"Fun With Annuities" The Annuity Man Podcast

Hosted by The Annuity Man

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400

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Fun With Annuities® Podcast is hosted by America's Annuity Agent, Stan The Annuity Man®. Hear brutal annuity facts with no sales pitches from the top independent agent in the country, licensed in all 50 states. Author of 7 books, Stan dives deep on all annuity types and strategies. It's fun, learning the contractual truths on how annuities actually work and if they'll fit your personal retirement lifestyle. Listen in on how you can be livin' the reality, not the dream.

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June 16, 202611 min

There Are No Annuity Roller Coasters: Fun With Annuities

There are no annuity roller coasters—only contractual guarantees. In this episode, Stan "The Annuity Man" breaks down why properly structured annuities should remove market drama from your retirement plan and how to avoid being taken for a ride by sales pitches. In this episode, The Annuity Man discusses: The "roller coaster" of expectations vs. actual contract terms Why contract-based annuities avoid market swings How MYGAs blend CD and bond benefits without volatility Using lifetime annuities for income and legacy planning Indexed vs. variable vs. RILA annuities: key differences How bonuses and illustrations can set unrealistic expectations Key Takeaways: Annuities issued by life insurance companies are contracts, and when you buy them for what they will do (not what they might do), you eliminate the emotional roller coaster of market volatility. Multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs) act like the annuity industry's version of a CD or bond, but with an underlying value that does not fluctuate, making them attractive for the "go-go" years of retirement. Lifetime income annuities can be structured to provide a static monthly payment for life while ensuring that, if you die early, remaining value goes to your beneficiaries rather than the insurance company. Products like variable annuities and RILAs/buffer annuities often come with market exposure, moving parts, and hypothetical illustrations, which Stan rejects in favor of simple, contractual guarantees. The real "roller coaster" in the annuity world isn't the contracts—it's the sales pitches, including unrealistic bonus offers and performance promises that don't match what the contract is actually designed to do. "There's no roller coasters with lifetime income with annuities. There's a contractual guarantees. Period." — Stan the Annuity Man Connect with The Annuity Man: Website: http://theannuityman.com/ Email: Stan@TheAnnuityMan.com Book: Owner's Manuals: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/how-do-annuities-work YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXKKxvVslbeGAlEc5sra2g Get a Quote Today: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/annuity-calculator!

June 14, 20269 min

Keep Your Powder Dry Annuity Strategies: Shootin' It Straight With Stan

Managing your retirement income doesn't mean you have to go all-in or rip the knob off the faucet on day one. In this episode, Stan the Annuity Man breaks down "keep your powder dry" annuity strategies that let you stay flexible, protect your principal, and decide on lifetime income when it actually makes sense. In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: The value of annuities for lifetime income planning Laddering strategy with annuities Placing an annuity inside a trust Key Takeaways: When it comes to planning for lifetime income, annuities can be a valuable tool. However, it's essential to approach annuities with strategies that allow for flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. By purchasing multiple annuities with different start dates, you can create a steady stream of income that aligns with your needs over time. This approach, called laddering, allows you to adjust your income as your requirements change, providing a level of flexibility that a single annuity may not offer. By placing an annuity inside a trust, you can maintain control over the asset while still benefiting from the lifetime income it provides. This strategy can be particularly useful for those who want to ensure their assets are managed according to their wishes, even if they become incapacitated. "It's a keep your powder dry strategy, meaning that you can go into this with a plan in place for future income needs. You know exactly to the penny what that's going to be. But if something changes between now and then, you can get all your money back..." — Stan The Annuity Man. Connect with The Annuity Man: Website: http://theannuityman.com/ Email: Stan@TheAnnuityMan.com Book: Owner's Manuals: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/how-do-annuities-work YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXKKxvVslbeGAlEc5sra2g Get a Quote Today: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/annuity-calculator!

