An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company. You contribute a lump sum and the carrier guarantees specific benefits in return — such as protected growth, a predictable income stream, or both — depending on the type of annuity selected.

What are the main types of annuities?

The three main types are: Fixed Annuities (guaranteed interest rate, no market risk), Fixed Indexed Annuities (growth linked to a market index with a 0% floor so you never lose principal to a market downturn), and Variable Annuities (invested directly in the market with higher growth potential but also higher risk).

Can I lose money in an annuity?

With a Fixed or Fixed Indexed Annuity, your principal is protected — market downturns cannot reduce your account value. Variable annuities do carry market risk. Audrey Powell focuses on annuities that offer principal protection alongside growth opportunity.

How is an annuity different from a 401(k) or IRA?

A 401(k) and IRA are account types that can hold many types of investments. An annuity is an insurance contract that provides guarantees a brokerage account cannot: a floor against market losses, lifetime income you cannot outlive, and death benefits for your beneficiaries.

How much money do I need to get an annuity?

Minimums vary by carrier and product — most annuities require $10,000–$25,000 to start. Audrey works primarily with pre-retirees who have $250,000 or more in investable assets and want to protect a portion in a guaranteed vehicle.

Retirement Income Planning · Multiple A-Rated Carriers

You Spent 40 Years Saving It. Here's the One Risk Most Retirees Overlook — Until It's Too Late to Do Anything About It.

It's not the market. It's not inflation. It's outliving the money you worked your entire career to build. A free Retirement Income Review will show you exactly how to convert what you've saved into income that arrives every month — for as long as you live.

Request Your Retirement Income Review See How Annuities Work

All annuity features, rates, and guarantees are subject to carrier terms and rider elections.

The Real Risk

The Question That Keeps Most Pre-Retirees Awake at 2 a.m. — and the One Answer That Solves It

You've done a lot of things right. Decades of contributions to your 401(k). Consistent saving. Staying the course when markets got scary. The discipline is real.

But now you're getting close to the moment you've been working toward — and a set of very uncomfortable questions is surfacing that no one warned you about:

"What if the market drops 30% right when I retire?"

"How much can I actually take out without running out?"

"What happens to my spouse if I die first?"

"Is my money actually going to last long enough?"

These aren't irrational fears. They're legitimate retirement risks that affect people with significant savings every day. The good news: this is exactly what annuities are designed to solve.

What an Annuity Promise Looks Like

Principal Protection

Your original deposit can never decrease due to market performance with fixed and indexed annuities.

Guaranteed Income

Income annuities can provide a monthly paycheck for life — no matter how long you live.

Tax-Deferred Growth

Gains grow tax-deferred until withdrawal, allowing more of your money to compound over time.

Know Your Options

Three Types of Annuities. Three Different Jobs.

Not all annuities work the same way. Understanding which type fits your goal is the first step to making a confident decision.

Conservative Growth

Fixed Annuity

Provides a guaranteed interest rate for a set period — like a high-yield CD alternative, with tax-deferred growth and typically better rates. Zero market exposure.

Best for: Conservative savers who want predictable growth with no market risk.

Growth + Protection

Fixed Indexed Annuity

Credits interest based on a market index (like the S&P 500) with a floor that protects your principal from losses. Participate in market gains — without participating in losses.

Best for: Pre-retirees who want growth potential with guaranteed downside protection.

Guaranteed Paycheck

Income Annuity (SPIA / DIA)

Converts a lump sum into a stream of guaranteed payments — monthly, quarterly, or annually — for life or a set period. The modern pension alternative.

Best for: Retirees who need reliable income they can count on — no matter how long they live.

All annuity features, rates, and guarantees are subject to carrier terms and rider elections. Suitability and availability vary by state.

Is This Right for You?

Annuities Work Best for People Who Match This Profile

Ages 55–75 or within 10 years of retirementClose enough to need a strategy, early enough to optimize it.

$250,000+ in investable assetsIRAs, 401(k)s, savings, CDs, or other qualified/non-qualified funds.

Want reliable monthly incomeIncome you can count on regardless of what the market does.

Concerned about market volatilityA major downturn near retirement could delay or derail your plans.

Want to supplement Social SecurityCreate a predictable income foundation beyond government benefits.

Want to protect your spouseJoint income options ensure your partner is never left without income.

Not sure if you qualify? Request a review anyway — we'll let you know if we can help.

Request My Free Retirement Income Review

Our Process

How the Retirement Income Review Works

The Conversation

A no-cost, no-obligation talk about where you are financially, when you plan to retire, and what success looks like for you. No homework required.

The Analysis

Audrey reviews options from multiple A-rated carriers and identifies the annuity structures that align with your timeline, savings, and goals.

The Illustration

We run personalized illustrations showing your actual income, rate, and protection numbers — not hypotheticals. Real numbers for your real situation.

You Decide

Options presented clearly. Questions answered honestly. No pressure, no countdown clock. You make the decision that's right for you.

Common Questions

Annuity Questions — Answered Honestly

Are annuities safe?

Annuity guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company — not the stock market or FDIC. We work exclusively with A-rated or better carriers, which have strong financial stability track records. That said, annuities are insurance products, not bank deposits, so it's important to understand how the guarantee works for each product type.

Will I lose access to my money?

Most annuities have a surrender period (typically 5–10 years) during which early withdrawals beyond the penalty-free amount may incur a surrender charge. However, most contracts allow penalty-free withdrawals of up to 10% per year. We always factor your liquidity needs into the recommendation before suggesting any product.

What does an annuity actually cost?

Most fixed and indexed annuities have no upfront purchase fees. The insurance company's compensation comes from the spread between what they earn and what they credit to you. Some income riders carry annual fees (typically 0.5%–1.5%), which we explain clearly before you make any decision. We show you the full cost picture upfront.

How are annuities taxed?

Annuities grow tax-deferred, meaning you don't pay taxes on gains until you withdraw. If funded with pre-tax money (IRA or 401(k) rollover), withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income. If funded with after-tax money, only the gains are taxed. We strongly recommend consulting a tax professional about your specific situation.

What if I die before receiving all my payments?

Most annuities include death benefit provisions or beneficiary designations. Many income annuities include a period-certain guarantee so your beneficiaries receive remaining payments. The specifics depend on the contract and any riders elected — which we walk through in detail during your review.

Can I fund an annuity with my IRA or 401(k)?

Yes. A tax-free IRA or 401(k) rollover into an annuity is one of the most common ways to fund these products and avoids triggering a taxable event. We handle the rollover process and coordinate with your current custodian.

Free Review

45 Minutes Could Be the Difference Between Outliving Your Money and Never Worrying About It Again

A Retirement Income Review is free, takes 45 minutes, and comes with zero obligation. You'll leave with real numbers — not a sales pitch — and a clear picture of what your retirement income could actually look like.

Request Your Retirement Income Review

No cost. No obligation. Completely confidential. One of our retirement income specialists will reach out within one business day.

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All annuity features, rates, and guarantees are subject to carrier terms and rider elections. Products not available in all states. This is not legal or tax advice.