In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed:

• Questioning the fiduciary label

• Recognizing bad advice despite credentials

• Performing personal due diligence

• Choosing advisors carefully and staying informed

Key Takeaways:

• "Fiduciary" is often misused by advisors as a marketing badge rather than a guarantee of acting in the client's best interest. Consumers should not assume a plaque or certification automatically equals sound advice.

• Even certified fiduciaries can make improper or risky recommendations, as illustrated by a reverse mortgage case leading to unsuitable annuity and insurance products. Titles and certifications do not replace critical evaluation of financial advice.

• Do your own research, ask questions, and verify recommendations, especially when products are complex or seem too good to be true. Relying solely on an advisor's credentials can expose you to financial harm.

• Stan recommends fee-only fiduciaries for non-annuities but urges extra caution when advisors sell annuities.

• Seeking second opinions and consulting specialists helps protect against misleading or unethical guidance.

"People are hiding behind a certification. They're hiding behind that F‑word, fiduciary, to recommend products that make no sense." — 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!

In this episode, The Annuity Man and Terry Savage discuss:

• What is "chicken money"?

• Considering future crises in your financial plan

• Seeking trusted advisors

• Building an income floor

Key Takeaways:

• Your "chicken money" is money that you can't afford to lose. CDs, treasury bills, money markets, AAA municipal bonds, and MYGAs are suitable options. MYGAs and CDs are great for principal protection and tax deferral benefits. Focus on having an income floor and principal protection in retirement plans.

• It's important to consider possible future financial crises and plan for them, regardless of political outcomes. Social Security is a primary source of retirement income.

• Seek trusted financial advice from fiduciaries who fully disclose costs and operate on a fee-only basis. See to it personally that you are able to customize your financial plan according to your goals.

• Have an income floor to protect yourself against market fluctuations and ensure financial stability. Social Security is a strong foundation for retirement income. Build on it with guaranteed products. Consider both the short-term and the long-term in your financial plan.

"Chicken money, by definition, is money you cannot afford to lose, and as such, it belongs in things like short-term CDs, treasury bills." — Terry Savage

Connect with Terry Savage:

Website: https://www.terrysavage.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesavagetruth/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Savage-Truth-190870517609983/

New Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119645441/ref=pe_2313400_441222210_em_1p_0_lm

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!

In this episode, The Annuity Man discussed:

• Understanding why life insurance loans are not income

• Questioning glossy tax-free income pitches

• Keeping life insurance simple and purpose-driven

• Testing illustrations and setting clear expectations

Key Takeaways:

• Loans from a life insurance policy are not income, just as bank loans are not income. They are tax-free only because they must be repaid, not because they create earnings. Calling them "tax-free income" is a misleading sales framing.

• Many life insurance illustrations rely on optimistic assumptions and attractive projections. High internal fees and commissions often benefit the agent more than the client. If a pitch sounds too good to be true, it usually deserves deeper scrutiny.

• Life insurance works best when focused on its core purpose: a tax-free death benefit. Level term coverage maximizes protection while minimizing cost and complexity. Avoid products with indexes, market ties, or unnecessary moving parts.

• Running illustrations at 0% growth reveals the true impact of fees and loan costs. This stress test shows whether a policy can sustain itself over time. Life insurance should be positioned as protection, not a tax-free income strategy.

"With life insurance, you buy the most death benefit you can for the least amount of money. It's that simple." — 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!