That Annuity Show

In this episode of That Annuity Show, host Paul Tyler welcomes Roger Kahlon, Vice President and Head of Consulting at Zinnia, to discuss key takeaways from the recent IRI Annual Conference. They explore the industry's digital transformation journey, including the Digital First initiative, the growing importance of Contingent Deferred Annuities (CDAs), and the need for standardization and collaboration to expand the marketplace. Roger shares valuable insights on how carriers can overcome transformation challenges and better serve wealth management firms, providing expert perspective on the future of annuities in an increasingly digital landscape. Learn more at thatannuityshow.com

In this episode of That Annuity Show, we welcome Bill Bengen, the creator of the 4% rule, to discuss the evolution of retirement planning strategies. Bill shares insights into the origins of the 4% rule, its mechanics, and how it has been adapted in his upcoming book. The conversation delves into the eight essential elements of a comprehensive retirement withdrawal plan, the impact of inflation and market valuation on withdrawal rates, and the role of annuities in retirement income. Bill provides insight on the benefits of maximizing income while managing risks and provides case studies to illustrate effective retirement planning. Learn more at thatannuityshow.com

Philip Chao, a leading voice in the 401(k) space shares his sharp focus on creating guaranteed retirement income. The conversation explores Philip's background, his companies, and the evolving landscape of annuities within retirement plans. Key themes include the role of fiduciaries, the integration of annuities into target date funds, and the future of guaranteed income products in the retirement market. In this conversation, Philip Chao discusses the evolution and importance of Target Date Funds and Qualified Default Investment Alternatives (QDIAs) in retirement planning. He emphasizes the need for personalized solutions that consider individual data rather than relying solely on averages.  The discussion also highlights the significance of engagement in retirement planning, the challenges of behavioral finance, and how guaranteed income can help ensure financial security in retirement. Chao advocates for transparency and education in financial services to empower individuals in their retirement decisions. Learn more at thatannuityshow.com

Today, we welcome Ben Faught, Chief Actuary at Oceanview Life. The conversation delves into the success story of Oceanview Life, its unique investment strategies focusing on mortgage-backed securities, and the challenges and considerations in pricing annuities. Ben shares insights on market trends, the importance of understanding asset-liability matching, and the future of fixed index annuities in a changing economic landscape. The discussion emphasizes the role of actuaries in advocating for clients and ensuring sustainable business practices. Learn more at our website, thatannuityshow.com

Tom Totten, an actuary and serial entrepreneur, shares his journey from a defined benefit consultant to advising companies on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). The conversation delves into the intricacies of ESOPs, their guarantees, and the liquidity risks associated with them. Tom discusses the purpose of lifetime income strategies, including the use of annuities, and reflects on the evolving relationship between employers and employees in the context of retirement planning. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the benefits of including lifetime income solutions in retirement planning, emphasizing the role of the workplace in providing these solutions. They explore the challenges of communicating the value of lifetime income to pre-retirees and retirees, the impact of technology on retirement planning, and the benefits of diversification in investment strategies. The discussion also touches on the potential of ESOPs as a means of wealth creation for employees and the evolving landscape of retirement planning in light of alternative investments.