Annuity Guys®

Annuity Rates, Features & Ratings: America's trusted annuity resource. Compare best options for hybrid, index, fixed, variable & immediate annuity quotes.


Helping You Create Great Results Your Retirement Deserves!



(217)753-1515
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Site Terms & Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
  • FAQs
    • Most Frequently Asked Annuity Questions
  • All Annuity Guys Videos
  • Annuity Types
    • Best Annuity Reviews
    • Market Free™ Annuities
    • Choosing an Annuity
    • Deferred Annuities
    • Hybrid Annuity Choices
      • Hybrid Annuity Pros&Cons
      • Hybrid Income Riders
      • Hybrid Annuity Guarantees & Strategies
    • Fixed Annuity Choices
      • Fixed Annuity Performance
      • Better Fixed Annuities
      • Fixed Deferred Annuities
      • Fixed Rate Annuities
      • Fixed Annuity Alternatives
      • Fixed Annuity Pros & Cons
      • Fixed Annuity Negatives
    • Index Annuity Choices
      • Fixed Index Annuity Features
      • Fixed Index Annuity Performance
      • Better Fixed Index Annuities
      • Fixed Index Annuity Alternatives
      • Fixed Index Annuity Pros & Cons
      • Fixed Index Annuity History
      • Fixed Index Annuity Negatives
    • Immediate Annuities
      • Immediate Variable Annuity
      • Immediate Fixed Annuities
    • Variable Annuities
      • Variable Annuity Features
      • Better Variable Annuities
      • Variable Annuities Disadvantages
      • Variable Annuity Alternatives
      • Variable Annuity Negatives
      • Variable Annuity Performance
    • Pre-Issued Annuities™
      • Hybrid Annuities versus Pre-Issued Annuities ™
    • Annuity Glossary
  • Articles
    • How Do MarketFree™ Annuities Work?
    • Are Annuities Safe?
    • Living Benefits
    • FIA Performance
    • Beware of FIAs?
    • Annuities & Retirement
    • Annuities & Estate Tax
    • Rollovers & Annuities
    • Annuities & Tax
    • Charity & Annuities
    • The Lost Decade
    • Best Annuity Videos
    • Social Security Benefits
  • Calculators
    • Retirement Planning Calculator — Basic
    • Retirement Shortfall Calculator — Basic
    • Immediate Annuity Calculator & Quotes
    • Fixed Index Annuity Calculator & Fixed Annuity Calculator
    • Variable Annuity Calculator & Hybrid Annuity Calculator
  • Blog
    • Annuity Guys® Weekly Annuity Video Blogs
  • Get Annuity Guys Help
    • Request Annuity Guys’ Planning Help Today
You are here: Home / Annuity Types / Fixed Index Annuities / Fixed Index Annuity Negatives

Fixed Index Annuity Negatives

What are the negatives of Fixed Index Annuities?

All investment products and strategies have certain pitfalls. Unfortunately Fixed Index annuities have been over stated and improperly recommended creating at times an unsuitable financial planning situation. Financial products are a lot like tools used properly they are fine when used improperly they create irreversible damage. The tools are not at fault but the person using them can be very inept.

**Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values. During this segment, Dick and Eric are referring to Fixed Annuities unless otherwise specified.

Review 3-Best Retirement Annuities for Your
GROWTH, INCOME & SAFETY!

1) Unqualified insurance salesman. Far too often, the people who offer EIAs/FIAs to retirees are inadequately licensed and trained, and sometimes they don’t accurately explain the investment principles and retirement concerns involved.

I should also point out that there are some very competent investment advisers who started out in the insurance industry. They have progressed from that starting point and acquired the necessary education and licensing to understand and offer the current sophisticated investment strategies. Check credentials and experience also do background checks it always costs less in the end to work with a true professional. State laws require annuities to be acquired through a licensed insurance agent or financial planner/educator

2) Over zealous insurance salesmen overstating performance. Fixed index annuities are like any other investment used properly they work great when used in unsuitable ways they can be a disaster.

