What Is a Structured Annuity and How Does It Work?

Are you considering a Structured Annuity—also known as a Registered Index-Linked Annuity (RILA)—to capture stock market upside with some downside protection? Before you sign on the dotted line, you need to understand how much money you can still lose. In this completely unfiltered video, Shawn from The Annuity Expert breaks down what a structured annuity actually is: a hybrid between a Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) and a Variable Annuity (VA). While RILAs are pitched as offering higher growth with a safety "buffer," Shawn reveals why he considers them gimmicky and far too expensive for retirees seeking true security. Shawn explains how buffer strategies work—where you still absorb the first 10% or more of market losses before any protection kicks in. When you stack market losses on top of contract fees and management charges, a RILA can rapidly erode your retirement savings. Instead, Shawn outlines his proven "Separation of Church and State" strategy: keep your growth money in the market where it belongs, and use a true Fixed Index Annuity with a 0% floor (or an enhanced upside rider like Athene Performance Elite) to lock in lifetime income without taking on a single dollar of market risk. Read our full guide on structured annuities and compare safer alternatives here: 👉 https://www.annuityexpertadvice.com/types-of-annuities/structured-annuities/ Call our team for free, no-obligation advice to build a truly protected retirement strategy at: 770-755-1565 ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: What is a structured annuity (RILA)? 0:26 - How RILAs work: Upside potential vs. buffer loss exposure 1:04 - Why RILAs are "gimmicky" and dangerous for retirees 2:13 - The Strategy: "Separation of Church and State" in retirement planning 2:39 - Better Alternatives: Enhanced FIAs with 100% downside protection 3:23 - The Fee & Loss Stacking Trap: How buffers drain your portfolio 5:09 - Final Verdict: Why fixed index annuities beat RILAs for safe growth