So, what is the best strategy to protect your income? Is it to put money in stocks, bonds, bank instruments, annuities, or some other option? Well of course, the answer is most likely some or all of these choices – depending upon your situation – one or more of these options will likely rise to the forefront as a better choice after careful consideration.

As Annuity Guys, it is no surprise that we believe annuities offer some of the best protections for future income streams. Annuities provide income guarantees by allowing participants to leverage the longevity credits from other participants. Thus, annuities do offer some of the strongest **guarantees for income protection. Unfortunately, one of the challenges that annuities have is [continued below video…]

Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values. During this segment, Dick and Eric are referring to Fixed Annuities unless otherwise specified.

Historically, stocks have provided some of the greatest upside for investment growth that has allowed retirees to help offset the impact of inflation. However, the upside to the equities markets do not come without their share of risk. Markets can be fickle. Unfortunately, for some relying on markets who are retiring just before or during a bear market, this strategy can have a significant impact on savings and their potential sustainability of income throughout retirement. Due to the sequence of returns risk, most well-designed retirement portfolios contain other holdings to help moderate volatility and preserve wealth. Of course these moderating factors such as annuities, bond allocations or bank instruments  can at times have a limiting impact of the potential growth of the portfolio and that too can impact future income.

So what is the best income protection strategy? We would recommend an individualized portfolio constructed to meet your projected retirement income needs while taking on the least amount of risk needed to accomplish your goal. We call this process “Outcome Based Planning”- designing income segments to meet an individual or couples specific retirement income needs. Most would not argue the fact that the best income protection strategies come from guaranteed sources of income, whether that be legislated government guarantees like Social Security or contractual guarantees** like pensions and annuities.

Ultimately, the key to a balanced retirement plan is a blend of guarantees and growth combined with the flexibility to make changes as life “gets in the way”,  forcing changes in our retirement plans.

Using OutCome Based Planning for Your Retirement

We practice and recommend a "Holistic - OutCome Based Planning process when considering annuities." This approach has the effect of balancing your overall portfolio so you can meet your retirement objectives by "first identifying the least amount of your investments or savings (if any) that should be considered for annuities." OutCome Based Planning analyzes and models multiple outcomes so you can clearly identify your best income and growth opportunities.

"The Annuity Guys will only call if you request help". Hence, when you are ready for specialized help we will be available.

"Working with an Experienced Fiduciary Financial Planner can help you Avoid a Trial & Error or Risk Based Retirement"

Get Full Video Access & Our Library Edition - Annuity Reference Book

Is Your Annuity Advisor a Salesman or a Fiduciary?
2024 Advisor Report

Priority Mail - Free Shipping!

After confirming your request for help and shipping address by phone, we will immediately send your FREE personally signed Library Edition of our popular Annuity Reference Book "The New Retirement" plus Fact-Filled, Full Video Access!

  ^** Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values. Annuities are not FDIC insured and it is possible to lose money.
They are insurance products that require a premium to be paid for purchase.
Annuities do not accept or receive deposits and are not to be confused with bank issued financial instruments.
During all video segments, Dick and Eric are referring to Fixed Annuities unless otherwise specified.

  ^*Retirement Planning and annuity purchase assistance may be provided by Eric Judy or by referral to a recommended, experienced, Fiduciary Investment Advisor in helping our website visitors. Dick Van Dyke semi-retired from his Investment Advisory Practice in 2012 and now focuses on this website. He still maintains his insurance license in good standing and assists his current clients.
Our vetted and recommended Fiduciary Financial Planners are required to be properly licensed in assisting clients with their annuity and retirement planning needs. (Due diligence as a client is still always necessary when working with any advisor to check their current standing.)

Site Terms & Disclosure

1. All tools, videos or information visible on this website's pages, television, or other media are for educational and conceptual purposes only.
2. Tools, videos or information are not to be considered investment advice, insurance recommendations, tax or legal advice.
3. It is recommended that site visitors should work with licensed professionals for individualized advice before making any important or final financial decisions on what is best for his or her situation.
4. Website comments are not considered investor testimonials those shown only relate to an insurance agent referral service, customer service, or satisfaction with the purchase of insurance products and are never based on any investment or securities advice or investment or securities performance.
5. Please be aware that your feedback and compliments may be shared with our visitors or those that may be interested in our services we will never give out your full name or full address or phone number without your permission. By sending us your feedback & comments you agree to allow us full use in sharing your comments with others in public forums. Thank you for sharing.
6. Media logos are not any type of endorsement, they only imply that one or more of the Annuity Guys have written for, been quoted by, or appeared on the listed news outlet, broadcast or cable channels, or branded programs for non-advertising and/or advertising purposes, to offer educational and conceptual information about retirement issues.
7. Income is guaranteed by annuitization or income riders that may have additional costs or fees.
8. http://www.annuityguys.net & http://www.annuityguys.com forward to https://annuityguys.org. - Further all disclosures and information are to be considered as one and the same for any and all URL forwards, and these same disclosures and information also apply to all YouTube videos featuring Dick & Eric where ever they are viewed.
9. MarketFree Annuity Definition: Any fixed annuity or portfolio of fixed annuities that protects principal / premium and growth by remaining market risk free.
10. Market Free (annuities, retirements and portfolios) refer to the use of fixed insurance products with minimum guarantees that have no market risk to principal and are not investments in securities.
11. Market Gains are a calculation used to determine interest earned as a result of an increasing market related index limited by various factors in the contract. These can vary with each annuity and issuing insurance company.
12. Premium is the correct term for money placed into annuities principal is used as a universal term that describes the cash value of any asset.
13. Interest Earned is the correct term to describe Market Free Annuity Growth; Market Gains, Returns, Growth and other generally used terms only refer to actual Interest Earned
14. Market Free Annuities are fixed insurance products and only require an insurance license in order to sell these products; they are not securities investments and do not require a securities license.
15. No Loss only pertains to market downturns and not if losses are incurred due to early withdrawal penalties or other fees for additional insurance benefits.
16. Annuities typically have surrender periods where early or excessive withdrawals may result in a surrender cost.
17. Market Free Annuities may or may not have a bonus. Some bonus products have fees or lower interest crediting and when surrendered early the bonus or part of the bonus may be forfeited as part of the surrender process which is determined by each contract.
18. MarketFree Annuities are not FDIC Insured and are not guaranteed by any Government Agency.
19. Annuities are not Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured and their guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
20. State Insurance Guarantee Associations (SIGA) vary in coverage with each state and are not to be confused with FDIC which has the backing of the federal government.
21. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration.
22. *"Best” refers only to the opinion of Dick, this site's author; or the opinion of Dick & Eric in videos and is not considered best for all individuals.
23. *"APO” refers only to the Annual Pay-Out of annuities in the guaranteed lifetime income phase. *APO is NOT an annual yield or an annual rate of interest.
24. AnnuityRateWatch.com, is only a linked to subscription service, which is not affiliated with this site, it supplies and updates all Annuity Rates, Features Ratings, Fees and Riders. AnnuityRateWatch.com's information is available in the public domain and accuracy is not verified or guaranteed since this type of information is always subject to change.
25. Dick helps site visitors when help is requested. Dick may receive a referral fee as compensation from an advisor for a prospective client referral. This helps compensate Dick for time spent assisting site visitors and maintaining this educational website.
26. Eric Judy is both insurance licensed and securities licensed. Eric offers securities as an investment adviser representative through Client One Securities, LLC.
27. Eric purchases prospective client referrals from Annuity Guys Ltd. and may be compensated by commission for helping prospective clients purchase. Eric may also recommend these prospective clients to an advisor and earn a referral fee or a referral commission split.
28. Vetted advisors refers to advisors that are insurance licensed and recommended based on referral experience from satisfied clients.
29. Any recommendation of an advisor is only one aspect of any due diligence process. Each site visitor must accept full individual responsibility for choosing a licensed insurance agent/advisor.
30. In the event that a recommended licensed advisor/agent is not considered satisfactory, Eric will make reasonable efforts to recommend other advisors one at a time in an attempt to satisfy a site visitors planning or purchasing needs.
31. Dick is the website author and editor, Annuity Guys Ltd. is the website owner; Eric is a guest video commentator. Videos gathered from other public domain sources may also be used for educational and conceptual purposes.
32. There is NO COST to site visitors when they are given an advisor referral or recommendation.
33. By giving the us your contact information such as email, phone number, address and etc. you are giving your permission to be contacted or sent additional relevant information about annuities, retirement and related financial information. We have a NO SPAM policy.
34. Accuracy of website information is strived for but is not guaranteed.
35. Freedom from virus or malware is strived for but is not guaranteed. Website visitors accept any and all risk associated with damage to any computer for any reason when using this website and hold this website harmless from any liability.
36. Use this website like the vast majority of websites at your own risk. No risk or liability of any type are accepted by any business entity or any of the information providers for this website.

The post What’s Your Best Retirement Income Strategy? appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

To help you figure out if your advisor is a “joker, amateur-salesperson, or a true experienced financial planner”, we have put together a list of red flags to look for… (continued below video)

 Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values. During this segment, Dick and Eric are referring to Fixed Annuities unless otherwise specified.

• Sensationalism in marketing materials (the WOW Factor!!!)
• 8% to 15% Secret Returns or Guaranteed Gains (not clarifying that this is neither interest, yield nor cash gains; rather it is an income payout percentage or a formulaic aspect of an income **guarantee)
• I Hate Annuities (advertisements that are biased to sell securities)
• Senior Alerts (to warn you about annuities when the real purpose is to sell you one!)
• Free Reports (should say get a phone call from several annuity salesmen today)
• Instant Quotes (should also say get a phone call from numerous annuity salesmen today)
• Urgency to buy (way to much selling pressure)

Amateurs:

• Talking product without a sound basis for recommendations (no in-depth questions about your situation)
• Rely heavily on brochures (knows how to read)
• Focus on generalities that are all positive (cannot think of any reason for you not buy)
• Avoid tough questions lacking solid factual answers when asked (repeats simple benefits lacking detailed answers)

Charlatans’:

• Present a too good to be true scenario (over the top opportunity, impossible to improve on, insider information)
• Rush the sale (pressure, awkward, more pressure, expects the sale)
• Create false sense of urgency (again insider information, limited time opportunity, everyone in the know is getting in)
• Create an atmosphere of authority that is beyond questioning (makes you feel foolish or untrusting when you pose questions)
• Lacks willingness in encouraging questions ( demands trust and wants you to trust based on their implied expertise by pointing out your lack of knowledge)
• Typically focus on one or two high commission products; concealing their one size fits all mentality (Ask to talk to several clients see if they were all sold the same thing, hmmm)
• Overly friendly and personable prior to the sale (beware of those who are mostly focused on getting to know you with little focus on the planning or products)
• Unavailable and indifferent after the sale (oops… it is a bit late at this point, this is what you must avoid)

Here is an exerpt from the article – Here We Go Again: Annuities Promising 7 Percent Returns

It is too good to be true.

