POPULARITY
I'm exploring a common dilemma for anyone coming into a lump sum of money, whether from an inheritance, the sale of a business, or another windfall: Should you invest in a traditional brokerage account or opt for an annuity? On this week's episode, I discuss the key differences between annuities and brokerage accounts, highlighting the five major pitfalls of annuities that are often overlooked. You'll learn why transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency make brokerage accounts a better fit for many investors, especially those seeking to beat inflation and maintain control of their funds. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [06:12] Annuities have capped returns and may not keep up with inflation, making brokerage accounts a better investment for retirees. [07:59] Fixed annuities vs. inflation risks. [11:21] Brokerage accounts offer easy, penalty-free liquidity for investment withdrawal. [14:56] Brokerage accounts offer tax advantages, such as zero percent tax on long-term investments and flexibility to access funds at any age. [19:55] Traditional brokerage accounts offer transparency, ease of understanding, and no hidden fees, providing clear valuations and peace of mind. [20:54] Potential conflicts of interest associated with high commissions given to advisors who sell annuities. Understanding the Five Key Advantages of Brokerage Accounts for Lump Sum Investors Inflation Protection A primary concern for retirees is ensuring their income grows at least as fast as inflation. Fixed annuities, which guarantee a steady interest rate, sound appealing in their promise of stability, but these tend to pay rates (typically 4-6% as of now) that may barely keep pace with rising costs. If inflation spikes, the real value of your money could erode. Contrast this with long-term investing via a brokerage account. If you were to invest in a broad index fund tracking, say, the S&P 500, you'd historically average about a 10% annual return since 1957. Even accounting for average inflation (let's say 3%), you're left with a meaningful net gain. Over decades, this growth can make a significant difference, allowing your income and nest egg to grow, not just hold steady. Easy Access to Your Money Life is unpredictable. You might need to access your savings for a sudden expense, a home repair, a medical event, or a business opportunity. With annuities, most contracts enforce a “surrender period” during which you'll pay penalties (sometimes starting at 7% and declining over many years) for early withdrawals above a limited free amount (typically 10% per year). Paperwork and delays are another downside. Brokerage accounts, on the other hand, offer quick and penalty-free access. Whether you need all or just part of your funds, they're typically available within a couple of business days. You'll pay taxes on any gains, sure, but you'll sidestep surrender charges and bureaucratic hurdles. Potentially Lower Taxes With Brokerage Accounts Tax treatment is often overlooked but can have a big impact on your bottom line. Annuitized payouts and withdrawals from annuities are taxed at ordinary income rates, with gains coming out first (LIFO: last in, first out). That can mean higher taxes for many, especially if you're in a modest or high tax bracket. With a brokerage account, long-term investment gains are generally taxed at lower capital gains rates (15% for most, and sometimes 0% for those in the lower brackets). Plus, if you inherit a brokerage account, most investments receive a “step up” in basis, the new tax cost becomes the value at the decedent's death, potentially eliminating decades of capital gains tax if sold immediately. Simplicity and Transparency Annuities come with layers of complexity, including various types (fixed, indexed, and variable), confusing rider add-ons, differing fees, and ever-changing product features. Even professionals can struggle to keep up! Brokerage accounts, by contrast, are simple and transparent. You get a clear statement showing exactly what you own, its value, and the associated fees, which are commonly lower than those inside annuity products. No hidden surrender charges or high ongoing costs. Avoiding Aggressive Sales Tactics and Conflicts of Interest Annuities are lucrative for the agents who sell them, with commissions sometimes soaring to 7%. This can create an inherent conflict of interest, particularly for seniors who might feel pressured into buying. Choosing a low-fee brokerage account, especially with the guidance of a fiduciary, fee-only financial advisor, can help you avoid these conflicts. You retain control, minimize costs, and benefit from unbiased advice. Annuities do have a place for certain ultra-conservative investors who value guarantees above all else. However, for most people, especially those seeking growth, flexibility, and transparency, a brokerage account is often the safer and smarter long-term choice. If you're unsure about your unique situation, consider consulting a fee-only advisor who will put your interests first and steer clear of high-commission sales pitches. Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact Subscribe to Retire With Ryan
Ποιες είναι οι πιο συχνές προκλήσεις που αντιμετωπίζουν οι επιχειρήσεις στην Ελλάδα σήμερα; Σε ποια φάση βρίσκεται ο ψηφιακός μετασχηματισμός τους; Πώς μπορούν τα πιο σύγχρονα τεχνολογικά εργαλεία όπως το Α.Ι., οι λύσεις cloud και η εξειδικευμένη υποστήριξη να τις βοηθήσουν να κάνουν το άλμα προς την ψηφιακή εποχή, και τελικά, πόσο χρήσιμο είναι, σε ένα διαρκώς μεταβαλλόμενο περιβάλλον, να έχεις έναν κατάλληλο συνεργάτη, όπως το Vodafone Business;Ο Ιάσονας Αντωνόπουλος, Head of Business Products & Vodafone Innovus, συζητά με τον αρχισυντάκτη της LiFO, Γιάννη Πανταζόπουλο.
