Turn savings into a paycheck you can’t outlive.
Explore retirement income options and understand how each one works. We explain growth, access to your money and risk before anything is signed.
Three kinds of annuities, three different jobs.
Fixed Annuity
Guaranteed rate, predictable growth.
A contract with a fixed interest rate set by the insurer. Your principal is protected and growth is predictable, the closest annuity comes to a CD, with tax deferred accumulation.
Conservative savers who want guaranteed growth and no market exposure.
- Guaranteed interest rate
- Principal protected
- Tax deferred growth
- Optional lifetime income
Indexed Annuity
Growth tied to an index, with a floor.
Interest is linked to a market index without direct investment in it. Caps and participation rates limit growth. A 0% crediting floor does not protect against fees or early withdrawal charges.
Pre retirees who want growth potential without losing principal in down years.
- Index linked interest
- Protection from index declines
- Tax deferred growth
- Optional income riders may cost extra
Immediate Annuity (SPIA)
Lump sum in. Income for life out.
You hand the insurer a single premium and they begin paying you a guaranteed income, for life, or for a set period. The simplest way to convert savings into a paycheck.
Retirees who want to turn a portion of savings into guaranteed monthly income.
- Payments usually start within a year
- Lifetime income option
- Predictable payment schedule
- Joint life options may be available
Annuities aren’t for everyone and we’ll tell you so.
- You’re within 10 years of retirement or already retired
- You want guaranteed lifetime income on top of Social Security
- You’ve maxed your 401(k) and IRA and want more tax deferral
- You want to compare growth potential with contract guarantees
- You’re worried about outliving your savings
- You need access to the full balance in the next few years
- You’re looking for short term growth or speculation
- You haven’t funded basic emergency savings yet
- You’re uncomfortable with surrender periods
- A simpler tool (CDs, money market) does the job for you
Wondering if an annuity fits your retirement plan?
We will walk you through the math, the tradeoffs and your options in plain language with no pressure to buy.
Annuities are long term insurance contracts. Guarantees depend on the issuing insurer's ability to pay claims. Fees, surrender charges and withdrawal limits may apply. Taxable withdrawals before age 59½ may face an additional 10% federal tax. An annuity inside an IRA or other account with tax deferral provides no additional tax deferral. Product availability varies by state and carrier. This is general education, not personalized tax or investment advice. California License #6008292 · NPN #20416734.