Stop Overpaying in Taxes – and Start Protecting Your Retirement

One of the biggest fears in retirement is outliving your money; whether you have modest means or millions saved, the same fear exists according to documented surveys from those retiring. One of the greatest concerns is financial uncertainty especially when it comes to stock market risk affected by events outside of one’s control. Fixed and fixed index annuities are free from market risk and offer lifetime guarantees that allow you to maintain majority control of your entire account value.

Annuities are not just for income. Many retirees use annuities to diversify for safety similar to the way they would use bonds in a stock/bond portfolio. Fixed-index annuities are designed to give fixed-income interest gains that compete with bond returns while eliminating the credit risk associated with bonds. Annuities always have built-in safeguards for guaranteed lifetime income (protecting against longevity risk) that bonds, US Treasuries, and banking instruments cannot offer. Many retirees use them as the foundation for their portfolio to accomplish steady growth with principal protection.”

The last thing anyone needs is an unintended taxable event that could have been avoided with proper retirement planning; that leverages IRS statutes to avoid tax. Annuities are no exception to this type of planning; they are financial vehicles that have many tax-favorable attributes. However, they also have some pitfalls that require proper execution and long-term planning that is specifically tailored to meeting defined retirement objectives. Structured correctly, annuities can be extremely tax efficient and in certain strategies produce tax-free growth and income as well as wealth transfer.

Most couples have multiple income streams that continue to pay while both are living such as Social Security, pensions, annuities, investments, and etc. Unfortunately, when a spouse passes some of these important income streams may be reduced or stop altogether. Annuities that are set up correctly in advance can be turned-on if needed to immediately fill the income shortfall and take the pressure of the grieving spouse in making difficult financial decisions.

Most of the companies that offer annuities have been through up and down business cycles for one hundred years or more; facing a depression, recessions, wars, and pandemics. The number one responsibility that insurance companies have is protection of their policyholders. As an independent insurance advisor, Pendo Insurance works with more than 50 of the largest, oldest and most well-respected life insurance companies in the world so our clients have peace of mind regardless of what product they choose.

An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company which promises to provide an income stream at a future date for the current premium(s) paid. An annuity can be a good choice for you if you:

• Have a relatively large amount of money that you want to protect from loss. Smaller amount annuities may not offer a guaranteed* or potential return that offsets costs and fees you will pay.
• Are interested in principal protection and a life-long income stream.
• Won’t need access to the amount of premium you pay, for some time.

There are many types of annuities. Each type is designed to meet specific financial needs. At Pendo Insurance, we specialize in fixed and fixed-index annuities because they offer guaranteed benefits such as security and protection for your principal, ensuring it will be there for future use. 

Fixed annuities offer a guarantee interest rate, which is typically greater than you would earn in other financial products, such as bank savings accounts and certificates of deposit. 

Fixed-index annuities also offer a minimum guaranteed interest rate. However, since the actual returns are linked to a specific market index, you have the potential to earn more than you would in a straight fixed index annuity, without risking your principal. Fixed-index annuities also offer features that provide a lifetime income stream in retirement, acting much like a personal pension plan. You can turn on income payments when you want them and to turn them off when they are not needed. 

Many people don’t know all the details about annuity products. Before you purchase an annuity, you will want to know whether or not an annuity can be of benefit to you.