Get Smarter

Today's topic is, should you date or should you marry your annuity? Now the reason that I categorize it like that is people ask me all the time how I analyze the financial wherewithal of these companies. The claims-paying ability of these carriers.

Today we're discussing retirement income and whether multiple annuities are a good idea. I recently received the question: "I have 60% of my portfolio in an annuity. My wife (still working for four more years) has two-thirds of a portfolio my size. Would a second annuity with hers down the road be a good idea? Just a percentage of it."

Today's topic is, addiction to the market can kill retirement dreams. Your addiction to following the stock market and investing in the stock market and taking risks with your money can literally kill retirement dreams, especially in these volatile markets. I had a call the other day which prompted this topic.

Today's topic is, annuitization can now be your last resort when it comes to income. Let me explain that to you. Most people think incorrectly and even some advisors and financial journalists think there’s only one type of annuity; lifetime income, Immediate Annuity, and if you die, the annuity company keeps the money. That is ridiculous.

There is some serious math IQ on this Fun With Annuities podcast as Branislav Nikolic joins me as my newest celebrity guest host.

So glad you joined me to talk about annuitization across the nation.

Today's topic is called Annuity Paralysis by Interest Rate Analysis. Suddenly everybody seems to be an Interest Rate Analyst and knows what Mr. Powell's going to do and what Ms. Yellen's going to say.

So how much tax do you pay on an annuity? The types of accounts you can have annuities in are a big determinant of how the taxation is calculated to last in, first out. All this stuff that you're going to need to know, I'm going to go over it today. Remember, when it comes to taxes, always talk to your CPA and tax lawyer.

Anytime the market's gyrating a little bit, and now that COVID is lifted a little bit, you're starting to get those invitations in the mail to go to the local, very nice, high-end restaurant to have the steak dinner and then hear a sales pitch on the scariness of the markets.

Today's topic is a weird one, a good one, a timely one, a needed one, and it is called Stop Living Your Life by the Tax Code. Now, disclaimer, I'm not a CPA. I'm not a tax lawyer. I do not give tax advice, and no advisor or agent should give you any tax advice unless they are a CPA or a tax lawyer or in some cases, CFPs have that certification, as well

I always joke with Terry Savage that when she walks into most rooms, she is the smartest person there. I’m not kidding. Throw gender out of the window because only a select few match her financial IQ.

Today's topic is annuity fees. What to look for, how to avoid them. Do you want to avoid them? So, are there any fees associated with initiating an annuity? Annuity, as you know, can mean many different types. You can’t say "I hate all annuities" Really? Do you hate your social security, player?

Today's topic's a good one, and I've been looking forward to talking about this. I get a lot of emails and calls and all this stuff about secondary market annuities, SMAs as they're called in the business.

Today's topic is, do you have lifetime income insurance? I know what you're saying. "Stan, that's sappy. We know where you're headed with this. You're going to talk about." No, I'm going to start out by asking you some questions. Do you have car insurance? Do you have home insurance?

Today's topic is “Can you actually cross the retirement finish line?” I'm running into this a lot right now. I had a call the other day and these people had enough money that they never had to worry about another thing. All they had to do was just peel off interest, and never touch the principal. It was done.