I Love Annuities

Jeremiah Konger

Join Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es, The Annuity Dudes, on the I Love Annuities Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of annuities and how they can provide guaranteed retirement income and financial security. Designed for retirees and pre-retirees, this podcast covers essential topics like fixed annuities, income annuities, fixed index annuities, and safe investment options. Discover strategies to protect your savings, create guaranteed income streams, and secure your legacy with annuities. Explore the best annuity rates, annuity strateies, and more on the I Love Annuities podcast!

  1. May 21

    Breaking Down the EquiTrust Bridge LTC Annuity: Is It a Good Deal?

    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 Series, where we objectively analyze annuity products to help consumers better understand:✔ how the product works✔ long-term care mechanics✔ accumulation value vs LTC benefit base✔ indemnity-style payouts✔ wellness benefit enhancements✔ underwriting process✔ surrender charges and liquidity✔ pros, cons, and tradeoffs✔ who this product may — and may not — be appropriate forUnlike traditional long-term care insurance, the EquiTrust Bridge combines:a Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA),long-term care benefits,and the NeverStop® Health Coaching & Rewards Program…to help retirees address one of the largest unfunded risks in retirement planning.If you’ve:been denied traditional LTC insurance,are worried about long-term care costs,or want to understand how hybrid LTC annuities actually work…this episode is for you.📘 In this episode, we cover:• What makes the EquiTrust Bridge unique• How the Coverage Ratio works• How LTC benefits are calculated• Tax-free LTC benefit potential• How the wellness program can increase benefits• Family caregiver flexibility• FIA growth potential and index strategies• The underwriting process through Assured Allies• Long-term care qualification rules• Pros and cons of hybrid LTC annuities⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction02:00 The LTC crisis in retirement05:00 What is the EquiTrust Bridge?10:00 How this differs from traditional LTC insurance16:00 Long-Term Care Rider mechanics24:00 How LTC benefits actually work32:00 Qualification rules & underwriting40:00 NeverStop Wellness Program48:00 Fixed Indexed Annuity growth strategies56:00 Liquidity, withdrawals & surrender charges1:02:00 Additional riders & protections1:08:00 Final verdict & who this may fit📌 ABOUT THE ANNUITY DUDESAt Annuity Association, we help retirees and pre-retirees compare annuities across the independent marketplace using a transparent, education-first approach.Our mission is simple:👉 Help consumers become informed buyers instead of being sold products blindly.We believe annuities should be:✔ understood✔ compared✔ stress-tested✔ and properly matched to a retirement plan📞 Want Help Comparing LTC Annuity Options?https://annuityassociation.chilipiper.com/concierge-router/link/annuity-researchers-routerWe help consumers compare:Hybrid LTC annuitiesTraditional LTC insuranceFixed Indexed AnnuitiesIncome annuitiesMYGAsRetirement income strategiesNo pressure. No sales gimmicks. Just education and transparency.#Annuities #LongTermCare #RetirementPlanning #FixedIndexedAnnuity #LTCInsurance #HybridAnnuity #RetirementIncome #AnnuityResearchers #TheAnnuityDudes #EquiTrust #LongTermCarePlanning #Retirement #GuaranteedIncome

    54 min
  2. Feb 10

    We Audited a 'Free Steak Dinner' Annuity Proposal. Here's What We Found

    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 future. You don't need a middleman taking a cut of your growth anymore. It’s time to stop getting sold and start buying smarter.In this video, we cover:timestamp:0:00 Why the "Old Sales Traps" of annuities are dyingtimestamp:1:45 The conflict of interest: Commission vs. Your Best Interesttimestamp:4:10 How technology is moderning the way annuities are boughttimestamp:6:30 Step-by-Step: How to compare annuities on your owntimestamp:9:15 The Annuity Association difference (Transparency & Trust)🔍 Compare Top-Rated Annuities (No Pressure):https://annuityassociation.com/podcas...📅 Schedule Free Annuity Discovery with The Annuity Dudes (Not a Salesperson): https://annuityassociation.chilipiper...Recommended Watch:How to Compare The Top Annuity Providers For Income   • How to Compare the Top Annuity Providers f...  About Annuity Association:We believe in empowering you with data, not sales pitches. We provide the tools, transparency, and education you need to buy the right annuity for your specific needs—without the hassle.#FireYourAgent #AnnuityAssociation #RetirementPlanning #FinancialFreedom #StopGettingSoldExplore the podcast

    38 min
  3. 12/16/2025

    Is Your Pension As Safe As You Think? Pension Vs. Guaranteed Income Annuity - Control Your Income

