Annuities
A paycheck you can't outlive.
That's what an annuity is for. Not magic. Not a scam. A contract that turns part of your savings into steady income — for life, if you want it.
The problem it solves
You spent 40 years saving. Now comes the harder question: how do you turn that pile into monthly income that lasts — even if the market drops, even if you live to 95?
A pension used to answer that. Most of us don't have one anymore. An annuity is how you build your own.
How a fixed indexed annuity works
Here's the short version:
You move part of your savings into the contract.
Not all of it — part.
It grows with the market, but never loses when the market falls.
Your gains get locked in. A crash can't take back what you've earned.
When you're ready, it pays you income.
Monthly, like a paycheck. You can set it up to pay for the rest of your life.
Who it fits — and who it doesn't
An annuity tends to fit when:
You're within about 10 years of retirement, or already there
You want income you can't outlive
A 30% market drop would change how you sleep at night
You've watched a parent run low in their 80s and won't let that be you
It usually doesn't fit when:
You may need that money back in the next few years
You're young and still building — growth matters more than protection
Someone is pushing you to move everything into one. That's a red flag, not a plan.
We'll tell you which side you're on. Sometimes the answer is "not yet." You'll hear that from us too.
Why work with us
We're independent. We don't work for an annuity company — we shop them. That means we compare carriers, show you the real numbers side by side, and explain every line before you sign anything.
You'll understand exactly what you own and why. That's the whole point.
How the crediting actually works
The mechanics decide what an indexed annuity pays you, and they are where most of the confusion lives. One page each, no sales pitch.
What point to point means
The crediting method most indexed annuities use, what it measures and what it ignores.
Annual vs monthly point to point
Same index, same year, different arithmetic, and why a choppy year separates them.
What a spread is
Spreads, caps and participation rates side by side, and when each one actually costs you.
Indexed vs fixed
What each one credits, what they have in common, and which trade you are making.
Common questions
What does point to point mean in an annuity?+
It is a crediting method. The index is read at the start of the term and again at the end, usually a year apart, and the change between those two readings is what the crediting formula works from. The path in between is ignored. You are not invested in the index; it is the measuring stick for the interest credited.
What is the difference between annual and monthly point to point?+
Annual point to point compares the index on two dates a year apart. Monthly point to point measures the change every month and adds the twelve results together. In most monthly designs the monthly gains are capped while the monthly losses count in full, so a choppy year can pay very differently under the two methods even when the index finishes higher.
What is a spread in an indexed annuity?+
A percentage subtracted from the measured index change before interest is credited. If the index measures eight percent and the spread is two percent, the formula works from six percent. It is sometimes called a margin or an asset fee. A spread is barely felt in a strong year and can take the whole result in a flat one.
How does an indexed annuity differ from a fixed annuity?+
A fixed annuity credits a declared interest rate you know in advance. A fixed indexed annuity credits interest linked to a market index, with a floor, usually zero percent, so a negative index result does not reduce principal because of index performance, and a cap, spread or participation rate limiting the upside. One trades upside for certainty, the other the reverse.
Are annuities safe?+
Fixed and fixed indexed annuities are backed by the insurance carrier, and carriers are required to hold reserves. Your principal doesn't drop when the market does. The main risk is picking the wrong contract for your situation — which is exactly what we help you avoid.
What about the fees I've heard about?+
Some annuities have high fees. Some have almost none. Variable annuities are usually the ones people complain about — and they're not what we lead with. We'll show you the costs in writing before you decide.
Can I get my money out?+
Most contracts let you take a portion each year without penalty. Pulling everything out early can cost you. That's why we only place money you won't need back right away.
What happens to it when I die?+
Your named beneficiary gets the remaining value — it doesn't go back to the carrier unless you chose a payout built that way. We'll walk you through the options.
Keep learning
Carriers We Represent
We're independent — we shop the market for the policy that fits, not the highest commission.
Carrier logos shown are trademarks of their respective owners. We work with additional regional carriers — ask about a specific plan.
Let's look at your numbers together.
Bring your statements and your questions. We'll show you what steady income would look like with your actual savings — and whether an annuity belongs in your plan at all.
Educational content only. Not financial, legal, or tax advice. All services are provided by licensed professionals. Coverage decisions depend on individual circumstances.