I Love Annuities

Long-term care is one of the biggest threats to retirement planning… yet most retirees are completely unprepared for it. In this episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast, Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es — The Annuity Dudes — break down the brand-new EquiTrust Bridge LTC Annuity in a detailed, page-by-page review using the official 2026 product brochure. This is part of our Annuity Researchers Se...

Is a Fixed Index Annuity too safe for 2026? In this video, we compare the traditional FIA against the fast-growing Registered Index-Linked Annuity (RILA). Discover how 'Buffer Annuities' can offer stock market-like returns while blocking 10-30% of downside risk. Which strategy fits your retirement portfolio?"Speak with an Annuity Dude/Dudette: https://annuityassociation.chilipiper.com...

For decades, the annuity industry has relied on opacity, fear-mongering, and "free dinner" seminars to sell complex products. The result? You get sold a product that pays the agent the highest commission, not the one that serves your retirement goals best. In this video, I explain why the "old way" of buying annuities is broken and introduce you to the transparent, self-service...

Interest rates are predicted to shift in 2026, and waiting to buy could cost you significantly. In this market update, we break down the forecast and reveal the new Multi-Year Guaranteed Indexed Annuity (MYGIA).If you've been sitting on the fence about annuities, the window of opportunity for high guaranteed rates may be closing. We discuss how the current interest rate environment is impactin...

At 88 years old, Army veteran Ed Bambas should be enjoying a peaceful retirement. Instead, he’s working eight-hour shifts as a grocery store cashier—all because the pension he counted on vanished. After 40 loyal years at General Motors, Ed was offered a choice in 2012:👉 Keep his guaranteed lifetime pension or👉 Take a $300,000 lump-sum buyoutHe chose the lump sum. But seven years later—after his...

The Social Security trust fund will be depleted in 2034 - just 9 years from now. When that happens, every Social Security check in America will be automatically cut by 19%. This isn't a political debate or a maybe - it's math published by the Social Security Administration.🔗 FREE RESOURCES:📞 Schedule a Free Consultation: https://annuityassociation.chilipiper.com/concierge-router/link/ann...

SECURE 2.0 just changed retirement forever—your 401(k) can now offer guaranteed lifetime income like a pension. This is the biggest shift in retirement planning since the 401(k) was invented. In this video, I break down exactly how in-plan annuities work, which major companies are offering them, and whether this option makes sense for YOUR retirement income strategy.🔥 What You'll Learn:✅ How...

You're 60 with $500,000 saved for retirement. Should you buy an annuity, or is there a smarter strategy? In this video, The Annuity Dudes break down the exact decision framework including MYGA rates, SPIA income comparisons, and alternative strategies like bond ladders and split approaches.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introduction: The $500k Question0:30 - What $500k Actually Generates2:30 - MYGA vs S...

Annuity rates in 2025 are shifting dramatically. See the latest MYGA, SPIA, and FIA rates from top carriers and what's driving these changes. Annuity rates have experienced significant movement in 2025, and if you're planning to purchase an annuity or already own one, you need to understand what's happening right now in the market. This comprehensive rate analysis covers Multi-Year Gua...

IRMAA surcharges can add $6,000+ annually to Medicare costs. Discover how Roth annuities create tax-free income that bypasses IRMAA income thresholds. Medicare IRMAA surcharges catch most retirees by surprise. When your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) crosses specific thresholds, you pay significantly more for Medicare Part B and Part D premiums - sometimes $6,000 or more per year per person...

What does the Big Beautiful Bill mean for retirement planning, Social Security, annuities, and your future income strategy? In this episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast, Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es (The Annuity Dudes) break down how this sweeping legislation impacts retirees and pre-retirees. We cover the new senior tax deduction, potential Social Security tax relief, and what changes to...

Should you convert your IRA to a Roth IRA, or is it better to leave your money where it is? In this episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast, Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es break down the pros and cons of Roth conversions, the benefits of staying with a traditional IRA, and how this decision impacts your retirement income, taxes, and legacy. We cover everything retirees and pre-retirees need to...