Unfortunately they are misrepresented often as giving full market returns with . The to principal is true and at times they do equal or beat the market. Unfortunately that is not always true. In a strong economy with stocks doing well it is expected that the Fixed Index annuity will fall several percentage points behind the market return however a FIA with a 5% to 8% interest return and to principal for many retirement plans would be considered a win-win situation.

FIAs are annuity contracts between you and a life insurance company. They are simply a fixed annuity that is linked to the performance of a stock market index, commonly the S&P 500, Dow Industrials or the NASDAQ. An FIA has a **guaranteed minimum rate of return (**guaranteed by the insurance company and not the FDIC), and it gives you the ability to capture a portion of stock market gains with no market losses. That’s the upside. Overall, FIAs are not designed to beat the stock market even though many have from 1999 through 2010. They are basically designed to outperform the fixed markets such as CDs, Money Markets and Bonds.

One downside is that you usually have to hold onto a fixed index annuity for several years to enjoy its full advantage. The term to maturity is typically 8-12 years, and sometimes longer. That money is allocated to that annuity during that time. You can’t just go and pull your money out like you can with a money market or savings account. If you need to pull your money out of an FIA soon after you sign the contract.

1) You may have to pay a surrender charge. It varies from annuity to annuity, but it can be in the vicinity of 9-12% of your principal.

2) Most FIAs allow ten percent annual withdrawals with no penalty

3) You may lose some or all of the index-linked interest that the EIA has already accumulated on the portion you withdraw.

4) You will owe taxes only on the increase in value of the annuity. (Withdrawals by annuity holders younger than age 59.5 are subject to a 10% penalty levied by the IRS.)

It is important to plan properly so the Fixed Index Annuity can be a long term solution for your retirement needs. You may lose money if you need to get out of the FIA soon after you open it this should rarely ever happen with proper planning. However if you keep your money liquid and lose the opportunity to make 6% and only make 4% the extra 2% per year for ten years will actually cost you a lost opportunity penalty of 31% by default. That extra 2% compounded will increase your asset value by 31% so if you plan properly the Fixed Index annuity has the potential to make a significant difference over fixed income investments, cash equivalents and at times it actually does have the potential to exceed stock market returns!

Get Annuity Guys® Referral Help

Fixed Index Annuity Pitfalls:

  • Being sold an inappropriate or unsuitable fixed annuity
  • 10% IRS penalty on withdrawals prior to 59 1/2 years of age
  • Early withdrawal penalties or surrender charges for large withdrawals prior to maturity or when withdrawing in excess of the 10% annual surrender free portion
  • Ordinary income tax owed on earnings during the withdrawal or income payout stage
  • LIFO: Last in first out tax requirement so earnings are taxed first, unless annuitization takes place, which then uses a tax exclusion ratio
  • Fixed index annuities are not FDIC insured
  • Fixed index annuities do not capture the full upside of the stock market
  • Caps, participation, spreads and declared fixed interest rates are all subject to change on an annual basis
  • It is possible during a down year or years to have zero interest crediting

Fixed Index Annuity Benefits

  • Safety: Backed by highly rated state regulated insurers
  • Tax Deferral: Tax-deferred growth
  • Higher Return: Better interest rates typically than CDs
  • Life Insurance: Death payout **guarantee options
  • Liquidity: Flexible withdrawal privileges
  • Unlimited Contributions, unlike IRAs and 401(k)s
  • Inheritance: Pass money directly to heirs by passing probate
  • Lifetime Option: Income you can’t outlive (Annuitization or a Living Benefit Rider)

Fixed Annuity with Indexing Options

[FIA, Fixed Index Annuity]

  • Lump-sum or periodic contributions
  • Invested in mostly high quality bonds
  • Annual interest crediting risk. Insurance company **guarantees principal.
  • Higher rate potential based on index performance (such as S&P 500, Dow Jones, NASDAQ, etc.)
  • Moderate growth
  • 4% to 8% interest crediting potential varies with index performance
  • 3- to 14-year term
  • Sophisticated, greater potential
  • Guaranteed retirement income options
  • Annual fees, minimal to none

