Indexed annuities promise market-like gains without market losses—but Don and Tom explain how commissions, surrender charges, spreads, participation rates, and even changing contract terms can leave investors with disappointing returns and very little transparency.
They also discuss how much cash belongs in a retirement “reservoir,” why falling bond prices do not make high-quality bonds riskier than stocks, and how MYGA tax deferral works through a 1035 exchange.
01:31 Musical royalties and an annuity joke
02:26 Why indexed-annuity sales keep soaring
05:52 When the insurer changes the rules
11:32 Investments Don would avoid
14:41 Designing a retirement cash reservoir
22:05 Why bond-fund prices have fallen
26:22 Extending MYGA tax deferral
29:34 Free portfolio analysis
31:51 Disclosures
