Retirement income that cannot run out.
Markets crash. Pensions vanished. An annuity is a contract that pays you every month for life — no matter how long you live or what the S&P does. We compare the strongest carriers' rates for free.
Fixed IndexedZero market loss
Lifetime IncomeMonthly, for lifeHow does an annuity generate lifetime income?
You fund the contract, it grows tax-deferred, and when you're ready you 'turn on' income: the carrier calculates a guaranteed monthly payment based on your balance and age, and pays it for as long as you live — even if payments eventually exceed everything you put in. That longevity pooling is something no index fund can replicate.
Who should consider an annuity?
People within roughly 10 years of retirement who want a floor of guaranteed income beneath Social Security; savers holding CDs who want better guaranteed rates with tax deferral; and retirees who lose sleep over sequence-of-returns risk. Who shouldn't? Anyone who may need the lump sum back soon — and we'll tell you if that's you.
| Fixed (MYGA) | Fixed Indexed | Immediate (SPIA) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it grows | Guaranteed locked rate | Index-linked, floor of 0% | Converts directly to income |
| Market risk to principal | None | None | None |
| Income start | Later (deferred) | Later (deferred) | Within 12 months |
| Best for | CD-style savers | Growth + protection | Income right now |
| Typical horizon | 3–10 years | 7–15 years | Lifetime |
Guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing carrier — one more reason carrier strength ratings matter.
Rate-shopped, always
Annuity rates vary widely between carriers and change monthly. We pull live rates across our lineup before you commit.
Sized honestly
We never annuitize your emergency fund. The right annuity covers essentials; liquid savings stay liquid.
Insurance-side clarity
We advise on fixed and fixed-indexed insurance products. Variable annuities are securities — if that's your fit, we'll say so and point you to the right professional.
Annuity questions, without the sales pitch
What is an annuity, in plain English?
A contract with an insurance company: you give them a lump sum (or payments over time), and they guarantee you growth, income, or both. It's the only financial product that can guarantee income you cannot outlive — which is why economists call it 'longevity insurance.'
Are annuities safe if the market crashes?
Fixed and fixed-indexed annuities are built exactly for that fear: your principal is protected from market losses by contract. Indexed annuities credit interest based on a market index's gains but never its losses — the trade-off is a cap on the upside.
What returns can I expect right now?
Multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs) have recently offered guaranteed rates well above typical CDs, locked for 3–10 years with tax-deferred growth. Rates move with the market — your agent will pull live rates from our carriers the day you talk.
What's the catch with annuities?
Liquidity. Annuities are designed for money you won't need for several years — early withdrawals beyond the free amount (typically 10%/yr) face surrender charges, and withdrawals before 59½ can trigger IRS penalties. An honest agent sizes the annuity so your emergency money stays liquid. That's how we do it.
Can I move my old 401(k) or IRA into an annuity?
Often yes, via a direct rollover that avoids triggering taxes. It's a popular way to convert a market-exposed balance into guaranteed lifetime income. We'll walk through whether it makes sense for your timeline — sometimes it doesn't, and we'll say so.
See today's guaranteed rates — free.
Ten minutes to find out exactly what income your savings could guarantee. No pressure, no jargon, no obligation.