**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.

1. Recognize extreme bias such as articles and websites that are for or against annuities in an extreme way, citing very negative or positive information without a balance of both pros and cons.
2. Learn annuity fundamentals such as specific types of annuities
3. Learn how each type of annuity functions.
4. Understand annuity limitations so you are not looking for a silver bullet that does not exist.
5. Avoid the temptation to over analyze. Focus on the basic aspects of using annuities as a financial tool for safer growth or retirement income.
6. Once you have grasped the fundamentals or basics, get expert help to drill down into annuity specifics.
7. Know or establish your own retirement objectives so you can focus on the aspects of annuities that will meet those objectives.

We are often quoted for our saying “you only get to do retirement once, so do it right the first time.” That doesn’t mean you should be afraid to make a decision – after all, not making a decision is a decision by default! We encourage you to work with a professional who can guide you with a balanced understanding of achieving your goals by using the strategies and financial products that can help you accomplish your retirement objectives.

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 7-Steps in Avoiding Annuity Information Overload appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

Fixed Annuities (non-variable), when properly structured, provide two elements that safeguard retirements – lifetime income **guarantees and safer growth without the risk of investment loss to principal. One of the greatest determining factors in whether or not a retiree will have enough money through retirement are the unpredictable…[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.

Eric’s Sequence of Returns Calculator Link.

There are oodles of examples on the internet of how negative returns in the early years of retirement can have catastrophic results on a retirement plan built heavily on the performance of equities. If you want to insure a greater likelihood of retirement success, then simply reduce the level of risk in your portfolio. You can de-riskify your portfolio by adding fixed income assets such as annuities and holding them to maturity or by adding income options that go beyond maturity.

The multitude of annuities can sometimes lead to a level of confusion when trying to determine the correct annuity for your needs. All annuities have the ability to provide a lifetime income through annuitization; however, the more recent options provide lifetime income **guarantees through the use of policy riders rather than having to surrender control of your asset to the insurance company.

In addition, there are types of annuities including fixed and fixed index-annuities that provide for asset growth while preventing any loss of principal. For retirees in their early retirement years, safeguarding their portfolio from loss can be of paramount importance. The idea of capturing gains when the indexes are doing well and then not suffering any losses when the indexes go negative is particularly appealing to retirees who understand the potential impact of how a negative sequence of returns can impact their entire retirement.

Here is an article from MarketWatch on the issues of sequence of return risk.

How to avoid sequence-of-return risk

It’s important in comedy. It’s equally if not more important in retirement. In essence, we’re talking about the timing of your retirement and how much you plan to withdraw from your retirement accounts.

Get the timing right and your money is likely to last over the course of your household’s entire retirement. Get the timing wrong and your money, sorry to be the bearer of bad news again, isn’t going to last over the course of your lifetime.

So says Wade Pfau, a professor of retirement income at The American College. In a recent blog post, Pfau ran some numbers, Monte Carlo simulations, to show the effects of what’s called sequence-of-return risk.

In one case, he showed what would happen to 151 hypothetical investors who work and save the same amount for 30 years and get 30 years of market returns, but who differ only in which 30-year period they worked and saved in a 180-year simulated historical time frame.

And what he found was this: Those hypothetical investors could expect to build on average a nest egg equal to 10 times their salary, but the outcome ranged from a little less than three times salary to more than 27 times salary. “These are very different outcomes for people who otherwise behaved exactly the same,” Pfau wrote.

What’s more, Pfau noted that in some cases, the hypothetical investor who retired one year after the one who accumulated 27 times their salary built a nest egg of just 17 times their salary. In other words, there’s a bit of serendipity going here for all us saving for and hoping to live in retirement. And in some cases, investors might miss their chance to reach their savings goal after 30 years, wrote Pfau.

“This is sequence of returns risk,” wrote Pfau. “People are more vulnerable to the returns experienced when their portfolios are larger because a given percentage change has a bigger impact on absolute wealth. A big portfolio drop at the end could possibly wipe out all of the portfolio gains from the first 25 years of one’s career.”

