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Understanding Annuities: Building a Solid Retirement Foundation

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0700

Understanding Annuities: Building a Solid Retirement Foundation

It is one of the most frequent questions asked when discussing retirement planning. While annuities are a powerful financial tool, they are often misunderstood. Many people rely on outdated information or misconceptions when evaluating whether an annuity fits their portfolio.

To understand the true value of an annuity, you have to look at the role it plays in the structure of your financial life.

What Exactly is an Annuity?

To simplify the concept, compare an annuity to the construction of a house.

What is the most crucial element of a new home? The foundation. It is the bedrock that provides stability, ensuring the house remains secure against external threats, weather, and shifting ground.

In retirement planning, your “house” is your financial future. You need a solid base to anchor your plan. An annuity serves as that financial foundation. It provides stability and safety, ensuring that the rest of your portfolio can withstand economic shifts.

Why Your Retirement Plan Needs Stability

Many individuals consult financial advisors to build a portfolio but often lack a robust foundation for their retirement strategy. Without a safety net, retirement plans can be vulnerable to market volatility and economic downturns.

Relying solely on market-based investments can leave your principal exposed to unnecessary risk. An annuity offers vital security, particularly during market turbulence. By allocating a portion of your retirement funds to an annuity, you create a buffer that protects your baseline income even when the stock market fluctuates.

Modern Annuities: Balancing Security and Growth

It is important to note that annuities have evolved significantly since their early origins. While they were once simple fixed instruments, modern annuities (such as Fixed Index Annuities) are designed to offer a “best of both worlds” scenario:

Principal Protection: Your principal is protected from market losses.
Growth Potential: You can earn interest based on the performance of an external market index.
Guaranteed Income: They can provide a lifetime income stream that you cannot outlive.

Note: All guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

This structure allows you to lock in interest credits when the market performs well, while the insurance company absorbs the downside risk if the market crashes. This level of security is something that traditional market investments simply cannot guarantee. Many people have learned about the power of the Safe Money approach to reducing volatility.

Is Your Financial House Built on a Solid Foundation?

Avoid building your financial “house” without a solid foundation. While the exact allocation depends on your unique financial goals and risk tolerance, many retirees find peace of mind by covering their essential living expenses with guaranteed annuity income.

This ensures you have access to growth potential when the markets rise, but more importantly, it provides a safeguard against losses during market corrections. In essence, an annuity provides a safe, solid, and secure base, making it a necessary component of a well-structured, diversified retirement plan.

Annuity Facts | Safety, Tax-Deferral, Income Guarantees, Growth Guarantees.. and more

Annuities provide a host of benefits such as:

Tax-Deferred growth
100% Principal Protection
Growth Guarantees
Income Guarantees
Avoiding Probate
Protection from creditors and lawsuits
Diversification
Flexibility
Can be used with Trusts, 401ks, IRAs, Joint Accounts, 1035 Exchanges, and more..
Can be used to structure income for life for beneficiaries (instead of gifting lumpsums)

Age 50 or older | Hedge Risks On Your Terms

Think of annuities as an umbrella for a rainy day or a reserve parachute. They are insurance for when things do not go to plan. They provide both growth AND income guarantees, and if set up right can give you a pay rise every year.

Get In Touch | Set Up Your Annuities Today

Annuity Pros are experts in this field. Set a call today and let us guide you through the process of setting up your annuities correctly in under 30 minutes. Waiting is not a good idea because you are missing out on maximizing the guarantees.

Did You Know?

Did you know that you can maximize Annuity product guarantees for up to 10 years before electing income for life OR receiving full return of principal?

It's a good idea to do this NOW, well in advance of needing guarantees. Avoid future market risk and lock in your gains by rolling over your investment and retirement accounts to an Annuity. Set a call with us today to protect your investments.

NOW is the time to set up your Annuity

Tax-Deferred Growth
Bonuses of 25% for an income benefit value
Guarantees of 8% per annum for an income benefit value
100% Principal protection
Flexibility to turn on income when YOU choose
Avoid future stock market risk
Low fees (1% per annum individual account | 1.3% joint account)
15 Diversified portfolio index choices
Any account type (Individual, Joint, 401K rollover, IRA, ROTH IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, 403B rollover, Trust, 1035 exchange from life insurance cash value or a previous annuity, non-qualified account, bonus, real estate proceeds, business sale proceeds, law suit settlement, + + )

When thoughtfully incorporated, annuities can enhance portfolio resilience, provide predictable income, and support long-term financial confidence. Rather than viewing annuities as an alternative to investing, they are best understood as a complementary tool—one that can help build a more balanced and durable financial future.

