Retire For Less With The Annuity Expert | Podcast on RSS.com

Retire For Less With The Annuity Expert

Retire For Less With The Annuity Expert

by Shawn Plummer

Best Fixed Annuity Rates for September 2026

Are you looking for the highest guaranteed return on your retirement savings without exposing your money to stock market risk? If you are tired of standard bank CDs, Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) are currently offering some of the highest fixed interest rates seen in over 20 years. In this quick market update, Shawn from The Annuity Expert breaks down the absolute best fixed annuity rates available in the United States for September 2026. For investors demanding maximum safety, Shawn details the top yields from highly secure A-rated insurance carriers. These safe-money contracts currently range from 5.10% on a short 2-year term up to a 6.00% guaranteed yield for a 5-year term. For savers who are comfortable looking outside the A-rated tier to maximize their yield, Shawn reveals how you can lock in up to a massive 6.25% guaranteed annual return on 5-year, 7-year, and 10-year contracts. Shawn explains why these tax-deferred MYGAs serve as the ultimate conservative vehicle for retirees looking to protect their principal while generating predictable, aggressive interest. Want to compare all live, updated rates and find the exact contract that fits your time horizon? View our live fixed annuity rate table here: 👉 https://www.annuityexpertadvice.com/rates/annuity/fixed/ 📞 Call our team for free, no-obligation advice to safely lock in the highest fixed annuity rates at: 770-755-1565

Is a RILA a Variable Annuity?

In this completely unfiltered video, Shawn from The Annuity Expert explains why he considers RILAs to be a gimmick. Shawn describes a RILA as a hybrid created "if a variable annuity and a fixed index annuity had a baby." While RILAs are marketed as offering higher stock market upside with a loss "buffer," Shawn exposes how buffer strategies still expose you to significant losses before protection kicks in. When you stack market losses on top of contract fees and advisor management charges, a RILA can rapidly erode your retirement savings. Shawn also exposes the absurdity of paying an advisor an ongoing management fee on a self-managed, annual-reset RILA contract. Instead, he outlines his "Separation of Church and State" retirement strategy: keep your growth money in a separate market portfolio, and use a true Fixed Index Annuity (FIA)—such as the Athene Performance Elite series—to capture index gains while locking in 100% downside protection and guaranteed lifetime income. 👉 Read our full comparative guide on RILAs, FIAs, and Variable Annuities here: https://www.annuityexpertadvice.com/comparisons/rila-vs-fia-vs-va/ 📞 Call our team for free, no-obligation advice to evaluate your annuity options at: 770-755-1565 ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: Is a RILA a variable annuity? 0:21 - Insurance-based vs. Securities-based annuities 0:38 - What is a RILA? (The hybrid between a VA and FIA) 1:04 - Shawn's Verdict: Why RILA annuities are a gimmick 1:30 - The Fee Trap: Comparing RILA fees to Fixed Index Annuities 2:13 - The Strategy: "Separation of Church and State" in retirement planning 3:00 - Enhanced Fixed Index Annuities (Athene Performance Elite example) 3:47 - How buffer losses and fees stack against you 4:29 - Why paying an advisor a management fee on a RILA makes no sense 5:24 - Final Verdict: Why FIAs beat RILA annuities for safe growth

What Is a Roth IRA Annuity and How It Works

In this completely unfiltered video, Shawn from The Annuity Expert breaks down exactly how a Roth IRA annuity works. Think of the Roth IRA as a tax wrapper and the annuity as the financial engine inside that wrapper. Because funding is made with after-tax dollars, qualified withdrawals—including lifetime income payouts—are 100% tax-free once you meet the standard IRS requirements (holding the account for at least five years and reaching age 59½). Shawn details the different types of annuities available inside a Roth IRA, including Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) for fixed CD-like returns and Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs) for stock market-linked growth with zero downside risk. He also explains how adding a Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB) rider generates a tax-free paycheck for life for you and your spouse. Additionally, Shawn covers advanced strategies, such as using a premium bonus to offset the upfront tax bill when executing a Roth conversion, adding long-term care doublers, and protecting your heirs with an enhanced death benefit. 👉 Read our full guide on Roth IRA annuities and tax rules here: https://www.annuityexpertadvice.com/types-of-annuities/ira-annuity/roth/ 📞 Call our team for free, no-obligation advice to safely evaluate your Roth IRA annuity options at: 770-755-1565 ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: What is a Roth IRA annuity and how does it work? 0:24 - The Tax Wrapper Analogy: Roth IRA rules vs. Annuity guarantees 1:19 - Funding options: Direct transfers vs. Roth Conversions 2:09 - Types of Roth IRA Annuities: MYGAs (Fixed CD alternative) 2:42 - Fixed Index Annuities (Stock market growth with 0% risk) 3:23 - Variable vs. RILA Annuities (Market exposure & fees) 3:33 - Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits (Tax-free income for life) 4:03 - Advanced Features: Long-Term Care doublers & Premium Bonuses 4:46 - Inflation Protection & Enhanced Death Benefits 5:34 - Final Verdict: Taking the guesswork out of retirement

Can Annuities Be Inherited?