Well, according to Pfau, the same risk exists in retirement, and perhaps even more strongly, if retirees are using a constant inflation-adjusted withdrawal strategy, Pfau wrote. Using Monte Carlo simulations, he showed that for his 151 hypothetical retirees, the actual maximum sustainable withdrawal rates over 30-years ranged anywhere from 1.9% to 10.9% “for reasons beyond one’s control reflected simply by the luck of when they retired.” [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 Can Annuities Eliminate or Reduce Retirement Failure? appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

]]> https://annuityguys.org/annuities-eliminate-retirement-failure/feed/ 0 https://annuityguys.org/annuities-investing-and-retirement-whats-your-strategy/ https://annuityguys.org/annuities-investing-and-retirement-whats-your-strategy/#respond Mon, 06 Nov 2023 07:00:38 +0000 http://annuityguys.org/?p=14340 A goal without a plan is mostly just a hope and a wish. So, do you have a well thought out retirement planning strategy or just a hope and wish for your retirement? We encourage the use of annuities to provide reliable income and safer growth for some portion of a well designed retirement plan. […]

The post Annuities, Investing and Retirement – What’s Your Strategy? appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

]]> A goal without a plan is mostly just a hope and a wish. So, do you have a well thought out retirement planning strategy or just a hope and wish for your retirement?

We encourage the use of annuities to provide reliable income and safer growth for some portion of a well designed retirement plan. Does this mean we believe that every retirement plan should [continued below video…]

Video: Watch as Dick and Eric talk about today’s retirement choices and challenges.

**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…] only have annuities? Of course not! If you are comfortable taking some stock market risk and you have ample core income from pensions or Social Security to cover your foundational income need, then an annuity may not be one of the better options for your situation.

Before pro-annuity owners or advisors start questioning our prior statement, we agree that there are additional savings and growth benefits to annuities beyond their ability to provide a lifetime of retirement income.

Annuities are not (typically) the whole answer to a solid retirement plan – nor are equities. We have however, often spoken with many clients whose retirement plan is reliant upon the overall performance of the securities market and their simply hoping for a successful retirement outcome, with out any certainty!

When in comes to retirement planning, our retirement number is 100%. Make sure you have done everything to insure you are 100% comfortable with your retirement plan and its 100% balanced to your goals and to the limits of downside risk you can accept.

5 things every retirement portfolio should have

Marketwatch
While millions of people strive to achieve their own vision of retirement, the chaotic investment markets of the past 20 years left many more tired than retired.

To keep yourself on track, there are five critical areas that you need to conquer. They may seem straightforward, even obvious. But this isn’t about knowing how to define them. It’s about having an ironclad strategy for pursuing them.

It’s the start of baseball season and developing a successful and relevant retirement investment strategy is a lot like scouting ballplayers. In baseball, the ideal player is one who excels at all five skill areas of the game: hitting for power, hitting for batting average, fielding throwing and running. That special athlete who gets high grades in all areas is known as a “5-Tool Player.” They are hard to find.

Similarly, investors should aim for their retirement strategy to possess these five abilities. In future articles I will explore each of these in more depth, so you can start to personalize this approach for your own situation.

1. Consistent income

Years ago, retirees simply bought bonds, collected the coupon interest and lived happily ever after. But that fairy tale is over.

After over 30 years of falling interest rates, today’s income investor faces a similar situation predicament. Higher rates will be a vicious surprise to many as bonds produce negative returns (as some major bond indexes did in 2013). Even if bond rates stay in their current range, their income yields are quite low by retiree’s standards.

If rates continue to fall from these pathetically low levels, they can only go so far before hitting zero. Please don’t root for that to happen, as it will likely signal a deeper economic problem. And look for non-bond approaches to income.

Hint: dividends are taxed at rates that are often much lower than bond interest.

2. Preservation of capital

My number one rule of investing is to do whatever is in my control to avoid the “big loss.” But quantifying how much and over what time period is a big loss is a very personal preference.