If you’re considering an annuity, it’s crucial to work with Annuity Pros to evaluate your goals, time horizon, and the specifics of each product type. The right annuity, used the right way, can make all the difference in your financial future.

Individuals and businesses who would like to connect with Annuity Pros can get in touch instantly via our enquiry form.

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How an Annuity Ladder Can Help You Create Increasing Income

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 14:58:02 -0700

How an Annuity Ladder Can Help You Create Increasing Income

Rising living costs, longer lifespans, and unpredictable markets make retirement income planning more challenging than ever. One strategy designed to help retirees generate more income as they age—while reducing risk—is the annuity ladder.
An annuity ladder spreads your annuity purchases over time rather than buying one large contract at once. This simple structural change can significantly enhance your income flexibility and long-term financial security.

What Is an Annuity Ladder?

An annuity ladder is a strategy where you purchase multiple annuities at different times (or with different start dates), rather than committing all your money to a single annuity.

For example:

Buy one annuity now that starts paying immediately.
Buy another in five years that starts later.
Buy a third ten years from now with even higher payouts.

Each rung of the ladder has its own start date and payout rate, which creates a staggered—and often rising—stream of income.

How an Annuity Ladder Increases Income Over Time

1. Later annuities pay significantly more

Insurance companies reward you for deferring payouts—meaning the older you are when payments begin, the higher the guaranteed income.

By laddering purchases:

Early annuities give you income now.
Later annuities give you substantially higher payments because the payout rates grow with age and shortening life expectancy.

This naturally creates an increasing income stream.

2. Helps counter inflation, even without buying inflation riders

Inflation riders on annuities can be expensive. Instead of paying for a rider, a ladder can mimic inflation protection.

As each new “rung” starts paying out:

Your income jumps.
These jumps occur during times you may need more money (later retirement years when healthcare and longevity costs grow).

This step-up effect can offset inflation’s impact without relying on costly contract add-ons.

3. Reduces interest rate risk

Interest rates significantly influence annuity payouts. When rates are low, locking in an entire lump sum could mean locking in permanently lower income.

A ladder helps by:

Allowing you to buy in different interest-rate environments.
Creating opportunities to lock in higher payouts if rates rise in the future.
Reducing the risk of committing all your money during a bad rate environment.

Diversifying over time smooths out interest-rate timing risk.

4. Provides flexibility and liquidity along the way

Instead of putting a large lump sum into an irreversible contract, laddering allows you to:

Keep some money accessible for emergencies or investments.
Adjust the ladder as your needs or market conditions change.
Add or skip purchases based on your financial situation.

You're in control of how aggressively or slowly you build the ladder.

5. Offers psychological comfort and planning precision

A growing income stream is reassuring, especially in later years. A ladder can help you:

Know exactly when pay increases will occur.
Plan spending more confidently.
Reduce anxiety about outliving your assets.

This predictability is a major reason many retirees choose to ladder.

Example of How a Ladder Creates Increasing Income

An Annuity Ladder is a simple strategy to give you increasing income during your retirement years.

Step 1 | Split your investment assets in 4 e.g. $500K / 4 = $125K

Step 2 | Open 4 annuities with $125K each

Step 3 | Turn on income gradually from each annuity, waiting at least 1 year between each one to receive an increase in retirement income

If you are age 50 or older, use this knowledge to your advantage. Schedule a call with us today to set up your Annuity Ladder.

Or.. Imagine a retiree with $300,000 to allocate:

Year 0: Invest $100k → Immediate annuity pays ~$6,000 per year.
Year 5: Invest $100k → Deferred annuity starts paying ~$8,500 per year.
Year 10: Invest $100k → Deferred annuity begins paying ~$12,000 per year.

Income timeline:

Years 0–4: $6,000 per year
Years 5–9: ~$14,500 per year
Years 10+: ~$26,500 per year

This creates a natural income increase without complex riders or market risk.