    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 wife’s medical bills and the rising cost of living—that money was gone. Now Ed is back in the workforce at nearly 90 years old.In today’s episode of The Annuity Dudes, we break down the hidden dangers behind lump-sum pension buyouts and why millions of Americans may unknowingly be facing the same fate.💡 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWe unpack the emotional, financial, and mathematical realities behind choosing a lump sum vs. keeping your pension — including:✅ Why companies aggressively push lump-sum buyouts (and how it transfers ALL risk to you)✅ 5 hidden dangers of taking the lump sum that most retirees never consider✅ When a lump sum actually makes sense — with real-world decision frameworks✅ What to do right now if your employer offers you a buyout✅ How using a lump sum to purchase an annuity may recreate the guaranteed income you’re walking away from✅ Why stories like Ed’s are becoming more common as traditional pensions disappearThis isn’t just Ed’s story — it could be yours if you don’t understand the risks behind the decision.🎯 Who This Episode Is ForRetirees, pre-retirees (ages 50–75), corporate employees offered pension buyouts, and anyone concerned about replacing guaranteed income in today’s retirement landscape.📈 Want Your Own Pension-Style Income Plan? Schedule a Free Annuity Discovery Zoom Meeting Here: https://annuityassociation.chilipiper.com/concierge-router/link/annuity-association-1st-appointment-routing?utm_source=podcastIf you’d like a personalized free annuity income comparison, using the same tools we show on the podcast, you can run your numbers here:👉 Link to your report or multi-point inspection tool⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Introduction02:30 — Ed Bambas’ Story: From GM to Grocery Store Cashier08:00 — The Great Pension Shift: How Companies Transferred Risk to You15:00 — The Lump Sum Trap: The 5 Hidden Risks Nobody Talks About22:00 — When Lump Sums Actually Make Sense27:00 — Your Action Plan: What To Do If You’re Facing This Decision33:00 — Resources & Protection Strategies🔔 Subscribe for More Retirement ClarityWe publish weekly episodes breaking down annuities, retirement income planning, misunderstood risks, and the tools retirees need to make smarter decisions.

    28 min
  4. 11/11/2025

    The Social Security Crisis - What Happens When Benefits Drop to 81% in 2034

    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/annuity-association-1st-appointment-routing?utm_source=podcast📚 Request Free Annuity Report: https://annuityassociation.com/podcast-annuity-reportIn this episode, we break down exactly what the 2034 Social Security crisis means for YOUR retirement and give you four actionable strategies to protect yourself starting today.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - The 2034 Crisis: Why Every Check Gets Cut 19%0:45 - The Trust Fund Math Explained6:00 - Who Gets Hit Hardest? (The 3 Most Vulnerable Groups)10:30 - The Delay Strategy: Why Waiting Until 70 Is Your Secret Weapon16:00 - The Bridge Strategy: 3 Ways to Cover Income Until Age 7023:00 - The Annuity Shield: How to Replace the Missing 19%28:00 - Your Action Plan: What to Do in the Next 30 Days💰 KEY TAKEAWAYS:• If you're expecting $2,500/month from Social Security, you'll actually get $2,025/month after 2034 ($5,700 less per year)• Delaying Social Security from 62 to 70 increases your benefit by 77% - BEFORE the cut• Three proven bridge strategies let you delay claiming while still having income• A properly structured annuity can replace the entire 19% gap with guaranteed lifetime income🎯 WHO THIS AFFECTS MOST:✗ Early claimers (ages 62-64) - you get hit twice✗ Middle-income earners ($50K-$120K household income)✗ Single women (longer life expectancy + lower benefits)📊 REAL DOLLAR EXAMPLES COVERED:• Claiming at 62 vs. 70: $1,247/month difference ($14,964/year)• The SPIA Bridge Strategy: How $250K creates $3,000/month for 8 years• The Annuity Shield: How $100K replaces $5,700/year of lost benefits🛡️ THE 4-STEP ACTION PLAN:1. Calculate your personal impact at SSA.gov2. Run delay scenarios (compare 62, 67, and 70)3. Evaluate bridge options (SPIA, part-time work, spousal coordination)4. Design your annuity shield to replace the 19% gap📥 FREE OFFER: Social Security Bridge QuoteInput in the comments your current age, income amount needed from annuity between age you plan to retire and age you plan to activate SSI. We will provide the premium needed to generate the income during the bridge period.💡 NEED HELP WITH YOUR STRATEGY?At Annuity Association, we help you compare real rates, real products, and real strategies - with complete transparency and no sales pressure.📞 Schedule a free consultation: [INSERT BOOKING LINK]🌐 Visit: AnnuityAssociation.com📺 RELATED VIDEOS YOU SHOULD WATCH:• How much does a 500k annuity pay?: https://youtu.be/q4orJxmUNZY• Are Annuity Rates About to Drop? (2025 Rates): https://youtu.be/J2zZr1qepko• The #1 Roth Strategy to SAVE You Thousands on IRMAA Surcharges: https://youtu.be/k_-PebOgdv0⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Social Security projections are based on the 2024 Social Security Trustees Report. Individual results will vary based on your earnings history, claiming age, and personal circumstances. Annuity rates and features vary by carrier and state. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making retirement decisions.🔔 SUBSCRIBE for weekly retirement planning strategies that actually work.---ABOUT ANNUITY ASSOCIATION:We're revolutionizing how Americans buy annuities by providing transparency, education, and direct access to top-rated carriers. No hidden fees. No sales pressure. Just honest guidance to help you create guaranteed lifetime income.#SocialSecurity #SocialSecurityCrisis #RetirementPlanning #Annuities #RetirementIncome #SocialSecurity2034 #FixedIndexAnnuity #RetirementStrategy #GuaranteedIncome #AnnuityAssociation