Understanding the **guaranteed returns takes time and perseverance.  From the products I’ve analyzed, the most common **guarantee involves two annually calculated values. The first is the actual value based on the underlying investment performance.  The second, or “**guaranteed value,” is increased by the predetermined return each year.  If the “**guarantee” is 7 percent per year, this value would, over a 10-year period, almost double the value for which you originally bought the annuity.

However, and this is a BIG “however,” you can not take the amount accrued over a 10-year period out of the annuity in a single lump sum.  You have to “annuitize” that value, meaning it must be paid out over the remaining years of your life (or some other time period).  When I calculated the advertised rate of return for one annuity claiming a “7 percent” **guarantee, I found that the rate of return paid out on the annuitized payments was less than 1 percent!  In total, the “**guaranteed return” was less than the current 10-year Treasury Bond yield … hardly a 7 percent **guarantee, and you paid some pretty hefty fees for the right to have it.

Another option offered by insurance companies allows investors to take a 4 to 6 percent payout every year for the rest of their lives instead of annuitizing.  Investors often confuse this payout with a **guaranteed return.  These are vastly different, as the former does not **guarantee the investment principal, which is still subject to investment risks. […read more]

Using OutCome Based Planning for Your Retirement

We practice and recommend a "Holistic - OutCome Based Planning process when considering annuities." This approach has the effect of balancing your overall portfolio so you can meet your retirement objectives by "first identifying the least amount of your investments or savings (if any) that should be considered for annuities." OutCome Based Planning analyzes and models multiple outcomes so you can clearly identify your best income and growth opportunities.

"The Annuity Guys will only call if you request help". Hence, when you are ready for specialized help we will be available.

"Working with an Experienced Fiduciary Financial Planner can help you Avoid a Trial & Error or Risk Based Retirement"

Get Full Video Access & Our Library Edition - Annuity Reference Book

Is Your Annuity Advisor a Salesman or a Fiduciary?
2024 Advisor Report

Priority Mail - Free Shipping!

After confirming your request for help and shipping address by phone, we will immediately send your FREE personally signed Library Edition of our popular Annuity Reference Book "The New Retirement" plus Fact-Filled, Full Video Access!

Learn the 3 Best Annuities to Help
ASSURE YOUR RETIREMENT'S SUCCESS!

Selecting the Best Annuity & Retirement Income Advisor

Are you willing to work with one of our retirement and annuity advisors based on their experience and expertise as a first priority rather than being limited by a local or regional area? The good news is that technology has forever eliminated our geographical limitations and leveled the playing field for everyone! As a result of today's technological advances, all of us can now work confidently with experts in any field including personal finance. We are no longer confined by regional or local boundaries limiting our choices and ultimate success. A high quality advisor is now as close as a click or phone call away.

Video:"Choose a National or Local Advisor"?

"There is no room for trial and error when it comes to choosing MarketFree® Annuities or a Successful Retirement Planner."

When you think about it, your money is almost always in some other state with a custodian; whether invested in the market or with an annuity insurance company, the advisors competence is primarily needed when positioning your money initially. So working with a specialized expert in a financial discipline like investments or retirement planning is imperative. There are no undo buttons in retirement! Once the annuities get set up correctly, it is customary and more efficient for owners to benefit by having direct access to the issuer instead of having to go through the agent. And, of course any reputable advisor, local or national, is more than willing to assist their clients if needed after they are implemented.

Video:"Why These 3 Types of Annuity Advisors are Not Created Equal"

"There are no undo buttons in retirement so it is vitally important that you do it right the first time!"

We are fortunate to have a select few who we believe are truly the highest qualified advisors out of about two hundred licensed insurance agents that we eliminated. Your survey feedback is what helps us make these tough decisions. Our advisors have an independent financial practice, specializing in annuities and retirement planning, which helps ensure that you are given the best options available for your retirement planning.

Video: "How Much of Your Money Should You Consider Placing into Annuities"?

"It takes an experienced expert to know how to structure annuities for income, inflation, growth, return of principal, and tax advantage."

"Anyone can sell you an annuity; however, it takes a truly qualified and experienced advisor to know how to structure them for income, inflation, growth, return of principal, and tax advantage. Typically, there is not just one that can accomplish all of these objectives. It is how an advisor structures multiple annuities in balancing your total portfolio that makes it possible to achieve your most important retirement objectives."

Video: "How to Choose a Great retirement Advisor"?

Why Searching for the Best Annuities on Your Own Can be so Frustrating...

Almost everyone nowadays turns to the internet for answers on everything - from buying new widgets to researching just about everything under the sun; and finding the best annuity is no exception! At first, it may seem that researching will be straightforward but the more time you spend researching them, the more frustrating it can be. Why is this? First of all, it does not take long to realize that gimmicks abound - such as warnings and alerts from salesmen who just want your attention so they can sell you one or the "too good to be true" claims of 8% to 14% **guaranteed interest and of course the claim that you can get the full market upside with no downside risk! If you have done any research you have heard all of these claims in advertising which are mostly half truths and not fully explained. So how can you find the best annuities on the internet? The truth is... you can't! And what is even more frustrating is all the conflicting points of view from so called experts. There are well over 6,000 different annuities - all designed for different reasons, so is it any wonder that the deck is stacked against the average researcher or do-it-yourselfer. Add to that the fact that they pay high enough commissions to attract a plethora of both good and bad agents. This does not make annuities good or bad; they are simply a financial tool that truly benefit those who use them correctly. How can you find the best annuities for your unique situation?

• Use the internet cautiously;
• Work with a vetted and experienced specialist;
• Do not settle for that one dubious best plan. Compare multiple Outcome Based Plans to decide on the one that is truly best for you;
• Be keenly aware of scare tactics and hyperbole - avoid those advisors and websites;
• Avoid websites that are focused on rushing free reports, rates and quotes to get your contact information they are rushing you to speak with them, instead, take your time and choose someone you are more comfortable with that works on your time-table;
• Know the Five Vital Factors (listed above) that an experienced specialist must answer before helping you select the best options for your situation;
• Watch this telling video "Avoid Annuity Gimmicks, Amateurs and Charlatans"...

Video: "Avoiding Gimmicks, Scams & Charlatans"

  ^** Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values. Annuities are not FDIC insured and it is possible to lose money.
They are insurance products that require a premium to be paid for purchase.
Annuities do not accept or receive deposits and are not to be confused with bank issued financial instruments.
During all video segments, Dick and Eric are referring to Fixed Annuities unless otherwise specified.

  ^*Retirement Planning and annuity purchase assistance may be provided by Eric Judy or by referral to a recommended, experienced, Fiduciary Investment Advisor in helping our website visitors. Dick Van Dyke semi-retired from his Investment Advisory Practice in 2012 and now focuses on this website. He still maintains his insurance license in good standing and assists his current clients.
Our vetted and recommended Fiduciary Financial Planners are required to be properly licensed in assisting clients with their annuity and retirement planning needs. (Due diligence as a client is still always necessary when working with any advisor to check their current standing.)

Site Terms & Disclosure

1. All tools, videos or information visible on this website's pages, television, or other media are for educational and conceptual purposes only.
2. Tools, videos or information are not to be considered investment advice, insurance recommendations, tax or legal advice.
3. It is recommended that site visitors should work with licensed professionals for individualized advice before making any important or final financial decisions on what is best for his or her situation.
4. Website comments are not considered investor testimonials those shown only relate to an insurance agent referral service, customer service, or satisfaction with the purchase of insurance products and are never based on any investment or securities advice or investment or securities performance.
5. Please be aware that your feedback and compliments may be shared with our visitors or those that may be interested in our services we will never give out your full name or full address or phone number without your permission. By sending us your feedback & comments you agree to allow us full use in sharing your comments with others in public forums. Thank you for sharing.
6. Media logos are not any type of endorsement, they only imply that one or more of the Annuity Guys have written for, been quoted by, or appeared on the listed news outlet, broadcast or cable channels, or branded programs for non-advertising and/or advertising purposes, to offer educational and conceptual information about retirement issues.
7. Income is guaranteed by annuitization or income riders that may have additional costs or fees.
8. http://www.annuityguys.net & http://www.annuityguys.com forward to https://annuityguys.org. - Further all disclosures and information are to be considered as one and the same for any and all URL forwards, and these same disclosures and information also apply to all YouTube videos featuring Dick & Eric where ever they are viewed.
9. MarketFree Annuity Definition: Any fixed annuity or portfolio of fixed annuities that protects principal / premium and growth by remaining market risk free.
10. Market Free (annuities, retirements and portfolios) refer to the use of fixed insurance products with minimum guarantees that have no market risk to principal and are not investments in securities.
11. Market Gains are a calculation used to determine interest earned as a result of an increasing market related index limited by various factors in the contract. These can vary with each annuity and issuing insurance company.
12. Premium is the correct term for money placed into annuities principal is used as a universal term that describes the cash value of any asset.
13. Interest Earned is the correct term to describe Market Free Annuity Growth; Market Gains, Returns, Growth and other generally used terms only refer to actual Interest Earned
14. Market Free Annuities are fixed insurance products and only require an insurance license in order to sell these products; they are not securities investments and do not require a securities license.
15. No Loss only pertains to market downturns and not if losses are incurred due to early withdrawal penalties or other fees for additional insurance benefits.
16. Annuities typically have surrender periods where early or excessive withdrawals may result in a surrender cost.
17. Market Free Annuities may or may not have a bonus. Some bonus products have fees or lower interest crediting and when surrendered early the bonus or part of the bonus may be forfeited as part of the surrender process which is determined by each contract.
18. MarketFree Annuities are not FDIC Insured and are not guaranteed by any Government Agency.
19. Annuities are not Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured and their guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
20. State Insurance Guarantee Associations (SIGA) vary in coverage with each state and are not to be confused with FDIC which has the backing of the federal government.
21. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration.
22. *"Best” refers only to the opinion of Dick, this site's author; or the opinion of Dick & Eric in videos and is not considered best for all individuals.
23. *"APO” refers only to the Annual Pay-Out of annuities in the guaranteed lifetime income phase. *APO is NOT an annual yield or an annual rate of interest.
24. AnnuityRateWatch.com, is only a linked to subscription service, which is not affiliated with this site, it supplies and updates all Annuity Rates, Features Ratings, Fees and Riders. AnnuityRateWatch.com's information is available in the public domain and accuracy is not verified or guaranteed since this type of information is always subject to change.
25. Dick helps site visitors when help is requested. Dick may receive a referral fee as compensation from an advisor for a prospective client referral. This helps compensate Dick for time spent assisting site visitors and maintaining this educational website.
26. Eric Judy is both insurance licensed and securities licensed. Eric offers securities as an investment adviser representative through Client One Securities, LLC.
27. Eric purchases prospective client referrals from Annuity Guys Ltd. and may be compensated by commission for helping prospective clients purchase. Eric may also recommend these prospective clients to an advisor and earn a referral fee or a referral commission split.
28. Vetted advisors refers to advisors that are insurance licensed and recommended based on referral experience from satisfied clients.
29. Any recommendation of an advisor is only one aspect of any due diligence process. Each site visitor must accept full individual responsibility for choosing a licensed insurance agent/advisor.
30. In the event that a recommended licensed advisor/agent is not considered satisfactory, Eric will make reasonable efforts to recommend other advisors one at a time in an attempt to satisfy a site visitors planning or purchasing needs.
31. Dick is the website author and editor, Annuity Guys Ltd. is the website owner; Eric is a guest video commentator. Videos gathered from other public domain sources may also be used for educational and conceptual purposes.
32. There is NO COST to site visitors when they are given an advisor referral or recommendation.
33. By giving the us your contact information such as email, phone number, address and etc. you are giving your permission to be contacted or sent additional relevant information about annuities, retirement and related financial information. We have a NO SPAM policy.
34. Accuracy of website information is strived for but is not guaranteed.
35. Freedom from virus or malware is strived for but is not guaranteed. Website visitors accept any and all risk associated with damage to any computer for any reason when using this website and hold this website harmless from any liability.
36. Use this website like the vast majority of websites at your own risk. No risk or liability of any type are accepted by any business entity or any of the information providers for this website.