Who Benefits Most from an Annuity Ladder?

A ladder can be especially helpful if you want:

Income increases later in life
Inflation resistance without buying inflation riders
Greater control over timing and cash flow
Protection against interest rate fluctuations
Peace of mind with guaranteed lifetime income

It’s well-suited for people prioritizing stability and long-term security while still wanting adaptability.

Final Thoughts

An annuity ladder is a smart, flexible strategy that turns the rigidity of traditional annuities into a dynamic income plan. By spreading purchases over time and taking advantage of higher payouts as you age, you can create a steadily rising income stream that supports your financial needs well into the future.

Individuals and businesses who would like to connect with Annuity Pros can get in touch instantly via our enquiry form.

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Why so many people are putting money into annuities today

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 07:38:24 -0700

Why so many people are putting money into annuities today

People are putting money into annuities today for several key reasons—especially in today’s economic and market environment. Here’s a breakdown of the main motivations:

Guaranteed Income in Retirement

Many are drawn to lifetime income guarantees that annuities offer, especially as pensions disappear and Social Security may not cover all retirement needs. With an annuity, you can convert part of your savings into a predictable income stream.

Stock Market Volatility

In uncertain markets, fixed or indexed annuities provide downside protection:

Fixed annuities guarantee a set return.
Indexed annuities offer upside potential tied to a market index (e.g., S&P 500) but with a floor, so you don’t lose principal during downturns.

Higher Interest Rates = Better Annuity Payouts

As of 2024–2025, interest rates are relatively high. That’s good for annuities:

Immediate annuities and fixed annuities are offering more attractive payouts than in past low-rate environments.
People are locking in these higher rates now, fearing future declines.

Tax Deferral

Annuities grow tax-deferred, so you don’t pay taxes on interest or gains until you withdraw. For high-income earners who’ve maxed out 401(k)s or IRAs, annuities can be an additional tax-efficient savings vehicle.

Diversification from Traditional Portfolios

Annuities add a non-correlated asset class to portfolios. Many retirees use them to reduce sequence-of-returns risk (the danger of withdrawing during market dips) by using annuity income instead of selling volatile assets.

Behavioral and Emotional Benefits

People value peace of mind and predictability:

Knowing bills are covered by a stable income stream helps people feel more secure.
It reduces the pressure to micromanage investments later in life.

Legacy and Estate Planning

Some annuities offer death benefits, helping pass money to heirs without going through probate, or providing long-term care riders to protect against medical expenses later in life.

If you’re considering one, it’s important to:

Understand the type of annuity (fixed, variable, indexed, immediate, deferred).
Watch for fees, surrender charges, and liquidity restrictions.
Align it with your overall financial plan and risk tolerance.

Conclusion: Are Annuities Right for You?

Annuities aren’t for everyone. Fees can be high, contracts may be complex, and liquidity can be limited. But when chosen wisely and as part of a well-diversified retirement strategy, annuities can be powerful tools for income stability, longevity protection, and financial peace of mind.

They’re not just insurance products—they’re instruments of security in an uncertain financial world. That’s why, for many, annuities stand among the best financial products available today.

Individuals and businesses who would like to connect with Annuity Pros can get in touch instantly via our enquiry form.

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How can annuities help me during retirement?

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:20:28 -0700

How can annuities help me during retirement?

Annuities can help during retirement by providing a steady stream of income, which can supplement other retirement funds like Social Security or a 401(k). Here’s how they can benefit you:

1. Guaranteed Income: Annuities, especially fixed or immediate annuities, offer predictable payments for a set period or for life, reducing the risk of outliving your savings. For example, a single premium immediate annuity might pay you $2,000 a month for life in exchange for a lump sum.

2. Protection Against Market Volatility: Fixed annuities provide stable returns unaffected by market swings, unlike stocks or mutual funds. Variable annuities, while tied to market performance, often include options like guaranteed minimum income benefits to limit downside risk.

3. Tax-Deferred Growth: With deferred annuities, your earnings grow tax-free until withdrawal, allowing your investment to compound faster than in a taxable account. For instance, a $100,000 deferred annuity at 4% annual growth could be worth about $148,000 in 10 years, pre-tax.

4. Customizable Options: Annuities can be tailored to your needs. You can choose lifetime payouts, joint-life options for you and a spouse, or even inflation-adjusted payments. Riders like long-term care coverage can address specific retirement concerns.

