Longevity risk is one of the biggest risks facing retirees. Longevity risk is defined by living longer than your savings will support. With Americans living longer and spending more time in retirement, many retirees are concerned about outliving their savings. In turn, they are searching for a product that can help ensure a steady income stream.  A fixed index annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company. In exchange for the money you place in your annuity, the insurance company guarantees several benefits – from loss of principal to a steady stream of lifetime income. And because it’s designed to help you prepare for retirement, a fixed index annuity provides certain tax advantages as well. The Income is guaranteed to last as long as you live and if married would provide lifetime income for you and your spouse. A fixed index annuity may be a good choice if you want to accumulate money for retirement which provides guaranteed income but don’t want to risk losing money in the market.

Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIA) are not suitable for all investors. FIAs permit investors to participate in only a stated percentage of an increase in an index (participation rate) and may impose a maximum annual account value percentage increase. FIAs typically do not allow for participation in dividends accumulated on the securities represented by the index. Annuities are long-term, tax-deferred investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes.  Gains from tax-deferred investments are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Withdrawals prior to 59 ½ may result in an IRS penalty, and surrender charges may apply. Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.