The post Avoiding Annuity Gimmicks, Amateurs, & Charlatans! appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

]]> https://annuityguys.org/avoid-annuity-gimmicks-amateurs-and-charlatans/feed/ 3 https://annuityguys.org/annuities-versus-securities/ https://annuityguys.org/annuities-versus-securities/#respond Thu, 24 Oct 2024 06:00:39 +0000 http://annuityguys.org/?p=19719 When you build a house, you don’t start with the roof – you start with the foundation. For many retirees annuities help make-up one of the of the foundational elements in their retirement’s safer money growth allocations and/or their income plan alongside Social Security, pensions, and other reliable income streams. Once you have the income foundation of your […]

The post Annuities versus Securities appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

]]> When you build a house, you don’t start with the roof – you start with the foundation. For many retirees annuities help make-up one of the of the foundational elements in their retirement’s safer money growth allocations and/or their income plan alongside Social Security, pensions, and other reliable income streams.

Once you have the income foundation of your retirement plan set in place, you can then set the walls and “raise the roof” with safer growth or riskier return allocations – including securities – knowing that you have a solid income foundation in place.  Typically, securities offer more growth potential which can help retirees combat inflation and the potential loss of spending power. By having a solid foundation in place, you help remove [continued below video…]

Video: Annuity Guys, Dick & Eric compare annuities to securities for retirement.

**Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values. During this segment, Dick and Eric are referring to Fixed Annuities unless otherwise specified.

Review 3-Best Retirement Annuities for Your
GROWTH, INCOME & SAFETY!

 
[continued…] the concern over a market downturn slicing into your retirement savings and reducing your needed income.

Some might presume that as Annuity Guys we are opposed to stocks and bonds; however, we truly believe that securities can be an important allocation providing growth potential and liquidity within most portfolios.

Securities versus annuities is not a battle of good versus evil – both can be beneficial elements of a well-designed retirement plan. However, failing to look at all your options when constructing a retirement plan may be unfair or even harmful to your retirement. It is best to have an advisor that helps you consider both; unfortunately, there are a number of advisors who fail to take the time to analyze if annuities and securities should be part of an individual’s balanced retirement plan. These advisors tend to take more of a “one-size fits all” biased approach by emphasizing one over the other.

Here’s a related article from Dr. Wade Pfau in Financial Advisor magazine.

Substituting Income Annuities For Bond Funds in Retirement
WADE D. PFAU

Retirement income planning is still a relatively new field with different dynamics than traditional wealth accumulation. After a lifetime focused on maximizing wealth or beating a benchmark, your goal becomes creating sustainable income over an indefinite length of time—the rest of your life. Retirees must manage risks like market performance along with their own longevity and the uncertainty about their spending requirements.

The Wall Street Journal once quoted me referring to income annuities as “super bonds,” which is not the most academic term. Recently, I started calling them “actuarial bonds.” My experience with retirement income has led me to conclude that income annuities have the potential to improve retirement outcomes over what is possible with bond funds.

In thinking about retirement income, we extend the efficient frontier of modern portfolio theory beyond its single-period focus to consider lifetime risk and reward measures.

Lifetime risk can be framed simply as the possible shortfall in the amount you will need to spend, which can happen when market returns are bad or your life is unusually long. Reward, on the other hand, can be defined by any liquid financial assets available to support your additional spending for contingencies or fund legacy objectives when you have otherwise been able to meet your lifestyle spending goals.

There can be a trade-off between these objectives. You can lock in spending or reduce your portfolio volatility to protect yourself during downturns. This generally means sacrificing some of the potential growth on the upside. You can meet these objectives by using stocks, bonds and annuities in combination. Some allocations can be more efficient than others in accomplishing the objectives.

My research article on the efficient frontier for retirement in the Journal of Financial Planning concluded that combinations of stocks and income annuities produce more efficient outcomes than combinations of stocks and bonds. Income annuities effectively serve as a replacement for the fixed-income allocation in a retirement portfolio. When retirees know what they will receive upon purchasing an income annuity, they are in good shape if they have enough saved to lock in their income objective. …[Read More…]

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Using OutCome Based Planning for Your Retirement

We practice and recommend a "Holistic - OutCome Based Planning process when considering annuities." This approach has the effect of balancing your overall portfolio so you can meet your retirement objectives by "first identifying the least amount of your investments or savings (if any) that should be considered for annuities." OutCome Based Planning analyzes and models multiple outcomes so you can clearly identify your best income and growth opportunities.

"The Annuity Guys will only call if you request help". Hence, when you are ready for specialized help we will be available.

"Working with an Experienced Fiduciary Financial Planner can help you Avoid a Trial & Error or Risk Based Retirement"

• *FIDUCIARY RETIREMENT REVIEWS
  Second Opinions Improve Retirements
   

  "For Your Retirement's Success"
  

   Choose a *Fiduciary Advisor who gives you Full Disclosure of Cost & Selection.

   

  Material Fact 1:
  

    About 90% of advisors ARE NOT REQUIRED by law to do what is best for their clients!

   

  Material Fact 2:

   Fiduciary Advisors ARE REQUIRED by law to do what's best for their clients! 

   

    Hence, clients of a fiduciary can know that their advisor chose the highest legal standard required by law to work strictly for their highest good.

   

   We estimate Fiduciaries are less than 10% of total U.S. financial service providers. Fiduciaries are held to the highest client legal standard of financial planning and investment advice.

   

   The other 90% are sales oriented advisors, brokers, bank reps, registered reps. & insurance agents, selling products on a much lower suitability legal standard, not necessarily what's best for their client!
  

   
  

     Fiduciaries also must disclose conflicts of interest that could potentially bias their advice, such as; selling products that pay them higher commissions having higher fees or costs, and their lack of investment product access limiting their client's opportunities, to name a few.

   
  

  Choosing your advisor can have

  "The Largest Single Impact on

  Your Retirement's Success or Failure"
  

  ---

Δ

This type of approach does take considerably more time, effort and analysis which will show you mathematically the successful possibilities by comparing various outcomes rather than trying to sell or convince you of that "so-called one best solution." Clients frequently tell us that this process removes some of the confusion and emotion to help them objectively identify a better retirement plan; rather than just ending up with the most convincing salesperson or advisor.

When requesting help you can be assured of working with an experienced Annuity Guys' Retirement Planner who is independently insurance licensed and securities licensed as a fiduciary financial planner having access to the vast majority of annuity companies in helping you choose the best annuities using a holistic-outcome based planning approach. We consider the high quality advisor recommendations we make to our website visitors as a direct reflection back on our commitment to serve all client's with a high standard of excellence in financial planning for retirement.

Based on survey feedback on advisors from our website visitors, we eliminated about two-hundred local advisors and now only recommend a few that we consider experienced vetted Annuity Guys' Fiduciary Advisors. Many local advisors continue requesting us to recommend them as a vetted advisor. However, our reputation and future business is driven only by satisfied website visitors. So, unfortunately we've had to tell the vast majority of local advisors no, since we changed our business model four years ago. At that time we stopped trying to satisfy everyone with local advisors, we now primarily work with individuals who are comfortable using today's internet technology to their fullest advantage by working with a select group of vetted, experienced and knowledgeable Annuity Guys' Fiduciary Planners.

Get Full Video Access & Our Library Edition - Annuity Reference Book

Is Your Annuity Advisor a Salesman or a Fiduciary?
2024 Advisor Report

• *FIDUCIARY RETIREMENT REVIEWS
  No Cost or Obligation - Annuity Guys
   

  "For Your Retirement's Success"

   

  Choose a *Fiduciary Advisor who gives you Full Disclosure of Cost & Selection.
   

  Fiduciary Advisors 10% - Sales Advisors 90% 

   

  2024 Financial Advisor Summary Report
  

   *Fiduciary Financial Planners we estimate at less than 10% of total US financial advisors.
  The other 90% of advisors are salespeople such as brokers, bank reps, registered reps. & insurance agents.
  
   Advisors licensed only as a sales oriented securities broker, registered rep, or insurance agent, ARE NOT Fiduciaries! They work on a much lower legal standard of Suitability which does not require full disclosure and only requires a suitable product sale, NOT what's actually best for their client!
  
    Fiduciary Financial Planners by law are subject to the highest standard of financial planning and investment advice accountability.
    Hence, clients of a fiduciary can know that their advisor is required legally to work strictly for their highest benefit.
  
