Episodes

  • 27. Annuity Q&A 2025: Fees, Caps, LTC Riders, Bonuses & Roth Conversions Explained

    27. Annuity Q&A 2025: Fees, Caps, LTC Riders, Bonuses & Roth Conversions Explained
    Dec 3 2025
    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog/////////////// Links to the TOP 3 EPISODES of the year:🎙️16. Roth Conversion Deadline: Why 2025–2028 Could Save You Thousands 🎥 Roth Conversion Deadline: Why 2025–2028 Could Save You Thousands🎙️19. Roth Conversion Case Study for IRA Millionaires🎥 IRA Millionaire? Watch This Live Roth Conversion Walkthrough 🎙️12. Annuities Explained: Rates, Fees & Why More Retirees Are Saying Yes🎥 Annuities: Scam or Solution? 27. Annuity Q&A 2025: Fees, Caps, LTC Riders, Bonuses & Roth Conversions ExplainedBefore you buy an annuity in 2026, watch this lesson. I’m answering the seven most common annuity questions I received all year — and most people get at least three of them wrong. We’re covering fees, caps, bonuses, LTC riders, Roth-friendly carriers, and how annuity timelines actually work when you’re funding with cash, IRAs, 401(k)s, or TSPs. I also recap the three most-watched Retirement Income School™ videos of 2025 — including Roth conversion strategies and the “Scam or Solution?” annuity breakdown — and I want to thank you for helping the channel hit 5,000 subscribers in under a year. This is the final full-length lesson of 2025, and I’ll be back in 2026 with brand new lessons to help you protect your money, generate guaranteed income, and retire financially relaxed. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Why this episode matters before you buy an annuity in 2026 00:27 — Welcome to Retirement Income School™ + milestone: 5,000 subscribers 00:56 — Top 3 most-watched videos of 2025 (Roth deadlines, IRA millionaires, annuity myths) 02:10 — Q1: How do annuity fees actually work? (FIA, MYGA, income riders, variable annuities) 04:45 — Q2: What makes a carrier “Roth-friendly” for partial conversions? 07:00 — Q3: Do I have to move my entire IRA into an annuity? Why partial transfers & ladders work 08:25 — Q4: How long does an annuity contract take to start? (Cash vs IRA/401k/TSP timelines) 11:50 — Q5: How do cap rates & participation rates work on annuities? (Bonus tradeoffs explained) 14:55 — Q6: How does the long-term care rider work in an annuity? (Penalty-free access & income doubler) 16:40 — Q7: How does the annuity death benefit work? (FIA, MYGA, income riders, probate avoidance) 18:45 — Why annuities are misunderstood & how to vet your advisor 19:40 — How to get personalized help with your retirement income strategy 20:15 — Final lesson of 2025 + what’s coming in 2026 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.comPhone: 1-866-444-2997LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool 👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.
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    21 mins
  • 26. 3 IRA Tax Rules From Ed Slott Every Retiree Must Know

    26. 3 IRA Tax Rules From Ed Slott Every Retiree Must Know
    Nov 19 2025
    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog/////////////// 26. 3 IRA Tax Rules From Ed Slott Every Retiree Must Know In today’s episode of the Retirement Income School™, I’m sharing the three biggest rules I learned at Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor Group training — using Ed’s exact quotes and simple, practical steps you can use to reduce your lifetime tax bill. I just returned from a multi-day intensive workshop with financial planners, CPAs, estate attorneys, and insurance professionals like me — all focused on helping YOU avoid the biggest retirement tax traps. You’ll learn: Why delaying taxes can cost you more later Why your IRA is really an IOU to the IRS And why long-term planning is the key to avoiding RMD surprises, IRMAA surcharges, the widow’s penalty, and inherited IRA taxes Plus, exciting news: Ed Slott himself will be joining us early next year for a conversation you won’t want to miss! If you want to retire financially relaxed with a plan that protects your wealth and creates predictable, guaranteed income, this episode is for you.📕 Link to Ed Slott's Book: The Retirement Savings Time Bomb Ticks Louder 00:00 — Ed Slott Elite IRA Advisor Training Recap | Why Dr. Amanda attends this high-level tax workshop 01:15 — What You’ll Learn Today | Ed Slott’s 3 core rules for lowering lifetime retirement taxes 02:00 — Retirement Tax Strategy: Pay at the Lowest Rates | Why delaying taxes can cost you more later 03:00 — Roth Conversion Timing in Your 60s | Using low-tax years to reduce future RMDs 04:30 — RMD Planning in Your 70s | How forced withdrawals increase your tax bill 05:00 — Annuities for Roth Conversions | How to convert safely using Roth-friendly annuity contracts 06:00 — IRA Tax Truth: “Your IRA Is an IOU to the IRS” | Understanding how much of your IRA is really yours 06:45 — Hidden Tax Triggers: IRMAA, Social Security Taxation, Widow’s Penalty | The chain reaction retirees miss 07:30 — Reducing Your IOU | Moving money from tax later to tax never with Roth conversions + QCDs 08:00 — Long-Term Retirement Tax Planning | Why year-by-year decisions create 30-year tax problems 09:00 — Multi-Year Planning Across Your 40s–80s | Mapping RMDs, Medicare, survivor income, and inheritance taxes 10:30 — Recap of Ed Slott’s 3 Rules | Pay early, understand your IOU, and plan long-term 11:00 — Work With Dr. Amanda | How to schedule a Retirement Income Q&A Call 12:00 — Final Thoughts | Learn safe money strategies so you can retire financially relaxed 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.comPhone: 1-866-444-2997LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool 👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.
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    12 mins
  • 25. $500K Annuity Showdown: MYGA vs FIA for Retirement Income

