Navigating the Variable Annuity Along the Road to Retirement

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Bernadette Fox
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1 Navigating the Variable Annuity Along the Road to Retirement Matthew Chiccuarelli, Annuity Research hconsultant t Commonwealth Financial Network This presentation is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell any variable annuity. All examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be an endorsement for any product. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Variable annuities are long-term investment products designed for retirement purposes and are subject to market fluctuation, investment risk, and possible loss of principal. Variable annuities contain both investment and insurance components and have fees and charges, including mortality and expense ( M&E ), administrative, and advisory fees. Optional features are available for an additional charge. An annuity s value fluctuates with the market value of the underlying investment options, and all assets accumulate tax-deferred. Withdrawals of earnings are taxable as ordinary income and, if taken prior to age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Withdrawals will reduce the death benefit and cash surrender value. Investors are advised to consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the variable annuity and its underlying investment options carefully before investing. The applicable variable annuity prospectus contains this and other important information about the variable annuity and its underlying investment options. Please contact your financial professional for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money. Products and features are subject to state availability. All contracts and rider guarantees, including those for optional benefits, fixed subaccount crediting rates, or annuity payout rates, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. They are not backed by the broker/dealer or insurance agency from which this annuity is purchased, or any affiliates of those entities other than the issuing company affiliates, and none makes any representations or guarantees regarding the claims-paying ability of the issuer. There is no additional tax-deferral benefit for any annuity contract purchased in an IRA or other tax-qualified plan. 1

All examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be an endorsement for any product.

2 The variable annuity* A tax-deferred investment strategy can offer additional insurance guarantees aimed at helping to meet both longevity and legacy needs. *All contracts and guarantees, including those for optional benefits, fixed sub-account crediting rates, or annuity payout rates are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Components of the VA Chassis Based on share class CDSC/Surrender Schedule, Mortality & Expense (M&E) Benefit riders (insurance guarantees) Account Value vs. Benefit Base Rider charge Subaccounts Management fees 2

*All contracts and guarantees, including those for optional benefits, fixed sub-account crediting rates, or annuity payout rates are backed by

3 Let s focus on these insurance guarantees... The death benefit M&E fee covers contract s basic Death Benefit (DB) Other options High Anniversary Value (HAV) Percentage roll-up Earnings enhancement Additional DB guarantees usually work against the living benefit, and visa versa Be wary of max issue ages 3

Other options High Anniversary Value (HAV) Percentage roll-up Earnings

4 The GMAB Guaranteed Minimum Accumulation Benefit Guarantees the return of initial iti purchase payment after a specified waiting period Usually 10-year hold Some offer step-ups Hedged by limiting access to equities Access diminishes over time The GMWB Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit Guarantees the return of purchase payment through h NON-lifetime systematic distribution schedule Age-banded withdrawals Not nearly as popular as lifetime income benefits, but a cheaper alternative for an income guarantee 4

Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit Guarantees the return of purchase payment through h NON-lifetime systematic distribution

5 Lifetime GMWB Vs. GMIB Lifetime Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Both guarantee a lifetime stream of income for the client, while accumulating a benefit base Most popular And... most expensive Know the differences Lifetime GMWB Aggressive guarantees Higher roll-ups Doubling features Age-banded withdrawals Most numerous More rigid Stick to the plan Early withdrawals disrupt deferral Potential to void certain features GMIB Increase flexibility Start and stop withdrawals Ability to simultaneously withdraw income and grow benefit base Single or joint life decision postponed Forced annuitization Triggering age Depleted account value Pay cuts? Complicated 5

8 Key features for income now individuals No opportunity for deferral credits Only for those who wait, but everyone pays Stripped-down costs Some companies able to strip off 50% Can have a better rising income story Lower cost, less drag Exceptions GMIBs Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIA) Key features for income later individuals Focus on deferral credits Stacking Doubling Compound vs. simple interest Income in 10 years Focus on a double Income later than 10 years Focus on extended deferral credits 8

GMIBs Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIA) Key features for income later individuals Focus on deferral credits Stacking

12 This is a lot to absorb Break each case down Information gathering For the general public: Have an idea of what you want to achieve Consult with a licensed professional For financial professionals: Know the investor; survey your book of business Establish relationships with good external wholesalers FAQs Where is the VA market headed? What is the best living i benefit? 12

professionals: Know the investor; survey your book of business Establish relationships with

13 Questions? 13

Variable Annuities. Reno J. Frazzitta Investment Advisor Representative 877-909-7233 www.thesmartmoneyguy.com

Variable Annuities. Reno J. Frazzitta Investment Advisor Representative 877-909-7233 www.thesmartmoneyguy.com Reno J. Frazzitta Investment Advisor Representative 877-909-7233 www.thesmartmoneyguy.com Variable Annuities Page 1 of 8, see disclaimer on final page Variable Annuities What is a variable annuity? Investor