401(k)/IRA Rollover to Indexed Annuities

The Problem With Traditional Retirement Accounts

If your 401(k) or IRA is invested in mutual funds or stocks, you're 100% exposed to market risk. That means:

• 2008 could happen again — Many people lost 40% or more of their retirement savings in the financial crisis
• Sequence of returns risk — A market crash in your first years of retirement can devastate your long-term income, even if the market recovers later
• The 4% rule limits your income — Traditional investment accounts typically recommend withdrawing only 4% per year to avoid running out of money. An indexed annuity with a lifetime income rider could potentially provide a higher withdrawal rate — meaning more spendable retirement income for you.
• No guarantees — There's no floor, no protection, no certainty

When you're 35, you have time to recover from a crash. When you're 60 or 65, you may not.

How The Rollover Works

Rolling over your 401(k) or IRA to an indexed annuity is straightforward and tax-free:

• Step 1: We review your current situation — I'll look at your existing retirement accounts, your timeline, your income needs, and your risk tolerance.
• Step 2: I find the right annuity for your goals — Not all annuities are the same. I work with multiple carriers to find the one that fits your specific situation — best rates, best features, best income options.
• Step 3: We complete a direct rollover — Your money moves directly from your old 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or IRA to the new annuity. Because it's a direct transfer, there's no tax penalty and no taxable event.
• Step 4: Your money is protected and growing — Once the rollover is complete, your retirement savings are protected from market losses while still having growth potential.
• Step 5: Take income when you're ready — When it's time, you can activate guaranteed lifetime income — a paycheck that lasts as long as you do.

Important Considerations

I believe in giving you the full picture:

• Annuities have surrender periods — Most indexed annuities have a surrender period (typically 5-10 years) during which withdrawals above a certain amount may incur fees. This is designed for long-term retirement savings, not short-term needs.
• There are caps on gains — While you're protected from losses, there's usually a cap on how much you can earn in a strong market year. You could be trading unlimited upside for downside protection.
• Not all annuities are created equal — Rates, caps, fees, and features vary significantly between products. This is why working with an independent agent who can compare options matters.