To think it through, take the size of your portfolio and figure out what level it must drop to cause you to start freaking out. That’s a pretty good estimate. Many emotional, irrational retirement investing decisions occur when you get close to your big loss point and the feelings of fear and regret sneak up on you. Read More…

Five Retirement & Annuity Calculators

Best Advanced Retirement Income Calculator - Free

• 
• Advanced Financial Planning
  
  Retirement Income Calculator
  Save Reports & Planning Docs!
• E-mail*
  This powerful calculator doesn't guarantee accuracy or any future results. You should use a licensed financial planner to confirm all of your calculations.

  Instant Access - Confidential - Easy Opt-Out
• Comments
  This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

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, Investing and Retirement – What’s Your Strategy? appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

]]> https://annuityguys.org/annuities-investing-and-retirement-whats-your-strategy/feed/ 0 https://annuityguys.org/outcome-based-planning-with-annuities/ https://annuityguys.org/outcome-based-planning-with-annuities/#respond Wed, 14 Jun 2023 06:00:05 +0000 http://annuityguys.org/?p=18071 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 that should be considered for annuities.” OutCome Based Planning™ analyzes and models multiple […]

The post OutCome Based Planning™ for Retirement appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

]]> 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 that should be considered for annuities.” OutCome Based Planning analyzes and models multiple outcomes so you can clearly identify your best…[continued below video]

Video: The Annuity Guys, Eric and Dick explain the merits of using Outcome Based Retirement Planning.

**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.

[continued] …income and growth opportunities.

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

 

“The Annuity Guys will never call you unless you request our assistance”. When you are ready for specialized help we will be available to assist you..

“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 an independent, licensed insurance agent and (also a securities licensed fiduciary financial planner) who has access to many different companies and annuities in helping you choose 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 us.

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 an Annuity Guy’s 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 over 10 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 Two Helpful DVDs & Our Library Edition – Annuity Reference Book

Is Your Annuity Advisor a Salesman or a Fiduciary?
2017 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 Two Fact-Filled DVDs!

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"

Five Retirement & Annuity Calculators

Best Advanced Retirement Income Calculator - Free

• 
• Advanced Financial Planning
  
  Retirement Income Calculator
  Save Reports & Planning Docs!
• E-mail*
  This powerful calculator doesn't guarantee accuracy or any future results. You should use a licensed financial planner to confirm all of your calculations.

  Instant Access - Confidential - Easy Opt-Out
• Phone
  This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

  ^** 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 OutCome Based Planning™ for Retirement appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

]]> https://annuityguys.org/outcome-based-planning-with-annuities/feed/ 0 https://annuityguys.org/annuity-undo-buttons-using-your-free-look/ https://annuityguys.org/annuity-undo-buttons-using-your-free-look/#respond Sat, 21 Feb 2015 07:00:02 +0000 http://annuityguys.org/?p=18028 Most big ticket purchase come with a warranty or a **guarantee – including annuities. Did you know that all annuities come with a money back satisfaction **guarantee? Annuity owners are permitted to terminate their annuities contracts without penalty or surrender charges during their free-look period. The free-look period differs by state and by carrier but […]

The post Annuity Undo Buttons – Using Your Free Look! appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

]]> Most big ticket purchase come with a warranty or a **guarantee – including annuities. Did you know that all annuities come with a money back satisfaction **guarantee?

Annuity owners are permitted to terminate their annuities contracts without penalty or surrender charges during their free-look period. The free-look period differs by state and by carrier but typically last for a period of not less than…[continued below video]

Video: The Annuity Guys, Eric and Dick examine one of the most unknown and misunderstood aspects of an annuity purchasing decision.

**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.

…10 days. If the annuity owner decides to surrender the contract during this period, they can receive a full refund of premium paid thus releasing them from the contract which allows them to re-consider their options or pursue other alternatives.

The free-look provision provides annuity purchasers an extra level of comfort knowing that they can “undo” their decision if they find something discomforting or unexpected in their contract at the time of delivery.
Investopedia explains ‘Free Look Period’
During the free look period, the purchaser can continue to ask the insurer questions regarding the contract in order to better understand the policy. If refunded, the amount given back may equate to the value of the account at cancellation or to the amount of purchase payments, depending on the state.

