Fixed Indexed Annuities
Grow your money when markets rise. Protect it when they fall.
What Is a Fixed Indexed Annuity?
Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs) are insurance contracts that offer the opportunity to earn interest based on the performance of a market index, while protecting your principal from market losses. They provide a balanced approach to retirement planning, combining growth potential with downside protection. FIAs come in two primary types, each designed to meet different retirement goals.
No Cost - No Loss (Growth)
Think of a no cost, no loss FIA like a savings account that can earn more when the stock market does well, but can never go down because of it. If the market goes up, your account gets credited with a portion of that gain. If the market drops, you keep all your money, no making up for losses. You simply start fresh the next year. It is a way to grow your retirement savings without the stress of watching the market every day.
Lifetime Income
A lifetime income FIA is designed to do one thing: make sure you never run out of money in retirement. Once you are ready to stop working, it turns your savings into a guaranteed monthly paycheck that lasts for the rest of your life, no matter how long that is. Think of it like creating your own personal pension. You know exactly what is coming in every month, which makes budgeting and planning in retirement much simpler.
Why Consider a Fixed Indexed Annuity?
Principal Protection
Your original investment is protected from market losses. Even in a down year, your account value does not decrease due to market performance.
Growth Potential
Your account earns interest based on the performance of a market index. When the market goes up, you benefit up to your cap or participation rate.
Guaranteed Lifetime Income
Add an income rider to convert your FIA into a guaranteed paycheck for life, no matter how long you live or what the market does.
Tax-Deferred Growth
Your money grows tax-deferred inside an FIA, meaning you do not pay taxes on gains until you withdraw them.
No Annual Fees on Base Contract
Many FIAs have no annual management fees on the base contract, unlike mutual funds or variable annuities.
Legacy Benefits
FIAs can include death benefit provisions, allowing you to pass remaining account value to your beneficiaries outside of probate.
The #1 Fear in Retirement: Outliving Your Money
A Fixed Indexed Annuity directly solves this problem. With a guaranteed lifetime income rider, you receive a monthly paycheck for as long as you live - no matter what the market does, and no matter how long retirement lasts.
Floor on Losses
Your account never goes down due to market performance.
Guaranteed Income
Income riders pay you every month for the rest of your life.
Growth
Your money compounds without annual tax drag until you withdraw.
Retirees Are Living Longer Than They Are Planning For
Most people underestimate how long retirement will last. The data shows why guaranteed income matters more than ever.
Life Expectancy
Male vs. Female average life expectancy
Average life expectancy (years) — SSA 2024
Probability of a 65-Year-Old Living to Various Ages
Chance of reaching each age milestone
Source: SSA Period Life Table — probability of reaching each age starting at 65
Key takeaway: A 65-year-old couple has a 45% chance that at least one spouse will live past 90 - meaning your retirement income plan may need to last 25+ years.
Myths vs. Reality
FIAs are too complicated to understand
While FIAs have moving parts, the core concept is simple: you earn interest when markets go up, and you never lose principal when markets go down.
You lose all your money if you die early
FIAs include death benefit provisions. Your remaining account value passes directly to your named beneficiaries, bypassing probate.
FIAs have high fees
The base FIA contract typically has no annual management fee. Optional riders like income guarantees carry a fee, but you choose whether to add them.
Your money is locked up forever
Most FIAs allow penalty-free withdrawals of up to 10% per year. Surrender periods typically last 5 to 10 years, after which your money is fully accessible.
FIAs don't keep up with inflation
With participation rates and index-linked growth, FIAs can provide meaningful returns that help offset inflation over time without the risk of loss.
Only one index option is available
Most FIAs offer a variety of index options including the S&P 500, NASDAQ, international indexes, and more, giving you flexibility to align with your strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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