5. Longevity Risk Management: With people living longer (average life expectancy in the U.S. is about 79 for men and 82 for women), annuities ensure you won’t run out of money, especially with lifetime payout options.

Considerations:

• Costs: Annuities often come with fees (e.g., surrender charges, mortality and expense fees), which can eat into returns. Variable annuities might charge 2-3% annually in fees.

• Liquidity: Once you annuitize, accessing your principal can be difficult or impossible, so you lose some flexibility.

• Complexity: Products like variable or indexed annuities can be hard to understand, requiring careful review of terms.

• Inflation Risk: Fixed payments may lose purchasing power over time unless you opt for an inflation rider, which increases costs.

Example: A 65-year-old retiring with $500,000 might buy an immediate annuity yielding $2,500/month for life, ensuring basic expenses are covered alongside Social Security. Alternatively, a deferred annuity could grow their savings for 10 years before payouts begin, balancing growth and future income.

Before buying, assess your retirement needs, compare annuity types (fixed, variable, indexed), and consult a financial advisor to ensure it fits your plan.

Conclusion: Are Annuities Right for You?

They’re not just insurance products—they’re instruments of security in an uncertain financial world. That’s why, for many, annuities stand among the best financial products available today.

Individuals and businesses who would like to connect with Annuity Pros can get in touch instantly via our enquiry form.

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Why annuities are among the best financial products for long-term security

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 08:03:23 -0700

Why annuities are among the best financial products for long-term security

When it comes to financial planning, especially for retirement, investors often seek products that combine safety, growth, and income. While every financial product has its pros and cons, annuities stand out as one of the most compelling options—especially for those looking to secure a stable and predictable financial future.

In this article, we’ll explore the key reasons why annuities are considered by many to be among the best financial products, particularly in the context of retirement planning and income longevity.

1. Guaranteed Lifetime Income

Perhaps the greatest advantage of annuities is their ability to provide guaranteed income for life. Unlike other investment vehicles, certain types of annuities (such as immediate or deferred income annuities) can offer a fixed stream of payments that last as long as you live—eliminating the fear of outliving your money.

For retirees without a pension, this creates a private, self-funded pension plan, ensuring peace of mind regardless of market performance or economic downturns.

2. Protection Against Market Volatility

Market fluctuations are a reality of investing, but for individuals nearing or in retirement, significant losses can be devastating. Many annuities, particularly fixed and fixed-indexed annuities, protect your principal from market losses. You may not gain as much in a bullish market, but you also won’t lose money when markets turn bearish.

This capital preservation feature is especially attractive during periods of economic uncertainty or for conservative investors who prioritize stability over aggressive growth.

3. Tax-Deferred Growth

Annuities offer tax-deferred growth, meaning you won’t pay taxes on earnings until you begin receiving payouts. This allows your investment to compound more efficiently over time, especially when held for the long term. This is particularly beneficial for high-income earners who want to delay taxes until retirement, when their income (and tax bracket) may be lower.

4. Customization and Flexibility

Annuities aren’t one-size-fits-all. They can be tailored to meet individual financial goals. You can choose:

Immediate or deferred payouts
Fixed, variable, or indexed returns
Single or joint life coverage
Inflation riders to preserve purchasing power
Beneficiary options for legacy planning

This flexibility allows individuals to create a retirement income plan aligned with their unique circumstances and risk tolerance.

5. Longevity Risk Management

With rising life expectancies, managing longevity risk—outliving your savings—has become a top concern. Annuities are one of the few financial tools specifically designed to address this. The longer you live, the more valuable an annuity becomes. Products like deferred income annuities or longevity annuities offer income starting later in life (e.g., at age 80 or 85), providing a safety net against extreme longevity.

6. Estate Planning Benefits

Some annuities offer death benefits that allow heirs to receive a portion of the contract value, potentially bypassing probate. Certain annuities even allow for a guaranteed minimum payout to beneficiaries, regardless of market performance. This can be a valuable estate planning tool when used strategically.

7. Peace of Mind and Behavioral Benefits

Many people are simply not comfortable managing a complex portfolio in retirement. The psychological benefit of knowing that a portion of your income is guaranteed can lead to better decision-making and reduce the temptation to react emotionally to market swings.