Five Retirement & Annuity Calculators

Best Advanced Retirement Income Calculator - Free

• 
• Advanced Financial Planning
  
  Retirement Income Calculator
  Save Reports & Planning Docs!
• E-mail*
  This powerful calculator doesn't guarantee accuracy or any future results. You should use a licensed financial planner to confirm all of your calculations.

  Instant Access - Confidential - Easy Opt-Out
• Comments
  This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

[embedit snippet=”faq-short-version”]

The post Annuity Undo Buttons – Using Your Free Look! appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

]]> https://annuityguys.org/annuity-undo-buttons-using-your-free-look/feed/ 0 https://annuityguys.org/are-hybrid-annuity-income-riders-stacked-in-your-favor/ https://annuityguys.org/are-hybrid-annuity-income-riders-stacked-in-your-favor/#respond Sat, 06 Sep 2014 06:00:00 +0000 http://annuityguys.org/?p=16312 We must own up to our play on words this week. One of the more recent popular income riders strategies is referred to as the “stacking” strategy. Of course we found our title quite witty while most of you are probably thinking – these guys really need to get out more. However, most of us […]

The post Are Hybrid Annuity Income Riders Stacked in Your Favor? appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

]]> We must own up to our play on words this week. One of the more recent popular income riders strategies is referred to as the “stacking” strategy. Of course we found our title quite witty while most of you are probably thinking – these guys really need to get out more.

However, most of us given the choice of having the odds of success stacked in our favor will undoubtedly at least consider benefiting from those odds. Does that mean this stacker strategy is superior to the traditional roll-up strategies that have been standard on most hybrid style annuities for the last six or seven years? Well, yes and no. What you have available with a stacking income rider is typically better income potential but you give up some of your contractual **guarantees in the trade-off. The income rider with a stacker works by providing a smaller roll-up growth **guarantee – typically three to four percent (instead of six to eight percent) and then stacking on the index growth for that period. Based upon historical illustrations the growth potential typically exceeds that of the traditional **guaranteed riders. However, they are based on probability and potential instead of absolute **guarantees. [continued below video…]

Video: Annuity Guys, Dick & Eric, explain some newer income rider strategies.

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. 

The ongoing low rate environment has squeezed insurance companies and limited their ability to provide greater income benefits without incurring crippling long-term liabilities in today’s depressed rate environment. To combat this, they created a stacker strategy which partially relieves the insurance company of the need to reserve as much money for an income rider liability by creating an opportunity to give that benefit only when the client has growth from the index – so they can pay as they go, sharing the profits with you.

Should everyone start to elect the stacker strategy on their annuity income riders? Not necessarily! The strength of annuities are their contractual **guarantees and if you like the idea of being able to own a “set-it and forget-it” style of annuity – knowing that it will roll-up to increase your future income on a **guaranteed level each year, then you will probably want to stick with a more traditional style income rider.

Are these just the two primary income rider strategies to choose from? No, again.

Another option is what we have termed “enhanced” income riders which offer minimal or no growth income **guarantees. However, you may be surprised to learn that these enhanced income riders have the potential to provide even greater income than the stacked income rider. While again not the ideal option for those requiring absolute **guarantees, they provide excellent potential for higher income based upon historical performance and some even offer an opportunity for increasing income for an inflation hedge.

As you evaluate your retirement, don’t feel as if you can only choose one of these strategies – often times the best results come from balancing multiple income strategies.

 

Five Retirement & Annuity Calculators

Best Advanced Retirement Income Calculator - Free

• 
• Advanced Financial Planning
  
  Retirement Income Calculator
  Save Reports & Planning Docs!
• E-mail*
  This powerful calculator doesn't guarantee accuracy or any future results. You should use a licensed financial planner to confirm all of your calculations.

  Instant Access - Confidential - Easy Opt-Out
• Name
  This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

 

The post Are Hybrid Annuity Income Riders Stacked in Your Favor? appeared first on Annuity Guys®.

]]> https://annuityguys.org/are-hybrid-annuity-income-riders-stacked-in-your-favor/feed/ 0