Secure Your Retirement with Guaranteed Income

Annuities issued by A+ or A++ rated insurance carriers are among the safest financial products available. Insurance companies are heavily regulated at the state level and are required to maintain significant reserves. Additionally, most states have guaranty associations that provide protection (typically up to $250,000) in the rare event of carrier insolvency. Atlas Annuities only recommends carriers with superior financial strength ratings from agencies like A.M. Best, S&P, and Moody's.

It depends on the type of annuity:

• Fixed and Fixed Indexed Annuities: Your principal is 100% protected from market losses. You cannot lose money due to market downturns.
• Variable Annuities: Your account value fluctuates with market performance, so losses are possible.

Important: Early withdrawal penalties (surrender charges) may apply if you withdraw funds within the first several years. Atlas Annuities helps you understand all terms before making a decision.

Annuities can provide guaranteed lifetime income through a process called "annuitization" or through optional income riders. When you annuitize or activate an income rider, the insurance company contractually guarantees to pay you a specific amount each month for as long as you live—even if you live to 100+ and the account value is depleted. This eliminates longevity risk (outliving your savings). The insurance company can make this guarantee by pooling risk across thousands of annuity holders and using actuarial science to calculate sustainable payout rates.

Both protect your principal, but they grow differently:

• Fixed Annuity (MYGA): Offers a guaranteed fixed interest rate for a set period (e.g., 5.5% for 5 years). Simple and predictable, similar to a CD.
• Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA): Growth is linked to the performance of a market index (like S&P 500), but with downside protection. If the index goes up, you earn credited interest (subject to caps/participation rates). If the index goes down, you don't lose money—you just earn 0% for that period.

Fixed indexed annuities offer upside potential with downside protection, while fixed annuities offer certainty and simplicity.

Fee structures vary by annuity type:

• Fixed and Fixed Indexed Annuities: Typically have no ongoing fees unless you add optional riders (like enhanced income or death benefits).
• Variable Annuities: May have management fees, mortality and expense charges, and fund expenses (often 2-3% annually).

Surrender Charges: Most annuities have surrender periods (typically 5-10 years) during which early withdrawals beyond free withdrawal amounts may incur penalties. Atlas Annuities discloses all fees and surrender terms upfront so you can make an informed decision.

No. Annuities are powerful tools for retirement income and principal protection, but they should typically be part of a diversified retirement strategy—not the entirety. Most financial experts recommend allocating a portion of your retirement assets to an annuity for guaranteed income, while keeping other funds in liquid investments, emergency savings, and growth-oriented accounts. Atlas Annuities takes a holistic approach, helping you determine what percentage of your portfolio should be in an annuity based on your income needs, liquidity requirements, and risk tolerance.

Atlas Annuities is an independent agency, which means:

• We compare 50+ insurance carriers to find you the best rates and features—not just one company's products
• We provide unbiased education and recommendations based on your needs, not sales quotas
• You get the same pricing as going direct (annuities are commission-based, paid by the carrier, not you)
• We advocate for you throughout the process and beyond

Think of us as your annuity advisor and shopping concierge—at no cost to you.