    25. $500K Annuity Showdown: MYGA vs FIA for Retirement Income
    Nov 5 2025

    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:
    calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

    🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
    ✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

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    25. Live Annuity Comparison: MYGA vs FIA with Income Rider for Retirement Income

    If you had $500,000 to put into an annuity for retirement income, would you choose a guaranteed 5.5% rate for 10 years — or a guaranteed paycheck for life?

    In this Retirement Income School™ lesson, Dr. Amanda walks you through a live side-by-side comparison between a MYGA (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity) and a Fixed Indexed Annuity with an income rider. You’ll see how each one performs for a 65-year-old couple, what kind of income each produces, and which approach might fit your retirement income plan best.

    Learn how both protect your principal, how they differ in fees, liquidity, and payout structure — and why the right choice depends on your personal income goals.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 – Intro: $500K Annuity Comparison Setup
    01:00 – What a MYGA Is and How It Works
    02:00 – Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) with Income Rider Explained
    03:00 – Feature Comparison: Growth Type, Fees, Liquidity, Income
    06:00 – Case Study Setup: 65-Year-Old Couple, $500K Investment
    08:00 – FIA Income Example – $39,097 Lifetime Income
    10:00 – MIGA Income Example – $27,500 Interest-Only Income
    12:00 – Understanding Principal Protection & Ratings
    15:00 – Key Differences Between MYGA and FIA Strategies
    16:30 – How to Combine or Ladder Annuities for Flexibility
    18:00 – Recap: Which One Fits Your Plan?
    19:00 – Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

    📅 Want to Find Out More?:
    Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

    💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
    www.RetirementIncome.School

    📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
    www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

    💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
    www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

    📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
    Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.com
    Phone: 1-866-444-2997
    LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

    👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

    Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

    She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

    ⚠️ DISCLAIMER

    The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.
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    19 mins
  • 24. Annuity Fees Explained: SPIA, DIA, MYGA, FIA vs. Variable Annuities

    24. Annuity Fees Explained: SPIA, DIA, MYGA, FIA vs. Variable Annuities
    Oct 22 2025

    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:
    calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

    🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
    ✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

    ///////////////

    24. Annuity Fees Explained: SPIA, DIA, MYGA, FIA vs. Variable Annuities

    In this Retirement Income School™ lesson, Dr. Amanda tackles one of the biggest misconceptions about annuities — that they all come with high fees.
    She breaks down the four main types of annuities — SPIAs, DIAs, MYGAs, and FIAs — and explains which ones truly have fees (and why).
    You’ll learn how to spot hidden costs, understand what you’re actually paying for, and discover why some of the best income strategies for retirees come with no fees at all.

    By the end, you’ll know how to confidently evaluate annuities, compare options side by side, and understand exactly how each type fits into your retirement plan.

    Timestamps

    00:00 – Introduction: “Do all annuities have high fees?”
    01:00 – The four main annuity types explained
    02:00 – Why SPIAs, DIAs, and MYGAs have no ongoing fees
    03:00 – How FIAs work and when an income rider adds value
    05:00 – Why variable annuities carry the highest fees (and the biggest risks)
    07:00 – Inside an FIA with income rider: how fees are calculated
    08:00 – Comparing SPIA/DIA vs. FIA with income rider
    10:00 – The benefits and tradeoffs of guaranteed lifetime income
    12:00 – Understanding MYGAs and tax-deferred safe growth
    13:00 – Variable annuity layers of fees (M&E, subaccounts, riders)
    17:00 – Hidden costs and compounding fee impact
    18:30 – Recap: which annuities charge fees — and which don’t
    20:00 – How to evaluate annuities and ask the right questions
    21:00 – Key takeaways and next steps for your retirement plan