    46 min
  5. 11/08/2025

    Retirement Revolution: How In-Plan Annuities Are Changing 401k Forever

    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 SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0 made in-plan annuities possible✅ The 3 types of in-plan lifetime income options (DIAs, QLACs, Target-Date Fund Annuities)✅ Real calculator demos: $500K = $2,400/month for life✅ Major providers: BlackRock, Prudential, Equitable, AllianceBernstein, J.P. Morgan✅ Pros & cons: Is guaranteed income right for you?✅ Real case studies with exact dollar amounts✅ Questions to ask your employer TODAY⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Hook: The 401(k) Revolution You Haven't Heard About2:00 - What Changed: SECURE Act & SECURE 2.0 Explained7:00 - How In-Plan Annuities Actually Work13:00 - Major Providers & What They Offer20:00 - Pros & Cons: Is This Right for You?27:00 - Real-World Case Studies33:00 - Action Steps & What to Ask Your Employer37:00 - Recap & Next Steps💡 KEY STATS FROM THIS VIDEO:• 40% of plan sponsors are adding in-plan annuities within 2 years• 64% of insurance companies rank this as a top-3 business priority for 2025• 76% expect employee demand to grow as awareness increases• Institutional pricing beats retail annuity costs by 0.3%-0.8% annually🔗 FREE RESOURCES:📞 Schedule a Free Consultation: https://annuityassociation.chilipiper.com/concierge-router/link/annuity-association-1st-appointment-routing?utm_source=podcast📚 Request Free Annuity Report: https://annuityassociation.com/podcast-annuity-report🎯 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR EMPLOYER:What insurance carrier provides the guarantee?What are the fees compared to retail annuities?Is the annuity portable if I change jobs?Can I allocate just a portion of my balance?What happens to my spouse if I die first?💬 ENGAGE WITH US:👉 Does your employer offer in-plan annuities? Drop a comment below!👉 Would you convert part of your 401(k) to guaranteed income? Why or why not?👉 What retirement topics should I cover next?Your comments help us create better content AND boost this video in YouTube's algorithm—win-win! 🚀📺 RELATED VIDEOS YOU'LL LOVE:• Income Riders vs Free Withdrawal Annuities: https://youtu.be/yw0FRIjM25k• QLAC Strategies for Delaying RMDs: https://youtu.be/2SutBGkdUWo• How to Maximize Social Security + Annuity Income: https://youtu.be/EEOMyYjM2jY🔔 SUBSCRIBE for transparent, number-driven retirement strategies every week. No sales pitches, just education and real math.📌 ABOUT ANNUITY ASSOCIATION:We're revolutionizing how people buy annuities through transparency, education, and trust. Our mission is simple: give you all the information you need to make smart retirement decisions—all in one place.Explore the top annuities from leading carriers, compare rates, and get personalized recommendations—all without the pressure of a sales call.🏷️ TAGS:#RetirementPlanning #401k #InPlanAnnuities #SECURE2.0 #RetirementIncome #LifetimeIncome #Annuities #FinancialPlanning #PensionAlternative #GuaranteedIncome #RetirementStrategy #401kPlanning #AnnuitiesExplained #RetirementSecurity #FinancialEducation

    38 min

Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Join Jeremiah Konger and Zachary Van Es, The Annuity Dudes, on the I Love Annuities Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of annuities and how they can provide guaranteed retirement income and financial security. Designed for retirees and pre-retirees, this podcast covers essential topics like fixed annuities, income annuities, fixed index annuities, and safe investment options. Discover strategies to protect your savings, create guaranteed income streams, and secure your legacy with annuities. Explore the best annuity rates, annuity strateies, and more on the I Love Annuities podcast!

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