We see it everywhere: 8% guarantees, 10% income for life. When people call in, they often tell us things like, “I talked to someone who said 8% was the floor—the minimum I can earn,” or “This other place showed me how I can get 10% cash flow for life on my assets.” And while those claims can be true, they often leave out some very important details.
One of the most common questions we hear is: Do I need an annuity? And if so, how much of my money should go into one? Today, let’s walk through how to think about that. The reality is simple: everyone’s situation is different. Some people may want nothing in an annuity. Others may choose 10% , and some may allocate as much as 50% . It all depends on your foundational income needs and your comfort level with risk.
What if you could potentially increase your retirement income by 23% — without taking on more market risk? That's not wishful thinking. According to the 2025 Goldman Sachs Asset Management Retirement Survey & Insights Report, blending annuities into a retirement plan could significantly increase the income you can safely spend each year.¹ And in today's uncertain economy — with inflation, market volatility, and rising living costs — that's an opportunity worth understanding. I'm Eric Judy, a Retirement Income Certified Professional, Investment Advisor Representative, and co-founder of the Annuity Guys. Today, I want to walk you through what Goldman Sachs calls the hybrid income strategy — how combining traditional investments with guaranteed income from annuities could give retirees greater confidence and stability in their retirement years. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter, more informed decisions about your retirement income. No hype. No pressure.