    This is also referred to as the prudent man rule, which in simple terms means that by licensing as a Series 65 Investment Advisor / Financial Planner they must give clients the best advice they are capable of based on all the knowledge they possess and information they have access to, in the same way they would advise and help close friends or family members.
  
    Fiduciaries also must disclose all known conflicts of interest that could potentially bias their advice, such as - selling financial products that pay them higher  commissions with higher fees or costs, and their lack of investment product availability for their clients' needs, just to name a few.

   

  Choosing your advisor can have

  "The Largest Single Impact on

  Your Retirement's Success or Failure"
  

Δ

Priority Mail - Free Shipping!

After confirming your request for help and shipping address by phone, we will immediately send your FREE personally signed Library Edition of our popular Annuity Reference Book "The New Retirement" plus Fact-Filled, Full Video Access!

Learn the 3 Best Annuities to Help
ASSURE YOUR RETIREMENT'S SUCCESS!

Selecting the Best Annuity & Retirement Income Advisor

Are you willing to work with one of our retirement and annuity advisors based on their experience and expertise as a first priority rather than being limited by a local or regional area? The good news is that technology has forever eliminated our geographical limitations and leveled the playing field for everyone! As a result of today's technological advances, all of us can now work confidently with experts in any field including personal finance. We are no longer confined by regional or local boundaries limiting our choices and ultimate success. A high quality advisor is now as close as a click or phone call away.

Video:"Choose a National or Local Advisor"?

"There is no room for trial and error when it comes to choosing MarketFree® Annuities or a Successful Retirement Planner."

When you think about it, your money is almost always in some other state with a custodian; whether invested in the market or with an annuity insurance company, the advisors competence is primarily needed when positioning your money initially. So working with a specialized expert in a financial discipline like investments or retirement planning is imperative. There are no undo buttons in retirement! Once the annuities get set up correctly, it is customary and more efficient for owners to benefit by having direct access to the issuer instead of having to go through the agent. And, of course any reputable advisor, local or national, is more than willing to assist their clients if needed after they are implemented.

Video:"Why These 3 Types of Annuity Advisors are Not Created Equal"

"There are no undo buttons in retirement so it is vitally important that you do it right the first time!"

We are fortunate to have a select few who we believe are truly the highest qualified advisors out of about two hundred licensed insurance agents that we eliminated. Your survey feedback is what helps us make these tough decisions. Our advisors have an independent financial practice, specializing in annuities and retirement planning, which helps ensure that you are given the best options available for your retirement planning.

Video: "How Much of Your Money Should You Consider Placing into Annuities"?

"It takes an experienced expert to know how to structure annuities for income, inflation, growth, return of principal, and tax advantage."

"Anyone can sell you an annuity; however, it takes a truly qualified and experienced advisor to know how to structure them for income, inflation, growth, return of principal, and tax advantage. Typically, there is not just one that can accomplish all of these objectives. It is how an advisor structures multiple annuities in balancing your total portfolio that makes it possible to achieve your most important retirement objectives."

Video: "How to Choose a Great retirement Advisor"?

Why Searching for the Best Annuities on Your Own Can be so Frustrating...

Almost everyone nowadays turns to the internet for answers on everything - from buying new widgets to researching just about everything under the sun; and finding the best annuity is no exception! At first, it may seem that researching will be straightforward but the more time you spend researching them, the more frustrating it can be. Why is this? First of all, it does not take long to realize that gimmicks abound - such as warnings and alerts from salesmen who just want your attention so they can sell you one or the "too good to be true" claims of 8% to 14% **guaranteed interest and of course the claim that you can get the full market upside with no downside risk! If you have done any research you have heard all of these claims in advertising which are mostly half truths and not fully explained. So how can you find the best annuities on the internet? The truth is... you can't! And what is even more frustrating is all the conflicting points of view from so called experts. There are well over 6,000 different annuities - all designed for different reasons, so is it any wonder that the deck is stacked against the average researcher or do-it-yourselfer. Add to that the fact that they pay high enough commissions to attract a plethora of both good and bad agents. This does not make annuities good or bad; they are simply a financial tool that truly benefit those who use them correctly. How can you find the best annuities for your unique situation?

• Use the internet cautiously;
• Work with a vetted and experienced specialist;
• Do not settle for that one dubious best plan. Compare multiple Outcome Based Plans to decide on the one that is truly best for you;
• Be keenly aware of scare tactics and hyperbole - avoid those advisors and websites;
• Avoid websites that are focused on rushing free reports, rates and quotes to get your contact information they are rushing you to speak with them, instead, take your time and choose someone you are more comfortable with that works on your time-table;
• Know the Five Vital Factors (listed above) that an experienced specialist must answer before helping you select the best options for your situation;
• Watch this telling video "Avoid Annuity Gimmicks, Amateurs and Charlatans"...

Video: "Avoiding Gimmicks, Scams & Charlatans"

  ^** Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values. Annuities are not FDIC insured and it is possible to lose money.
They are insurance products that require a premium to be paid for purchase.
Annuities do not accept or receive deposits and are not to be confused with bank issued financial instruments.
During all video segments, Dick and Eric are referring to Fixed Annuities unless otherwise specified.

  ^*Retirement Planning and annuity purchase assistance may be provided by Eric Judy or by referral to a recommended, experienced, Fiduciary Investment Advisor in helping our website visitors. Dick Van Dyke semi-retired from his Investment Advisory Practice in 2012 and now focuses on this website. He still maintains his insurance license in good standing and assists his current clients.
Our vetted and recommended Fiduciary Financial Planners are required to be properly licensed in assisting clients with their annuity and retirement planning needs. (Due diligence as a client is still always necessary when working with any advisor to check their current standing.)

Site Terms & Disclosure

1. All tools, videos or information visible on this website's pages, television, or other media are for educational and conceptual purposes only.
2. Tools, videos or information are not to be considered investment advice, insurance recommendations, tax or legal advice.
3. It is recommended that site visitors should work with licensed professionals for individualized advice before making any important or final financial decisions on what is best for his or her situation.
4. Website comments are not considered investor testimonials those shown only relate to an insurance agent referral service, customer service, or satisfaction with the purchase of insurance products and are never based on any investment or securities advice or investment or securities performance.
5. Please be aware that your feedback and compliments may be shared with our visitors or those that may be interested in our services we will never give out your full name or full address or phone number without your permission. By sending us your feedback & comments you agree to allow us full use in sharing your comments with others in public forums. Thank you for sharing.
6. Media logos are not any type of endorsement, they only imply that one or more of the Annuity Guys have written for, been quoted by, or appeared on the listed news outlet, broadcast or cable channels, or branded programs for non-advertising and/or advertising purposes, to offer educational and conceptual information about retirement issues.
7. Income is guaranteed by annuitization or income riders that may have additional costs or fees.
8. http://www.annuityguys.net & http://www.annuityguys.com forward to https://annuityguys.org. - Further all disclosures and information are to be considered as one and the same for any and all URL forwards, and these same disclosures and information also apply to all YouTube videos featuring Dick & Eric where ever they are viewed.
9. MarketFree Annuity Definition: Any fixed annuity or portfolio of fixed annuities that protects principal / premium and growth by remaining market risk free.
10. Market Free (annuities, retirements and portfolios) refer to the use of fixed insurance products with minimum guarantees that have no market risk to principal and are not investments in securities.
11. Market Gains are a calculation used to determine interest earned as a result of an increasing market related index limited by various factors in the contract. These can vary with each annuity and issuing insurance company.
12. Premium is the correct term for money placed into annuities principal is used as a universal term that describes the cash value of any asset.
13. Interest Earned is the correct term to describe Market Free Annuity Growth; Market Gains, Returns, Growth and other generally used terms only refer to actual Interest Earned
14. Market Free Annuities are fixed insurance products and only require an insurance license in order to sell these products; they are not securities investments and do not require a securities license.
15. No Loss only pertains to market downturns and not if losses are incurred due to early withdrawal penalties or other fees for additional insurance benefits.
16. Annuities typically have surrender periods where early or excessive withdrawals may result in a surrender cost.
17. Market Free Annuities may or may not have a bonus. Some bonus products have fees or lower interest crediting and when surrendered early the bonus or part of the bonus may be forfeited as part of the surrender process which is determined by each contract.
18. MarketFree Annuities are not FDIC Insured and are not guaranteed by any Government Agency.
19. Annuities are not Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured and their guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
20. State Insurance Guarantee Associations (SIGA) vary in coverage with each state and are not to be confused with FDIC which has the backing of the federal government.
21. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration.
22. *"Best” refers only to the opinion of Dick, this site's author; or the opinion of Dick & Eric in videos and is not considered best for all individuals.
23. *"APO” refers only to the Annual Pay-Out of annuities in the guaranteed lifetime income phase. *APO is NOT an annual yield or an annual rate of interest.
24. AnnuityRateWatch.com, is only a linked to subscription service, which is not affiliated with this site, it supplies and updates all Annuity Rates, Features Ratings, Fees and Riders. AnnuityRateWatch.com's information is available in the public domain and accuracy is not verified or guaranteed since this type of information is always subject to change.
25. Dick helps site visitors when help is requested. Dick may receive a referral fee as compensation from an advisor for a prospective client referral. This helps compensate Dick for time spent assisting site visitors and maintaining this educational website.
26. Eric Judy is both insurance licensed and securities licensed. Eric offers securities as an investment adviser representative through Client One Securities, LLC.
27. Eric purchases prospective client referrals from Annuity Guys Ltd. and may be compensated by commission for helping prospective clients purchase. Eric may also recommend these prospective clients to an advisor and earn a referral fee or a referral commission split.
28. Vetted advisors refers to advisors that are insurance licensed and recommended based on referral experience from satisfied clients.
29. Any recommendation of an advisor is only one aspect of any due diligence process. Each site visitor must accept full individual responsibility for choosing a licensed insurance agent/advisor.
30. In the event that a recommended licensed advisor/agent is not considered satisfactory, Eric will make reasonable efforts to recommend other advisors one at a time in an attempt to satisfy a site visitors planning or purchasing needs.
31. Dick is the website author and editor, Annuity Guys Ltd. is the website owner; Eric is a guest video commentator. Videos gathered from other public domain sources may also be used for educational and conceptual purposes.
32. There is NO COST to site visitors when they are given an advisor referral or recommendation.
33. By giving the us your contact information such as email, phone number, address and etc. you are giving your permission to be contacted or sent additional relevant information about annuities, retirement and related financial information. We have a NO SPAM policy.
34. Accuracy of website information is strived for but is not guaranteed.
35. Freedom from virus or malware is strived for but is not guaranteed. Website visitors accept any and all risk associated with damage to any computer for any reason when using this website and hold this website harmless from any liability.
36. Use this website like the vast majority of websites at your own risk. No risk or liability of any type are accepted by any business entity or any of the information providers for this website.

