Annuities Dirty Little Secret: Number 1

Annuity secrets will tell you the truth about annuities

You have probably seen this ad:

“Invest in an annuity; earn stock market returns with no exposure to losses!”

or

“Your annuity can only go up, never down. Your funds are never at risk!”

How can your funds only increase? How can there be no risk? What type of annuity could this be? The answer is Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIA).

Fixed Indexed Annuities tie your crediting returns to an outside source, usually the Standard and Poor’s Stock Index Fund. How do they do that, and how do they guarantee your funds against loss? How can your funds increase but never be exposed to any risk or loss? Your funds will never equal stock market returns, and your returns will depend on your contract. There may be fees and some expenses that must be paid first, so a reasonable estimate is approximately 40% to 70% of what the Index may return. Be informed and be sure these products are for you.

What is the real benefit of Fixed Indexed Annuities? Your funds are fully guaranteed and are safe and secure. Your Fixed Indexed Annuity can only increase. Fixed Indexed Annuities are best suited for people who want to protect their original principal and provide for an increase in funds linked to a major index.

Fixed Indexed Annuities vary by company and by state. Always completely understand your annuity and make certain it fits your situation. Make certain you understand the premature use charges associated with these products.

With a Fixed Indexed Annuity, your return is linked to the increase in one of several stock market indexes, such as the S&P 500. However, if the stock market goes down, you do not lose any of your money. Most Fixed Indexed Annuities have a guaranteed minimum rate of return which is typically 1%; even if the index you invested in goes down the entire time you are invested, you will still have the minimum guaranteed growth.

Tip: Understand Your Contract!

Fixed Indexed Annuities are fixed annuities with an outside crediting source such as the S/P 500 Index. A trademark of McGraw-Hill Companies

Annuity contracts can be different so please consult your specific contract for crediting methods and expenses as well as contractual features.