Retire With Style

Episode 244: Why Being Safety-First Doesn’t Mean You Need an Annuity

September 1, 2026·26 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

In this episode of 'Retire with Style', hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau discuss various aspects of retirement planning, including the importance of tax planning, the role of annuities in income protection, and strategies for managing inflation risk. They also touch on the upcoming YouTube live session focused on tax questions and the significance of understanding one's retirement income style awareness (RISA). The conversation emphasizes the need for a reliable income floor and the evaluation of whether additional annuities are necessary based on existing income sources like Social Security and pensions. Listen now to learn more!   Takeaways Tax planning is crucial as retirement approaches. Social Security can provide inflation-adjusted income. Annuities can fill income gaps but may not be necessary for everyone. Understanding RISA helps tailor retirement strategies. Inflation risk is a significant concern for retirees. Building a reliable income floor is essential for financial security. Different investments can bridge income gaps during retirement. It's important to evaluate existing income sources before purchasing annuities. Chapters 04:30 Upcoming YouTube Live and Tax Planning 06:37 Understanding Safety First and Income Protection 11:55 Inflation Risk and Annuities 14:35 Building a Social Security Delay Bridge 17:08 Risk Wrap and SPIAs for Essential Expenses 20:18 Different RISA Points for Different Purposes 22:25 Evaluating the Need for Annuities   Links 📘 New Release: The Retirement Planning Guidebook (3rd Edition) Wade Pfau’s must-read Retirement Planning Guidebook just got even better. The 3rd Edition is now available and packed with the latest updates to help you design your retirement strategy with confidence. Grab your copy on Amazon or your favorite book retailer: https://books2read.com/Retirement This episode is sponsored by McLean Asset Management. Visit https://www.mcleanam.com/retirement-income-planning-llm/ to download McLean’s free eBook, “Retirement Income Planning”

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