ANNUITIES UNLOCKED- A CLEAR PRIMER FOR CONFIDENT RETIREMENT PLANNING

An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company. You pay a premium, either a single lump sum or a series of payments, and in return, they guarantee to pay you a steady stream of income, either starting immediately or at some future date. That income can last for a specific number of years or more commonly for the rest of your life.

Think of it as buying your own pension. Instead of relying solely on Social Security or a company retirement plan, you create a personal income source that the insurance company is legally obligated to deliver, no matter how long you live or how the financial markets perform. As of 2025, over 3.5 Trillion Americans own Annuity contracts so they won’t run out of money in their retirement.

At its core, an annuity has 3 stages:

  1. You pay the premium

  2. The money grows (tax deferred)

  3. The insurer sends you regular paychecks

DEBUNKING 6 MYTHS ABOUT FIXED INDEX ANNUITIES

Don’t let myths steer you away from Fixed Index Annuities.
Explore how they can help you build a confident retirement plan, and deliver stable income,
customizable riders, and protection against market volatility.
Lighthouse Financial Group can show why FIAs are a smart choice for your retirement goals.

MYTH #1: FIAs are laden with fees
TRUTH #1: All fees—including surrender charges and optional rider costs
are fully disclosed upfront by the insurer and advisor.

MYTH #2: FIAs lack tax efficiency
TRUTH #2: FIAs are tax-deferred; earnings grow free of federal income tax until withdrawal, often outpacing taxable accounts.

MYTH #3: FIAs can’t counter inflation
TRUTH #3: Many FIAs include inflation-indexed income riders
to help payouts keep pace with rising costs.

MYTH #4: FIAs are not liquid
TRUTH #4: FIAs favor long-term growth and income, but most allow
penalty-free annual withdrawals (typically 5–10%) during surrender
periods; full access is free afterward.

MYTH #5: FIAs are investments
TRUTH #5: FIAs are insurance contracts, not stock investments—
The principal is fully protected from market losses.

MYTH #6: You don’t need both life insurance and an annuity
TRUTH #6: Life insurance protects heirs after death; FIAs provide
guaranteed income while you’re alive—two separate goals.

Fixed index annuities (FIAs) deliver guaranteed income,
market protection, and tax-deferred growth—
making them a smart retirement tool when myths are debunked.

Qualified Annuities: These are funded with pre-tax money, like funds rolled over from a 401(k) or IRA. Your investment grows tax-deferred, meaning no taxes are due until you withdraw. When you take money out, both your contributions and earnings are taxed as ordinary income. This is a great choice if you want to maximize growth without tax interruptions during your career.

A CLEAR GUIDE TO TAX BENEFITS- QUALIFIED VS NON-QUALIFIED ANNUITIES

Non-Qualified Annuities: These are purchased with after-tax money, such as funds from a checking or savings account. Only the earnings are taxed when you withdraw, while your original investment comes back tax-free. This option offers flexibility and lowers your tax bill during retirement, making it ideal for diversifying your income sources.

How you fund your annuity will affect how your withdrawals are taxed.
Each will offer unique benefits based on your financial plan. Here is a straightforward
look at the two main types of annuities
and how they can support your retirement goals.

Don’t WAIT !
Lighthouse Financial Group can help you choose
the annuity to fit your needs. Let us help you make
smart tax choices and build a stronger, more secure retirement. 

Explore these incredible Benefits-

  • Seamlessly move your 401k, 403B, & 457 funds into an IRA without triggering taxes, preserving every dollar of your hard-earned savings.

  • Capture the upside of market gains while being fully shielded from devasting downturns, ensuring your wealth grows steadily and safely.

  • Gain confidence knowing your initial investment and accrued interest are safeguarded against market losses, providing a solid foundation for your retirement, subject to the terms of the annuity contract.

  • If you choose, enjoy a steady predictable income stream tailored to your unique needs, providing financial freedom and stability throughout retirement.

  • Thrive with confidence, knowing your savings are insulated from market volatility in a low-risk, high-reward investment.

SEIZE YOUR FINANCIAL FREEDOM TODAY!
Our annuities offer tax-deferred growth, flexible withdrawals,
and guaranteed income options to build the retirement you deserve.

Contact Us

Why Annuities from Lighthouse Financial Group are the better choice
than mutual funds for a secure, comfortable retirement

ANNUITIES

Annuities offer steady, reliable payouts-often for life,
plus tax-deferred growth and protection from market risk.
It's a smart way to secure your financial future.

BENEFITS:

  • Guaranteed Income: Reliable, predictable payouts—often for life
    helping ensure you never outlive your money.

  • Tax-Deferred Growth: Your earnings grow without immediate tax impact, allowing your investment to compound over time.

  • Lower Risk: Your principal is protected from market downturns.

  • Customizable Options: Optional riders can enhance your plan with features like increased income, long-term care benefits, or legacy protection for beneficiaries.

MUTUAL FUNDS

Mutual funds pool money from many investors into professionally
managed portfolios of stocks, bonds, or other assets. While they aim for growth or income, they carry market risk—meaning your investment can lose value if the market declines.

DOWNSIDES:

  • Market Risk: Returns can fluctuate significantly due to market volatility.

  • Taxable Events: Annual capital gains and dividend distributions may create unexpected tax liabilities.

  • Fees: Investors may face ongoing expenses like management fees (e.g., a 1% expense ratio means $100 annually per $10,000 invested) and upfront sales charges ranging from 2% to 6%.


Talk to an Expert ! LIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL GROUP will help you find the right Annuity for you!
If you want predictable income, tax advantages and no risk in retirement
Annuities are what you have been looking for!

Contact Us