Overview:

Indexed annuities are often sold as a win-win: stock market gains without the downside. But is that really true? Ryan, Ron, and Nick dig into this retirement income tool to explain how indexed annuities actually work, how they’re marketed, and why the numbers tell a very different story.

You’ll learn about caps, buffers, fees, and the hidden costs that limit growth — and why many indexed annuities end up performing more like bonds, without the same liquidity. Annuities might feel safer but could cost you significantly over time if you aren’t aware of real-world returns and risk. Before you make any decisions on how you’ll create income in retirement, make sure you understand all of your investment options.

0:00 – Intro

2:58 – Background on why this is relevant today

4:35 – Costs

6:25 – Growth potential

14:30 – Takeaways on returns

16:17 – The risks

20:24 – When to use an indexed annuity

22:25 – The trade-offs

24:12 – Final thoughts