In this episode, we break down a strategy that sounds almost too good to be true: investing with little to no risk and no fees. We revisit index annuities: how they work, where they shine, and where they fall short after years of testing them with clients. We also explore more modern tools like buffer ETFs and structured notes, which offer market participation with built-in protection, but come with trade-offs such as caps and costs.We compare how these strategies perform against traditional investments like the S&P 500, and what it really means when we trade some growth potential for downside protection. By the end, we highlight when these products can make sense and when we might be better off with other options.Finally, we answer today’s listener question: Would purchasing service credits or annuities help us retire early? We dig into what service credit annuities really are, the trade-offs of converting liquid assets into guaranteed income, and why these decisions need to be made as part of a bigger financial plan, not in isolation.If we’ve ever wondered how to protect our money, minimize fees, and still retire earlier with confidence, this is the episode for us.00:00 – Intro00:28 – Strategy: invest with no risk and no fees02:05 – Historical performance example (2000–2018)02:45 – Gains capture: trading upside for protection04:10 – Real returns after fees05:21 – How my perspective on annuities has changed05:49 – Buffer ETFs explained: protection with liquidity06:29 – Example: $10K buffer ETF with 10% protection08:15 – Caps, growth limits, and trade-offs09:01 – Why buffer ETFs are expensive09:35 – Structured notes & index CDs as alternatives10:22 – Custom contracts and where they fit11:30 – Listener question: should we buy service credits or annuities?12:00 – How annuities convert assets into guaranteed income12:18 – Liquidity trade-offs & timing restrictions13:38 – Why decisions must fit into a full financial plan15:05 – Washington Wealth Breakthrough GroupLinks:Free Washington Retirement Planning Community⁠⁠⁠Plan 3 Investment Advice⁠⁠Schedule Meeting⁠More free resources at ⁠WATRSPERS.com⁠

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