Annuities

Some have carefully built a nest egg, while others may rely on Social Security. Annuities may play a powerful role in securing your retirement, whether you have enough saved or feel you need to catch up. From guaranteed income to legacy planning, annuities offer a wide range of options.

Why Consider Annuities?

Diversification. Confidence. Flexibility.

Market volatility can make traditional investments like stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs difficult to rely on ‐ especially in retirement. Some annuities provide a way to diversify with less market exposure. Others provide predictable income, and that peace of mind can be comforting.

Many annuities offer features that help you plan confidently ‐ no matter where you are in your retirement journey. If you feel you have'nt saved enough, an annuity with downside protection may provide confidence to invest more aggressivly. If you're more concerned with having a specific income for life, annuities can offer this protection.

How We Can Help

• Identify Key Objectives: With a wide range of features and costs, annuities are complex. We can discuss your specific objectives, and help you decide if an annuity helps with one or more of your areas of concern. It may well be that an annuity is not the right option for you.
• Retirement Income Planning: We'll review your overall portfolio to determine if annuities can enhance your retirement strategy ‐ especially if you're heavily weighted in fixed income or dividend stocks.
• Cost-Efficient Annuity Selection: Not all annuities are created equal. We identify solutions that provide value without excessive fees, helping you maximize your investment dollars.
• Tax-Advantaged Strategies: From tax-deferred variable annuities to products designed for lower tax brackets in retirement, we help minimize your tax liability while maximizing income.
• Built-In Flexibility: Life changes ‐ and so should your plan. We look for annuities that let you adapt your investments over time without triggering unnecessary taxes or penalties.

Types of Annuities & Their Purpose

Understanding the different types of annuities is key to choosing the right solution for your retirement goals. Here's a quick overview:

• Fixed Annuities: Offer a guaranteed interest rate and predictable income. Ideal for conservative investors looking for stability. However, as the name suggests, your initial investment will not grow.
• Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs): Provide returns linked to a market index (like the S&P 500), often with some downside protection. Great for those who want growth potential while reducing market risk.
• Variable Annuities: Invested in mutual fund-like subaccounts. Returns fluctuate with the market, but they often include optional income or death benefit riders for added protection. Many offer the ability to invest, and then turn on an income stream when you need it.
• Immediate Annuities: Convert a lump sum into a stream of income that starts right away ‐ ideal for those needing guaranteed income now.
• Registered Index Linked Annuities (RILAs): A type of annuity designed for wealth accumulation by offering growth potential tied to market indices, while providing a level of downside protection. RILAs allow investors to participate in market gains up to a cap, typically with reduced exposure to market losses.

Annuities can be a valuable part of your financial plan when thoughtfully selected to match your goals—whether you're seeking reliable income, protection from market risk, or a way to leave a legacy.

* There is a surrender charge imposed generally during the first 5 to 7 years that you own the contract. Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ may result in a 10% IRS tax penalty, in addition to any ordinary income tax. The guarantee of the annuity is backed by the financial strength of the underlying insurance company. Investment sub-account values will fluctuate with changes in market conditions.
* Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks and charges and expenses of the variable annuity carefully before investing. An investment in a variable annuity involves investment risk, including possible loss of principal. Variable annuities are designed for long-term investing. The contract, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the total amount invested. Variable annuities are subject to insurance-related charges including mortality and expense charges, administrative fees, and the expenses associated with the underlying sub-accounts. The prospectus contains this and other information about the variable annuity. Contact the issuing firm or your financial professional to obtain a prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing or sending money.
* If you are investing in an Annuity through a tax-advantaged plan such as an IRA, you will get no added tax advantage. Under these circumstances you should only consider buying an Annuity if it makes sense because of the Annuity's other features.