Summary of Pitfalls for Fixed Index Annuities

Investors that need their money prior to retirement may prefer a CD, money market or securities investment to avoid the potential 10% IRS tax penalty imposed for taking money out of an annuity prior to the age of 59 1/2. For individuals at or near retirement, fixed annuities may be a better choice. If you’re looking to have a larger retirement nest egg, fixed annuities may help you meet that goal better than securities, CDs or a money market account.

Find out how to pick the right annuity...

Question: What is the difference between an insurance agent and a financial planner with a fiduciary responsibility?

Answer: As long as the insurance agent does not lie about the product or strategy, he or she can recommend it and receive their commission. They are allowed by law to withhold information about other products and strategies that may be more beneficial for the client. Consider using a fiduciary such as a Registered Investment Advisor. They are legally required to look out for your highest good regarding what they know would benefit you the most.

462
SHARES
ShareTweetGoogleLinkedinPinterestSkypeStumbleuponTumblrDeliciousDiggRedditMail

 

Empowering Annuity Reference Book

 
DOWN-LOAD NOW - FREE!
  • Annuity Guys Reference Book - 250 pages of Annuity Facts

  • "The New Retirement"
    Annuity Reference Book 
    Free Instant Download
  • Confidential - Easy Opt Out
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

 

  • Is an Old Variable Annuity Better than a New Hybrid?

    Is an Old Variable Annuity Better than a New Hybrid?

    “Don’t buy an annuity! The **guarantees they offer are often unnecessary and costly.” – has turned into “that annuity sure …Read More »
  • Five Common Annuity Regrets to Avoid

    Five Common Annuity Regrets to Avoid

    Most of us have a few regrets in life… but seriously – annuity regrets???Perhaps we have gone too far as …Read More »
  • Why are Markets and Annuity Sales at All Time Highs?

    Why are Markets and Annuity Sales at All Time Highs?

    Equity markets increasing and annuity sales increasing at the same time is a little like cats and dogs playing together. …Read More »

Revealing Fun Video: Fiduciary Advisors Vs. Annuity Salesmen
MUST KNOW FACTS 90% of
ANNUITY ADVISORS AVOID TELLING!
  • *FIDUCIARY RETIREMENT REVIEWS
    Second Opinions Improve Retirements
     
    "For Your Retirement's Success"
     Choose a *Fiduciary Advisor who gives you Full Disclosure of Cost & Selection.
     
    Material Fact 1:
      About 90% of advisors ARE NOT REQUIRED by law to do what is best for their clients!
     
    Material Fact 2:
     Fiduciary Advisors ARE REQUIRED by law to do what's best for their clients! 
     
      Hence, clients of a fiduciary can know that their advisor chose the highest legal standard required by law to work strictly for their highest good.
     
     We estimate Fiduciaries are less than 10% of total U.S. financial service providers. Fiduciaries are held to the highest client legal standard of financial planning and investment advice.
     
     The other 90% are sales oriented advisors, brokers, bank reps, registered reps. & insurance agents, selling products on a much lower suitability legal standard, not necessarily what's best for their client!
     
       Fiduciaries also must disclose conflicts of interest that could potentially bias their advice, such as; selling products that pay them higher commissions having higher fees or costs, and their lack of investment product access limiting their client's opportunities, to name a few.
     
    Choosing your advisor can have
    "The Largest Single Impact on
    Your Retirement's Success or Failure"


  • Ten Factors Determining the Least You Need in Annuities

    Ten Factors Determining the Least You Need in Annuities

    One of the biggest challenges facing pre-retirees is knowing the amount of income they will need in retirement to live …Read More »
  • Are Annuities Safe for Your Retirement?

    Are Annuities Safe for Your Retirement?

