What is an Annuity?

An annuity is a long-term retirement savings product that can protect you from living longer than your money!  Annuities have growth potential, benefits for your family in the event of death, and optional living benefits to protect your retirement income. 

The idea of annuities have been around since the reign of the Roman empire.  Wealthier Romans would often make one large payment into an annual stipend and would receive annual payment for either a lifetime or an agreed upon period of time.  

In the United States the annuities date back to the 1700s.  Annuities were used in the Presbyterian Church to provide retired ministers, widows, and orphans with funds to live.  Even Benjamin Franklin took advantage of an annuity, using it to assist Philadelphia and Boston during a troubling financial crisis.  

Annuities are security.

Fixed index annuities provide a minimum guaranteed interest rate, and any extra interest accumulated will be credited back to the policy holder and not kept by the company.  Fixed index annuities have become very popular, and are the fastest growing retirement vehicle in the industry today with the ability to earn interest with no market risk.  For these reasons we specialize in fixed indexed annuities for our clients.

Fixed annuities provide a minimum guaranteed interest rate that will neither rise or fall.  

Variable Annuities have no minimum interest rate, the contract holder is responsible for choosing investment options. Variable annuities are regulated by the SEC.

• full protection of principal
• guaranteed retirement earnings
• tax-deferred
• NO risk of negative stock market performance
• predictable earnings
• earn potential additional interest

•  full protection of principal
•  guaranteed income
•  tax-deferred
•  fixed interest rate

•  guaranteed income
•  tax-deferred
•  unlimited contribution
•  allocation control

What does it mean to be tax-deferred?

This means that while interest accrues on the account, they are not taxed until withdrawn.  This helps to increase the amount of earnings in the account. 

What happens when I die?

Annuities include a death benefit.  Should you die before your annuity disburses all payments, the remaining balance can transfer to a spouse or beneficiary. 

Will a beneficiary have to pay taxes on the annuity?

Yes, the payments will be treated as taxable income. We do not give tax advice so any questions regarding taxation of withdrawals and/or death benefits should be directed to your tax accountant.**

Are there any fees associated with purchasing an annuity?

Different types of annuities have difference fee structures. Products and fees should and will be discussed with individual clients during the consultation. Many of our annuity contracts contain zero fees. That's right, no fees of any kind are charged to the client.