Dan Foss discusses common annuity myths – how to make the best choices for retirement 

Listen to the interview on the Business Innovators Radio Network: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-dan-foss-with-foss-financial-services/

When planning for retirement, annuities often emerge as a misunderstood and underutilized financial tool. Persistent myths surrounding annuities can deter individuals from considering them as part of their retirement strategy. Dan Foss aims to dispel common annuity myths and provide guidance on making informed choices for a secure and prosperous retirement.

Myth 1: “Annuities Are Too Complex and Risky”

While annuities can appear intricate, they offer a straightforward way to generate guaranteed income during retirement. By selecting the right type of annuity and understanding its features, individuals can mitigate risks and simplify their retirement income strategy.

Myth 2: “You Only Win if You Lose”

Annuities provide guaranteed income to policyholders throughout their lifetime.  While life insurance is purchased to address premature death, annuities act as a hedge by providing longevity “credits”.  In other words, the longer you live, the more you win and the insurance company loses. In addition, many annuities offer enhanced benefits for long-term care that help alleviate the burden on you and your loved ones.

Myth 3: “Annuities Are a Bad Investment”

Even wealthy investors are often skeptical that annuities can outperform their current strategies.  But it is important to realize that investment institutions focus on growing assets, not protecting them. 

Annuities offer risk-free growth and income, protecting from market volatility unlike 401ks, IRAs, stocks, and even bonds.  And while individual cases should be modeled uniquely, annuities are often shown to increase projected lifetime net worth projections when integrated into other investment portfolio and retirement strategies.  

Myth 4: “Annuities Lack Flexibility and Liquidity”

Contrary to popular belief, many annuities offer flexible features that allow for adjustments based on changing financial needs.  While it is true that surrender fees may be applied when you withdraw money from or cancel an annuity during a set period of time, they vary depending on the annuity and the insurance company.  Individuals can explore riders and provisions that provide liquidity options, such as partial withdrawals or access to funds in case of emergencies.

Myth 5: “Annuities Have High Fees and Commissions”

Fees and commissions are built into the cost of fixed indexed annuities.  Costs are transparent and investors/policy owners do not pay any additional fees or commissions to brokers or insurance companies. What Fisher and other investment companies *do* like about annuities is targeting potential and current annuity owners, so they can convert that money to their managed portfolio and collect associated management fees. By comparing different annuity products and understanding fee structures, individuals can select cost-effective options that align with their financial objectives. 

Daniel Shared: “In the realm of retirement planning, annuities often spark debate and misconceptions among individuals seeking to secure their financial future. As retirees and pre-retirees navigate the complex landscape of retirement investments, understanding the truth behind common annuity myths becomes integral to making informed and strategic choices for a secure retirement”

Making the Best Choices for Retirement – To make the most of annuities and secure a stable retirement:

• Consult a Financial Advisor: Professional advice ensures to understand of the complexities and benefits of different annuity products.
• Evaluate Your Retirement Goals: Consider people’s income needs, risk tolerance, and long-term financial objectives.
• Research Thoroughly: Compare different annuity products, focus on transparency, and understand the fee structures and potential benefits.
• Plan for Flexibility: Select annuities with features that accommodate the needs for liquidity and changing financial circumstances.

About Daniel Foss

Daniel Foss (ChFC, CLU) is CEO and Founder of Foss Financial Services LLP, a personal and business wealth advisory firm that specializes in estate and retirement planning.  Daniel specializes in the structuring of financial strategies to maximize wealth preservation and minimize tax consequences his clients. He has been serving bay area individuals and small business owners for over 25 years. 

Learn more: https://fossfinancialservices.com/

Dan Foss, ChFC, CLU, is a licensed and experienced Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). The purpose of this Foss Financial Services podcast is to introduce Dan Foss and share his decades of training, education, and real-world experience to the public for informational purposes only. Dan’s opinions are not intended to be used or construed as specific financial planning or estate planning advice, legal advice or tax advice, for any individual or investor. No products or services shall be promoted on these podcasts. The contents expressed are not sponsored by nor paid for by any product, service, or services provider. Interested parties desiring personalized advisory services for their unique financial planning must schedule a private appointment to confidentially review their financial goals and objectives to best plan options suited to achieve their goals.