Roth conversions with annuities could be the game-changing strategy for retirement planning you’ve never heard of. In this episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast, Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es (The Annuity Dudes) reveal how to use an annuity bonus to help cover your Roth conversion taxes — turning a painful tax bill into an opportunity for tax-free growth, guaranteed income, and peace of min...

Are Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) going to wreck your retirement tax plan? In this episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast, hosts Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es – The Annuity Dudes – break down how annuities and Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs) can help you take control of your retirement income. With the SECURE 2.0 Act raising RMD ages to 73 (and 75 in 2033), many retiree...

Are your money habits helping or hurting your retirement? In this episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast, Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es sit down with Hugh Massie, founder of DNA Behavior, to uncover how your behavioral DNA shapes your financial decisions — and why understanding your money wiring is the missing link in smarter retirement planning. We explore how behavioral psychology, money h...

Are you overwhelmed by the complexity of annuities? In this episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast, Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es (The Annuity Dudes) sit down with their team member Tom Boyle to uncover how he helps retirees and pre-retirees cut through the noise and make smarter annuity buying decisions. Tom shares his background, what motivated him to enter the annuity industry, the hurdle...

In this special I Love Annuities Podcast episode, hosts Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es sit down with Steve Rowswell, Co-Founder & CFO of Annuity Association, to peel back the curtain on how and why the firm was founded in 2019.Jeremiah and Steve share the industry wrong-doings they witnessed early in their careers, why they saw a huge opportunity to right the wrongs through transparency, e...

Welcome to another episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast with your hosts, Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es — The Annuity Dudes! In today’s episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the Annuity Best Interest Standard — also known as NAIC Model Regulation #275.We’ll explain how this regulation is transforming the annuity industry, increasing consumer protections, and elevati...

🔍 Wondering how annuity commissions really work? Are annuity fees hidden, excessive, or fair? In this episode, we break down the myths and reveal the truth about annuity commissions and how they compare to traditional investment advisor fees. We also dive into how today's annuity advisors are held to a Best Interest Standard — similar to fiduciary responsibility. Whether you're considerin...

We cover record sales numbers in 2025 and discuss what attributes are leading to more retiring is buying annuities.

This episode of the I Love Annuities Podcast, Jeremiah and Zach, the Annuity Dudes, break down how annuities are taxed in retirement. Discover what annuity exclusion ratios are, how Fixed Index Annuities are taxed, how annuity death benefits are taxed for spouses and non-spouses and much more. #Annuities #FixedIndexAnnuities #RetirementPlanning #LifetimeIncome #RetirementIncome #SPIA #DIA

We discuss laddering annuities, a strategy for maximizing retirement income and managing interest rate risk. Explore how to create a personalized retirement plan that delivers income when needed, focusing on MYGAs and fixed index annuities. #Annuities #RetirementPlanning #FinancialPlanning #MYGA #FixedIndexAnnuities #RetirementIncome #Laddering #FinancialFreedom #InvestmentStrategy #AnnuityDudesSc...

We explore how cognitive aging impacts finances! Discover the financial risks, like scams & poor decisions. Learn how annuities, legal protections, & family involvement can safeguard your future & avoid becoming a burden. Secure your retirement now! #CognitiveDecline #RetirementPlanning #FinancialSecurity #AnnuityAdvice #SeniorFinances #FinancialLiteracy #ProtectYourAssets #EstatePlann...

In this episode, we explore how today’s shifting economic forces—interest rates, market volatility, and inflation—shape annuity payouts, income guarantees, and your overall retirement strategy. You'll learn how annuities are linked to the 10-Year Treasury, how insurance companies invest premiums into bonds, and how Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs) use options budgets to deliver growth with princip...

Are you prepared for the high cost of long-term care? In this must-listen episode, we explore how annuities with enhanced income benefits can protect your retirement and provide a lifeline for long-term care needs. Featuring Matt Sluizer, a leading expert in long-term care annuity strategies, we break down:✅ How Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs) offer LTC multipliers and income riders✅ Key benefits o...