Annuity Insights

Produced by The American College of Financial Services, in partnership with New York Life Annuities.   From divorce and death and widowhood and job loss, many unexpected life transitions can affect your clients’ financial situation. Planning for such changes in advance is an essential part of a sound strategy. In this episode, Michael Finke, Stephen Vinson, and Jodi Krausman discuss how advisors can prepare clients for major transitions by building more adaptable plans, thinking through income replacement needs, and addressing the financial and emotional realities that come with loss, divorce, and reset.  Our experts examine survivor income planning, tax bracket changes, Social Security implications, workplace benefit gaps, and protection planning strategies to help advisors create a practical “keep-the-lights-on” approach for clients facing uncertainty. The conversation also highlights why involving both spouses, using clear action steps, and planning before a disruption happens can make every other financial decision easier in emotionally difficult moments.  Access the Women & Wealth Advisor Toolkit: https://www.nylannuities.com/annuityinsights   Presented By:  Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, Professor of Wealth Management, The American College of Financial Services  Stephen Vinson, Head of Sales, West Central Zone, New York Life Insurance  Featuring:  Jodi Krausman, PhD, CPA, CFP®, PMP®, Assistant Professor and MSFP Program Director, The American College of Financial Services.  Annuity Insights is produced and owned by The American College of Financial Services with generous support from New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation (“NYLIAC”), A Delaware Corporation. Information is believed accurate as of the time of recording (February-April 2026) but is subject to change (taxes, legal, rates, etc.).  

Produced by The American College of Financial Services, in partnership with New York Life Annuities.   How can financial advisors prepare clients for caregiving responsibilities that disrupt earnings, savings, and long-term retirement planning? In this episode, host Michael Finke and guests Kaylee Ranck and Jen McCauley-Weiss explore caregiving and financial planning through the realities women often face, including lost income, career interruptions, and the emotional trade-offs that can reshape a family’s plan.  From emergency reserves and paid leave considerations to long-term care conversations and guaranteed income strategies, this discussion gives financial professionals a practical framework for income stabilization during interruptions. The episode focuses on how advisors can raise the topic earlier and help clients plan before caregiving decisions become crisis decisions.  Access the Women & Wealth Advisor Toolkit: https://www.nylannuities.com/annuityinsights   Presented By:  Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, Professor of Wealth Management, The American College of Financial Services  Jen McCauley-Weiss, Vice President of Retail Annuities Marketing & Annuity Services, New York Life   Featuring:  Kaylee Ranck, PhD, Research Director, The American College Center for Women in Financial Services  Annuity Insights is produced and owned by The American College of Financial Services with generous support from New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation (“NYLIAC”), A Delaware Corporation. Information is believed accurate as of the time of recording (February-April 2026) but is subject to change (taxes, legal, rates, etc.).  

Produced by The American College of Financial Services, in partnership with New York Life Annuities.   How do advisors help clients make smarter Social Security timing decisions - especially when longevity, survivor income, and household earnings histories are all in play? In this episode, our host Michael Finke and guests Brian Doherty, and Dana Anspach explore how claiming strategy can shape retirement income security, with a particular focus on the decisions that matter most for women.  From survivor benefits and joint life expectancy to bridge strategies and guaranteed income floors with annuities, this conversation gives financial professionals a practical framework for supporting Social Security timing decisions within a broader retirement income plan.  Access the Women & Wealth Advisor Toolkit Presented By:  Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, Professor of Wealth Management, The American College of Financial Services  Featuring:  Brian Doherty, Author and Expert on Social Security, President of Filtech  Dana Anspach, CFP®, RMA®, Founder & CEO, Sensible Money  Annuity Insights is produced and owned by The American College of Financial Services with generous support from New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation (“NYLIAC”), A Delaware Corporation. Information is believed accurate as of the time of recording (February-April 2026) but is subject to change (taxes, legal, rates, etc.).  

Produced by The American College of Financial Services, in partnership with New York Life Annuities.   What do five years of women & wealth research actually tell financial advisors — and are they listening? In this kickoff episode, Michael Finke, Theresa Gralinski, and Jean Chatzky unpack the data behind women's retirement planning and what it means for how advisors show up, communicate, and build lasting client relationships.   From the four key client segments to the growing demand for women advisors, this episode gives financial professionals a research-backed conversation framework to strengthen every client engagement.  Access the Women & Wealth Advisor Toolkit: https://www.nylannuities.com/annuityinsights   Annuity Insights is produced and owned by The American College of Financial Services with generous support from New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation (“NYLIAC”), A Delaware Corporation. Information is believed accurate as of the time of recording (February-April 2026) but is subject to change (taxes, legal, rates, etc.).  

