Learn About Your Retirement Options
Understand annuities, rollovers, income planning, and tax strategies before meeting with a licensed professional. No pressure, just clear information.
Annuity Fundamentals
Start here to understand what annuities are and how they work
What Is an Annuity?
A plain-English explanation of annuity contracts, how they work, and the different types available — fixed, indexed, and variable.
- Fixed annuities and declared rates
- Indexed annuities and market formulas
- Variable annuities and subaccounts
- Surrender charges and liquidity limits
Annuity Types at a Glance
Rollovers & Account Transfers
Understanding your options for moving retirement funds
401(k) Rollover to Annuity
Key questions to ask before rolling 401(k) assets into an annuity — taxes, fees, liquidity, and suitability considerations.
- What income problem does the annuity solve?
- How much liquidity should remain outside?
- Surrender schedules, riders, and tax rules
Eligible Rollover Accounts
Product Comparisons
See how annuities stack up against other retirement options
Annuity vs. CD
Compare bank certificates of deposit with annuity contracts — guarantees, access, penalties, and tax treatment.
- FDIC insurance vs. insurer guarantees
- Tax deferral advantages of annuities
- Surrender charges, riders, and income options
CD vs Annuity: Key Differences
Retirement Income & Tax Planning
Strategies for building reliable retirement income and understanding tax implications
Retirement Income Planning
Start with the gap — compare expected expenses with income from Social Security, pensions, investments, and insurance-based income.
- Estimate essential vs. discretionary expenses
- Review longevity, inflation, and market risks
- Emergency funds and near-term cash needs
Tax-Deferred Growth
Understand how tax deferral works inside annuity contracts — when gains are taxed, withdrawal timing, and qualified vs. non-qualified treatment.
- Withdrawals taxed as ordinary income
- Penalties before age 59½
- Qualified vs. non-qualified annuities
Risk & Protection Concepts
Understanding risk tolerance, principal protection, and insurance-backed guarantees
Principal Protection
Fixed and indexed annuities may offer floor protection against market losses, though upside participation may be limited by caps or spreads.
Surrender Charges
Most annuities have surrender periods (5-15 years). Early withdrawals may face penalties. Always review the schedule before committing funds.
Insurer Strength
Annuity guarantees depend on the financial strength of the issuing insurance company. Check ratings from AM Best, S&P, and Moody's.