A Fixed Index Annuity lets your retirement savings grow with the market — without the risk of losing what you've earned.
Your money grows based on a market index (like the S&P 500) without direct investment — you earn gains without direct market exposure.
Your initial investment is protected — you cannot lose money due to market losses. Your floor is zero, not negative.
Optional income riders provide a guaranteed paycheck you cannot outlive — like a personal pension you fund yourself.
A Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) is a contract between you and an insurance company. You deposit a lump sum or series of payments, and in return the insurance company credits interest based on the performance of a chosen market index — such as the S&P 500 — up to a defined cap or participation rate.
The key distinction: your money is never directly invested in the market. When the market goes up, you earn a portion of those gains. When the market goes down, your account value does not decrease. A down year means zero gain — not negative balance.
Many FIAs also include optional income benefit riders that guarantee a stream of income for life — no matter how long you live or what happens in the market.
Book a Free Annuity ReviewYour money grows tax-deferred — you only pay taxes when you take distributions, allowing your savings to compound faster over time.
Unlike stocks or variable annuities, FIAs protect your principal. A down year in the market means zero gain, not a negative balance.
With an income rider, you can create a guaranteed paycheck for life — like a personal pension funded by your own savings.
Unlike IRAs or 401(k)s, there are no annual contribution limits on annuities, making them ideal for larger lump-sum rollovers from CDs or retirement accounts.
No. Most FIAs include free withdrawal provisions — typically 10% of your account value per year without penalty. Surrender charges apply to larger withdrawals during the surrender period, which typically ranges from 5 to 10 years.
A CD earns a fixed, usually low interest rate. A FIA has the potential to earn significantly more by linking to a market index, while still protecting your principal — something a variable investment cannot guarantee.
FIAs are best suited for people within 5–15 years of retirement who have a lump sum they want to protect and grow, and want guaranteed income they cannot outlive. They are not designed for short-term needs.