Is a Fixed Indexed Annuity for Me?
A fixed indexed annuity could be right for you if you want the potential to earn higher rates of return than a traditional fixed annuity without having the risk and potential losses associated with a variable annuity.
These annuities have become very popular savings vehicles for people who are about to retire or those who are already retired.
What is a Fixed Indexed Annuity? A fixed indexed annuity is a fixed annuity which offers the potential annuity buyer the option to participate in an index (S&P) without directly participating in any of the downside risks.
These annuities offer many crediting strategies in addition to a fixed account.
These policies allow the customer to allocate money among the different strategies and make changes to the strategies on a yearly basis.
Principal Protection Fixed indexed annuities can offer the public the peace of mind that is associated with a fixed annuity and more upside potential for gains.
These annuities are regulated and approved for sale by the individual States.
One of the key features of an indexed annuity is that you will not lose any policy value and they offer a minimum guarantee.
Your gains will be partly from the gain of an index.
Some people choose a 25% fixed 75% in the index approach.
Keep in mind that the 75% in the index will be subject to a declared cap but will not be subject to any downside market risk.
If the market has a negative year, the client simply receives a $0 on their statement instead of a negative.
Estate and Probate Advantages Most fixed indexed annuities on the market offer a death benefit that distributes the accumulated cash value to the designated beneficiaries without going through probate.
If death happens before any payments are received, your beneficiary is guaranteed to receive the account value minus any outstanding loans and cannot be contested in court.
Access to your Cash These annuities typically allow policy owners to access up to 10% penalty free every year after the first year.
Keep in mind that any withdrawals above the free 10% will be subject to surrender charges.
Also, some annuity policies give you a Return of Premium (ROP) feature.
The ROP will allow you to take out 100% of your original premium without any surrender penalties.
Companies like Great American do not charge a rider fee for this rider.
The ROP rider gives you the extra certainty you may be seeking.
These annuities have become very popular savings vehicles for people who are about to retire or those who are already retired.
What is a Fixed Indexed Annuity? A fixed indexed annuity is a fixed annuity which offers the potential annuity buyer the option to participate in an index (S&P) without directly participating in any of the downside risks.
These annuities offer many crediting strategies in addition to a fixed account.
These policies allow the customer to allocate money among the different strategies and make changes to the strategies on a yearly basis.
Principal Protection Fixed indexed annuities can offer the public the peace of mind that is associated with a fixed annuity and more upside potential for gains.
These annuities are regulated and approved for sale by the individual States.
One of the key features of an indexed annuity is that you will not lose any policy value and they offer a minimum guarantee.
Your gains will be partly from the gain of an index.
Some people choose a 25% fixed 75% in the index approach.
Keep in mind that the 75% in the index will be subject to a declared cap but will not be subject to any downside market risk.
If the market has a negative year, the client simply receives a $0 on their statement instead of a negative.
Estate and Probate Advantages Most fixed indexed annuities on the market offer a death benefit that distributes the accumulated cash value to the designated beneficiaries without going through probate.
If death happens before any payments are received, your beneficiary is guaranteed to receive the account value minus any outstanding loans and cannot be contested in court.
Access to your Cash These annuities typically allow policy owners to access up to 10% penalty free every year after the first year.
Keep in mind that any withdrawals above the free 10% will be subject to surrender charges.
Also, some annuity policies give you a Return of Premium (ROP) feature.
The ROP will allow you to take out 100% of your original premium without any surrender penalties.
Companies like Great American do not charge a rider fee for this rider.
The ROP rider gives you the extra certainty you may be seeking.
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