Πώς αλλάζει ο τρόπος που πληρώνουμε στο περίπτερο ή κάνουμε streaming μέσα από τις πλατφόρμες και πώς η τεχνητή νοημοσύνη και οι AI agents διαμορφώνουν το μέλλον των αγορών; Κι ακόμα, γιατί η Gen Z πληρώνει τον καφέ της με το smartphone, τι σημαίνει τελικά «έξυπνη μετακίνηση», πόσο ασφαλείς είναι οι ανέπαφες συναλλαγές και πώς τα δεδομένα της Visa βοηθούν τον ελληνικό τουρισμό να γνωρίζει το ύψος των εξόδων που κάνουν οι επισκέπτες στην Ελλάδα; Ο αρχισυντάκτης της LiFO, Γιάννης Πανταζόπουλος συζητά με τον Νίκο Πετράκη, Country Manager της Visa στην Ελλάδα.
Title: Ohio University Sports Ad Season 5 Ep 10Topic: Entrepreneurship, Sponsorship Activation, & AgenciesGuests: Matt Hilley, CEO of Back Nine Marketing
Title: Data Science, Fan Insights, and Analytics Career PathsGuests: Zaheer Benjamin and Erin Davison
Dr. Marguerite Roza, Research Professor and Director of the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University, elaborates on how districts should reduce their labor costs because of declining enrollment, and why it is more important now than ever to eradicate outdated CBAs with seniority, LIFO, etc — and really rethink those viable reduction strategies to help supersize academic growth and not shrink it.
Title: Strategy in Sports BusinessGuest: Sam Hubble, Director of Strategy at the Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx
Ever start a new financial goal feeling unstoppable, only to lose momentum when life gets in the way? Staying motivated isn't just about working harder—it's about working smarter. Today, Joe and OG take a deep dive into Dynamic Drive, the key to keeping your financial momentum going without burnout. We'll break down the seven essential pillars—mindset, energy, discipline, curiosity, resilience, connection, and confidence—so you're ready to hit the ground running when we welcome former sports agent Molly Fletcher on Wednesday.
Title: Technology & AI in SportsGuest: Shripal Shah, Chief Digital Officer at Next League
Title: Ohio University Sports Ad Season 5 Ep 9Topic: Team Business Intelligence in SportsGuests: Matthew Phillips, Business Intelligence at Nashville SC
Title: Ohio University Sports Ad Season 5, Episode 8Topic: Sponsorships through the lens of a brandGuests: Ethan Alkon, Senior Manager, Sponsorships at Verizon
In this episode of What's New at CFI, Ryan is joined by Jeff Schmidt to introduce CFI's latest course, Accounting for Inventory. They discuss the importance of inventory accounting across industries, covering key methods such as Weighted Average, FIFO (First In, First Out), and LIFO (Last In, First Out). Jeff explains how different inventory accounting choices impact financial statements, profitability, and tax obligations—especially for U.S. companies under GAAP versus those following IFRS. The course dives into critical skills for financial analysts, including understanding LIFO disclosures and adjusting financial statements for global comparisons. Whether you're new to inventory accounting or refining your expertise, this course provides essential knowledge to navigate complex financial reporting. Watch now to learn more!
