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Annuity Basics

What In The World Is An “Annual Reset” Indexed Annuity?

John L. Olsen

There are several different kinds of index annuities, but the “Annual Reset” type is the most commonly sold (and bought). The name refers to the interest crediting period – the length of time over which gains and losses in the equity index (often, but not always, the S&P500®) will be measured and index-linked interest will be calculated and credited. There are different types of annual reset annuities. Some measure monthly index movements, from which they calculate and credit interest annually (the “Monthly Sum” or “Monthly...

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Do All Advisors Have Access To Every Annuity Out There?

Stan The Annuity Man

Question: I’ve met with a couple of agents and advisors and keep seeing some of the same companies.  Do all advisors have access to every annuity out there?  Roy from Charleston, South Carolina Answer: This is an important question Roy, because a lot of annuity salespeople call themselves “independent”….but they might only recommend just a few of their favorite companies.  Let’s take a look at the 3 primary types of annuity sales people that you will run across, and each of their annuity inventory limitations....

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Safe Options in Uncertain Times

John CasaSanta

Question: The stock market is close to it’s all time high, however some members of the media and economist are saying we are going to be having a major down turn in the economy soon. What are your feelings?  from Cindy in Hill, NC. Answer: I have been in the Financial Services business for twenty years and have watched the markets closely.  I am not an economist and cannot predict what may or may not happen. People’s risk tolerances are different and a lot depends...

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An Alternative to Bank CDs

John CasaSanta

Question: John, I am 55 years old and have a $12,000.00 CD at the bank that is paying  less than 1% a year in interest.  I do not need the money until I retire at 66.  Do you have any options that could provide a better interest rate? from David G. in Monroe, NC Answer: Over the last ten years banks reducing their interest rates on CDs, checking and savings accounts to less than 1% has become a common occurrence. During this time life insurance companies...

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How Do I Change My Beneficiary?

John CasaSanta

Question: My wife died a few months ago,  how do I change my beneficiary?  – Dave A. in Matthews, NC Answer: Changing a beneficiary is a very easy process.  The majority of the time you can go on to your insurance company’s website and download a change of beneficiary form. Complete the form, indicate the new beneficiary and submit it to the company along with a certified copy of the death certificate.  This process should be used for any life insurance, 401K or annuity.  In...

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Advantages of Captive Insurance Companies

John CasaSanta

Barry Goldwater, Founder of Goldwater Financial Group, has produced an insightful video describing the core advantages of captive insurance companies. Click here (Advantages of Captive Insurance Companies) to watch his educational video. To learn more, visit his website: www.smartmoneyboston.com. Annuity123 is an educational platform only.  Annuity123 does not offer insurance, investment, or tax advice.  You should always seek the guidance of qualified and licensed professionals concerning insurance, investment, or tax matters.

What Is The #1 Annuity Question You Need To Have An Answer For?

Stan The Annuity Man

Question: I am considering investing some of my portfolio in an annuity.  What is the #1 question that I need to ask myself, and answer, before purchasing? Charles G. from New York Answer: Your question is the “holy grail” of how to solve the annuity puzzle.  Too many times people will call me about annuities and start telling me about an annuity they have been pitched by an agent.  The few bullet points from the sales process that they hang on to is comical and...

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Should I Own An Annuity For Potential Growth Or Contractual Guarantees?

Stan The Annuity Man

Question: I’m thinking about buying an annuity and want to know if I should base my decision on the potential market growth or the contractual guarantees? Don from Iowa. Answer: Fantastic question, and this is where I differentiate myself from most agents and advisors that recommend annuity solutions.  Most sales pitches you are going to hear involve variable annuities or fixed index annuities, with the agent pushing the dream of phenomenal hypothetical or projected market returns. With variable annuities, the market growth dream is pitched...

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Income Taxes on Financial Inheritance for Non-Spousal Beneficiaries

Stan The Annuity Man

Written By: Lyndol Anderson | West Texas Senior Solutions This general information gives basic details on options for settling inherited financial accounts. The ramifications to a beneficiary’s personal estate and income taxes will be discussed. The most common types of inherited accounts are listed in order of highest to lowest potential income tax burden. 1) Tax Qualified Accounts: IRA’s, 401(k)’s, 403(b)’s, etc. 2) Tax Deferred Non-Qualified Annuities 3) Bank Accounts: CD’s, Money Markets, Checking Accounts, etc. 4) Life Insurance 1-a) IRA Accounts: The funds in...

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Why Would Anyone Buy a Fixed Annuity?

Stan The Annuity Man

It is shocking how few people actually understand the true value of fixed annuities.  Most have their investor hats on when trying to evaluate annuities, when in reality, annuities are simply a form of insurance in which you are transferring the financial risk of outliving your retirement savings to the insurance industry.  Fixed annuities do provide guaranteed growth rates, but that should not be the primary reason for your purchase. Another way to phrase the title above is – why would anyone buy insurance? Well,...

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