In this unfiltered video, Shawn from The Annuity Expert breaks down the complex inheritance rules for different types of annuities. He explains the critical difference between inheriting an annuity before it has been annuitized versus after. If the deceased owner chose a traditional "life-only" annuitization payout, the payments simply stop at death and the insurance company keeps the remaining money. This is exactly why Shawn strongly recommends avoiding annuitization and instead utilizing a Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB), which guarantees lifetime income for the owner while ensuring 100% of any remaining account balance passes directly to beneficiaries. Shawn also details the specific IRS rules and timelines that beneficiaries must navigate. Surviving spouses have the ultimate flexibility and can often utilize "spousal continuance" to take over the contract as if it were their own, delaying a massive tax bill. For non-spouses, inheriting a non-qualified annuity generally triggers a 5-year distribution rule, while inheriting an IRA annuity is subject to the strict 10-year rule. While these distributions bypass the lengthy probate process, beneficiaries must understand whether they owe ordinary income taxes on the original principal or just the accumulated interest. Want an objective, zero-pressure look at what to do if you have recently inherited an annuity? Read our full guide on beneficiary rules and tax consequences here: 👉 https://www.annuityexpertadvice.com/annuity-basics/inheritance/inherited-annuity/ 📞 Call our team for free, no-obligation advice to safely navigate your inherited annuity options at: 770-755-1565 ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: Can annuities be inherited? 0:20 - Inheriting an annuity before annuitization (The GLWB advantage) 1:47 - Rules for surviving spouses (Spousal Continuance) 2:39 - Rules for non-spouses inheriting Non-Qualified annuities (The 5-Year Rule) 4:40 - Rules for non-spouses inheriting IRA annuities (The 10-Year Rule) 5:33 - The Exceptions: Minor children, disabled, or chronically ill beneficiaries 6:46 - Inheriting an annuity after annuitization (Life-only vs. Period Certain) 8:09 - Cash Refund and Joint Survivor payouts 9:51 - Are inherited annuities tax-free? (Qualified vs. Non-Qualified taxation) 11:26 - Final Verdict: What to do if you have inherited an annuity

What Are Annuities and How Do They Work?

Are you trying to figure out if an annuity is the right fit for your retirement plan? Unfortunately, most of the information online about annuities is either partially incorrect or heavily biased by financial advisors pushing their own aggressive market strategies. To make the best decision for your future, you need to understand the unfiltered facts. In this comprehensive video, Shawn from The Annuity Expert breaks down exactly what an annuity is, how it works, and why it is one of the only financial tools capable of guaranteeing that you will never outlive your savings. Shawn contrasts traditional money management—which relies on the fragile "4% rule" and exposes your portfolio to devastating market crashes—with the contractual guarantees of an annuity. He explains how certain annuity strategies can secure massive lifetime payouts (sometimes double what a traditional portfolio can safely generate) while protecting your principal from all downside risk. Shawn covers the entire landscape of the annuity market. You will learn the critical differences between Fixed, Fixed Index, Variable, and Immediate annuities. He thoroughly explains the danger of "annuitization" (where you hand over control of your money to the insurance company) and reveals why adding a Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB) is almost always the superior choice. From understanding surrender charges and rider fees to learning how to fund a contract and debunking the biggest myths in the industry, this video is your ultimate starting point for retirement income planning. Want an objective, zero-pressure guide to all things annuities? Read our full Annuity Basics guide here: 👉 https://www.annuityexpertadvice.com/annuity-basics/ 📞 Call our team for free, no-obligation advice to safely evaluate your annuity options at: 770-755-1565 ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: What is an annuity and how do they work? 1:08 - Why you should care: Longevity and outliving your savings 2:41 - The Pros and Cons (Surrender charges, fees, and liquidity) 6:35 - Annuities vs. Money Managers (The 4% rule vs. Contractual Guarantees) 9:01 - What is an annuity? (The contract explained) 9:42 - Top reasons to buy: Premium bonuses, lifetime income, and long-term care 13:06 - Are annuities FDIC insured? (State Guarantee Associations explained) 14:35 - Immediate vs. Deferred annuities 15:28 - Annuitization vs. Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits (GLWB) 17:25 - Common everyday examples of annuities (Pensions, Lottery, TSP) 18:54 - How annuities work: The Accumulation Phase 19:16 - Fixed vs. Fixed Index vs. Variable Annuities 21:23 - Single vs. Joint Payouts (Spousal and Special Needs planning) 23:05 - The 3 Parties of an Annuity: Owner, Annuitant, and Beneficiary 25:02 - Recap of all annuity types (MYGA, FIA, SPIA, DIA, QLAC, LTC) 28:56 - How to fund an annuity and how withdrawals are taxed 29:51 - What happens to your annuity when you die? 31:16 - Debunking the biggest annuity myths 32:00 - Final Verdict: Why you need an independent annuity broker

What Is a Qualified Annuity?