Annuities can serve as a mental safety net, enabling investors to take more risk with other parts of their portfolio or simply to sleep better at night.

Conclusion: Are Annuities Right for You?

They’re not just insurance products—they’re instruments of security in an uncertain financial world. That’s why, for many, annuities stand among the best financial products available today.

Individuals and businesses who would like to connect with Annuity Pros can get in touch instantly via our enquiry form.

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What are your sources of income in retirement?

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 08:04:08 -0700

What are your sources of income in retirement?

You know the sources of your income today, but do you know what retirement income sources you’ll need to allow you to live comfortably later? The answer is probably a combination of Social Security, personal savings, investments and employee-sponsored retirement plans.

You may even need to depend on part-time work as a source of retirement income. And if you’re lucky, you may also be among the shrinking number of people who’ll receive a company pension.

Social Security

Plan on Social Security accounting for roughly one-third of your retirement income. Depending on when you start receiving Social Security benefits.

Where will the other two-thirds come from?

Employee-sponsored retirement income plans

A retirement savings plan such as a 401(k), 403(b) or 457 comes with tax benefits, such as pre-tax contributions and the opportunity for tax-deferred growth. Plus, investing is easy because the money comes right out of your paycheck and is automatically deducted before you have a chance to think about spending it.

Just keep in mind that when you take withdrawals, the money is taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10% penalty if you take it before age 59½.

Individual retirement accounts

Whether you’re self-employed or like do-it-yourself investing, IRAs can help you with your retirement income goals. Invest in a Traditional IRA and enjoy tax-free growth now but pay taxes when you withdraw. Or choose a Roth IRA and pay taxes now but take tax-free withdraws later.

As long as you earn taxable income you can contribute to an IRA.

Employee-sponsored pension plans

A pension benefit is typically calculated based on years of service, retirement age and ending salary.

If you're eligible to receive a pension benefit in retirement, call your benefits office and ask for your accrued and projected pension benefits.

Your accrued benefit is the annual amount you'd receive at your pension plan's normal retirement age if you left your job today.
Your projected benefit is an estimate of the annual amount you’ll receive if you stay at your current job, with your current pay, until your pension plan's normal retirement age.

If you’ll be covered by a government pension in retirement, it may be reduced by your Social Security benefit. For more information around retirement questions, please contact Annuity Pros, the Income Product Specialists.

Individuals and businesses who would like to connect with Annuity Pros can get in touch instantly via our enquiry form.

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Will your retirement money last as long as you do?

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 05:46:00 -0700

Will your retirement money last as long as you do?

If you worry that your retirement savings won’t last as long as it needs to, you’re not alone. Forty-nine percent of pre-retirees are concerned about outliving their money, according to the SimplyWise Retirement Confidence Index. Knowing how long your money needs to last may be one of the biggest unknowns in retirement planning.

Although the future can’t be predicted, at birth, American men are expected to live 75.1 years and women 80.5 years, reports the National Center for Health Statistics. That means a couple turning 65 can expect to live together in retirement for another 19 years, on average, but potentially longer. That’s great news considering the time many retirees will have to enjoy the next chapter of their lives. The downside? Many people are concerned about running out of money during retirement.

You can ease your mind by acknowledging that retirement does not signal the end of savings. "We tend to think about saving money as something we do only while working, but your money can still work for you in retirement," says Emily Guy Birken, author of Making Social Security Work for You: Advice, Strategies, and Timelines That Can Maximize Your Benefits. If you retire at 62 and live for 30 more years, that's 30 years of growth potential for your retirement nest egg.

Divide and conquer

To maximize your money, Birken suggests thinking about your retirement portfolio as having three different buckets. Planning this way can help ensure that you'll have what you need for as long as you need it.

The first bucket is for the first five years of retirement. It is earning interest, but is in a relatively safe spot, so you don't have to worry much about stock market fluctuations and volatility.
The second bucket is for years six through 15 of retirement. It should also be relatively safe and earning interest.
The third bucket is for a longer time frame — year 16 and beyond — so you can afford to be a bit riskier, since you have more time to let that money grow.

Keep in mind that the markets always have some element of volatility, so you may want to consider adding a fixed or fixed indexed annuity to your financial strategy as well.