In this episode, we look at public confidence in annuity products, including how they are perceived by consumers and the press and why they may be more useful than many are led to believe. In addition, we examine how using annuities can help advisors and clients formulate more positive financial behaviors. Presented By: Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, Professor of Wealth Management, The American College of Financial Services Featuring: Matthew Wion, Senior Vice President & Head of Retail Annuities, New York Life Insurance Company Jean Chatzky, Host, HerMoney Podcast; Education Fellow, Alliance for Lifetime Income

In this episode, we examine the fundamental math behind how annuities work — specifically focusing on their lifetime withdrawal benefits and the best ways to maximize their potential. The discussion also covers connections of annuities with insurance, working with wholesalers to develop future plans, liability potential, and more. Presented By: Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, Professor of Wealth Management, The American College of Financial Services Featuring: Matt Williams, Vice President & Head of Annuity Product Development, New York Life Insurance Company Branislav Nikolic, Managing Director & Head of Insurance, The Index Standard

In this episode, we examine the value and uses of annuities from an actuarial perspective, taking into account life expectancies, time horizons, and best product solutions for a wide array of potential clients. We also look at what the future may hold for annuity products that can be tailored and marketed to the needs of clients at different stages of life. Presented By: Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, Professor of Wealth Management, The American College of Financial Services Featuring: Kelli Faust, FSA, MAAA, Corporate Vice President & Actuary, New York Life Insurance Company David Blanchett, PhD, MSFS, CFA, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, Adjunct Professor of Wealth Management, The American College of Financial Services

In this episode, we dive deep into the fundamental and advanced principles surrounding annuity taxation and how it can impact the decisions both you and your clients make. This includes ideal times to begin taking distributions, managing premiums and expectations, beneficiary endorsements, and more. Presented By: Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, Professor of Wealth Management, The American College of Financial Services Featuring: Steve Parrish, JD, RICP®, CLU®, ChFC®, AEP®, Professor of Practice, The American College of Financial Services Justin Bateman, Corporate Vice President of Advanced Income Solutions — Product Development, New York Life Insurance Company

In this episode, we take a closer look at some common myths and misconceptions about annuity products and set the record straight. Questions you’ll see addressed include: are annuities really that complicated? Is the money invested in an annuity worth it? Are there tax benefits for using annuities? And how do you tailor annuity options to your clients’ goals? Presented By: Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, Professor of Wealth Management, The American College of Financial Services Featuring: Justin Bateman, Corporate Vice President of Advanced Income Solutions — Product Development, New York Life Insurance Company

In this episode, we examine how financial services companies and other providers support clients’ journeys when it comes to annuities through different phases of their lives. These include support given both directly to clients and consumers as well as guidance to financial professionals, how that support can stay consistently excellent, and the role ongoing education best practices play in delivering quality advice. Presented By: Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, Professor of Wealth Management, The American College of Financial Services Featuring: Steve Parrish, JD, RICP®, CLU®, ChFC®, AEP®, Professor of Practice, The American College of Financial Services Jennifer McCauley-Weiss, Vice President, Head of TPD Customer Experience “Annuity Insights” is produced and owned by The American College of Financial College with generous support from New York Life Insurance Company (NLYIC). Accuracy of information is subject to change (taxes, legal, rates, etc.), but believed accurate as of the time of recording (January-April 2025).

In this episode, we discuss the benefits of guaranteed income annuities as part of a diversified investment portfolio, especially during periods of market uncertainty. Our guests also explore what happens to benefits when those who own an annuity pass away, the advantages of annuities when compared to bond products, and their overall place in a goal-based retirement plan. Presented By: Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, Professor of Wealth Management, The American College of Financial Services Featuring: Wade Pfau, PhD, CFA, RICP®, Professor of Practice, The American College of Financial Services Philip E. Caminiti, RICP®, Vice President, Head of Third-Party Retail Annuity Distribution  “Annuity Insights” is produced and owned by The American College of Financial College with generous support from New York Life Insurance Company (NLYIC). Accuracy of information is subject to change (taxes, legal, rates, etc.), but believed accurate as of the time of recording (January-April 2025).

In this episode, we discuss the uses, regulations, and rates surrounding fixed annuity products such as FIAs, RILAs, and MIGAs, and where they fit into a balanced portfolio. We also look at the risks and rewards and the differences between the various types of fixed annuities, as demonstrated by the latest research. Presented By: Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, Professor of Wealth Management, The American College of Financial Services. Featuring: Bobby Samuelson, President, Life Innovators David Blanchett, Managing Director, Portfolio Manager, and Head of Retirement Research, PGIM DC Solutions “Annuity Insights” is produced and owned by The American College of Financial College with generous support from New York Life Insurance Company (NLYIC). Accuracy of information is subject to change (taxes, legal, rates, etc.), but believed accurate as of the time of recording (January-April 2025).

In this episode, we discuss the nature of Social Security benefits as a fundamental annuity and how it can help people have a financially secure retirement when combined with personally owned annuities and other financial planning strategies. Presented By: Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, Professor of Wealth Management, The American College of Financial Services. Featuring: Jason Fichtner, PhD, Chief Economist, Bipartisan Policy Center and Executive Director, Retirement Income Institute Andrew Bigs, PhD, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute “Annuity Insights” is produced and owned by The American College of Financial College with generous support from New York Life Insurance Company (NLYIC). Accuracy of information is subject to change (taxes, legal, rates, etc.), but believed accurate as of the time of recording (January-April 2025).

In this episode, we discuss the overall role of annuities in financial planning, their background and history, and what their modern applications may be. Presented By: Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, Professor of Wealth Management, The American College of Financial Services. Featuring: Wade Pfau, PhD, CFA, RICP®, Founder, RISAProfile.com “Annuity Insights” is produced and owned by The American College of Financial College with generous support from New York Life Insurance Company (NLYIC). Accuracy of information is subject to change (taxes, legal, rates, etc.), but believed accurate as of the time of recording (January-April 2025).