The post Annuities versus Securities appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

]]> https://annuityguys.org/annuities-versus-securities/feed/ 0 https://annuityguys.org/is-one-million-in-annuities-or-securities-enough-to-retire-on/ https://annuityguys.org/is-one-million-in-annuities-or-securities-enough-to-retire-on/#respond Tue, 15 Oct 2024 06:00:15 +0000 http://annuityguys.org/?p=18558 If I had a million dollars, I’d be rich… but, would I be rich enough to retire for 30 plus years and never work another day in my life and not have to worry about running out of money? The four percent withdrawal rule was an acceptable baseline for financial planners, and it was used […]

The post Is One Million in Annuities or Securities Enough to Retire On? appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

]]> If I had a million dollars, I’d be rich… but, would I be rich enough to retire for 30 plus years and never work another day in my life and not have to worry about running out of money?

The four percent withdrawal rule was an acceptable baseline for financial planners, and it was used for many years until we abruptly experienced…[continued below video]

Video: Watch and sing along:) as Annuity Guys, Dick and Eric, discuss if a million dollars is enough to retire on.

**Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values. During this segment, Dick and Eric are referring to Fixed Annuities unless otherwise specified.

Review 3-Best Retirement Annuities for Your
GROWTH, INCOME & SAFETY!

 

[continued]…a “lost decade” of growth in the stock market – that has now also been coupled with more than a decade of bank interest rates from about zero to 2-percent.

Much has been written about safe withdrawal rates in retirement and how our recent prolonged low-interest rate period could impact retirees ability to safely pull money out of accounts at what many financial planners had mostly considered safe levels. Nobody likes to visualize the prospect of outliving their money, but is living a retirement based upon disciplined austerity the best answer? That is why many have turned to annuities with a portion of their retirement savings, so they have at least a foundational **guarantee of income above the three to four percent rule for a lifetime of that is more generous.

No two planning cases are the same; and for some clients having one million dollars available — combined with their pension, and social security income with low living expenses – will mean not having to worry about running out of money during their lifetime. For another client with the same assets and income but higher living expenses, it may mean a lifestyle change or working longer. There are literally dozens of factors that can impact retirement and preparing for all the contingencies is impossible. However, it is possible to prepare for the most probable scenarios and utilize conservative assumptions to formulate the best possible plan for a safe retirement.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the song – “If I had a million dollars” by the Barenaked Ladies (yes, that is really the band’s name) you can check it out on YouTube via this link. Below is a Yahoo Finance article you may also find helpful…

$1 million is no longer enough to retire on

You have to get rich these days just to finance a comfortable retirement.

That’s the conclusion financial advisors are increasingly coming around to, as they gauge the direction of the economy in a strange new world of glacial growth and super-low interest rates. “Twenty years ago, someone with a million bucks would have said, ‘that’s great, I can draw down $100,000 a year, I’ll be just fine,’” Jim McCaughan, CEO of Principal Global Investors, tells me in the video above. “But now, with very low rates, the problem of funding a retirement is much more difficult.”

Retirees don’t need to be told that low rates have cut sharply into the returns on fixed-income investments. But they may need to rethink how to prepare for what might happen in the future. Many investors are waiting for interest rates to go back up, once the Federal Reserve starts hiking short-term rates later this year or early next year. Meanwhile, the Fed is gradually winding down its vast “quantitative easing” program, which deliberately forced down long-term rates. So as that pressure eases, rates ought to go back up. Right?

Maybe not. McCaughan argues that we’ll be in a low-rate environment for much longer than many people expect, for a couple of basic reasons. First, an aging population means the demand for low-risk bonds will rise, pushing up prices but pulling down yields. Second, there’s been a growing gap between global demand and global production capacity, which will keep a lid on prices of most things for the foreseeable future. Low inflation usually coincides with low-interest rates.

There’s nothing magical (or scientific) about $1 million as a goal for retirement savings. As a round benchmark, however, it’s been in the ballpark for a couple hoping to retire comfortably. A $1 million principal will generate $60,000 per year in income if the portfolio’s return is 6%, and $40,000 per year at 4%. The amount you need to live on, of course, depends on many factors, including the cost of living where you reside, healthcare expenses, how much you travel and how long you live.

But if rates remain in the low range they’re in now—with 10-year Treasury rates well below 3%, say—it will change the math of retirement planning. During most of the baby boomers’ working lives, it was reasonable to expect annual returns of 6% to 10% on a retirement portfolio, without taking much risk. Add Social Security and other pension payments, and a $1 million nest egg was more than adequate for most people. [Read More…]

Five Retirement & Annuity Calculators

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Using OutCome Based Planning for Your Retirement

We practice and recommend a "Holistic - OutCome Based Planning process when considering annuities." This approach has the effect of balancing your overall portfolio so you can meet your retirement objectives by "first identifying the least amount of your investments or savings (if any) that should be considered for annuities." OutCome Based Planning analyzes and models multiple outcomes so you can clearly identify your best income and growth opportunities.

"The Annuity Guys will only call if you request help". Hence, when you are ready for specialized help we will be available.

"Working with an Experienced Fiduciary Financial Planner can help you Avoid a Trial & Error or Risk Based Retirement"

• *FIDUCIARY RETIREMENT REVIEWS
  Second Opinions Improve Retirements
   

  "For Your Retirement's Success"
  

   Choose a *Fiduciary Advisor who gives you Full Disclosure of Cost & Selection.

   

  Material Fact 1:
  

    About 90% of advisors ARE NOT REQUIRED by law to do what is best for their clients!

   

  Material Fact 2:

   Fiduciary Advisors ARE REQUIRED by law to do what's best for their clients! 

   

    Hence, clients of a fiduciary can know that their advisor chose the highest legal standard required by law to work strictly for their highest good.

   

   We estimate Fiduciaries are less than 10% of total U.S. financial service providers. Fiduciaries are held to the highest client legal standard of financial planning and investment advice.

   

   The other 90% are sales oriented advisors, brokers, bank reps, registered reps. & insurance agents, selling products on a much lower suitability legal standard, not necessarily what's best for their client!
  

   
  

     Fiduciaries also must disclose conflicts of interest that could potentially bias their advice, such as; selling products that pay them higher commissions having higher fees or costs, and their lack of investment product access limiting their client's opportunities, to name a few.

   
  

  Choosing your advisor can have

  "The Largest Single Impact on

  Your Retirement's Success or Failure"
  

  ---

Δ

This type of approach does take considerably more time, effort and analysis which will show you mathematically the successful possibilities by comparing various outcomes rather than trying to sell or convince you of that "so-called one best solution." Clients frequently tell us that this process removes some of the confusion and emotion to help them objectively identify a better retirement plan; rather than just ending up with the most convincing salesperson or advisor.

When requesting help you can be assured of working with an experienced Annuity Guys' Retirement Planner who is independently insurance licensed and securities licensed as a fiduciary financial planner having access to the vast majority of annuity companies in helping you choose the best annuities using a holistic-outcome based planning approach. We consider the high quality advisor recommendations we make to our website visitors as a direct reflection back on our commitment to serve all client's with a high standard of excellence in financial planning for retirement.

Based on survey feedback on advisors from our website visitors, we eliminated about two-hundred local advisors and now only recommend a few that we consider experienced vetted Annuity Guys' Fiduciary Advisors. Many local advisors continue requesting us to recommend them as a vetted advisor. However, our reputation and future business is driven only by satisfied website visitors. So, unfortunately we've had to tell the vast majority of local advisors no, since we changed our business model four years ago. At that time we stopped trying to satisfy everyone with local advisors, we now primarily work with individuals who are comfortable using today's internet technology to their fullest advantage by working with a select group of vetted, experienced and knowledgeable Annuity Guys' Fiduciary Planners.

Get Full Video Access & Our Library Edition - Annuity Reference Book

Is Your Annuity Advisor a Salesman or a Fiduciary?
2024 Advisor Report

• *FIDUCIARY RETIREMENT REVIEWS
  No Cost or Obligation - Annuity Guys
   

  "For Your Retirement's Success"

   

  Choose a *Fiduciary Advisor who gives you Full Disclosure of Cost & Selection.
   

  Fiduciary Advisors 10% - Sales Advisors 90% 

   

  2024 Financial Advisor Summary Report
  

   *Fiduciary Financial Planners we estimate at less than 10% of total US financial advisors.
  The other 90% of advisors are salespeople such as brokers, bank reps, registered reps. & insurance agents.
  
   Advisors licensed only as a sales oriented securities broker, registered rep, or insurance agent, ARE NOT Fiduciaries! They work on a much lower legal standard of Suitability which does not require full disclosure and only requires a suitable product sale, NOT what's actually best for their client!
  
    Fiduciary Financial Planners by law are subject to the highest standard of financial planning and investment advice accountability.
    Hence, clients of a fiduciary can know that their advisor is required legally to work strictly for their highest benefit.
  
    This is also referred to as the prudent man rule, which in simple terms means that by licensing as a Series 65 Investment Advisor / Financial Planner they must give clients the best advice they are capable of based on all the knowledge they possess and information they have access to, in the same way they would advise and help close friends or family members.
  
    Fiduciaries also must disclose all known conflicts of interest that could potentially bias their advice, such as - selling financial products that pay them higher  commissions with higher fees or costs, and their lack of investment product availability for their clients' needs, just to name a few.

   

  Choosing your advisor can have

  "The Largest Single Impact on

  Your Retirement's Success or Failure"
  

Δ

Priority Mail - Free Shipping!

After confirming your request for help and shipping address by phone, we will immediately send your FREE personally signed Library Edition of our popular Annuity Reference Book "The New Retirement" plus Fact-Filled, Full Video Access!

Learn the 3 Best Annuities to Help
ASSURE YOUR RETIREMENT'S SUCCESS!

Selecting the Best Annuity & Retirement Income Advisor

Are you willing to work with one of our retirement and annuity advisors based on their experience and expertise as a first priority rather than being limited by a local or regional area? The good news is that technology has forever eliminated our geographical limitations and leveled the playing field for everyone! As a result of today's technological advances, all of us can now work confidently with experts in any field including personal finance. We are no longer confined by regional or local boundaries limiting our choices and ultimate success. A high quality advisor is now as close as a click or phone call away.

