You worked hard for your savings.
Make a plan for what comes next.

It is our brand for education and reviews about fixed indexed annuities: long-term insurance contracts issued by an insurance company. It is not a bank account, a government program, or a separate type of retirement account.

No. An index helps calculate interest under the contract’s crediting rules. You do not own index shares or receive the index’s full return. A fixed indexed annuity differs from a registered index-linked annuity, which can expose you to market losses.

No. A fixed indexed annuity protects against negative index interest credits. Surrender charges, withdrawals, rider fees, and market value adjustments may reduce what you receive, including below your original premium. Inflation can reduce purchasing power. All guarantees depend on the issuing insurer’s claims-paying ability; this is not an FDIC-insured bank deposit.

You may elect a lifetime annuity payout or, where available, a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit. These are different options with different access to cash, fees, and rules. Excess withdrawals can reduce or end an income benefit. An income benefit base is not the same as cash you can withdraw.

Start by comparing what you already have with what you would receive. Depending on your situation, options may include keeping your current account, moving to an eligible employer plan, or an IRA. An annuity may be considered within an IRA or with other eligible savings.

• Compare total costs, existing guarantees, and any benefits you would give up.
• Review withdrawal rules, emergency access, and the time you expect to keep the money in place.
• Understand the proposed income features and how they fit with Social Security and other income.

A licensed professional should review suitability and rollover considerations before a recommendation. Consult your tax professional about tax treatment. An annuity inside an IRA provides no additional tax deferral.

Some contracts offer joint lifetime income options; benefits and payment amounts depend on the contract and the covered lives. During the savings phase, a contract may provide a death benefit for named beneficiaries. After annuity payments begin, what beneficiaries receive depends on the payout option you chose. Ask for a side-by-side explanation of income, access to cash, and beneficiary benefits before deciding.

Your retirement money has different jobs: cash for emergencies and near-term needs, assets for longer-term growth, and sources of retirement income. A long-term annuity may serve part of that plan, depending on your needs. The review should consider the whole picture, including accessible reserves, existing benefits, diversification, and whether you need an annuity at all. There is no single percentage that fits everyone.

Contracts may permit limited withdrawals without surrender charges. Larger or earlier withdrawals may trigger charges, adjustments, taxes, and possible tax penalties before age 59½. Keep money for emergencies and near-term expenses accessible outside a long-term annuity.