Fixed Index Annuities (FIA) are growing in popularity.

Positioned to take over all other annuity products in sales, FIA products are offering the best of both worlds for investors.

Protect Principal, Spark Growth

You can both protect principal and spark significant growth with an FIA product.

One of the only downsides with FIA products is the incredible variety of crediting options available (how you make a return). With different formulas and competing companies offering the investment opportunity, it can be confusing to know when and where to buy.

Financial advisors recommend the product for growth and protection. But financial advisors also warn to be wary of bad products with confusing returns.

Plus, there are so many varieties of annuities available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. A Single Premium Immediate Annuity (SPIA) offers distinct benefits that are different from a Fixed Index Annuity, for example.

It’s important to understand the financial product you are investing in and decide if it’s right for you.

If you already own annuities, especially if it’s a variable annuity, you should consider a move to a Fixed Index product. The market saw a huge move away from variable annuities into index annuities. And if you are new to annuities you may be wondering if they are right for you.

There’s no time to waste. And we can help you find the best annuity.

You could be seeing your principal rise with every move of a major market index. Let’s make sure you know when to buy.

We’ve put together some expert tips about FIA products (Fixed Index Annuities). We’ve got you covered.

Ready to see what an FIA product can do for you? Here we go:

What is a Fixed Index Annuity?

Before we decide when you should purchase an FIA, let’s make sure you know exactly what the products are.

A Fixed Index Annuity credits a minimum guaranteed rate of interest over a fixed number of years. Plus, additional interest may be credited based on the percentage change in the value of a broad market index.

This additional interest is calculated using a formula. The result determines how much of that percentage change applies to the value of the individual’s FIA.

Example: An FIA with a participation rate of 50% of the change in the value of the S&P 500 index. If the index returns 10% in a policy year, 5% would be credited to the account.

An FIA limits upside which limits risk as well. They are a great combination of elements for a financial growth plan.

In addition, many FIAs now offer Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits. This makes a Fixed Index Annuity both an accumulation and income solution.

The first FIA products hit the market in 1995. But adjustments to formulas and refinement of the product has made it more popular in recent years.

Fixed Index Annuity products have grown significantly.

Sales increased 14% to $38.7 billion in 2013
Sales increased 24% to $48 billion in 2014.
This represents 21% of all annuity sales.
Experts expect growth rates of FIA products to continue.

This growth is due to the benefits an FIA offers over other similar annuity products.

The Distinct Phases of an Annuity

Understanding the two distinct phases of an annuity will help you create a strategy that works for you. Seniors are often swindled by the unrealistic promises of an annuity product.

In some cases, you will need to make a decision between a lump sum payment into your annuity (single premium) or a gradual investment period (flexible premium).

What About The Risk?

If you are wondering when is the right time to jump into the perfect Fixed Index Annuity for you, it is now.

Experts point out that the upside of a Fixed Index Annuity is that it “gives you exposure to the market but at no risk of loss to your principal.”

A Fixed Index Annuity is a fixed annuity with a variable rate of return. This return is based on an index.

You don’t have to worry about the loss of your principal with an FIA.

While you may consider other products for their growth potential, as a retirement option, the FIA gives you both protection and growth. When talking asset allocation this is the conservative money, money that you would put into bonds or bond funds.

As long as you understand the formula, and have expert advice, you don’t need to hesitate.

Understand The Formula

Different Fixed Index Annuities offer different opportunities for investors. Some critics warn that the products can be difficult for buyers to understand.

The Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) warns that all “indexed annuities are complicated products that may contain several features that can affect your return.”

They suggest that “you understand how an indexed annuity computes its index-linked interest rate before you buy.”

The SEC also points out that “an insurance company may credit you with a lower return than the actual index’s gain.”

There are incredible upsides to FIA products. But you need to know the exact benefits and risks of the product you are thinking of investing in.

The right time to buy a Fixed Income Annuity is only after you understand the product and if it’s right for you.

An expert can help.

Get Expert Help

Everyone’s journey is different. And with market fluctuations and a wide range of different products on the market, it can be difficult to know when the time is right.

Your personal financial situation and financial goals can affect your decision making as much as any other information. You need to know when the time is right for you.

A financial advisor can help.

You don’t need to try and navigate the complex world of annuities on your own. Tennessee Annuity Rates can provide you with information that is essential to your financial journey.

For families looking to protect their assets. Consequently it’s best to get help from a trusted advisor. Don’t wait.

Did you know Tennessee Annuity Rates offers a free consultation to help assess your situation and find the best strategy for you and your loved ones?

Retirement Income for Life

Hitting retirement and having no guaranteed income can be detrimental to your health.