These annuities offer protection from loss due to market downturns and may provide you with a guaranteed stream of income for life. Think of it as getting a “retirement paycheck” for as long as you live. You also have the freedom to use the money any way you like, from taking care of your essential needs to pursuing other retirement goals and dreams.

Live now as you plan to later

Another way to ensure that your money lasts throughout retirement is to start living now as if you are already retired. Test-driving your retirement can help you set a realistic retirement budget and give you ample time to make adjustments to your financial plans before your actual retirement.

Birken advises you to begin by looking at your big line item expenses, such as housing, transportation, and health care. If there are changes you see yourself making in retirement (like downsizing to a townhouse or becoming a one-car household) that you can realistically make early, go ahead and implement them. You'll not only save money that you can funnel into your retirement accounts, but you’ll also ultimately set yourself up for a happier, more satisfying retirement.

Individuals and businesses who would like to connect with Annuity Pros can get in touch instantly via our enquiry form.

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Planning for retirement in uncertain times

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 04:31:00 -0700

Planning for retirement in uncertain times

Consider it the new normal: planning for financial success in uncertain times. While it can be tempting to hold off on making decisions or taking action, waiting to see what changes future legislation may bring isn't likely to help you reach your retirement goals. In fact, now may be an opportune time to plan for the future and make sure you're on track for the retirement you've always dreamed of.

"Trying to time the market is a loser's game," says Annuity Pros. Instead, investors should create a long-term strategy that guides them through the expected ups and downs of the market—as well as more tumultuous conditions.

What that plan looks like depends on the investor, their retirement goals, and how close to retirement age they are.

Soon-to-be-retirees are in the "retirement red zone," like a football game. "Just as a football team can't afford a turnover when they are inside the opponent's 20-yard line, an investor can't afford a turnover when they are within a few years of retirement". If you're close to scoring your retirement touchdown, Annuity Pros suggests dialing down the risk in your portfolio. That way, you're protected if the market falls closer to your retirement.

Although younger investors have time on their side, since they can bear more fluctuations in the market, they too should be playing the long game, says Annuity Pros. "Building a well-funded retirement is a marathon, not a series of sprints". "Take a long-term perspective and your odds of success increase dramatically."

Individuals and businesses who would like to connect with Annuity Pros can get in touch instantly via our enquiry form.

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Rethinking risk tolerance

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 04:17:00 -0700

Rethinking Risk Tolerance

Many of us have some level of investment in the market — with many working-age adults choosing 401(k)s and IRAs to help save for the future. But when we experience market volatility, it may lead you to rethink how much risk you’re willing to take with your nest egg, especially if you’re in or nearing retirement.

Thinking differently about risk

It’s one thing to answer hypotheticals about saving and losing money when you’re planning for the future. But watching your 401(k) balance drop in market downturns sheds light on the real‑world implications. If experiencing market volatility has diminished your appetite for risk, now might be the right time to reassess your retirement savings plan.

What might your risk tolerance look like now? Take this quick quiz to help you gain a better understanding of what your risk tolerance and your expectations may be for the retirement products and solutions you choose.

Reducing your exposure to volatile markets and locking in some income guarantees may help you feel more confident about staying on track for the long term. Two strategies worth considering include:

Allocating more of your savings to fixed‑income options
Putting a portion of your portfolio in annuities

Finding comfort across the spectrum

Annuities are designed to help you achieve your retirement savings goals and provide future income. By helping insulate you from major financial risks like stock market losses or outliving your money, they could be part of a solution that helps you stay in your financial comfort zone. In this chart, you’ll see how different kinds of annuities are mapped along a risk spectrum. The left side of the spectrum is the most conservative. Anyone with the highest tolerance for risk may feel comfortable at the far right.

Diving deeper into annuity options

While all annuities are designed to provide income for retirement, there are different kinds to align with your accumulation goals and how much risk you’re comfortable taking.

