Annuity Straight Talk

Bryan Anderson
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Annuity Straight Talk

Bryan Anderson started AnnuityStraightTalk.com in 2008. Since then, he has been cataloging annuity information, and doing research about different retirement strategies. His newsletters are typically published about once a week on general retirement planning topics and annuity information. Now Bryan brings his company's famous hallmarks of Straight Talk to the podcast waves.

  1. Deferred Annuity Income Is Powerful

    4D AGO

    Deferred Annuity Income Is Powerful

    Most people wait until the last minute to think about retirement income—but what if getting in early could cost you a lot less and pay you a lot more? In this episode, Bryan follows up on last week’s discussion of guaranteed income and dives into the math behind buying annuities before retirement. You'll hear why deferring income just a few years can lead to massive increases in payouts—and how people in their 40s and 50s are locking in high-income contracts that start paying out in their 50s or early 60s. Bryan also shares real examples, from a 65-year-old couple who can now get 7.85% payouts after one year of deferral, to a younger couple set to receive 13.5% income starting in their 50s. If you’re thinking about buying income “someday,” you need to understand why doing it sooner can save you thousands.

    9 min
  2. From 5% to 7%: Annuity Income Has Changed A Lot

    JUL 4

    From 5% to 7%: Annuity Income Has Changed A Lot

    Back in 2021, a 5% payout from a guaranteed income product was considered a solid deal. Today, that same product pays over 7%. In this episode, Bryan takes a look back at an early podcast episode to show just how much the annuity landscape has shifted—and why it matters for your retirement plan. Whether you've been researching annuities for years or are just starting your search, this episode breaks down: What higher interest rates have done to annuity income How much more income you can expect today Why the math is finally tipping in favor of guaranteed income It’s a short, eye-opening look at the evolving value of annuities—and a good reminder that timing matters. ▶️ Listen now and see how far things have come.

    13 min
  3. Best Fixed Indexed Annuities For Growth

    JUN 27

    Best Fixed Indexed Annuities For Growth

    You’ve probably heard the pitch: “No market losses, all the upside!” But is that really how it works? In this episode, I get back to business and break down what I believe are the best fixed index annuities (FIAs) for growth—based on more than 22 years of experience. This isn’t sales fluff. It’s the real criteria I use when recommending annuities to clients looking for safe accumulation. What You’ll Learn: Why most advisors show you the same basic illustrations—and what they’re leaving out The two companies I trust most (and the specific products I use) What matters more than chasing yield: financial strength, index options, and rate stability Why surrender terms affect your flexibility—and how to think about duration How I compare hundreds of annuities to find the right ones for your goals Whether you’re looking to lock in a portion of your portfolio, avoid fees, or just keep things simple, this episode is for anyone who wants upside without unnecessary complexity. ▶️ Click play and get the straight talk on what makes a good fixed index annuity actually worth owning. Need help sorting through your options? Schedule a call—top right corner of any page at AnnuityStraightTalk.com.

    17 min
  4. Do Annuity Owners Live Longer?

    JUN 19

    Do Annuity Owners Live Longer?

    This one’s a little different. Yes, we talk annuities—but we also talk Alaska, grizzly bears, and what it means to live a meaningful life. In this episode, Bryan reflects on a recent trip to Alaska—his best yet—and what it taught him about quality of life, longevity, and the retirement dreams we all chase. Along the way, he shares a few hard-won lessons from the wilderness, the annuity industry, and two decades of guiding people toward better financial outcomes. Topics Covered: Why some studies suggest annuity owners live longer (and what really matters more) The connection between reduced financial stress and a better retirement A story of patience, perseverance, and a lifelong dream fulfilled in Alaska Thoughts on doing uncommon things—and the tools it takes to get there The value of having a guide (in the woods and in retirement planning) This episode is part reflection, part gratitude, and full of practical wisdom for anyone planning their next big chapter. Need a strategy that supports your lifestyle dreams? Click the top right corner of AnnuityStraightTalk.com to schedule a call.

    14 min
  5. SPIA vs GLWB

    JUN 7

    SPIA vs GLWB

    Most people looking for guaranteed income from an annuity only get shown one option. But there are two—and if you don’t compare them side-by-side, you could miss out on more income, better flexibility, or a stronger long-term fit. In this episode, Bryan breaks down the six key differences between SPIAs (Single Premium Immediate Annuities) and GLWBs (Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits), and explains when one might be better than the other. You’ll learn: Why income payments are just one part of the decision What happens if your start date changes after purchase How each option handles RMDs, legacy, and cash value Which companies offer the strongest guarantees—and why that matters If you’re deciding between these two options, don’t rely on a one-sided pitch. This episode gives you the full picture. Schedule a call with Bryan to compare your own options.

    20 min
  6. Market Volatility, Interest Rates – And How Annuities Fit In

    MAY 30

    Market Volatility, Interest Rates – And How Annuities Fit In

    In this episode, I’m joined by my friend John Balmer to talk through everything that’s been shaking up the market lately—tariffs, rate swings, wild headlines, and investor uncertainty. We cover what’s really driving the recent volatility, what interest rates tell us about the economy, and how all of this affects your retirement planning. If you’ve been frozen in place, unsure what to do next, you’re not alone. We’ve both been through long downturns and fast recoveries, and we share what we’ve learned about managing risk, avoiding hype, and building a plan that can weather whatever’s coming next. Whether you’re fully invested or holding back, this episode will give you a clearer view of what’s happening—and what actually matters for the long run.

    21 min
  7. How Annuities Can Actually Grow Your Portfolio

    MAY 24

    How Annuities Can Actually Grow Your Portfolio

    Most people think annuities mean giving something up—like growth, flexibility, or control. But that’s just not true. In this episode, I explain why a properly used annuity can actually help you grow your overall portfolio, not shrink it. Whether it’s by reducing risk, generating more income with less money, or giving the rest of your assets room to grow, annuities can play a powerful role in your retirement plan. I’ll walk you through real examples, share some of the conversations I’ve had with smart clients, and explain why even people who “don’t need” an annuity often choose to use one anyway. If you want less stress, more certainty, and a bigger bottom line—this one’s worth your time.

    16 min

  8. MAY 16

    Annuity Income Calculators on AnnuityStraightTalk.com

    Annuity Straight Talk

    13 min
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About

Bryan Anderson started AnnuityStraightTalk.com in 2008. Since then, he has been cataloging annuity information, and doing research about different retirement strategies. His newsletters are typically published about once a week on general retirement planning topics and annuity information. Now Bryan brings his company's famous hallmarks of Straight Talk to the podcast waves.

Information

  • Creator
    Bryan Anderson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    177
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Show Website
    Annuity Straight Talk

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