June 7, 20268 min

Annuity Strategies for 80 & 90 Year Olds: Shootin' It Straight With Stan

If you're in your 80s or 90s or caring for someone who is, this episode breaks down no-BS annuity strategies that actually make sense. Discover how to protect principal, strip out excessive fees, and set up simple, contractual income or legacy plans without getting sold a "whiz-bang" product. In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Annuity suitability for people in their 80s and 90s Why complex annuities (indexed, variable, RILAs) are often inappropriate Using 1035 transfers to move into MIGAs Designing legacy and income strategies with period-certain annuities Evaluating existing riders and avoiding bad sales practices Key Takeaways: At advanced ages, annuity planning should focus on principal protection and/or guaranteed income, not chasing hypothetical market upside. Variable and indexed annuities with high annual fees often need to be reevaluated and potentially moved into simpler, no-fee structures. A non-taxable 1035 transfer can reposition existing annuities into multi-year guaranteed annuities to lock in gains and eliminate market risk. Period-certain immediate annuities can extend income and spread out tax liability, even if the owner doesn't live through the full payment term. Before moving any contract, it's critical to analyze existing income and death-benefit riders to ensure valuable guarantees aren't left on the table. "You've already won the game. Don't play anymore." — Stan The Annuity Man Connect with The Annuity Man: Website: http://theannuityman.com/ Email: Stan@TheAnnuityMan.com Book: Owner's Manuals: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/how-do-annuities-work YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXKKxvVslbeGAlEc5sra2g Get a Quote Today: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/annuity-calculator!

June 2, 2026Episode 19912 min

Golden Goose of Annuities Confidence: Fun With Annuities

Why haven't annuities collapsed even when a carrier fails? In this episode, you'll learn how the "golden goose of annuity confidence" is protected behind the scenes—by state guarantee funds, big carriers, and a quiet "annuity mafia" that refuses to let the system break. In this episode, The Annuity Man discusses: State guarantee funds vs. FDIC The "golden goose of annuity confidence" Role of big carriers and the "annuity mafia" Demographic tidal wave of retiring boomers Private credit exposure and carrier selection strategy Key Takeaways: State guarantee funds exist as a backstop for fixed annuities, but wise carrier selection and strong financials matter more than simply staying under coverage limits. The true protection behind annuities is an industry-level commitment to maintain public confidence, with large carriers stepping in so weaker players don't poison the entire market. Annuities are fundamentally about transferring risk and contractually solving for principal protection, lifetime income, legacy, and long-term care. With tens of thousands of Americans turning 65 every day, demand for contractual guarantees is set to surge, especially when markets eventually experience a serious downturn. Despite concerns about private credit and complex balance sheets, disciplined advisors who focus on carrier quality and contractual guarantees can still confidently recommend annuities that back up their promises. "We only look at the contractual guarantees of the policy." — Stan the Annuity Man Connect with The Annuity Man: Website: http://theannuityman.com/ Email: Stan@TheAnnuityMan.com Book: Owner's Manuals: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/how-do-annuities-work YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXKKxvVslbeGAlEc5sra2g Get a Quote Today: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/annuity-calculator!

May 31, 20269 min

Contractual Drool Cups & Annuity Diapers: Shootin' It Straight With Stan

In this episode, Stan "The Annuity Man" delivers a blunt, edutaining wake-up call about the realities of aging, why retirement is really "chapter two," and how to use annuities and intentional spending so you don't die with a pile of unspent money and a lifetime of regrets. In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Contractual drool cups and annuity diapers as a reality check Three phases of retirement: go-go, slow go, no go Core functions and questions behind annuity planning Learning to spend, enjoy life, and give money while alive Lifestyle, legacy, and peace-of-mind planning in chapter two Key Takeaways: Retirement should be viewed as "chapter two," a pivot away from accumulation and toward actually enjoying the life you've worked for. If you live long enough, you'll likely reach a "no-go" phase, so the goal is to make the most of your go-go and slow-go years instead of hoarding money you'll never spend. Annuities exist to solve specific contractual needs: principal protection, lifetime income, legacy, and long-term care. Many people must actively retrain themselves to spend, travel, and enjoy life, especially if they grew up poor or hyper-focused on saving and tax avoidance. Gifting money and supporting family or causes while you're still alive can create more impact and joy than waiting to pass it on after you're gone. "If you have never learned how to spend, teach yourself how to spend." — Stan The Annuity Man Connect with The Annuity Man: Website: http://theannuityman.com/ Email: Stan@TheAnnuityMan.com Book: Owner's Manuals: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/how-do-annuities-work YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXKKxvVslbeGAlEc5sra2g Get a Quote Today: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/annuity-calculator!

