Annuity Insights

Annuity Insights: Women & Wealth — What the Research Tells Advisors and How to Respond

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.).  

The Power of Annuities: Behaviors That Drive Retirement Confidence

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

Understanding How Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits Work

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

Annuities from an Actuary’s Point of View

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

The Ins and Outs of Annuity Taxation

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

The Myths Behind Annuities

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

The Service Behind Annuities

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).

How Annuities Fit Into an Investment Portfolio

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).

Accumulation Annuities

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).

The Social Security Annuity

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).