Millions of Americans leave thousands of dollars on the table every year keeping money in CDs, bonds, and savings accounts that earn next to nothing — while taking on hidden risks they don't see coming.
Four forces silently work against retirement savings. A solid plan addresses each one — and a Fixed Indexed Annuity is uniquely designed to combat all four.
Inflation erodes buying power over time. If you retired in 2000, your income today would need to be 50% higher just to maintain the same lifestyle. A $20 purchase in 2000 costs $30 today.
The S&P 500® has lost roughly half its value twice in the past 20 years. Withdrawing from accounts during a downturn locks in losses — and can permanently damage your nest egg.
Low interest rates reduce the growth of savings and CDs. In a low-rate environment, conservative savers can see their assets exhausted earlier than expected — sometimes decades too soon.
1 in 3 people aged 65 today will live past 90. The old "4% rule" for withdrawals is now considered too aggressive — many experts recommend just 2.8%. Running out of money is the #1 retirement fear.
An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company. You contribute a lump sum and receive guaranteed growth, protection, and often a guaranteed income — for life.
Your money grows based on a market index (like the S&P 500), but your principal is 100% protected from losses. You participate in gains — and never lose a dollar when markets fall.
A MYGA locks in a guaranteed interest rate for 3, 5, or 7 years with zero market risk. It typically outperforms bank CDs while providing tax-deferred growth advantages.
A SPIA converts a lump sum into an immediate income stream — starting within 30 days. Ideal for those who need reliable income right now to supplement Social Security.
The most powerful option: combine FIA protection with an optional income rider. Your income base grows at a guaranteed rate — and you turn on a lifetime paycheck whenever you're ready.
Millions of Americans — and their parents — are keeping large sums in CDs, savings accounts, and bonds that may not keep up with inflation, taxes, or life expectancy. See how they compare to a Fixed Indexed Annuity.
| Feature | Bank CD | Savings Account | U.S. Bond / Bond Fund | Fixed Indexed Annuity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principal Protection | ✓ FDIC (up to $250K) | ✓ FDIC (up to $250K) | ⚠ Bond funds can lose value | ✓ 100% Protected |
| Growth Potential | Fixed rate only (low) | Very low (0.5–2%) | Moderate, but rate sensitive | ✓ Index-linked (higher potential) |
| Tax-Deferred Growth | ✗ Taxed annually | ✗ Taxed annually | ✗ Taxed annually | ✓ Tax-deferred until withdrawal |
| Guaranteed Lifetime Income | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Optional income rider available |
| Inflation Protection | ✗ Rate may not keep pace | ✗ Typically falls behind | ⚠ Limited | ✓ Index growth may outpace inflation |
| Death Benefit for Heirs | ✗ Goes through probate | ✗ Goes through probate | ✗ Goes through probate | ✓ Passes directly to named beneficiaries |
| Long-Term Care Protection | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Select products double income if confined |
| Penalty for Early Withdrawal | ⚠ 3–12 months interest | ✓ Usually none | ⚠ Market value risk | ⚠ Surrender period (10% free yearly) |
| Minimum Amount | $500–$1,000 | $0–$100 | $100–$1,000 | $20,000 |
If someone you love has significant savings sitting in a bank CD earning 3–5% that gets taxed every year, they may be missing out on tax-deferred growth, guaranteed lifetime income, and protection from market loss. A Fixed Indexed Annuity could be a smarter home for those funds — especially if they have $20,000 or more in a CD that's coming due, a savings account, or a bond that's maturing.
Questions to ask together: Is this CD or savings balance earning enough to keep up with inflation? Would guaranteed income for life provide more peace of mind than the current rate? Is there flexibility to review options together with a licensed advisor before any renewal or rollover decision is made?
Take the Assessment Together →Instead of putting every dollar into one guaranteed-rate term, annuity laddering spreads your savings across multiple guaranteed-rate annuities with staggered maturity dates — each one a "rung" on your ladder. As each matures, you can roll it into a new guaranteed-rate term, move it into a growth or income annuity, or spend it — giving you flexibility, diversification across interest-rate cycles, and optimized access over time.
The S&P 500 is mostly positive — but a single stretch of bad luck at the wrong time can permanently destroy a retirement. Understanding this is critical before deciding where to put your savings.
Two investors both average the same 121% return over 20 years. But the order of returns is flipped. Same total performance — very different outcomes when withdrawing income.
An annuity separates your safe income floor from market risk — so a bad run of returns at the wrong time doesn't bankrupt your retirement.
Retirement planning is time-sensitive. Each age milestone unlocks options — and creates urgency. The best time to act is now.
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Each product serves a different financial situation. Your assessment will match you to the best fit. Minimum $20,000–$25,000 initial premium depending on product.
7-year multi-year crediting strategy with diversified index allocation. Spread risk across multiple indices for more consistent returns.
Convert a lump sum — including a maturing CD — into guaranteed monthly income starting within 30 days.
FIA with free income and death benefit rider — income that automatically doubles if you need long-term care.
20% upfront income base bonus + 10% simple interest growth per year for 20 years — the most powerful income builder available.
Access next-generation technology indices with Index Lock — lock in gains daily so you never give them back to the market.
Lock in a guaranteed fixed interest rate for 3, 5, or 7 years. The smarter CD alternative — no market risk, better rates, tax-deferred.
7, 10, and 15-year versions with premium bonus on 10/15-year contracts. Plus version adds Return of Premium guarantee.
5, 7, or 10-year fixed indexed annuity with a performance trigger crediting option — credit interest as long as the index doesn't lose value.
7 or 10-year FIA with a guaranteed lifetime income rider offering an activation bonus up to 200% — plus Income Doubler if you ever need long-term care.
3 or 5-year guaranteed rate annuity with an optional Market Value Adjustment version for an even higher locked-in rate. No fees, ever.
Many of our annuity products can be enhanced with optional riders — some at no added cost, some for a small annual charge. Availability varies by product and state.
Choose higher participation rates or caps on indexed strategies for a small annual fee — available on all crediting options.
Spread your premium into index crediting strategies gradually over 12 months instead of all at once.
Access a portion of your accumulation value without a withdrawal charge if you become confined to a nursing care facility, starting in year two. No added cost.
Waives withdrawal charges on a qualifying withdrawal if diagnosed with a terminal illness. No added cost.
Waives withdrawal charges for qualifying 403(b) hardship or 457(b) unforeseen emergency distributions, if approved by your plan.
On income-rider products, your lifetime income can double for up to 5 years if you can't perform two of six daily living activities.
Plug in a premium amount to see what a sample illustration could look like for each type of annuity on this site. This is a simplified, editable estimate you control — not an official policy illustration.
Lock in a fixed rate with zero market risk — pick 3 or 5 years.
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Your original investment is shielded from market downturns. You participate in gains — never in losses.
Annuities are not FDIC insured — backed by the issuing carrier’s claims-paying ability. See surrender charge details →
Lifetime income riders guarantee a monthly paycheck for as long as you live — no matter how long that is.
Requires an optional income rider, which may carry an added annual cost and reduce contract value if never activated.
Your money grows without annual taxes on gains. You pay tax only when you withdraw — often at a lower rate.
Withdrawals before age 59½ may incur a 10% IRS penalty in addition to ordinary income tax on gains.
Remaining account value passes directly to your named beneficiaries — often bypassing probate entirely.
The death benefit is reduced by any prior withdrawals, loans, or surrender charges outstanding on the contract.
Select products double your income if you require care facility services — built-in protection at no extra cost.
Available only on select products; requires ADL-qualification (2 of 6 daily living activities) and applies only to income-rider contracts.