Annuities

Investing in bank CDs or insurance annuities can be a good option for low-risk returns. Bank CDs provide a fixed interest rate over a specific period, securing investment for those seeking stability and liquidity. Conversely, insurance companies' annuities can ensure guaranteed income for a set period, making them ideal for retirement planning and long-term financial security. Consider these options when focusing on capital preservation and a predictable income stream instead of pursuing higher returns with greater risk.

Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) is a contract between you (the client) and an insurance company. Most of these annuities are deferred, meaning they offer tax-deferred growth potential. With an FIA, you are not directly invested in the market, and your premium is fully protected from market losses. Regardless of market performance, at the end of the contract, you will receive back what you invested (minus any early withdrawals).

Multi-year Guarantee Annuities (MYGAs), or Fixed Rate or CD-type Annuities, are fixed contracts that provide a predetermined and contractually guaranteed interest rate over a specified period, typically ranging from 3 to 10 years. Because of this, they are often likened to Bank CDs. MYGAs fall under state insurance regulations, while the FDIC insures CDs. Additionally, MYGAs offer tax-deferred growth.

Single Premium Immediate Annuity (SPIA), sometimes called an immediate annuity, guarantees a steady stream of income payments for the owner's lifetime, based on a one-time lump-sum premium. Unlike a deferred annuity, an SPIA can become an immediate payment rather than require ongoing contributions over time. These tax-deferred assets enable clients to avoid current income taxes on gains until they withdraw the assets.

Variable Annuity (VA) is a contract between you and an insurance company. It serves as an investment account that can grow tax-deferred and includes certain insurance features, such as converting your account into a stream of periodic payments. Like mutual funds, variable annuities come with investment risks. If the investment choices you selected for the VA do not perform well, you could incur losses.

Index Annuity (IA) are insurance contracts that provide an interest rate linked to the performance of a market index, such as the S&P 500. They differ from fixed annuities, which offer a fixed interest rate, and variable annuities, which base their interest rate on a selection of securities the owner chooses. Indexed annuities are sometimes called equity-indexed or fixed-indexed annuities.