by Lance Roberts
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| Richard Rosso & Danny Ratliff tackle one of the most misunderstood retirement tools: annuities—what they are, who they’re actually for, and where investors frequently get trapped by slick marketing and incomplete comparisons. We start with why annuities aren’t for everyone, then walk through three clear use-cases where an annuity can make sense—especially for households prioritizing guaranteed lifetime income and a more stable retirement “paycheck.” Danny & Rich also dig into the common mistakes: chasing teaser rates, misunderstanding caps/participation rates, overlooking rider costs, and buying a contract that doesn’t match the real goal (income, legacy, or risk transfer). We also cover how Social Security functions like a foundational annuity, and why your claiming strategy can matter as much as the product you buy. This session includes a practical breakdown of fixed indexed annuities, the pros/cons of QLACs (Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts), and how annuity income is taxed—including what investors often get wrong about the taxable portion, RMD interactions, and potential IRMAA impacts. We also address planning considerations for couples facing chronic illness, whether it ever makes sense to buy an annuity at a younger age (including COLA riders), and how to think about immediate income annuities versus delaying Social Security to age 70. Finally, we hit advanced questions like pension payout decisions (lump sum vs QLAC), legacy intent, whether you can hold annuities inside a Roth, and what happens with annuities alongside equity mutual funds (including the frequent confusion around “step-up in basis”). If you’re evaluating retirement income strategies, this Q&A will help you separate planning reality from product marketing—and make better decisions around risk, taxes, and lifetime income. Hosted by RIA Advisors Director of Financial Planning, Richard Rosso, CFP, w Senior Financial Advisor, Danny Ratliff CFP. Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer, & Michell Ratliff, Marketing Maven 0:00 - INTRO - disclaimer 0:59 - Annuities aren't for everybody 3:20 - Three reasons to use an annuity 6:21 - Estate management w Annuities 6:47 - What do people do wrong w Annuities? 8:28 - Enticing commercials for Annuities 9:42 - Annuities are for income for life (bad Rich audio) 14:39 - Social Security is a basic annuity: Use the right claiming strategy 15:35 - Fixed index annuities 17:39 - Pros & cons of QLAC's (Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract) 24:39 - Taxable portion of Annuity 26:34 - Strategies for Couples w chronic illnesses? When is a good time to buy an annuity? 29:56 - Is Income from an Annuity subject to taxation? 33:51 - Negatives to annuity strategies 38:46 - Better to get an annuity at a younger age? (COLA rider in annuity) 39:49 - Delaying SS until 70? Immediate Income Annuity 44:21 - When will RMD start affecting IRMA? 47:58 - Lump Sum or QLAC with Pension payout? 50:32 - Legacy intent 51:32 - Can you put an annuity in a Roth to avoid taxes? 54:09 - e-Book pitch 54:57 - Annuity w equity mutual funds: Step-up in Basis? 56:11 - When companies invest in annuities 57:03 - How is RMD Calculated? 59:44 - Closing comments on Annuities Download Rich's Latest e-book, "LThe Money Savvy Guide to Maximum Retirement Income,"https://realinvestmentadvice.com/ria-e-guide-library/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #RetirementPlanning #Annuities #SocialSecurity #TaxPlanning #RMDs |
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