27. Annuity Q&A 2025: Fees, Caps, LTC Riders, Bonuses & Roth Conversions Explained
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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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 Explained
Before 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: [email protected]
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.