Immediate Annuity
Carrying the lowest risk, immediate annuities convert your premium payment to a guaranteed income stream for life, or for a specific period.
Fixed Annuity
Fixed annuities offer a fixed interest rate that’s guaranteed for a certain time period. The guarantee may appeal to you if you’re willing to sacrifice the potential for higher returns if the markets rise.
Fixed Indexed Annuity
In the middle of the spectrum, fixed indexed annuities have become increasingly popular with people who have a moderate appetite for risk. You can earn interest credits based in part on the upward movement of a stock market index while enjoying the protection of a zero percent floor. If the net change in the index over a given crediting period is negative, you would earn zero interest credits for that period, but never less than zero.
Registered Index-Linked Annuity
These products are designed for people with a higher risk tolerance. Registered index-linked annuities offer the potential for index credits tied to index performance while providing a measure of protection from market loss.
Variable Annuity
This type carries the highest level of risk because your money is invested directly in the market. Variable annuities offer the highest growth potential of any of the products on the annuity spectrum, but they also leave you fully exposed to market loss.

Economic repercussions have led many people to rethink their appetite for risk and whether their financial strategy still meets their goals. This may be the time to talk with a financial professional about ways to help keep your retirement savings better protected, especially in the event of future downturns.

Want the most from your retirement? Get smarter with strategies from Annuity Pros. Your source for tips, tools and financial solutions that can help you live your best life.

Individuals and businesses who would like to connect with Annuity Pros can get in touch instantly via our enquiry form.

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Annuities 101 - An introduction to annuities and how they can help you achieve whats next

Wed, 01 May 2024 04:47:00 -0700

Annuities 101 - An introduction to annuities

What is an annuity?

Annuities provide insurance against the risk of outliving your money after you stop working. You get the potential to grow your savings and create guaranteed income for life so you can retire your way.

While they seem to function like an investment (that is, you put your money in and accept the risk of whether it increases or decreases), many are actually insurance contracts. In general, if you follow the rules of the contract, you receive certain guarantees in return.

What can an annuity do for you?

Tax-deferred growth

Annuities help you increase savings because you won't pay taxes on growth until you withdraw money.

Growth potential

An annuity has the potential to grow your money while also helping manage risk of loss.

Manage risk

Annuities provide a level of protection to help manage market risk.

When you might need an annuity

If you're in one or more of these situations, an Athene annuity might be exactly what you need.

You're saving for retirement
If you're already contributing the maximum to other retirement plans, like an IRA or 401(k), an annuity is an attractive retirement planning option that grows tax-deferred.

You won't need the money soon
If you don't anticipate needing money from savings prior to turning 59 ½, then an annuity may be a good option for you.

Or.... You're worried you might outlive your savings

Annuities can provide guaranteed income for the rest of your life, whether you live to be 100 or even 120. It could happen

You want to leave a legacy
With an annuity, you can provide your loved ones with a death benefit in the event of your death.

Different types of annuities

Annuities come in different types to meet different needs. One of the ways they vary is by the amount of potential risk and return.

Immediate annuities have less risk and lower return because they simply convert an amount of money into a guaranteed stream of income.

The annuities with increasing risk and return are generally used to accumulate money over time. Because they don’t provide immediate income, they’re known as deferred annuities.

Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs)

Pursue growth potential without sacrificing security.

With fixed indexed annuities, the interest rate on a portion of your premium is tied, in part, to a published stock market index, giving you the opportunity to benefit from market trends without owning stocks. Your principal is protected from loss due to market downturns. Athene fixed indexed annuities may also include or offer optional riders that can be purchased or automatically attached to the annuity for a charge. Rider features vary by product, and can offer benefits like lifetime income, increased liquidity, or a death benefit option.

Registered Index-Linked Annuities (RILAs)

Pursue growth opportunities while enjoying a level of protection from market risk.

Registered index-linked annuities provide exposure to a published stock market index along with a level of protection from market loss. While this kind of annuity tracks the movement of an index, it does not directly invest in any stock or equity vehicle. Because you assume some of the risk of loss from market downturns, a registered index-linked annuity may allow for greater growth potential than other Athene annuities.

Fixed Annuities

Protect and grow your savings. Plan with confidence.

Fixed annuities provide you with tax-deferred growth at a fixed rate of interest set by Athene for a period of time specified in the annuity contract. They also offer the opportunity to produce a guaranteed stream of retirement income you cannot outlive.

Immediate Annuities

Income you can count on.

Immediate annuities make retirement planning easier because they’re predictable. In exchange for a lump sum of money, an immediate annuity pays a guaranteed amount for a specified time period, including as long as you or your spouse live.

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