Retirement Planning
Fixed Annuities
A guaranteed interest rate, tax-deferred growth and principal that does not ride the market.
A fixed annuity is a contract with an insurance carrier: you deposit a lump sum, the carrier credits a guaranteed interest rate for a set term, and your principal is not exposed to market losses. Growth is tax-deferred until you withdraw, which can matter a great deal for retirees managing taxable income.
Multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs) function much like a CD issued by an insurance company, often at more competitive rates and with tax deferral a bank CD cannot offer. For conservative money that must be there in five years, they are frequently the strongest option available.
Problems we hear every week
Savings earning almost nothing
Money parked in a low-rate account loses purchasing power to inflation every single year.
Market volatility near retirement
A downturn in the first years of retirement can permanently damage a withdrawal plan.
CD interest taxed annually
Bank interest is taxable each year even when you leave it alone, which can push up how much of your Social Security is taxed.
How we solve it
Rate shopping across carriers
We compare current multi-year guaranteed rates from a range of financially strong insurers.
Term laddering
Splitting deposits across terms keeps some money accessible while capturing longer-term rates.
Liquidity planning
We match surrender schedules to your actual need for the funds, and confirm the free-withdrawal provisions in writing.
Ready to see your options?
A review takes about twenty minutes, costs nothing, and ends with real numbers instead of a sales pitch.
What you gain
- Principal protected from market loss
- A contractually guaranteed interest rate
- Tax-deferred growth until withdrawal
- Beneficiaries typically receive the value without probate delay
Serving Nashville and Middle Tennessee
Retirees around Nashville and Middle Tennessee often hold significant savings in low-yield bank accounts, sometimes after selling land or a business. We show plainly what a portion of that money could be earning under guarantee, and we never recommend committing funds you may need for daily living.
FAQ
Fixed Annuities questions we answer often
How is a fixed annuity different from a CD?+
Both offer a guaranteed rate. Annuities are issued by insurance companies, grow tax-deferred, and carry surrender charges for early withdrawal; CDs are bank products taxed annually.
Is my money safe?+
Annuities are backed by the issuing carrier's financial strength and, within limits, by the Tennessee guaranty association. We only present carriers with strong ratings.
Can I access money if I need it?+
Most contracts allow a penalty-free withdrawal each year, commonly around 10%. Larger early withdrawals incur surrender charges.
What are the tax rules?+
Growth is deferred until withdrawal, then taxed as ordinary income. Withdrawals before 59½ may carry an IRS penalty. We recommend confirming details with your tax professional.
Get a free Fixed Annuities review
We will compare your options, explain the trade-offs in plain language, and handle the paperwork. Serving Nashville, Middle Tennessee and our entire state.