May 24, 20269 min

Peel and Play Annuities: Shootin' It Straight With Stan

Looking for a way to protect your principal, skip the fees, and simply live off the interest? In this episode, Stan breaks down "peel and play" annuities and shows how multi-year guarantee annuities (MIGAs) offer simple, contractual returns without the complexity or risk of market-based products. In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Peel and play annuities concept and misconceptions How multi-year guarantee annuities (MIGAs) work Tax deferral advantages vs. CDs Building and managing a MIGA ladder strategy MIGAs for risk management and legacy planning Key Takeaways: Not all annuities are designed for lifetime income; some are built specifically for principal protection and simple interest withdrawal. Multi-year guarantee annuities function similarly to CDs but are issued by life insurance companies and offer guaranteed, contractual yields. Using MIGAs in non-qualified accounts allows interest to grow tax deferred and be rolled from contract to contract, effectively pushing the tax bill into the future. A laddered MIGA strategy can provide steady, predictable interest while keeping the original principal intact and available for future decisions. When the goal is "don't lose money" and "keep it simple," guaranteed products like MIGAs may be more aligned than complex, hypothetical, or bonus-driven indexed annuities. "Warren Buffett had two rules. Rule number one: never lose money. Rule number two, never forget rule number one, he would love peel and play annuities." — Stan The Annuity Man Connect with The Annuity Man: Website: http://theannuityman.com/ Email: Stan@TheAnnuityMan.com Book: Owner's Manuals: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/how-do-annuities-work YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXKKxvVslbeGAlEc5sra2g Get a Quote Today: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/annuity-calculator!

May 19, 2026Episode 19811 min

Faith, Fiduciaries and Annuities: Fun With Annuities

When faith, trust, and money intersect, consumers can get hurt. In this episode, Stan the Annuity Man calls out prosperity gospel sales tactics, misused fiduciary labels, and explains how to protect yourself with contractual guarantees and a true second opinion. In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Definition and misuse of the "fiduciary" label Religion, churches, and faith-based annuity sales Prosperity gospel and financial product pitching Friends, family, and local agents selling limited annuity options The importance of second opinions and contractual guarantees Key Takeaways: A plaque on the wall or a fiduciary title is no substitute for genuinely putting a client's best interests first. Using church relationships or religious trust to sell annuities is a growing problem and can easily cross ethical lines. Consumers should be wary of buying complex products from friends, family, or small local circles that only offer one or two annuity types. Multi-level marketing and prosperity-focused messaging around annuities demand extra skepticism and independent verification. Treat major annuity decisions like a serious medical diagnosis; always seek a second opinion before committing significant retirement savings. "Fiduciary means that you're putting the client's best interest ahead of the advisor." — Stan The Annuity Man Connect with The Annuity Man: Website: http://theannuityman.com/ Email: Stan@TheAnnuityMan.com Book: Owner's Manuals: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/how-do-annuities-work YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXKKxvVslbeGAlEc5sra2g Get a Quote Today: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/annuity-calculator!

