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Annuities are long-term contracts that offer tax deferral, a variety of income options and a death benefit. Fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) are unique products that offer some of the guarantees of fixed annuities combined with the opportunity to earn interest based on changes in an external market index — without directly participating in the market.

Your premium will not be affected by market index losses and will only benefit from increases in a market index. FIAs can be an important financial tool that provide earning potential while keeping your premium protected from market fluctuation.

These products offer a range of features that may include:

• Various crediting methods
• Allocation options to earn potential indexed interest
• Bonuses

FIA issuers continue to develop new and innovative fixed index annuities that provide the guarantees of a fixed annuity with the potential for indexed interest.

Please understand that bonus annuities may carry higher fees and charges than annuities without the bonus feature.

Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the insurance company.

To learn more about our fixed indexed annuities, please call us at 440.345.6900.

A fixed index annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company that may help you reach your long-term financial goals. In exchange for your premium payment, the insurance company provides you income, either starting immediately or at some time in the future.

How a fixed index annuity works.

Most fixed index annuities have two phases. First, there’s an accumulation phase, during which you let your money earn interest. This is followed by a distribution or payout phase, during which you receive money from your annuity.

A fixed index annuity also guarantees you will receive at least the minimum guaranteed interest credited to the contract. Remember that all of these guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.

With a fixed index annuity, you defer paying taxes on your contract’s interest until you receive money from the contract. Tax-deferred interest means the money in your contract can grow faster.

Your principal and bonus are never subject to market index risk. A downturn in market index(es) cannot reduce your contract values.

Phase one: Accumulation

The accumulation phase begins as soon as you purchase your annuity. Your annuity can earn a fixed rate of interest that is guaranteed by the insurance company or an interest rate based on the growth of an external index.

Phase two: Distribution

The distribution phase of a fixed index annuity begins when you choose to receive income payments. You can always take income payments in the form of scheduled annuitization payments over a period of time, including your lifetime. And many fixed index annuities allow you to take income withdrawals as an alternative to annuitization and payments. Either way, you can choose from several different payout options based on your personal needs, including options for lifetime income, guaranteed.

The financial markets often present challenging times to those trying to plan for their future. Uncertainties can make it difficult to feel good about retirement strategies. Limited availability of traditional retirement income sources, such as defined benefit pension plans, alongside increased costs of living, whether in the area of health care or simply because Americans are living longer, have placed a greater responsibility on Americans to save for their future.

With this greater responsibility comes a need for possible financial strategies that can help provide a level of protection for retirement savings. Whether your long-term objective is to build a source of guaranteed lifetime income, save for a specific retirement goal or leave a legacy for your loved ones, we are here to help you.

We offer financial vehicles that are effective in providing potential for accumulation, growth and protection of principal in challenging times and that can help you feel confident about your retirement savings strategies.

Insurance Company

This is the company that issues the annuity. The insurance company is responsible for backing the annuity’s guarantees.

Contract Owner/Annuitant

These usually are the same person, but they can be different. The owner makes decisions about the annuity, such as who the beneficiaries are. The annuitant is the person whose life expectancy is used to calculate annuity payments.

Beneficiary

The beneficiary is the person who receives the annuity’s death benefit. Naming one or more beneficiaries is important because without a beneficiary, the money in your annuity could be subject to probate.

A death benefit can be paid to your beneficiary without probate.