    Safety of money is generally relative to comparing levels of risk between government-backed financial instruments, insurance-backed financial instruments, or securities …Read More »
  • Avoid 50 Percent IRS Penalties on IRA RMDs Using Annuities

    Avoid 50 Percent IRS Penalties on IRA RMDs Using Annuities

    Uncle Sam wants YOU… The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires all traditional individual retirement account (IRA) owners to take a …Read More »
  • Hillary or Trump? Will Your Retirement be Safe?

    Hillary or Trump? Will Your Retirement be Safe?

    A cardinal rule of etiquette we all have heard and usually with some degree of sarcasm is “never talk about …Read More »
  • Annuity Timing – Jump in or Wait?

    Annuity Timing – Jump in or Wait?

    Annuity Guys®, Dick and Eric examine the question on the mind of many people when comes to selecting an annuity …Read More »
  • How do you Choose the Best in Class Annuity?

    How do you Choose the Best in Class Annuity?

    The latest issue of Barron’s proclaims to know and list the Top 50 Annuities. Being the Annuity Guys® that we are, …Read More »
  • Choosing an Immediate Annuity

    Choosing an Immediate Annuity

    In the golden era of career based retirements, everyone could count on a company paycheck for life in retirement. Unfortunately, in …Read More »
  • An Annuity for Valentine’s Day?

    An Annuity for Valentine’s Day?

    There are plenty of jokes about giving a gift that keeps on giving; but seriously, an annuity is a gift …Read More »

View Our Newest Videos! Subscribe Now
  • Annuity Guys Videos - Annuity Answers
  • New Annuity Guys Videos
    Our Entertaining & Informative
     Saturday Morning Video Blog
  • Timely Retirement & Annuity Issues - Easy Opt Out
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


  • High Annuity Rates or High Annuity Ratings – Which is Best?

    High Annuity Rates or High Annuity Ratings – Which is Best?

    Understanding the balance annuity rates and annuity ratings play in choosing an annuity is a key in making the best …Read More »
  • 100% Money Back Annuity **Guarantees!

    100% Money Back Annuity **Guarantees!

    Most big ticket purchase come with a warranty or a **guarantee – including annuities. Did you know that all annuities …Read More »
  • Annuity Undo Buttons – Using Your Free Look!

    Annuity Undo Buttons – Using Your Free Look!

    Most big ticket purchase come with a warranty or a **guarantee – including annuities. Did you know that all annuities …Read More »
  • Annuity Scams – Fear Factor or Reality?

    Annuity Scams – Fear Factor or Reality?

    The Internet is full of warnings and alerts about annuity scams that create the appearance of  industry run amok with …Read More »
  • Top Five Reasons, Not to Buy an Annuity!

    Top Five Reasons, Not to Buy an Annuity!

    Let’s be honest, there are plenty of reason why someone should not buy an annuity. As Annuity Guys, we understand …Read More »
  • Is a Pre-Issued Annuity right for you? – Part 1

    Is a Pre-Issued Annuity right for you? – Part 1

    This is a two part blog on Pre-Issued Annuities. In part 1 we will examine some of the reason why …Read More »
  • Hillary or Trump? Will Your Retirement be Safe?

    Hillary or Trump? Will Your Retirement be Safe?

    A cardinal rule of etiquette we all have heard and usually with some degree of sarcasm is “never talk about …Read More »
  • Choosing a Fixed Index Annuity

    Choosing a Fixed Index Annuity

    All fixed index annuities are hybrid annuities – fact or fiction?  Fiction!Don’t let the sizzle fool you. You can get …Read More »
Get Newly Released Annuity Guys® Videos on Saturday Mornings
  • Annuity Guys Videos - Annuity Answers
  • New Annuity Guys Videos
    Our Entertaining & Informative
     Saturday Morning Video Blog
  • Timely Retirement & Annuity Issues - Easy Opt Out
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


  • Why get out of the market now?

    Why get out of the market now?

