In this episode of That Annuity Show, host Paul Tyler welcomes Roger Kahlon, Vice President and Head of Consulting at Zinnia, to discuss key takeaways from the recent IRI Annual Conference. They explore the industry's digital transformation journey, including the Digital First initiative, the growing importance of Contingent Deferred Annuities (CDAs), and the need for standardization and collaboration to expand the marketplace. Roger shares valuable insights on how carriers can overcome transformation challenges and better serve wealth management firms, providing expert perspective on the future of annuities in an increasingly digital landscape. Learn more at thatannuityshow.com

In this episode of That Annuity Show, we welcome Bill Bengen, the creator of the 4% rule, to discuss the evolution of retirement planning strategies. Bill shares insights into the origins of the 4% rule, its mechanics, and how it has been adapted in his upcoming book. The conversation delves into the eight essential elements of a comprehensive retirement withdrawal plan, the impact of inflation and market valuation on withdrawal rates, and the role of annuities in retirement income. Bill provides insight on the benefits of maximizing income while managing risks and provides case studies to illustrate effective retirement planning. Learn more at thatannuityshow.com

Philip Chao, a leading voice in the 401(k) space shares his sharp focus on creating guaranteed retirement income. The conversation explores Philip's background, his companies, and the evolving landscape of annuities within retirement plans. Key themes include the role of fiduciaries, the integration of annuities into target date funds, and the future of guaranteed income products in the retirement market. In this conversation, Philip Chao discusses the evolution and importance of Target Date Funds and Qualified Default Investment Alternatives (QDIAs) in retirement planning. He emphasizes the need for personalized solutions that consider individual data rather than relying solely on averages.  The discussion also highlights the significance of engagement in retirement planning, the challenges of behavioral finance, and how guaranteed income can help ensure financial security in retirement. Chao advocates for transparency and education in financial services to empower individuals in their retirement decisions. Learn more at thatannuityshow.com

Today, we welcome Ben Faught, Chief Actuary at Oceanview Life. The conversation delves into the success story of Oceanview Life, its unique investment strategies focusing on mortgage-backed securities, and the challenges and considerations in pricing annuities. Ben shares insights on market trends, the importance of understanding asset-liability matching, and the future of fixed index annuities in a changing economic landscape. The discussion emphasizes the role of actuaries in advocating for clients and ensuring sustainable business practices. Learn more at our website, thatannuityshow.com

Tom Totten, an actuary and serial entrepreneur, shares his journey from a defined benefit consultant to advising companies on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). The conversation delves into the intricacies of ESOPs, their guarantees, and the liquidity risks associated with them. Tom discusses the purpose of lifetime income strategies, including the use of annuities, and reflects on the evolving relationship between employers and employees in the context of retirement planning. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the benefits of including lifetime income solutions in retirement planning, emphasizing the role of the workplace in providing these solutions. They explore the challenges of communicating the value of lifetime income to pre-retirees and retirees, the impact of technology on retirement planning, and the benefits of diversification in investment strategies. The discussion also touches on the potential of ESOPs as a means of wealth creation for employees and the evolving landscape of retirement planning in light of alternative investments.

Jeff Affronti, president and CEO of FSD Financial Services joins our show to delve into the current landscape of annuities, focusing on market trends, the purpose of annuity laddering, and common strategies for younger investors. Jeff shares insights on using MYGAs for retirement income, the impact of inflation on annuities, and some of the latest product features and innovations in the industry. The discussion also touches on the risks associated with life-only annuities and the potential for entering the MYGA market. For more information: thatannuityshow.com

In this episode, Paul Tyler, Ramsey Smith, and Graham Clark discuss the emerging opportunities in in-plan annuities inside 401k plans. They explore the importance of guaranteed income, the skills needed for insurance carriers to compete effectively, and the strategic partnerships necessary for success. The conversation delves into product design, the role of target date funds, and the significance of being proactive in a rapidly evolving market. The speakers emphasize the need for carriers to take leadership roles and adapt to changing market conditions to ensure long-term viability and profitability. Learn more: thatannuityshow.com

Paul Tyler and Bruno Caron welcome Deloitte's Insurance Practice leader Dan McCoach to discuss how technology is reshaping the life and annuity industry.  The conversation explores four practical applications of AI delivering immediate value: automating developer workflows, enhancing back-office efficiency, streamlining document processing, and drafting complex communications. McCoach offers a fascinating perspective on how AI tools are rescuing legacy systems just as subject matter experts reach retirement age. Looking ahead, McCoach discusses DeepSeek's disruptive impact on AI economics and warns that quantum computing's arrival within 5-8 years could compromise current encryption standards. Whether you're an industry insider or technology enthusiast, this episode delivers essential insights on the digital revolution transforming insurance.

In this episode of That Annuity Show, Paul Tyler and Chief Investment Officer, David Czerniecki of Nassau discuss the current economic landscape, focusing on tariffs, inflation, cryptocurrency, and the impact of AI on productivity. They explore the volatility of markets compared to the economy, the implications of tariffs on manufacturing and inflation, and the speculative nature of Bitcoin. The conversation also delves into the future of AI and its potential to enhance productivity, as well as investment strategies in a changing market environment. Learn more at

Ramsey Smith and Graham Clark share insights on the challenges of securing retirement income, the importance of 401k plans, and the need for effective stakeholder engagement. They explore how ALEXIncome aims to provide sustainable solutions that bridge the gap between traditional retirement income sources and modern investment strategies, emphasizing the significance of education and transparency for plan participants. This conversation delves into the complexities of retirement planning, focusing on the importance of guaranteed income, the impact of market disruptions on investment strategies, and the role of technology and innovative products in enhancing financial security for retirees. The discussion highlights the need for a shift in how retirement funds are managed, emphasizing the benefits of annuities and the potential of blockchain technology in simplifying processes.