May 17, 202610 min

Lifetime Income Backstops: Shootin' It Straight With Stan

Think annuities mean your money disappears when you die? In this episode, Stan The Annuity Man breaks down lifetime income backstops and shows how to structure annuities so every penny is guaranteed to go to your beneficiaries—not the "evil annuity company." In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Common misconceptions about lifetime income annuities Life-only annuities vs. annuities with backstops Single premium immediate annuities, deferred income annuities, and QLACs Cash refund, installment refund, and period certain structures Income riders on index and variable annuities as lifetime income solutions Key Takeaways: Many people, including financial professionals, misunderstand annuities and wrongly assume the money vanishes at death, when in reality, there are numerous ways to protect beneficiaries. Life-only structures deliver the highest lifetime income but intentionally accept the risk that no money may remain for heirs if death occurs early. Cash refund and installment refund backstops ensure that every unused dollar of premium ultimately goes to beneficiaries rather than being retained by the annuity company. Periodic certain options are generally less efficient, because they simply guarantee a minimum payout period rather than maximizing long-term protection and benefits for heirs. Income riders attached to index or variable annuities focus on the contractual income guarantee, with the underlying annuity acting as the death benefit backstop, often providing strong lifetime income solutions. "We only look at the contractual guarantees of the policy. We only own it for what it will do, not what it might do." — Stan The Annuity Man Connect with The Annuity Man: Website: http://theannuityman.com/ Email: Stan@TheAnnuityMan.com Book: Owner's Manuals: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/how-do-annuities-work YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXKKxvVslbeGAlEc5sra2g Get a Quote Today: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/annuity-calculator!

May 11, 202612 min

Annuities Produce Fun Coupons: Shootin' It Straight With Stan

What if you treated every dollar as a "fun coupon" instead of something to hoard and stress over? In this episode, Stan The Annuity Man lays out how annuities can create guaranteed income, break the scarcity mindset, and give you permission to finally enjoy Chapter Two of your life. In this episode, The Annuity Man discusses: Money as "fun coupons" and winning the game Core purposes of annuities and principal protection Taxes, rich mindsets, and not over-optimizing Scarcity scars, personal hardship, and financial trauma Using guaranteed income to actually enjoy life in Chapter Two Key Takeaways: Money is most powerful when it's treated as a tool for enjoyment and experiences, not just accumulation. Annuities are primarily designed for principal protection and lifetime income, creating predictable "fun coupons" you can actually spend. Obsessing over taxes, markets, and spreadsheets often prevents people who have already "won the game" from enjoying their lives. A scarcity mindset rooted in past financial hardship can trap even very wealthy people in fear, unless they consciously choose to spend and live. Building an income floor with guarantees (like annuities, Social Security, pensions, and RMDs) can free you to focus on lifestyle, relationships, and Chapter Two of life. "Money is nothing more than fun coupons." — Stan The Annuity Man Connect with The Annuity Man: Website: http://theannuityman.com/ Email: Stan@TheAnnuityMan.com Book: Owner's Manuals: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/how-do-annuities-work YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXKKxvVslbeGAlEc5sra2g Get a Quote Today: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/annuity-calculator!

May 5, 2026Episode 19710 min

Annuitization Sweeping the Nation: Fun With Annuities

Discover why annuitization has quietly powered lifetime income for over 200 years—and why it's poised to "sweep the nation" as more Americans hit retirement age. In this episode, you'll hear a no-fluff breakdown of how annuities really work, how they compare to Social Security, and how to secure chapter two of your life with guaranteed income. In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed: Historical roots of annuities and annuitization Annuitization as lifetime income and its connection to Social Security Impact of AI, medical advances, and longevity on annuity payouts Common misconceptions about annuities and beneficiary protections Structuring lifetime income in retirement and the future of annuitization Key Takeaways: Annuitization is fundamentally about turning a lump sum into a guaranteed stream of payments, often for life, and has been relied on for centuries. Social Security is effectively the most widely owned annuitization product, proving that many people already value lifetime income even if they claim to "hate annuities." As life expectancies increase due to medical and technological advances, annuity payouts are projected to stretch over longer periods, changing how benefits are priced and structured. Properly structured annuities don't simply "keep your money when you die"; in most modern designs, any unused value passes on to your beneficiaries. For the second chapter of life, guaranteed income and an income floor can matter more than chasing market returns, speculation, or complex investment fads. "Lifetime Income is a pension - a transfer of longevity risk. Annuitization has been embraced by this nation for a very, very, very long time." — Stan The Annuity Man Connect with The Annuity Man: Website: http://theannuityman.com/ Email: Stan@TheAnnuityMan.com Book: Owner's Manuals: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/how-do-annuities-work YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXKKxvVslbeGAlEc5sra2g Get a Quote Today: https://www.stantheannuityman.com/annuity-calculator!