In this completely unfiltered video, Shawn from The Annuity Expert breaks down everything you need to know about qualified annuities. He explains that funding an annuity with pre-tax dollars from a 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), or IRA creates a qualified annuity. Because these accounts are already tax-deferred, placing an annuity inside a qualified account does not give you an extra layer of tax deferral. Instead, the true value of a qualified annuity lies in its contractual insurance guarantees: 100% principal protection, elimination of stock market risk, and guaranteed lifetime income. Shawn also reveals a major strategy for married couples: while you cannot legally have joint owners on an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you can add a Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB) rider to an IRA annuity with a joint life payout. This guarantees that the exact same monthly paycheck continues for your spouse's lifetime if you pass away first. Additionally, Shawn covers how qualified annuity withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, how Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) apply at age 73 or 75, and why a Roth IRA annuity offers 100% tax-free lifetime income. 👉 Read our full guide on qualified annuities and tax rules here: https://www.annuityexpertadvice.com/types-of-annuities/qualified-annuity/ 📞 Call our team for free, no-obligation advice to safely evaluate your qualified annuity options at: 770-755-1565 ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: What is a qualified annuity? 0:24 - What "qualified" actually means (Funding source vs. product type) 0:53 - Common sources of qualified funds (401k, 403b, TSP, IRA) 1:14 - Tax rules: Direct rollovers, withdrawals, and Roth IRA annuities 3:35 - Myth Busted: Do qualified annuities add extra tax deferral? 4:20 - The Joint Income Strategy: Protecting two spouses on one IRA 5:43 - Qualified vs. Non-Qualified Annuities & RMD rules 7:02 - Why buy a qualified annuity? (Creating a personal pension) 8:37 - How qualified annuities solve the retirement spending dilemma 11:04 - Pros and Cons of placing an annuity inside a qualified account

What Is a Group Annuity Contract?

In this unfiltered video, Shawn from The Annuity Expert breaks down how group annuity contracts serve as a powerful alternative to traditional 401(k) and 403(b) plans. Shawn explains why the corporate shift away from traditional pensions has left many retirees uncertain about their future, and how group annuities can restore that predictability by guaranteeing a steady income stream. He explores the critical differences between "allocated" contracts (where specific assets are tied to individual participants) and "unallocated" contracts (where the insurer holds collective assets for the entire plan). Shawn also covers how employers utilize group annuities for pension buyouts, allowing the company to transfer their long-term payment responsibilities directly to an insurance carrier. Finally, he provides a real-world example of how federal employees interact with group annuities when they transition their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) into a guaranteed payout through MetLife. Want an objective, zero-pressure look at how these master contracts work or need help setting one up for your organization? Read our full guide here: 👉 https://www.annuityexpertadvice.com/types-of-annuities/group-annuity/ 📞 Call our team for free, no-obligation advice to evaluate your group annuity options at: 770-755-1565 ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: What is a group annuity contract? 0:29 - The master contract and individual certificates 0:48 - Using group annuities as an alternative to a 401(k) 1:01 - Why 401(k) plans lack the guarantee of traditional pensions 1:59 - Converting accumulated benefits into monthly payments 2:40 - Allocated vs. Unallocated group annuity structures 3:03 - Pension buyouts (Transferring responsibility to an insurance company) 3:15 - Real-world example: The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and MetLife 4:17 - Final Verdict: How to get objective quotes and advice

Can You Transfer an Annuity to Another Company?

