Fixed indexed annuities

Capture market gains while your principal stays protected from downturns

Strategy

Growth with a safety net

Understand how indexed annuities balance opportunity and protection

How it works

Your money grows with market indexes

You invest in a contract that ties your returns to the performance of stock market indexes like the S&P 500. When the index rises, your account gains value. When it falls, your principal stays intact. This structure lets you capture upside while avoiding downside losses.

Protection

Three reasons to consider them

Learn what makes indexed annuities work

Principal stays safe in down markets

Your account value never falls below zero

Tax-deferred growth compounds over time

Earnings grow without annual tax drag

Income riders create lifetime paychecks

Guarantee income regardless of market conditions

Strategy

Built for your retirement years

Indexed annuities work best when you're close to or already in retirement

Pre-retirees

Lock in growth without sequence risk

If you're five to ten years from retirement, an indexed annuity can protect gains while capturing upside. You avoid the damage of a market crash right before you need the money.

Retirees

Convert savings into guaranteed income

Already retired? A lifetime income rider turns your annuity into a pension-like paycheck. You get market upside when it happens, but never worry about running out of money.

Process

How indexed annuities work step by step

From funding through income, here's what happens inside your contract. We'll walk you through each stage so nothing feels like a surprise.

Fund it

You deposit a lump sum or series of payments into the annuity contract. This becomes your principal, which is protected from market losses. The carrier invests your money according to your chosen strategy.

Choose indexes

You select which market indexes your returns will track. Common choices include the S&P 500, Nasdaq, or diversified multi-index strategies. Your choice determines your growth potential and risk profile.

Earn credits

Each year, gains are credited based on index performance. If your index rises, you earn a percentage of that gain up to your participation rate and cap. If it falls, you earn zero but lose nothing.

Activate income

When you're ready, add a lifetime income rider to your contract. This guarantees a monthly or annual payment for life, regardless of market conditions or account balance. You control when income starts.

Costs

How fees work

Understanding the structure behind your annuity

Standard plan
Varies
By carrier and contract
Includes
Participation rate adjustments
Annual cap on gains
Floor protection at zero
Premium plan
Varies
By carrier and contract
Includes
Higher participation rates
Enhanced index options
Flexible withdrawal terms
Lifetime income rider available
Custom plan
Varies
By carrier and contract
Includes
Personalized index strategy
Multi-index allocation
Advanced rider combinations
Dedicated advisor support
Annual strategy review

Questions

Find answers to common questions about fixed indexed annuities

What if markets decline?

Your principal is protected. Fixed indexed annuities guarantee your account value won't drop below zero, even during severe market downturns. You participate in market gains up to a cap, but losses are never passed to you.

How long is my money locked?

Most contracts have a surrender period, typically 7 to 10 years. During this time, you can access a portion of your funds annually without penalty. After the period ends, full access is available. We'll explain your specific terms during consultation.

Can I access funds early?

Yes. Most contracts allow penalty-free withdrawals of 10 percent annually. Early withdrawals beyond that may incur surrender charges. Some riders offer additional access options. We'll review all available flexibility with you.

What's a participation rate?

The participation rate determines what percentage of index gains you receive. If the index rises 10 percent and your rate is 80 percent, you earn 8 percent. Rates vary by carrier and contract type. Higher rates often come with lower caps.

Are there income riders available?

Yes. Lifetime income riders guarantee a stream of income for life, regardless of market performance or account balance. This is valuable for retirement planning. We can show you how riders work with your specific situation.

How are gains credited?

Gains are typically credited annually based on the performance of your chosen index. If the index is down, you earn zero but don't lose principal. Caps and participation rates limit your upside. We'll explain the exact crediting method for each option.

More questions?

Visit our full FAQ or contact an advisor

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Let our advisors show you how this strategy fits your retirement plan