Video:"Choose a National or Local Advisor"?

"There is no room for trial and error when it comes to choosing MarketFree® Annuities or a Successful Retirement Planner."

When you think about it, your money is almost always in some other state with a custodian; whether invested in the market or with an annuity insurance company, the advisors competence is primarily needed when positioning your money initially. So working with a specialized expert in a financial discipline like investments or retirement planning is imperative. There are no undo buttons in retirement! Once the annuities get set up correctly, it is customary and more efficient for owners to benefit by having direct access to the issuer instead of having to go through the agent. And, of course any reputable advisor, local or national, is more than willing to assist their clients if needed after they are implemented.

Video:"Why These 3 Types of Annuity Advisors are Not Created Equal"

"There are no undo buttons in retirement so it is vitally important that you do it right the first time!"

We are fortunate to have a select few who we believe are truly the highest qualified advisors out of about two hundred licensed insurance agents that we eliminated. Your survey feedback is what helps us make these tough decisions. Our advisors have an independent financial practice, specializing in annuities and retirement planning, which helps ensure that you are given the best options available for your retirement planning.

Video: "How Much of Your Money Should You Consider Placing into Annuities"?

"It takes an experienced expert to know how to structure annuities for income, inflation, growth, return of principal, and tax advantage."

"Anyone can sell you an annuity; however, it takes a truly qualified and experienced advisor to know how to structure them for income, inflation, growth, return of principal, and tax advantage. Typically, there is not just one that can accomplish all of these objectives. It is how an advisor structures multiple annuities in balancing your total portfolio that makes it possible to achieve your most important retirement objectives."

Video: "How to Choose a Great retirement Advisor"?

Why Searching for the Best Annuities on Your Own Can be so Frustrating...

Almost everyone nowadays turns to the internet for answers on everything - from buying new widgets to researching just about everything under the sun; and finding the best annuity is no exception! At first, it may seem that researching will be straightforward but the more time you spend researching them, the more frustrating it can be. Why is this? First of all, it does not take long to realize that gimmicks abound - such as warnings and alerts from salesmen who just want your attention so they can sell you one or the "too good to be true" claims of 8% to 14% **guaranteed interest and of course the claim that you can get the full market upside with no downside risk! If you have done any research you have heard all of these claims in advertising which are mostly half truths and not fully explained. So how can you find the best annuities on the internet? The truth is... you can't! And what is even more frustrating is all the conflicting points of view from so called experts. There are well over 6,000 different annuities - all designed for different reasons, so is it any wonder that the deck is stacked against the average researcher or do-it-yourselfer. Add to that the fact that they pay high enough commissions to attract a plethora of both good and bad agents. This does not make annuities good or bad; they are simply a financial tool that truly benefit those who use them correctly. How can you find the best annuities for your unique situation?

• Use the internet cautiously;
• Work with a vetted and experienced specialist;
• Do not settle for that one dubious best plan. Compare multiple Outcome Based Plans to decide on the one that is truly best for you;
• Be keenly aware of scare tactics and hyperbole - avoid those advisors and websites;
• Avoid websites that are focused on rushing free reports, rates and quotes to get your contact information they are rushing you to speak with them, instead, take your time and choose someone you are more comfortable with that works on your time-table;
• Know the Five Vital Factors (listed above) that an experienced specialist must answer before helping you select the best options for your situation;
• Watch this telling video "Avoid Annuity Gimmicks, Amateurs and Charlatans"...

Video: "Avoiding Gimmicks, Scams & Charlatans"

  ^** Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values. Annuities are not FDIC insured and it is possible to lose money.
They are insurance products that require a premium to be paid for purchase.
Annuities do not accept or receive deposits and are not to be confused with bank issued financial instruments.
During all video segments, Dick and Eric are referring to Fixed Annuities unless otherwise specified.

  ^*Retirement Planning and annuity purchase assistance may be provided by Eric Judy or by referral to a recommended, experienced, Fiduciary Investment Advisor in helping our website visitors. Dick Van Dyke semi-retired from his Investment Advisory Practice in 2012 and now focuses on this website. He still maintains his insurance license in good standing and assists his current clients.
Our vetted and recommended Fiduciary Financial Planners are required to be properly licensed in assisting clients with their annuity and retirement planning needs. (Due diligence as a client is still always necessary when working with any advisor to check their current standing.)

Site Terms & Disclosure

1. All tools, videos or information visible on this website's pages, television, or other media are for educational and conceptual purposes only.
2. Tools, videos or information are not to be considered investment advice, insurance recommendations, tax or legal advice.
3. It is recommended that site visitors should work with licensed professionals for individualized advice before making any important or final financial decisions on what is best for his or her situation.
4. Website comments are not considered investor testimonials those shown only relate to an insurance agent referral service, customer service, or satisfaction with the purchase of insurance products and are never based on any investment or securities advice or investment or securities performance.
5. Please be aware that your feedback and compliments may be shared with our visitors or those that may be interested in our services we will never give out your full name or full address or phone number without your permission. By sending us your feedback & comments you agree to allow us full use in sharing your comments with others in public forums. Thank you for sharing.
6. Media logos are not any type of endorsement, they only imply that one or more of the Annuity Guys have written for, been quoted by, or appeared on the listed news outlet, broadcast or cable channels, or branded programs for non-advertising and/or advertising purposes, to offer educational and conceptual information about retirement issues.
7. Income is guaranteed by annuitization or income riders that may have additional costs or fees.
8. http://www.annuityguys.net & http://www.annuityguys.com forward to https://annuityguys.org. - Further all disclosures and information are to be considered as one and the same for any and all URL forwards, and these same disclosures and information also apply to all YouTube videos featuring Dick & Eric where ever they are viewed.
9. MarketFree Annuity Definition: Any fixed annuity or portfolio of fixed annuities that protects principal / premium and growth by remaining market risk free.
10. Market Free (annuities, retirements and portfolios) refer to the use of fixed insurance products with minimum guarantees that have no market risk to principal and are not investments in securities.
11. Market Gains are a calculation used to determine interest earned as a result of an increasing market related index limited by various factors in the contract. These can vary with each annuity and issuing insurance company.
12. Premium is the correct term for money placed into annuities principal is used as a universal term that describes the cash value of any asset.
13. Interest Earned is the correct term to describe Market Free Annuity Growth; Market Gains, Returns, Growth and other generally used terms only refer to actual Interest Earned
14. Market Free Annuities are fixed insurance products and only require an insurance license in order to sell these products; they are not securities investments and do not require a securities license.
15. No Loss only pertains to market downturns and not if losses are incurred due to early withdrawal penalties or other fees for additional insurance benefits.
16. Annuities typically have surrender periods where early or excessive withdrawals may result in a surrender cost.
17. Market Free Annuities may or may not have a bonus. Some bonus products have fees or lower interest crediting and when surrendered early the bonus or part of the bonus may be forfeited as part of the surrender process which is determined by each contract.
18. MarketFree Annuities are not FDIC Insured and are not guaranteed by any Government Agency.
19. Annuities are not Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured and their guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
20. State Insurance Guarantee Associations (SIGA) vary in coverage with each state and are not to be confused with FDIC which has the backing of the federal government.
21. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration.
22. *"Best” refers only to the opinion of Dick, this site's author; or the opinion of Dick & Eric in videos and is not considered best for all individuals.
23. *"APO” refers only to the Annual Pay-Out of annuities in the guaranteed lifetime income phase. *APO is NOT an annual yield or an annual rate of interest.
24. AnnuityRateWatch.com, is only a linked to subscription service, which is not affiliated with this site, it supplies and updates all Annuity Rates, Features Ratings, Fees and Riders. AnnuityRateWatch.com's information is available in the public domain and accuracy is not verified or guaranteed since this type of information is always subject to change.
25. Dick helps site visitors when help is requested. Dick may receive a referral fee as compensation from an advisor for a prospective client referral. This helps compensate Dick for time spent assisting site visitors and maintaining this educational website.
26. Eric Judy is both insurance licensed and securities licensed. Eric offers securities as an investment adviser representative through Client One Securities, LLC.
27. Eric purchases prospective client referrals from Annuity Guys Ltd. and may be compensated by commission for helping prospective clients purchase. Eric may also recommend these prospective clients to an advisor and earn a referral fee or a referral commission split.
28. Vetted advisors refers to advisors that are insurance licensed and recommended based on referral experience from satisfied clients.
29. Any recommendation of an advisor is only one aspect of any due diligence process. Each site visitor must accept full individual responsibility for choosing a licensed insurance agent/advisor.
30. In the event that a recommended licensed advisor/agent is not considered satisfactory, Eric will make reasonable efforts to recommend other advisors one at a time in an attempt to satisfy a site visitors planning or purchasing needs.
31. Dick is the website author and editor, Annuity Guys Ltd. is the website owner; Eric is a guest video commentator. Videos gathered from other public domain sources may also be used for educational and conceptual purposes.
32. There is NO COST to site visitors when they are given an advisor referral or recommendation.
33. By giving the us your contact information such as email, phone number, address and etc. you are giving your permission to be contacted or sent additional relevant information about annuities, retirement and related financial information. We have a NO SPAM policy.
34. Accuracy of website information is strived for but is not guaranteed.
35. Freedom from virus or malware is strived for but is not guaranteed. Website visitors accept any and all risk associated with damage to any computer for any reason when using this website and hold this website harmless from any liability.
36. Use this website like the vast majority of websites at your own risk. No risk or liability of any type are accepted by any business entity or any of the information providers for this website.

The post Is One Million in Annuities or Securities Enough to Retire On? appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

]]> https://annuityguys.org/is-one-million-in-annuities-or-securities-enough-to-retire-on/feed/ 0 https://annuityguys.org/ten-questions-to-ask-before-purchasing-a-hybrid-annuity/ https://annuityguys.org/ten-questions-to-ask-before-purchasing-a-hybrid-annuity/#comments Tue, 08 Oct 2024 06:00:28 +0000 http://annuityguys.org/?p=11966 And now, here’s your Fixed Index Annuity TOP TEN Countdown… while we are definitely not the Casey Kasem version of counting down the top ten annuities, we can be somewhat entertaining as we help you stay informed concerning the ten top questions about fixed index annuities… [Top 10 list is continued below video] Video: Watch as Dick and Eric […]

The post Top Ten Fixed Index Annuity Questions to ask Before Purchasing! appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

]]> And now, here’s your Fixed Index Annuity TOP TEN Countdown… while we are definitely not the Casey Kasem version of counting down the top ten annuities, we can be somewhat entertaining as we help you stay informed concerning the ten top questions about fixed index annuities… [Top 10 list is continued below video]

Video: Watch as Dick and Eric tackle these 10 crucial questions one by one…

 Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values. During this segment, Dick and Eric are referring to Fixed Annuities unless otherwise specified.