Title: Ohio U Sports Ad Season 5 Episode 7 Topic: Entrepreneurship and Partnership Activation Guests: Corey Poches, Head of Growth at Civitas Experiential
Title: Concierge Live Series Season 2 Episode 3 Topic: Service in Sports Guests: Woody Thompson, EVP at Octagon
Title: Ohio University Season 5, Episode 6 Topic: Transitioning from Agency to Brand Guests: Michael Daly, VP, Marketing Manger, Sponsorship Marketing at Truist Bank
Title: Vision Insights Series Ep 4 Topic: Careers, Data, Analytics & Strategy Guests: Ron Li, Head of Strategy at Phoenix Suns & Kristen Hartwell, Senior Director of Partnership Strategy at LA Dodgers
Title: Future of Venues Guests: Carl Thomas, SVP, AEG Global
Series: Ohio University Sports Ad Series, Season 5, Episode 5 Guest: David Koonin, CAA, Agent Title: The Evolution of Agents, Agencies, and Talent
Series: Vision Insights Series Ep 3 Guests: Peter Bach, Director of Analytics at the Seattle Seahawks and Allie MacLeod, Senior Manager of Marketing Intelligence at the Tampa Bay Lightning Topic: Analytics in Pro Sports, AI & and organizational efficiencies
Highlight Episode: Brett Johnson Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da
Series: Ohio U Sports Ad Season 5 Episode 4Topic: Entrepreneurship and ConsultingGuest: Jason Wolfe, EVP Brand Consulting at SPORTFIVE
Highlight Episode: Mark Fine Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da
Series: Ohio U Sports Ad Season 5 Episode 3 Topic: Be The One People Trust the Most, Not the SmartestGuest: Neelay Bhatt, CEO of Next Practice Partners
Highlight Episode: Katie Krall Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da
Series: Vision Insights S1 Ep2Guests: Chris Kennedy, Seattle Mariners and Rob Thacker, AEGTopic: Strategy and Analytics
Highlight Episode: Aaron McGuire Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da
Series: Concierge Live Series Season 2 Episode 2 Guests: Jessie Giordano, Chief Partnerships Officer at GMR Marketing and Todd Fischer, EVP of Client Consulting at GMR Marketing Topic: Agencies, Relationships, Brands, and more!
Highlight Episode: Melissa Heiter Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da
Series: Ohio Sports Ad Series Season 5, Ep 2Guest: Lucas Topolie, Director of Sponsorship Sales at NASCARTopic: Owning your own business and international adaptations
Series: Weekly episode Guest: Aarti Parekh, Chief Communications Officer at USA Track & Field Topic: Storytelling
Series: Vision Insights Series, Season 1 Ep 1 Guests: Kurt Hunzeker, NLL and Kevin Couture, USL Topic: Fan Development and Learnings from the League Perspective
Highlight Episode: Steve Patterson Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da
Highlight Episode: Tim House Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da
Series: Teamwork Online Webinar #14, Sports Business Speaker Series Guests: Chris Freet, WMT, Christy Grady, Sportsdigita, & Jamie Pardi, FanCompass Topic: Technology in Sports Podcast Perks: Visit screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off https://www.screenskinz.com/?ref=LIFO24 AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Dak
Highlight Episode: Steve Griggs Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da
Series: Concierge Live S2 Ep 1Guest: Seth Yassky, Head of Partnerships at Proximo SpiritsTopic: Partnership Lens From a BrandPodcast Perks: Visit screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% offhttps://www.screenskinz.com/?ref=LIFO24AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Dak
Highlight Episode: Ryan Brach Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da
Highlight Episode: Brian Basloe Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da
Topic: Teamwork Online Webinar Series Ep 13, Tangential Industry Opportunities Guests: Gregg Clifton, Brian Gainor, Carrie Gamper & Mark Dvoroznak
Concierge Live Revenue Insights Series Ep 8 Topic: From Team to Agency and the Future of Agencies Guest: Preetam Sen, SVP, Properties and Corporate Partnerships at Excel Sports Management
Topic: Teamwork Online Webinar 12 - Entrepreneurship in Sports Guests: RaShaun Brown, Scott Horowitz, and Evan Parker
Concierge Live Revenue Insights Series Ep 7 Guest: Thayer Lavielle, Wasserman, The Collective
Highlight Episode: John McDonough Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da
Highlight Episode: Neil Huntington Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da
Highlight Episode: Misty Brown Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da
Topic: Growing Your Global Perspectives and Experience Guest: Lindsey Gleason, Founder of TeamGLEAS
Highlight Episode: Erin Harvego & Lindsey Eckhouse Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da
Highlight Episode: Lynda Tealer Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da
Concierge Live Revenue Insights Series, Ep 6 Topic: Transitioning from Property to Brand Guest: Allen Hermeling, SVP of Partnerships at UnitedHealth Group
Highlight Episode: Talisa Rhea Podcast Perks: Thanks to Screen Skinz, the #1 branded screen protector, for their support of the podcast! Screen Skinz allows you to personalize your screen protector with custom or officially licensed designs that disappear, get yours today by visiting screenskinz.com and use the code “LIFO24” at checkout for 20% off AND don't forget you can get 15% off Suja Organic today with the code "LIFO" at the link: sujaorganic.pxf.io/1rM9Da