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What is a “Rated” Single Premium Immediate Annuity?

Stan The Annuity Man

Question: I have some serious health issues, and have heard about immediate annuities that have a higher payout if you are sick.  I think that they are called “Rated” Single Premium Immediate Annuities.  What is that? from Colin in Boise, Idaho Answer: Thanks for the question Colin, and I’m sorry to hear about your health issues.  Your question is a good one, and most people in the annuity industry don’t even know this product exists.  Some call this product a “Rated Single Premium Immediate Annuity”,...

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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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Should an Annuity Ever Be Placed in an IRA?

Rob Brinkman

When does it make sense to put an annuity inside of an IRA (Individual Retirement Account)?  This is a frequent question and the answer lies in what you are wanting to accomplish with your particular investment.  We all know that annuities are tax-deferred and so are IRAs. So, is an investor paying for tax-deferral unnecessarily when utilizing an annuity inside a qualified plan?  In this video, Rob Brinkman explores this question and gives some answers to when it does and doesn’t make sense to put...

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What Are Fixed Annuities?

Rob Brinkman

Provided By: The Annuity Guys If you are having trouble sleeping, you could count sheep or you could think about fixed annuities. Solid, unexciting, stodgy and downright boring are all wonderful terms to describe fixed annuities….along with safe, steady and simple.  Fixed annuities offer competitive interest rates, typically a couple of percentage points higher than bank CDs and money markets.  They were never designed to give returns comparable to the stock market, but this is due to the fact that they remove a layer of...

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Is An Annuity Considered Life Insurance?

Stan The Annuity Man

Question: Is an annuity considered life insurance?  Do they work the same? from Ted in Miami, FL Answer: Most people don’t know this, Ted, but annuities are actually issued from life insurance companies….so in essence they are life insurance products.  However, annuities and life insurance are vastly different when it comes to how they are taxed. As a side note, when it comes to anything involving taxes, you should always consult with a qualified CPA or tax lawyer.  Annuity agents are not tax advisors, and...

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What Annuities and Apple Juice Have in Common (Advanced Annuity Review)

Rob Brinkman

In this video, you will learn some advanced annuity concepts, the pros and cons of annuities, and why annuities are similar to apples in the fact that there is only so much juice you can squeeze from each product. Given the large amount of Index Annuities available for investors, the average consumer can quickly get overwhelmed.  This educational video walks the viewer through the different variables and how they affect one another inside an annuity contract. This educational video explains (in a very detailed, yet...

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Are Annuity Commissions Too High?

Rob Brinkman

Written By: The Annuity Guys Most of the mainstream media decries annuities as bad investment choices sold by unscrupulous agents solely to earn high commission. CNN/Money even states “annuities frequently charge other high fees as well, usually including an initial commission of up to 10% of your premium or investment”. The key word in this statement is “up to” – the majority of fixed annuities today are in the five to seven percent range assuming the agent elects to take the commission up front. It is important to keep...

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Should You Name A Trust As Beneficiary Of Your IRA Or 401K?

Carl Ostenson

The short answer is “Maybe, but don’t do it just because you can. Do it if it’s the only answer to a problem and you know exactly what you are doing.” IRAs and 401ks will pass on by way of contract to whomever you name as the beneficiaries. They will bypass the probate process and the lawyers involved automatically. A trust does not have to be involved if there is a beneficiary form. Most of the time, you do not need to name a trust...

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Why Are Banks Now Pushing Annuities?

Stan The Annuity Man

Question: My parents live in Florida, don’t have much money, and have only bought CDs from an investment standpoint.  Now every month, it seems, they are calling me to explain an annuity the bank is trying to sell them.  Why is their bank branch now pushing annuities so hard? from Fred in Sarasota, FL Answer: Great question, and this is happening nationwide, not just in Florida.  This madness all started a few years ago when it became legal for banks to sell investments to their...

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How Can I Be Sure My Assets I Leave Behind Go To My Loved Ones?

John CasaSanta

During our careers the emphasis on retirement planning shifts many times.  When we begin our working careers the emphasis is on purchasing that first home.  The focus turns to our family and making sure our children have all of the essentials needed as they are raised.  During this time we are aware that someday we want to retire.  We focus on setting enough back to match what our employer is placing in the work 401K plan.  When we receive a raise or bonus often times we...

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