    What? Markets were on their way back to all-time highs – There must be a mistake! Did we hear the …Read More »
  • A Lump Sum Buyout or Keep Your Pension –  Which is Best?

    A Lump Sum Buyout or Keep Your Pension – Which is Best?

    It is a statistical fact that “Retirees love their pensions”. Studies consistently show that pensions are favored over qualified retirement savings plans …Read More »
  • Five Annuity Mistakes You Should Avoid!

    Five Annuity Mistakes You Should Avoid!

    How many times have you heard someone say “You have to learn from your mistakes”. Well, we are going to …Read More »
  • Are Hybrid Annuities too Complicated?

    Are Hybrid Annuities too Complicated?

    In our conversations with people considering annuities we often hear them repeat a phrase they have read or heard from …Read More »
  • Annuity Timing – Jump in or Wait?

    Annuity Timing – Jump in or Wait?

    Annuity Guys®, Dick and Eric examine the question on the mind of many people when comes to selecting an annuity …Read More »
  • Why do 84 percent of Retirees want Annuities but only 14 percent buy them?

    Why do 84 percent of Retirees want Annuities but only 14 percent buy them?

    “You can’t always get what you want; but if you try, sometimes, well you just might find you get what …Read More »
  • What are Hybrid Annuities?

    What are Hybrid Annuities?

    Hybrid annuities, also referred to as hybrid income annuities, are essentially a type of annuity contract that allows the account …Read More »
  • What do index annuities, mutual funds and ETFs have in common?

    What do index annuities, mutual funds and ETFs have in common?

    Fixed index annuities, mutual funds^, and exchange traded funds (ETFs) could not possibly have very many things in common or …Read More »
  • How are Annuities Affected by the New 2015 Rollover Rules?

    How are Annuities Affected by the New 2015 Rollover Rules?

    The Internal Revenue Service is changing the IRA rollover rules this year – if you don’t know about this change …Read More »
  • Is Social Security an Annuity?

    Is Social Security an Annuity?

    It is important to understand the way that Social Security was designed to function. By commercial standards, this is the …Read More »

 

Empowering Annuity Reference Book

 
Start Reading Now - Instant Download
  • Annuity Guys Reference Book - 250 pages of Annuity Facts

  • "The New Retirement"
    Annuity Reference Book 
    Free Instant Download
  • Confidential - Easy Opt Out
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

 
Comprehensive Site Terms and Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2025 Annuity Guys®


  ** Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer, and may contain limitations, including surrender charges, which may affect policy values. Annuities are not FDIC insured and it is possible to lose money.
Annuities are insurance products that require a premium to be paid for purchase.
Annuities do not accept or receive deposits and are not to be confused with bank issued financial instruments.
During all video segments, Dick and Eric are referring to Fixed Annuities unless otherwise specified.


  *Retirement Planning and annuity purchase assistance may be provided by Eric Judy or by referral to a recommended, experienced, Fiduciary Investment Advisor in helping Annuity Guys website visitors. Dick Van Dyke semi-retired from his Investment Advisory Practice in 2012 and now focuses on this educational Annuity Guys Website. He still maintains his insurance license in good standing and assists his current clients.
Annuity Guys' vetted and recommended Fiduciary Financial Planners are required to be properly licensed in assisting clients with their annuity and retirement planning needs. (Due diligence as a client is still always necessary when working with any advisor to check their current standing.)



  # Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of a variable annuity and its underlying investment options. The current prospectus and underlying prospectuses, which are contained in the same document, provide this and other important information. Please contact an Investment Professional or the issuing Company to obtain the prospectuses. Please read the prospectuses carefully before investing or sending money.


  ^ Investors should consider investment objectives, risk, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. This and other important information is contained in the fund prospectuses and summary prospectuses, which can be obtained from a financial professional and should be read carefully before investing.


  ^ Eric Judy offers advisory services through Client One Securities, LLC an Investment Advisor. Annuity Guys Ltd. and Client One Securities, LLC are not affiliated.


462 SHARES