Your Own Personal Pension
An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company: you contribute a lump sum or series of payments, and in return the insurer guarantees you a stream of income — for a set period, or for the rest of your life.
Think of it as building your own private pension. No matter how long you live or what the market does, your income keeps coming. It's the retirement planning tool that eliminates the #1 fear in retirement: outliving your money.
- Guaranteed income payments — monthly, quarterly, or annually
- Tax-deferred growth — no annual taxes on accumulation
- Principal protection options — never lose what you put in
- Death benefit — unused value passes to your beneficiary
- Riders available: long-term care, enhanced benefits, inflation
- Complements Social Security, 401(k), and IRAs perfectly
Two Phases, One Powerful Plan
Annuities work in two stages — accumulation and distribution — giving your money time to grow before it starts paying you back.
Fund Your Annuity
Contribute a lump sum or make a series of premium payments into your annuity contract. Many clients use rollover funds from a 401(k) or IRA.
Accumulation Phase
Your money grows tax-deferred during the accumulation period — either at a fixed rate, linked to a market index, or through market sub-accounts.
Turn On Income
When you're ready, activate your income stream. Choose a start date and payment frequency — and lock in your guaranteed payment amount for life.
Guaranteed for Life
Payments continue for as long as you live — even if you outlive the value of your contract. Your income is backed by the insurer's reserves.
Find the Right Annuity for You
Three main types — each built for a different balance of safety, growth, and flexibility. We'll help you choose the right fit.
Fixed Annuity
Predictable, guaranteed interest at a fixed rate — the safest annuity option with zero market exposure.
- Guaranteed fixed interest rate
- Zero market risk — principal always protected
- Predictable, stable growth every year
- Tax-deferred accumulation
- No upside from market performance
- Lower growth potential than indexed or variable
Fixed Indexed Annuity
Growth linked to a market index (like the S&P 500) — with a 0% floor so you never lose money in a down year.
- Index-linked growth (S&P 500, etc.)
- 0% floor — never lose principal in down years
- Higher growth potential than fixed annuity
- Lifetime income rider available
- Growth is capped or participation-rate limited
- Does not capture 100% of index gains
Variable Annuity
Full market participation through investment sub-accounts — highest growth potential with corresponding market risk.
- Invest in diversified sub-account portfolios
- Highest potential for long-term growth
- Tax-deferred accumulation on all gains
- Guaranteed income riders available (added cost)
- Account value can decline in down markets
- Higher fees than fixed or indexed options
Why Annuities Belong in Your Retirement Plan
Annuities solve retirement's hardest problem — income certainty — in a way no other financial product can match.
You Can't Outlive It
Guaranteed lifetime income payments continue as long as you live — whether that's 5 more years or 35 more years. The insurer takes on that longevity risk so you don't have to.
Principal Protection
Fixed and fixed indexed annuities guarantee you will never lose your contributed principal — even in a market crash. Your savings floor is locked in.
Tax-Deferred Growth
Your earnings compound tax-deferred until withdrawal — meaning more money working for you each year compared to taxable accounts.
Flexible Payout Options
Choose income for life, joint life (you and a spouse), a set term, or a lump sum. Customize the payment schedule to match your retirement lifestyle.
Spouse & Death Benefit
Joint annuities continue payments to your spouse after you pass. Remaining contract value can also be passed to beneficiaries — not lost to the insurer.
Complements Your Portfolio
Annuities work alongside — not instead of — your 401(k), IRA, and Social Security. They fill the "guaranteed income" gap that market accounts can't.
Annuities Are the Right Move If You Are...
Annuities are a retirement planning tool — most valuable for those approaching or already in retirement who want certainty over speculation.
Near or In Retirement
Within 5–10 years of retirement or already retired? An annuity can convert your savings into reliable monthly income starting exactly when you need it.
Worried About Longevity
Family history of living into your 80s or 90s? An annuity guarantees income continues regardless of how long your retirement turns out to be.
No Pension Coverage
If you don't have a defined benefit pension from an employer, an annuity replicates that certainty — a predictable paycheck from your own savings.
Maxed Out Other Accounts
Already contributing the max to your 401(k) and IRA? An annuity is a tax-deferred way to save additional retirement funds without contribution limits.
Annuities FAQ
Annuities are often misunderstood — here are plain answers to the questions we hear most.
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