Review 3-Best Retirement Annuities for Your
GROWTH, INCOME & SAFETY!

 

1. Is this a fixed index or variable annuity^#;
2. What are the ratings of the insurance carrier;
3. How long has the carrier been in business?
4. What are the minimum **guarantees?
5. What are the limiting factors for growth of the cash account?
6. What are the contractual **guarantees for ;
   • Income
   • Death Benefit
   • Long Term Care
   • Growth Components
7. What is the company’s renewal rate history.
8. Is the fixed index annuity more optimal for Income, Growth, Long Term Care or Death Benefit?
9. What is your States, Guarantee Association Limits for Fixed Annuities.
10. In the worst case scenario will the contractual **guarantees meet your retirement objectives.

Don’t like our list check out this one from Forbes which is more focused on variable annuities^#.

The ABCs Of Annuities: 8 Questions To Ask Before You Buy

By: Deborah L. Jacobs

Annuities have become big business. Baby boomers are retiring in record numbers. Having experienced the market turmoil and uncertainty of the past five years, many of them want investments that offer an element of stability and security.

When chosen carefully annuities can protect consumers against outliving their money and protect against stock market volatility–features which are not available in traditional stock or mutual fund^{^} accounts. But with his protection comes additional costs, restrictions and fees, which consumers must review before considering an annuity purchase.

An annuity contract is a method of converting wealth into a stream of income. An investor gives money to an insurance company. In exchange the insurance company agrees to provide the investor with a benefit at a future date. The two most common promised benefits are an immediate life-long income stream (an “immediate annuity”) and the promise of growing an account balance into the future (called a “deferred annuity”).

Immediate annuities are contracts in which the buyer pays a set premium in return for a promised annual payment to that person and perhaps the surviving spouse. The size of an annuity payment (generally expressed as a monthly payment), is based on the age of the purchaser when the annuity begins and actuarial assumptions about the individual’s life expectancy.

Deferred annuities credit accounts annually. The crediting rate is based on a fixed promise; equity and bond performance; or a combination of elements. Deferred annuity contracts do not provide an immediate income stream but instead are a long-term tax-deferred investment. Recent demand for retirement plan rollovers coupled with **guaranteed elements in deferred annuity contracts have created a surge in product sales.

As the annuity business has grown, insurance companies have begun offering a variety of contract types, features, bells and whistles. Product innovation and competition can be fantastic for consumers. Unfortunately, they have also made things so complex that it may be difficult to understand what you’re buying. Before signing on to one of these arrangements, make sure you understand which annuity contracts, if any, are right for you and what type of additional contract features may be worth added costs. Here are some questions to ask.

1. Will the insurance company selling me the annuity be able to make good on its promises? Credit ratings matter. Consumers have little other objective information to determine the likelihood they will receive their promised benefit in the future. So it makes sense to ask for the exact rating of an insurance company.

Do not be satisfied with potentially misleading phrases such as “good,” “great,” “consistent” or “strong.” Insurance companies are rated by AM Best, Fitch, and Moody’s as well as Standard and Poor’s. AM Best ranks superior companies as A++ and A+. Moody’s, Fitch and S&P rate top quality insurance companies between AAA and A. Consumers should be wary of purchasing an annuity contract sold from an insurer with less than an AM Best “A” rating, or purchasing any contract from a salesperson who is unable to provide an AM Best rating.

2. How much will this contract cost annually, including all expenses? Annuity contracts are generally more expensive than mutual fund^{^}s. The richer the **guarantees carried by a contract, the higher the corresponding costs will be. Deferred annuity contracts will generally charge:

An administrative fee (typically from 0.10 to 0.25%). This fee covers reporting, generating reports, online security and account access. Administrative fees may be waived for accounts with initial balances of more than $1 million.

Mortality and expense fees (typically ranging from 1.0% – 1.5%). These fees are used to provide insurance death benefits if the contract holder passes away and to compensate the insurance company for risks associated with holding the contract.

Mortality and expense fees will vary based on how much the insurance company has promised to pay at the death of the owner. Simple death benefit options, such as promising to return the current account balance to the contract owner at death, will have lower mortality and expense charges (0.5 – 1.0%) than those promising more sophisticated death benefits (such as a multiple of the contract premium), or elaborate calculations taking into consideration the highest contract value on specific contract anniversary dates (1.0% – 2.0%).

Fees for any additional optional benefits. These benefits, such as **guaranteed minimum returns or sustainable lifetime withdrawals, will add to the cost of a contract. While additional features vary widely by insurer, they can generally be pooled into “income” related features, “death” related features or “access” related features.

Income features **guarantee that a cash flow stream from the contract will continue uninterrupted regardless of market fluctuation. Income features vary dramatically by insurance companies but generally range in annual cost between 0.5 – 1.5%. Consumers who do not currently need withdrawals from the annuity contract should consider their options carefully before purchasing this type of benefit.

Death features are generally wrapped into the mortality and expense charges of a contract. The simplest death benefit is a return of the initial premium paid to the insurance company. More complicated features promise an elevated death benefit of some sort. Death provisions can be complicated and are often not needed by consumers using annuities as an investment and retirement tool.

Access features, such as being able to withdraw account dollars free of any early withdrawal penalty in the event of a terminal illness, disability or long-term care need, are common in today’s annuity contracts. Access features may be standard in some contracts but may carry additional cost in others.

In addition to these fees, variable contracts will also charge direct or indirect asset management fees. All totaled, a deferred variable annuity^# will typically range in cost between 1.75% annually, for a contract with few bells and whistles, to over 3.25% annually, for a contract with income and death benefit **guarantees. Understand the exact purpose of each fee and compare fees across insurance companies before you purchase a variable annuity^#. [Read More… ]

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Using OutCome Based Planning for Your Retirement

We practice and recommend a "Holistic - OutCome Based Planning process when considering annuities." This approach has the effect of balancing your overall portfolio so you can meet your retirement objectives by "first identifying the least amount of your investments or savings (if any) that should be considered for annuities." OutCome Based Planning analyzes and models multiple outcomes so you can clearly identify your best income and growth opportunities.

"The Annuity Guys will only call if you request help". Hence, when you are ready for specialized help we will be available.

"Working with an Experienced Fiduciary Financial Planner can help you Avoid a Trial & Error or Risk Based Retirement"

• *FIDUCIARY RETIREMENT REVIEWS
  Second Opinions Improve Retirements
   

  "For Your Retirement's Success"
  

   Choose a *Fiduciary Advisor who gives you Full Disclosure of Cost & Selection.

   

  Material Fact 1:
  

    About 90% of advisors ARE NOT REQUIRED by law to do what is best for their clients!

   

  Material Fact 2:

   Fiduciary Advisors ARE REQUIRED by law to do what's best for their clients! 

   

    Hence, clients of a fiduciary can know that their advisor chose the highest legal standard required by law to work strictly for their highest good.

   

   We estimate Fiduciaries are less than 10% of total U.S. financial service providers. Fiduciaries are held to the highest client legal standard of financial planning and investment advice.

   

   The other 90% are sales oriented advisors, brokers, bank reps, registered reps. & insurance agents, selling products on a much lower suitability legal standard, not necessarily what's best for their client!
  

   
  

     Fiduciaries also must disclose conflicts of interest that could potentially bias their advice, such as; selling products that pay them higher commissions having higher fees or costs, and their lack of investment product access limiting their client's opportunities, to name a few.

   
  

  Choosing your advisor can have

  "The Largest Single Impact on

  Your Retirement's Success or Failure"
  

  ---

Δ

This type of approach does take considerably more time, effort and analysis which will show you mathematically the successful possibilities by comparing various outcomes rather than trying to sell or convince you of that "so-called one best solution." Clients frequently tell us that this process removes some of the confusion and emotion to help them objectively identify a better retirement plan; rather than just ending up with the most convincing salesperson or advisor.

When requesting help you can be assured of working with an experienced Annuity Guys' Retirement Planner who is independently insurance licensed and securities licensed as a fiduciary financial planner having access to the vast majority of annuity companies in helping you choose the best annuities using a holistic-outcome based planning approach. We consider the high quality advisor recommendations we make to our website visitors as a direct reflection back on our commitment to serve all client's with a high standard of excellence in financial planning for retirement.

Based on survey feedback on advisors from our website visitors, we eliminated about two-hundred local advisors and now only recommend a few that we consider experienced vetted Annuity Guys' Fiduciary Advisors. Many local advisors continue requesting us to recommend them as a vetted advisor. However, our reputation and future business is driven only by satisfied website visitors. So, unfortunately we've had to tell the vast majority of local advisors no, since we changed our business model four years ago. At that time we stopped trying to satisfy everyone with local advisors, we now primarily work with individuals who are comfortable using today's internet technology to their fullest advantage by working with a select group of vetted, experienced and knowledgeable Annuity Guys' Fiduciary Planners.

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• *FIDUCIARY RETIREMENT REVIEWS
  No Cost or Obligation - Annuity Guys
   

  "For Your Retirement's Success"

   

  Choose a *Fiduciary Advisor who gives you Full Disclosure of Cost & Selection.
   

  Fiduciary Advisors 10% - Sales Advisors 90% 

   

  2024 Financial Advisor Summary Report
  

   *Fiduciary Financial Planners we estimate at less than 10% of total US financial advisors.
  The other 90% of advisors are salespeople such as brokers, bank reps, registered reps. & insurance agents.
  
   Advisors licensed only as a sales oriented securities broker, registered rep, or insurance agent, ARE NOT Fiduciaries! They work on a much lower legal standard of Suitability which does not require full disclosure and only requires a suitable product sale, NOT what's actually best for their client!
  
    Fiduciary Financial Planners by law are subject to the highest standard of financial planning and investment advice accountability.
    Hence, clients of a fiduciary can know that their advisor is required legally to work strictly for their highest benefit.
  
    This is also referred to as the prudent man rule, which in simple terms means that by licensing as a Series 65 Investment Advisor / Financial Planner they must give clients the best advice they are capable of based on all the knowledge they possess and information they have access to, in the same way they would advise and help close friends or family members.
  
