Fixed Indexed Annuities

Grow your retirement savings when markets rise. Keep every dollar when markets fall. No direct market risk — ever.

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How a Fixed Indexed Annuity Works

A Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) is a contract between you and an insurance company. You deposit a lump sum (or series of payments), and the insurance company credits your account with interest linked to a market index — most commonly the S&P 500. The critical difference from investing directly in the market: you're not actually in the stock market.

When the index rises, your account earns a portion of that gain (up to a cap or participation rate set by the carrier). When the index falls, your account simply earns zero — never negative. Your principal is protected by the insurance company, not market conditions. This makes FIAs one of the few financial vehicles that offer market-linked growth potential with a guaranteed floor of zero loss.

At retirement, you can convert your accumulated value into a guaranteed income stream — like a pension — that you cannot outlive. This is called annuitization, and it's the core reason many people near or in retirement choose FIAs.

Stock Market

  • Unlimited gains
  • Unlimited losses
  • Volatile
  • No income guarantee

Fixed Indexed Annuity

  • Capped gains
  • Zero losses
  • Predictable
  • Guaranteed income option

Bank CD / Savings

  • Fixed low rate
  • No loss
  • Very stable
  • No growth potential

Key Features to Understand

The Floor

Your minimum annual credit is 0%. No matter how bad the market performs, you never see a negative year in your FIA account.

The Cap

Your maximum annual gain is set by the carrier — often 8–12%. When the S&P 500 earns 20%, you earn up to the cap. A fair trade for eliminating downside.

Surrender Period

FIAs are long-term contracts — typically 7–12 years. Early withdrawal before the surrender period ends may result in penalties. They are not liquid investments.

Income Riders

Optional riders allow you to lock in a guaranteed income stream at retirement — for life — regardless of market performance or account balance.

Tax Deferral

Your FIA grows tax-deferred. You pay no taxes on credited interest until you take withdrawals, allowing more compounding over time.

Death Benefit

Most FIAs pass the remaining account value to your beneficiaries at death — outside of probate and with no market risk attached.

FIAs are best suited for money you have set aside for retirement and won't need for 7+ years. We require a minimum of $50,000 in rollover-eligible or non-qualified funds to explore an annuity strategy.

Carriers We Work With

We compare FIA products from multiple carriers, focusing on cap rate history, participation rates, and income rider performance — not just current promotional rates.

Athene Silac American Amicable National Life Group

Is a Fixed Indexed Annuity Right for You?

We'll review your retirement timeline, risk tolerance, and existing accounts — no obligation, no pressure.

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