Guaranteed
Income for Life.

A fixed index annuity links returns to a stock market index (like the S&P 500) but protects your principal from losses. You get a portion of market gains (subject to caps and participation rates) but never lose money in down years. They're complex products with varying fees and features that should be carefully evaluated. Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

Annuities aren't investments — they're insurance products designed to provide guaranteed income. They can be appropriate if you need income protection and don't have a pension, but they often come with high fees, limited liquidity, and surrender charges. The key is determining if the guaranteed income feature is worth the trade-offs for your specific situation.

Annuity fees vary widely. Variable annuities typically charge 2-3% annually (mortality and expense charges, investment fees, rider fees). Fixed and fixed index annuities may have lower annual fees but often include surrender charges (penalties for early withdrawal) that can last 5-10 years. We help you understand the total cost structure before you commit.

Yes, but it may be expensive. Most annuities have surrender charges that decrease over time (often 5-10 years). You may also owe taxes and IRS penalties if you're under 59½. We review your existing annuity to determine if it makes sense to exit, stay in, or modify it through available options like 1035 exchanges.

Annuities can make sense if you need guaranteed lifetime income and don't have a pension, want to transfer longevity risk to an insurance company, or need a simple income solution in retirement. They typically DON'T make sense if you need liquidity, have low risk tolerance but high fees, or already have sufficient guaranteed income from Social Security and pensions. Every situation is different — we analyze yours specifically.

An immediate annuity (SPIA) starts paying income within a year of purchase — you trade a lump sum for guaranteed lifetime payments. A deferred annuity (including DIAs) delays income to a future date, allowing the principal to grow tax-deferred. Immediate annuities work well for those who need income now, while deferred annuities are better for those planning income needs 5-10+ years out.

Usually no. IRAs already have tax-deferred growth, so adding an annuity inside an IRA duplicates that benefit while adding fees and restrictions. The main reason to use an annuity in an IRA is for the guaranteed income feature, not tax deferral. If you don't need guaranteed income, a diversified portfolio inside the IRA is typically more cost-effective and flexible.

Ask yourself one question: does your guaranteed income (Social Security, pension) cover your essential expenses? If not, an annuity can fill that gap and provide peace of mind. If your guaranteed income already covers your needs, an annuity usually adds unnecessary cost and reduces your flexibility. We help you run the numbers to see if the guaranteed income is worth the trade-offs.

A fixed annuity offers a guaranteed interest rate and predictable income payments — you know exactly what you will receive. A variable annuity ties your returns to underlying investment sub-accounts, meaning your income can go up or down with the market. A fixed index annuity (FIA) sits in between — it links returns to a market index with downside protection, giving you some upside potential without the risk of losing principal.