    🔗 Show Links

    📅 Want to Find Out More?:
    Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

    💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
    www.RetirementIncome.School

    📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
    www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

    💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
    www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

    📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
    Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.com
    Phone: 1-866-444-2997
    LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

    👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

    Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

    She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

    ⚠️ DISCLAIMER

    The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.
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    23 mins
  • 23. Q&A: Annuities, LTC, Roth & Social Security Featuring Roy Snarr

    23. Q&A: Annuities, LTC, Roth & Social Security Featuring Roy Snarr
    Oct 8 2025

    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:
    calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

    🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
    ✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

    ///////////////

    23. Q&A: Annuities, LTC, Roth & Social Security Featuring Roy Snarr

    In this Retirement Income School™ lesson, Dr. Amanda sits down with nationally recognized LTC and safe-money strategist Roy Snarr to show how annuities and long-term care planning work together. You’ll hear Roy’s personal “why,” what most retirees get wrong about LTC, and when to use MYGAs, FIAs with income riders, DIAs/SPIAs to build a guaranteed income floor. We also dig into asset-based LTC, tax-free benefits under the Pension Protection Act, Social Security timing, and how Roth conversions can be staged inside annuities to control taxes and IRMAA.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 — Welcome and why LTC + annuities belong in the same plan
    01:00 — Roy’s backstory and “safe money first” mission
    03:30 — The biggest retirement risk: extended care and what Medicare actually covers
    06:30 — How modern LTC works: traditional vs. asset-based vs. annuity/LTC benefits
    09:30 — Using annuities to build an income floor: MYGA, FIA + rider, DIA/SPIA basics
    12:30 — Inflation resilience: COLA options, indexing, and laddering strategies
    15:00 — Pension Protection Act strategy: repurposing old non-qualified annuities for tax-free LTC benefits
    17:30 — Coordinating Social Security timing with a guaranteed annuity paycheck
    19:30 — Roth conversions: using a MYGA/FIA as a safe staging area to manage brackets and IRMAA
    22:00 — Due diligence checklist: carrier strength, surrender schedule, rider costs, liquidity
    24:00 — Common myths and red flags in annuity/LTC proposals
    26:00 — Roy’s #1 takeaway: guarantee enough lifetime income to cover your fixed expenses
    28:30 — Wrap and next steps

    🔗 Show Links

    📅 Want to Find Out More?:
    Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

    💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
    www.RetirementIncome.School

    📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
    www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

    💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
    www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

    📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
    Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.com
    Phone: 1-866-444-2997
    LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

    👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

    Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

    She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

    ⚠️ DISCLAIMER

    The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.
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    30 mins
  • 22. Retirement Income Paychecks & Playchecks | Tom Hegna #Annuities

    22. Retirement Income Paychecks & Playchecks | Tom Hegna #Annuities
    Sep 24 2025
    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog/////////////// 22. Retirement Income Paychecks & Playchecks | Tom Hegna #Annuities In this episode of the Retirement Income School™, Dr. Amanda sits down with Tom Hegna — economist, author, and one of the most respected voices in retirement income planning. Together they discuss Tom’s books Paychecks and Playchecks and Don’t Worry, Retire Happy, covering the must-know strategies for creating guaranteed lifetime income, why longevity risk is “the mother of all risks,” and how to think about your go-go, slow-go, and no-go years. You’ll hear Tom explain why he personally owns 13 annuities, how annuity laddering can hedge against inflation, why life insurance is the most efficient way to pass wealth, and the four pillars of a financially relaxed retirement. 📚Purchase Tom Hegna's Books: Paychecks & PlaychecksDon't Worry Retire HappyWho Wants to Be a Millionaire Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & why Tom inspired Dr. Amanda’s work 02:00 – The “every day is Saturday” mindset in retirement 03:00 – Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go years explained 04:00 – Why Tom owns 13 annuities and how he uses them 05:00 – Annuity laddering as an inflation hedge 06:00 – Research backing guaranteed lifetime income 08:00 – “Just in case” retirement vs. spending with confidence 09:30 – Why leave life insurance, not money, to your kids 11:00 – How much of your portfolio belongs in annuities 12:00 – Using whole life and Roth annuities for tax-free income 14:00 – IRMAA, Medicare premiums, and tax planning mistakes 15:00 – Insurance company safety and state protections 17:00 – Mortality credits: the “secret sauce” of annuities 19:00 – Why annuities often outperform bonds 20:00 – Understanding fees and spread products 23:00 – Longevity risk: the risk multiplier 25:00 – Seven steps to retire happy (book overview) 28:00 – Use your home equity wisely + wealth transfer with life insurance 29:00 – Tom’s takeaway: the four-step retirement formula 30:00 – Tom’s latest book for young adults: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire 🔗 Show Links 📅 Want to Find Out More?:Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda 💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:www.RetirementIncome.School 📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool 💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint 📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.comPhone: 1-866-444-2997LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool 👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone. She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.
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    31 mins
  • 21. Roth Conversion & Roth Blueprint: Strategies for IRA Millionaires

