Annuities come in all shapes and sizes. There are 3 basic types:
- Fixed Annuities – Like a CD at a bank, these accounts provide a guaranteed return, with interest payments regardless of the stock market.
- Indexed Annuities – Interest payments are earned based on a variety of indexes like the S&P 500, but your money is not directly put into the stock market, and it is guaranteed not to lose money.
- Variable Annuities – These products contain stocks, bonds and mutual funds, and must be sold by people with their securities license. The value of these annuities can fluctuate based on the performance of the market, and there are no guarantees.
At Benefit Marketplace LLC, we assist many clients with moving their retirement funds from bank accounts, employer 401k plans, and IRA’s to fixed and indexed annuities (as opposed to variable annuities that require a securities license.) These products can be represented by agents who are licensed to sell health and life insurance products, like the experienced agents at Benefit Marketplace LLC. These are great products that are perfectly safe. Our favorite product is a combination fixed-index annuity. Please view the video below for more details:
Fixed Annuities
Fixed annuities can play an important role in your retirement planning. While a pension and Social Security may provide some retirement income, it may not be sufficient for the kind of retirement you want to have. Fixed annuities can help you save for retirement and provide you with additional income over the years ahead.
What Is a Fixed Annuity?
Essentially, a fixed annuity is a CD-type investment issued by an insurance company. You pay into the annuity, either in one lump sum or in payments over time. In exchange, you get a guarantee of receiving payments in the future, either for a specified period or for the duration of your life.
How Can Fixed Annuities Help with Retirement Planning?
Annuities are designed to help you save for your retirement and provide you with income when you retire. They offer several benefits, including:
- Tax-deferred growth potential
- Protection from market downturns, which is helpful in keeping up with rising medical costs and inflation
- Flexible income options
- Joint-life payout for both you and your spouse during retirement
- Death benefit for your beneficiaries (or a cause or charity you believe in)
Fixed annuities can be immediate or deferred. Deferred fixed annuities accumulate interest at a regular rate, while immediate fixed annuities make fixed payments during your retirement, with amounts determined by your age and the value of the annuity. Fees for fixed annuities vary, depending on type and amount, and the costs involved may be difficult for a person to understand without assistance from a professional. If you are considering a fixed annuity to improve the quality of your retirement, our agents at Benefit Marketplace LLC can help find the right insurance product for you and your spouse.
Indexed Annuities

Annuities can be one of the best options for those who want to ensure they have sufficient retirement income. These policies offer a fixed rate of return based on the performance of a specific financial market, allowing the policy owners to enjoy the upsides of the stock market without risking the loss of the original investment.
These policies are tied to a specific market index, such as the S&P 500, with a rate cap on potential earnings and a guaranteed minimum return. Most of these policies provide a guarantee that the original investment will not be lost, even when the market goes down.
Benefits of Indexed Annuity Policies
The benefit of these policies includes:
- The potential for a higher rate of return on the invested funds.
- Protects the principal investment.
- Increases in value, tax-deferred.
- Guarantees income, whether monthly or lump-sum payout for retirement.
- Customizable to match individual needs.
- A death benefit provision that allows the policy owner to designate a beneficiary to receive the remaining funds in the account or a guaranteed minimum.
An indexed annuity may be a smart investment for investors who are interested in achieving some advantage for market growth without the risk of losing the original investment.
Read the Fine Print
If you are considering investing in an indexed annuity, you want to ensure the policy matches your specific objectives. You should work with a qualified local agent to choose the ideal indexed annuity product to suit your individual situation.