According to the American Psychological Association, older individuals with lower socio-economic status are at risk for increased mortality rates, higher stroke incidence, higher progressive chronic kidney disease, and lower health-related quality of life.

So, having a secure way to receive a steady income after retirement will help you live a full life.

But how do you go about doing that? How do you get guaranteed retirement income for life right now?

Well, we’re here to talk about how you can get a guaranteed income stream with an annuity and avoid the scammers because they are out there. So, let’s dig in.

How Does An Immediate Annuity Work?

A single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) is probably what you’re thinking of when you think guaranteed income for life.

You might be on the cusp of retirement, and worried about your income needs.

A SPIA allows your to start receiving income right away. It’s an agreement with your insurance company that allows you a guaranteed stream of income

Your insurance company will then calculate your monthly income based on a few things.

The type of annuity you purchased
The insurance company, each one prices these different and you should shop this around
Your life expectancy based on your age and gender
And the term of the annuity you’ve chosen, how long you would like your income stream gauranteed for

Your Choices When It Comes to Immediate Annuity Income for Life

Inflation can happen. It’s a risk you take when investing in pretty much anything.

But you can have your insurance carrier give you a variable payout in case of inflation.

It really depends on if you want to maximize your payment now or not.

A fixed payout will give you the most income today. But a variable payout will mean having to do with less right now. If you are retiring soon, this might be the right option as you have some income from your current job still trickling in. I would suggest looking at index annuities with a life time income rider if you would like rising income.

If you do go with a variable payout/rising income option it will most likely be tied to a stock market index with a minimum guaranteed amount.

The purpose of an annuity is to minimize risk. So go over the options and see which options will help you have guaranteed income for life.

What Are the Variables and Terms of an Immediate Annuity?

A term in insurance speak is the amount of time your guaranteed annuity income will last.

You can specify the number of years the annuity will last. This may not give you guaranteed income for life.

The life annuity will provide you income for life. This means, of course, for as long as you, and you alone shall live.

There are joint-life annuities. If you are married, a joint-life annuity option might be best.

If one spouse dies, the annuity continues to be paid to the surviving spouse.

What Variables Depend on Age And Gender?

This essentially affects your payout amount.

Of people over 100 years old, 85% are women.

Essentially, women live longer than men on average. And insurance companies take this into account.

They typically pay out LESS for women than men because of the life expectancy gap.

What Are Typical Rates for Immediate Annuities?

If you’re looking at obtaining guaranteed income for life through an annuity, then you probably want to know the rates.

Remember, you’re buying an annuity for income guarantees, then returns become secondary.

If you want higher returns, you have to take risks. And risks could leave you broke.

But, even with a guaranteed annuity, the longer you live the greater the returns.

So, don’t compare the payout rate or calculated rate of return on an immediate annuity to compare this to any other kinds of investments.

Instead, the rate you’re looking at should be used for comparison between annuities at different insurance companies.

One of the benefits of an immediate annuity is that any other capital you don’t use to buy the annuity can go to other investments.

In essence, you can build your wealth with an annuity coupled with other investments.

And the security it affords can’t be measured in the monetary rate of return estimates.

Immediate Annuities Are Only a Portion of Retirement Savings Income

This is not meant to be all the income you receive during retirement.

If you calculate the annuity rate you will receive, you will only get $558 dollars a month if you are age 65, male, live in Tennessee, and purchase the annuity for $100,000.

That’s maybe enough to buy groceries and maybe pay a bill or two.

If you want the highest payment, you will have to give up access to the 100,000 you put in.

You will want to have a diversified portfolio of ETFs and mutual fund and such to maintain your standard of living.

You might have guaranteed income for life, but that’s more of a safety net to ensure survival if other investments fail.

Again, this is more about peace of mind than returns or riches. Although, it can help you increase your wealth in the long run.

Be Careful When Buying an Annuity: Watch For Scams

You might be tempted to go with the insurance company that offers the highest payout.

Don’t. You need to do your research.

You will depend on the insurance company to remain good on their word when it comes to guaranteed income for life.

They must have an AM BEST rating of A- or better when it comes to financial strength ratings.

Only a fraction of the companies out there will give you the best deal and have your interests in mind. All the others are either not worth looking at or are downright scams.

Payouts between companies can vary widely. So make sure you compare your options and choose wisely.

The Bottom Line On Guaranteed Income for Life

If you’re about to hit retirement, you probably do want that safety net of guaranteed income.

You probably want to get an annuity with the right companies that will take care of you. And you probably want to mitigate the risk of not having an income after retirement.

If you do want these things, sign up for a free consultation to get more information on how to find the right annuity for you.

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When is the Right Time to Get a Fixed Index Annuity?