the Industry Standard26:48 – What We Specialize In: Transparency, Education, Marketplace Evaluation31:10 – Lifting the Annuity IQ: Why It’s at the Core of What We Do34:02 – Spotlight on Steve Rowswell: Career Path & Industry Insights38:35 – Steve’s Future Outlook for the Annuity Industry42:10 – Creating a Better Annuity Buying Experience44:50 – Closing Thoughts & How to Start Your Education JourneyThey’ll also dive into the stark differences between the Annuity Association buying process and the industry norm, how they help clients raise their Annuity IQ, and Steve’s predictions for the future of the annuity industry.If you’ve ever wondered what makes Annuity Association different—or how to make smarter, more confident annuity buying decisions—this episode is your inside look.

Welcome to another episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast with your hosts, Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es — The Annuity Dudes! In today’s episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the Annuity Best Interest Standard — also known as NAIC Model Regulation #275.We’ll explain how this regulation is transforming the annuity industry, increasing consumer protections, and elevating the standard of care retirement-focused advisors must follow. If you’re shopping for an annuity or already own one, this episode is a must-watch to understand how this rule may impact your financial future.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What is the Best Interest Standard for annuities?How it differs from the old suitability ruleHow it compares to the fiduciary standard used by investment advisorsA current list of states that have adopted the regulationHow this rule helps protect annuity buyersWhat to ask your annuity advisor to make sure they’re putting your interest first⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:30 – What is the Annuity Best Interest Standard?07:00 – Suitability vs. Best Interest: What’s Changed?12:00 – Is This the Same as a Fiduciary Standard?18:00 – Which States Have Adopted Model Reg #275?23:00 – How the Rule Helps Consumers30:00 – Questions to Ask Your Annuity Advisor36:00 – Our Discovery Meeting Process38:00 – Final Thoughts & Outro🔒 Why This Matters:With over 40 states already adopting this regulation, it’s critical to understand how your annuity purchase is being evaluated and what rights and protections you now have. This regulation requires advisors to consider your:Financial objectivesRisk toleranceLiquidity needsLong-term retirement goals…and provide transparent disclosures and documentation.✅ Get a Free Annuity Discovery Meeting:Want personalized help evaluating annuities under the Best Interest Standard? 👉 Schedule a free discovery session with us: https://annuityassociation.chilipiper.com/concierge-router/link/annuity-association-1st-appointment-routing?utm_source=youtubeRequest Free Annuity Rates Report:https://annuityassociation.com/podcast-annuity-reportWe use our exclusive Multi-Point Annuity Inspection process to help you find the annuity that aligns with your goals.

🔍 Wondering how annuity commissions really work? Are annuity fees hidden, excessive, or fair? In this episode, we break down the myths and reveal the truth about annuity commissions and how they compare to traditional investment advisor fees. We also dive into how today's annuity advisors are held to a Best Interest Standard — similar to fiduciary responsibility.Whether you're considering a fixed indexed annuity, a MYGA, or an income annuity, this episode will help you make an informed, confident decision.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Why this episode matters01:50 – Commissions vs. Annual Fees: What’s the difference?05:20 – How annuity commissions actually work (by type)10:40 – Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIA): Transparent and low-cost13:05 – MYGAs and Income Annuities: Simple, one-time compensation15:40 – Variable Annuities: The exception, not the rule17:55 – Comparing to 1% AUM management fees over time21:40 – The myth of “hidden annuity fees” — debunked24:10 – How annuity agents are regulated: Best Interest Standard Model #27527:35 – Are annuity professionals fiduciaries? (Let’s talk nuance)30:20 – Listener question: “How can I see what fees I’m paying?”32:45 – 3 Key Takeaways34:00 – How to get our free Annuity Fee Comparison Worksheet💡 What You'll Learn:How annuity commissions vary by product type (FIA, MYGA, SPIA, VA)The difference between carrier-paid commissions vs. AUM-based advisor feesHow annuity agents are held to a Best Interest Standard in 40+ statesWhy annuities often have no ongoing feesWhen income riders are worth the cost — and when they're notHow to evaluate value over fees when making retirement income decisionsWant to Chat with Matt & Zach? Schedule Here : https://annuityassociation.chilipiper.com/concierge-router/link/annuity-researchers-routerWant to Compare Hundreds of Annuities Side by Side? Request Your Free Annuity Report here: https://annuityassociation.com/podcast-annuity-report