In this unfiltered video, Shawn from The Annuity Expert explains exactly how and why you should consider replacing your annuity. Many retirees find themselves stuck in outdated or restrictive annuities sold by advisors more focused on commissions than client needs. Others simply outgrow their contracts, choosing to move their money to capture the higher interest rates, better lifetime income payouts, or stronger premium bonuses available in today's market. Shawn also highlights how investors frequently transfer out of risky Variable or RILA annuities into Fixed Index Annuities to protect their principal from stock market crashes. However, Shawn outlines the critical rules governing the transfer process. Insurance carriers strictly regulate replacements through internal suitability teams to ensure the move is genuinely in your best interest. These gatekeepers typically require you to have held your current annuity for at least three years. Furthermore, they will often block a transfer if they determine the new contract does not provide a clear, mathematical advantage that justifies the move—such as a premium bonus that completely offsets any remaining surrender charges from your old policy. 👉 https://www.annuityexpertadvice.com/how-often-can-you-replace-an-annuity/ 📞 Call our team for free, no-obligation advice to safely evaluate your annuity replacement at: 770-755-1565 ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: Can you transfer an annuity to another company? 0:16 - Why replacing an annuity is extremely common 0:41 - Reason 1: Upgrading from a "lemon" or outdated annuity 1:13 - Reason 2: Evolving your strategy to match current interest rates 2:02 - Reason 3: Moving from market risk (Variable/RILA) to protected growth (FIA) 2:27 - The 3-Year Rule: Minimum time required in a previous contract 2:56 - Suitability Reviews: Why companies want to see you avoid losses 3:31 - How the transfer and replacement process actually works 4:28 - Final Verdict: How to safely evaluate your replacement options

Is an IRA an Annuity?

In this unfiltered video, Shawn from The Annuity Expert answers the common question: Is an IRA an annuity? The short answer is no. An IRA is simply a tax-advantaged container designed to hold investments, while an annuity is an insurance contract designed to protect your principal and guarantee lifetime income. However, Shawn explains exactly how you can place an annuity inside an IRA to create what is known as a "Qualified Annuity." By combining the two, you get the tax advantages of an IRA alongside the contractual guarantees of an insurance product. Shawn breaks down the different types of IRA annuities available on the market, from Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) that act like high-yield CDs, to Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs) that allow you to capture stock market growth with absolutely zero downside risk. Ultimately, he reveals that the biggest reason retirees utilize this strategy is to attach a Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB) rider, which guarantees you and your spouse a steady paycheck for the rest of your lives. Want an objective, zero-pressure look at how an IRA and an annuity can work together to protect your retirement savings? Read our full comparison guide here: 👉 https://www.annuityexpertadvice.com/comparisons/annuity-vs-ira/ 📞 Call our team for free, no-obligation advice to safely roll over your IRA funds at: 770-755-1565 ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: Is an IRA an annuity? 0:15 - What is an IRA? (The tax-advantaged container) 0:32 - What is an annuity? (The insurance contract) 0:43 - How an IRA can own an annuity (Qualified Annuities) 1:04 - The different types of IRA annuities 1:43 - The Container Analogy: How IRAs and annuities work together 2:04 - Earning fixed interest with an IRA MYGA 2:24 - Capturing market upside with 0% risk (Fixed Index Annuities) 3:13 - The ultimate benefit: Guaranteed lifetime income

Long-Term Care Insurance vs. Annuities

In this completely unfiltered video, Shawn from The Annuity Expert compares traditional long-term care insurance against modern asset-based alternatives, exposing the hidden traps and "gaping holes" in popular policies. Shawn explains why traditional LTC insurance is usually a bad deal: it is a "use-it-or-lose-it" policy where insurance carriers can double your premiums when you reach your 80s, forcing many retirees to cancel right before they actually need care. Shawn breaks down the four modern asset-based alternatives that protect your money: Hybrid LTC Life Insurance: Why some hybrid policies have a major flaw where the death benefit drops below your original investment if you do not use the care benefit. Permanent Life Insurance with Living Benefits: How chronic and terminal illness riders allow you to access your death benefit tax-free while alive or take tax-free loans against cash value. Long-Term Care Annuities: How asset-based annuities instantly double or triple your principal tax-free for care (turning $50,000 into $100,000 or $150,000 of benefits), while preserving your original principal for your beneficiaries if care is never needed. Annuities with LTC Income Doubler Riders: The best way to use qualified IRA or 401(k) funds to secure guaranteed lifetime income that doubles when long-term care is required. 👉 Read our full comparative guide on long-term care insurance versus living benefits and annuities here: https://www.annuityexpertadvice.com/long-term-care-insurance/vs-living-benefits/ 📞 Call our team for free, no-obligation advice to find the right long-term care strategy at: 770-755-1565 ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: Long-Term Care Insurance vs. Annuities 0:46 - The Problem with Traditional Long-Term Care Insurance 1:58 - Understanding Asset-Based Long-Term Care Options 2:37 - Option 1: Long-Term Care Annuities (2x - 3x Leverage) 3:13 - Option 2: Annuities with Long-Term Care Income Doublers 4:23 - The "Gaping Hole" in Hybrid LTC Life Insurance Policies 5:30 - Option 3: Permanent Life Insurance with Living Benefits 6:50 - How LTC Annuities protect your principal for beneficiaries 7:15 - Using GLWB Income Doublers with Qualified IRA/401(k) Funds 9:26 - Final Verdict: How to choose the right care strategy

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