Hi Reader,

Annuities often become part of the retirement conversation during major life changes, yet many people still aren't sure what they actually are or when they make sense.

"For many retirees, the question isn't simply, 'Have I saved enough?' The question becomes, 'How do I turn what I've saved into a dependable income?"

ERIC BLAKE

Understanding Annuities Before You Decide if They Belong in Your Retirement Plan

In this episode, I begin a four-part series designed to help you understand annuities before you ever evaluate a specific product. We discuss what an annuity actually is, why insurance companies created them, how they can provide retirement income, and why every decision should begin with your retirement goals rather than product features.

We also explore accumulation versus income phases, tax deferral, and the questions you should ask before deciding whether an annuity belongs in your retirement plan.

Key Takeaways:

• How annuities work as insurance contracts that may provide retirement income now or later
• Why retirement planning should begin with your goals before discussing financial products
• How accumulation and income phases affect the way annuities function over time
• Why tax deferral should be viewed as one feature rather than the primary reason to buy
• Questions that help determine whether an annuity belongs in your retirement strategy
• And more!

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Upcoming Workshop

Retirement is about more than your finances. It's also about creating a life you'll enjoy once work is no longer part of your daily routine.

That's why I'm excited to host a free live workshop with Joy Levin, Certified Professional Retirement Coach.

The Plan Nobody Hands You: Building a Life You'll Love After Work

Together, we'll explore the personal side of retirement and discuss practical ways to build purpose, structure, and meaningful connections beyond your career.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 18 at 6:00 p.m. CT.

I hope you'll join us.

The Simply Retirement Toolbox

👉 Does An Annuity Fit Within My Financial Plan?​​​​​

Securing a predictable income stream in retirement is likely one of your primary goals if you are approaching or already in retirement. With so many products and strategies available, it can be difficult to determine which approach best fits your unique financial situation.

Annuities can provide guaranteed income along with several other benefits that may support your retirement plan. Depending on your needs and circumstances, an annuity may help protect your initial investment, supplement your retirement income, provide tax-deferred growth, help address long-term care expenses, or support your legacy and wealth transfer goals.

Before deciding whether an annuity is right for you, it deserves careful consideration rather than being automatically dismissed or accepted. To help you evaluate whether an annuity fits within your retirement plan, we created this checklist. It covers several of the key factors you should consider, including:

• Variable, fixed, and indexed annuities
• Immediate and deferred income annuities
• Purchase/funding methods
• Riders and other features
• Tax considerations

Have more questions about retirement planning? Just hit reply to this email. I read and respond to every message. 😃

Keeping Retirement Simple,

Eric Blake, CFP®

​Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. Results will vary. Past performance is no indication of future results or success. Market conditions change continuously.

Information here is provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither Blake Wealth Management nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of Blake Wealth Management. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, their employees, or their clients.

This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Blake Wealth Management or RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC ("RFG Advisory" or "RFG") a registered investment advisor. Blake Wealth Management and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.