    Fiduciaries also must disclose all known conflicts of interest that could potentially bias their advice, such as - selling financial products that pay them higher  commissions with higher fees or costs, and their lack of investment product availability for their clients' needs, just to name a few.

   

  Choosing your advisor can have

  "The Largest Single Impact on

  Your Retirement's Success or Failure"
  

Δ

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Selecting the Best Annuity & Retirement Income Advisor

Are you willing to work with one of our retirement and annuity advisors based on their experience and expertise as a first priority rather than being limited by a local or regional area? The good news is that technology has forever eliminated our geographical limitations and leveled the playing field for everyone! As a result of today's technological advances, all of us can now work confidently with experts in any field including personal finance. We are no longer confined by regional or local boundaries limiting our choices and ultimate success. A high quality advisor is now as close as a click or phone call away.

Video:"Choose a National or Local Advisor"?

"There is no room for trial and error when it comes to choosing MarketFree® Annuities or a Successful Retirement Planner."

When you think about it, your money is almost always in some other state with a custodian; whether invested in the market or with an annuity insurance company, the advisors competence is primarily needed when positioning your money initially. So working with a specialized expert in a financial discipline like investments or retirement planning is imperative. There are no undo buttons in retirement! Once the annuities get set up correctly, it is customary and more efficient for owners to benefit by having direct access to the issuer instead of having to go through the agent. And, of course any reputable advisor, local or national, is more than willing to assist their clients if needed after they are implemented.

Video:"Why These 3 Types of Annuity Advisors are Not Created Equal"

"There are no undo buttons in retirement so it is vitally important that you do it right the first time!"

We are fortunate to have a select few who we believe are truly the highest qualified advisors out of about two hundred licensed insurance agents that we eliminated. Your survey feedback is what helps us make these tough decisions. Our advisors have an independent financial practice, specializing in annuities and retirement planning, which helps ensure that you are given the best options available for your retirement planning.

Video: "How Much of Your Money Should You Consider Placing into Annuities"?

"It takes an experienced expert to know how to structure annuities for income, inflation, growth, return of principal, and tax advantage."

"Anyone can sell you an annuity; however, it takes a truly qualified and experienced advisor to know how to structure them for income, inflation, growth, return of principal, and tax advantage. Typically, there is not just one that can accomplish all of these objectives. It is how an advisor structures multiple annuities in balancing your total portfolio that makes it possible to achieve your most important retirement objectives."

Video: "How to Choose a Great retirement Advisor"?

Why Searching for the Best Annuities on Your Own Can be so Frustrating...

Almost everyone nowadays turns to the internet for answers on everything - from buying new widgets to researching just about everything under the sun; and finding the best annuity is no exception! At first, it may seem that researching will be straightforward but the more time you spend researching them, the more frustrating it can be. Why is this? First of all, it does not take long to realize that gimmicks abound - such as warnings and alerts from salesmen who just want your attention so they can sell you one or the "too good to be true" claims of 8% to 14% **guaranteed interest and of course the claim that you can get the full market upside with no downside risk! If you have done any research you have heard all of these claims in advertising which are mostly half truths and not fully explained. So how can you find the best annuities on the internet? The truth is... you can't! And what is even more frustrating is all the conflicting points of view from so called experts. There are well over 6,000 different annuities - all designed for different reasons, so is it any wonder that the deck is stacked against the average researcher or do-it-yourselfer. Add to that the fact that they pay high enough commissions to attract a plethora of both good and bad agents. This does not make annuities good or bad; they are simply a financial tool that truly benefit those who use them correctly. How can you find the best annuities for your unique situation?

• Use the internet cautiously;
• Work with a vetted and experienced specialist;
• Do not settle for that one dubious best plan. Compare multiple Outcome Based Plans to decide on the one that is truly best for you;
• Be keenly aware of scare tactics and hyperbole - avoid those advisors and websites;
• Avoid websites that are focused on rushing free reports, rates and quotes to get your contact information they are rushing you to speak with them, instead, take your time and choose someone you are more comfortable with that works on your time-table;
• Know the Five Vital Factors (listed above) that an experienced specialist must answer before helping you select the best options for your situation;
• Watch this telling video "Avoid Annuity Gimmicks, Amateurs and Charlatans"...

Video: "Avoiding Gimmicks, Scams & Charlatans"

  ^** Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values. Annuities are not FDIC insured and it is possible to lose money.
They are insurance products that require a premium to be paid for purchase.
Annuities do not accept or receive deposits and are not to be confused with bank issued financial instruments.
During all video segments, Dick and Eric are referring to Fixed Annuities unless otherwise specified.

  ^*Retirement Planning and annuity purchase assistance may be provided by Eric Judy or by referral to a recommended, experienced, Fiduciary Investment Advisor in helping our website visitors. Dick Van Dyke semi-retired from his Investment Advisory Practice in 2012 and now focuses on this website. He still maintains his insurance license in good standing and assists his current clients.
Our vetted and recommended Fiduciary Financial Planners are required to be properly licensed in assisting clients with their annuity and retirement planning needs. (Due diligence as a client is still always necessary when working with any advisor to check their current standing.)

Site Terms & Disclosure

1. All tools, videos or information visible on this website's pages, television, or other media are for educational and conceptual purposes only.
2. Tools, videos or information are not to be considered investment advice, insurance recommendations, tax or legal advice.
3. It is recommended that site visitors should work with licensed professionals for individualized advice before making any important or final financial decisions on what is best for his or her situation.
4. Website comments are not considered investor testimonials those shown only relate to an insurance agent referral service, customer service, or satisfaction with the purchase of insurance products and are never based on any investment or securities advice or investment or securities performance.
5. Please be aware that your feedback and compliments may be shared with our visitors or those that may be interested in our services we will never give out your full name or full address or phone number without your permission. By sending us your feedback & comments you agree to allow us full use in sharing your comments with others in public forums. Thank you for sharing.
6. Media logos are not any type of endorsement, they only imply that one or more of the Annuity Guys have written for, been quoted by, or appeared on the listed news outlet, broadcast or cable channels, or branded programs for non-advertising and/or advertising purposes, to offer educational and conceptual information about retirement issues.
7. Income is guaranteed by annuitization or income riders that may have additional costs or fees.
8. http://www.annuityguys.net & http://www.annuityguys.com forward to https://annuityguys.org. - Further all disclosures and information are to be considered as one and the same for any and all URL forwards, and these same disclosures and information also apply to all YouTube videos featuring Dick & Eric where ever they are viewed.
9. MarketFree Annuity Definition: Any fixed annuity or portfolio of fixed annuities that protects principal / premium and growth by remaining market risk free.
10. Market Free (annuities, retirements and portfolios) refer to the use of fixed insurance products with minimum guarantees that have no market risk to principal and are not investments in securities.
11. Market Gains are a calculation used to determine interest earned as a result of an increasing market related index limited by various factors in the contract. These can vary with each annuity and issuing insurance company.
12. Premium is the correct term for money placed into annuities principal is used as a universal term that describes the cash value of any asset.
13. Interest Earned is the correct term to describe Market Free Annuity Growth; Market Gains, Returns, Growth and other generally used terms only refer to actual Interest Earned
14. Market Free Annuities are fixed insurance products and only require an insurance license in order to sell these products; they are not securities investments and do not require a securities license.
15. No Loss only pertains to market downturns and not if losses are incurred due to early withdrawal penalties or other fees for additional insurance benefits.
16. Annuities typically have surrender periods where early or excessive withdrawals may result in a surrender cost.
17. Market Free Annuities may or may not have a bonus. Some bonus products have fees or lower interest crediting and when surrendered early the bonus or part of the bonus may be forfeited as part of the surrender process which is determined by each contract.
18. MarketFree Annuities are not FDIC Insured and are not guaranteed by any Government Agency.
19. Annuities are not Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured and their guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
20. State Insurance Guarantee Associations (SIGA) vary in coverage with each state and are not to be confused with FDIC which has the backing of the federal government.
21. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration.
22. *"Best” refers only to the opinion of Dick, this site's author; or the opinion of Dick & Eric in videos and is not considered best for all individuals.
23. *"APO” refers only to the Annual Pay-Out of annuities in the guaranteed lifetime income phase. *APO is NOT an annual yield or an annual rate of interest.
24. AnnuityRateWatch.com, is only a linked to subscription service, which is not affiliated with this site, it supplies and updates all Annuity Rates, Features Ratings, Fees and Riders. AnnuityRateWatch.com's information is available in the public domain and accuracy is not verified or guaranteed since this type of information is always subject to change.
25. Dick helps site visitors when help is requested. Dick may receive a referral fee as compensation from an advisor for a prospective client referral. This helps compensate Dick for time spent assisting site visitors and maintaining this educational website.
26. Eric Judy is both insurance licensed and securities licensed. Eric offers securities as an investment adviser representative through Client One Securities, LLC.
27. Eric purchases prospective client referrals from Annuity Guys Ltd. and may be compensated by commission for helping prospective clients purchase. Eric may also recommend these prospective clients to an advisor and earn a referral fee or a referral commission split.
28. Vetted advisors refers to advisors that are insurance licensed and recommended based on referral experience from satisfied clients.
29. Any recommendation of an advisor is only one aspect of any due diligence process. Each site visitor must accept full individual responsibility for choosing a licensed insurance agent/advisor.
30. In the event that a recommended licensed advisor/agent is not considered satisfactory, Eric will make reasonable efforts to recommend other advisors one at a time in an attempt to satisfy a site visitors planning or purchasing needs.
31. Dick is the website author and editor, Annuity Guys Ltd. is the website owner; Eric is a guest video commentator. Videos gathered from other public domain sources may also be used for educational and conceptual purposes.
32. There is NO COST to site visitors when they are given an advisor referral or recommendation.
33. By giving the us your contact information such as email, phone number, address and etc. you are giving your permission to be contacted or sent additional relevant information about annuities, retirement and related financial information. We have a NO SPAM policy.
34. Accuracy of website information is strived for but is not guaranteed.
35. Freedom from virus or malware is strived for but is not guaranteed. Website visitors accept any and all risk associated with damage to any computer for any reason when using this website and hold this website harmless from any liability.
36. Use this website like the vast majority of websites at your own risk. No risk or liability of any type are accepted by any business entity or any of the information providers for this website.

The post Top Ten Fixed Index Annuity Questions to ask Before Purchasing! appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

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