    21. Roth Conversion & Roth Blueprint: Strategies for IRA Millionaires
    Sep 10 2025

    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:
    calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

    🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
    ✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

    ///////////////

    In this episode of Retirement Income School™, I sit down with Steve Hutchinson — creator of the Roth Blueprint software — to dive deep into Roth conversions. We cover why the 2018 tax law changes made conversions riskier, how phantom gains can devastate your retirement, why the 4% rule breaks down during conversion years, and how annuities can create stability and protect against losses. If you’re serious about building tax-free income in retirement, this lesson is a must-listen.

    Timestamps:
    0:00 – Welcome + Why Roth Conversions Are Hot Right Now
    1:00 – Meet Steve Hutchinson & The Roth Blueprint
    2:00 – Why Roths Provide Certainty in Uncertain Tax Futures
    3:00 – The $37 Trillion Debt Problem & The 8-Year Conversion Window
    5:00 – Why Steve Built Roth-Specific Software
    6:00 – The 4% Rule & Why It Fails During Conversions
    8:00 – Abigail vs. Melinda: Stable vs. Volatile Market Conversion Case Study
    12:00 – Sequence of Returns Risk Magnified in Conversions
    13:00 – The Phantom Gains Problem After TCJA 2018
    16:00 – Why You Can’t Afford Losses During Conversions
    17:00 – How Simplified Accumulation Annuities Create Safe Growth
    19:00 – Locking in Gains & Eliminating Downside Risk
    20:00 – Marginal Tax Bracket Management Explained
    22:00 – Converting Without Out-of-Pocket Costs
    24:00 – The Widow’s Penalty & Ease of Annuities in Roth Planning
    25:00 – Why Annuities Guarantee Tax-Free Lifetime Income
    27:00 – Why NOW Is the Roth Conversion Window of Opportunity
    28:00 – Closing Thoughts & How to Book a Roth Blueprint Call

    🔗 Show Links

    📅 Want to Find Out More?:
    Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

    💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
    www.RetirementIncome.School

    📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
    www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

    💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
    www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

    📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
    Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.com
    Phone: 1-866-444-2997
    LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

    👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

    Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

    She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

    ⚠️ DISCLAIMER

    The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.
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    28 mins
  • 20. Are Insurance Companies Safe for Retirement Income?

    20. Are Insurance Companies Safe for Retirement Income?
    Aug 27 2025

    Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:
    calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

    🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
    ✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

    ///////////////

    Can an insurance company actually go bankrupt — and take your money with it? The short answer is yes, but the full story is very different from what most people think. In today’s lesson, I’ll walk you through the history of life insurance and annuities, how insurance companies are regulated, and the multiple layers of protection that make them some of the safest financial institutions in the world. If you’ve ever wondered whether your retirement paycheck is truly secure, this episode is for you.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 – Can insurance companies really go bankrupt?
    01:00 – Why safety matters for retirement income
    02:00 – Annuities: predictable, lifetime cash flow
    02:30 – Dividend-paying whole life and Infinite Banking
    03:00 – Life insurance’s 150+ year legacy of stability
    03:45 – Annuities: from Rome to modern retirement income
    05:00 – Safe money vs risky money: how contracts guarantee security
    06:00 – Regulation, reserves, and how insurers stay solvent
    07:00 – Oversight, guaranty associations, and protection layers
    08:00 – Why annuities and whole life are “stay-rich” tools
    09:00 – My mom’s story: why safety is non-negotiable
    11:00 – The bottom line: safe money solutions you can trust
    12:00 – How to explore your options at Retirement Income School

    🔗 Show Links

    📅 Want to Find Out More?:
    Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

    💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
    www.RetirementIncome.School

    📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
    www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

    💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
    www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

    📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
    Email: DrAmanda@RetirementSolutionsFinancial.com
    Phone: 1-866-444-2997
    LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

    👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

    Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

    She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

    ⚠️ DISCLAIMER

    The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins