✦ Trusted Retirement Income Specialists
We help retirees and pre-retirees protect their savings with annuity solutions that provide guaranteed lifetime income, principal protection, and peace of mind — so you never outlive your money.
Your Retirement Income,
Guaranteed for Life
$461B
Record Annuity Sales in 2025
4.1M+
Americans Turning 65 Every Year Through 2029
0%
Market Loss Risk with Fixed & Fixed Index Annuities
100%
Our Focus Is on Your Retirement Security
ABOUT US
We Protect What You've Worked a Lifetime to Build
For years, we have specialized exclusively in annuity-based retirement income planning. Our mission is to help retirees and pre-retirees secure their financial future without the daily stress of market volatility.
We believe that the money you've spent a lifetime accumulating should be fiercely protected. That's why we work solely with A-rated insurance carriers to provide solutions that offer reliable, guaranteed income and unwavering principal protection.
As independent specialists, we don't push a single company's products. We evaluate your unique situation and find the exact strategy that aligns with your goals, ensuring you never outlive your money.
Client-First Always
Your goals drive every recommendation.
Data-Driven Guidance
Numbers, not opinions.
Principal Protection
Your money is never at market risk.
Plain English
No jargon, no confusion.
OUR SERVICES
Annuity Solutions for Every Retirement Need
Whether you need income now, income later, or simply want to protect and grow your savings — we have the right solution.
Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs)
Earn interest linked to market index performance with zero risk of loss. Your principal is always protected, even when the market drops. Enjoy growth potential with a guaranteed floor of 0%.
Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs)
Lock in a guaranteed interest rate for 3–10 years. Similar to a CD but with higher rates and tax-deferred growth. Perfect for conservative savers who want predictable returns.
Immediate Income Annuities (SPIAs)
Convert a lump sum into guaranteed monthly income that starts within 30 days. Create your own personal pension that pays you for life, no matter what the market does.
Deferred Income Annuities (DIAs)
Plan your future income today. Choose when payments begin — 5, 10, or even 20 years from now — and receive significantly higher monthly payouts when they start.
IRA & 401(k) Rollovers
Seamlessly roll your existing retirement accounts into an annuity without taxes or penalties. Protect your nest egg from market volatility while generating guaranteed income.
Legacy & Beneficiary Planning
Structure your annuity to provide for your spouse, children, or grandchildren. Include death benefits, joint-life payouts, and period-certain guarantees for complete family protection.
Not Sure Which Annuity Is Right for You?
That's exactly what your free consultation is for. We'll review your situation and show you your options - no pressure, no obligation.
WATCH & LEARN
Annuity Education in 60 Seconds
Short, clear videos that break down annuities in plain English. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly tips.
What Is a Fixed Index Annuity?
The basics explained in under 60 seconds
Can You Lose Money in an Annuity?
The truth about principal protection
Annuity vs. CD: Which Pays More?
A side-by-side comparison that matters
New videos added weekly - subscribe to never miss an episode
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Annuity Questions, Answered
We believe an informed client is a confident client. Browse our top 50 questions below.
Annuity Basics
What is an annuity?
An annuity is an insurance contract where you make a lump-sum payment or series of payments to an insurance company. In return, the insurer provides you with regular income payments, either immediately or at a future date. Annuities are designed to help you generate guaranteed income in retirement that you cannot outlive.
How does an annuity work?
You pay an insurance company a premium. The insurer invests your money and, depending on the type, either credits a fixed interest rate, links returns to a market index, or both. When you're ready, the annuity converts your accumulated value into a stream of guaranteed income payments.
Who should consider buying an annuity?
Annuities are ideal for retirees or pre-retirees who want guaranteed lifetime income, protection from market losses, tax-deferred growth, or a pension-like income stream. They're particularly valuable for people without employer pensions who need predictable retirement income.
Are annuities a good investment?
Annuities are not investments — they are insurance products designed for income and protection. They're ideal for the portion of your retirement savings that you cannot afford to lose. They should be part of a balanced retirement plan, not your only strategy.
What is an annuity rider?
A rider is an optional add-on feature you can include in your annuity contract for additional benefits. Common riders include guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits, enhanced death benefits, long-term care waivers, and cost-of-living adjustments.
What is the difference between an annuity and a CD?
Both offer guaranteed returns, but annuities typically offer higher rates, tax-deferred growth, and the option for lifetime income — features CDs cannot provide. CDs are FDIC insured while annuities are backed by the insurer's financial strength and state guaranty associations.
What does annuitization mean?
Annuitization is the process of converting your annuity's accumulated value into a series of guaranteed periodic payments. Once annuitized, you receive regular income for a specified period or for life.
What is a benefit base vs. account value?
Your account value is the actual cash in your annuity. Your benefit base is a separate calculation used to determine your guaranteed income amount. The benefit base can grow through roll-up rates even when the market is flat.
Is now a good time to buy an annuity?
Current conditions are favorable. Interest rates remain competitive, resulting in attractive crediting rates. Combined with the historic retirement wave and uncertain markets, demand for guaranteed income is at an all-time high.
Why should I work with a specialist rather than my bank or broker?
Banks and brokers often have limited product offerings. As independent specialists, we shop across 50+ A-rated carriers to find the best rates and features for your specific situation. Our focus is exclusively on annuities, which means deeper product knowledge and better outcomes for you.
Annuity Types
What are the different types of annuities?
The main types include Fixed Annuities (guaranteed interest rate), Fixed Index Annuities (returns linked to a market index with no downside risk), Variable Annuities (returns based on investment portfolios), Immediate Annuities (income starts within 30 days), and Deferred Annuities (income starts at a future date you choose).
What is a Fixed Index Annuity (FIA)?
A Fixed Index Annuity earns interest based on the performance of a market index like the S&P 500, but your principal is never at risk. If the market goes up, you earn a portion of the gain. If the market drops, your account value stays the same — you never lose money due to market declines.
What is a MYGA (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity)?
A MYGA works like a CD but is issued by an insurance company. It locks in a guaranteed interest rate for a set period (typically 3–10 years), offers tax-deferred growth, and currently offers rates competitive with or higher than bank CDs from A-rated carriers.
What is an immediate annuity (SPIA)?
A Single Premium Immediate Annuity converts a lump sum into guaranteed income payments that begin within 30 days of purchase. It's the simplest way to create a personal pension.
What is a deferred income annuity?
A Deferred Income Annuity is purchased now but doesn't begin payments until a future date you choose — often 5, 10, or 20 years later. The longer you defer, the larger your eventual monthly payments will be.
What is the difference between fixed and variable annuities?
Fixed annuities guarantee your principal and a minimum interest rate — you cannot lose money. Variable annuities invest in market-based sub-accounts and can lose value. We specialize in fixed and fixed index annuities because our clients prioritize safety.
What is a cap rate on a fixed index annuity?
A cap rate is the maximum interest you can earn in a given crediting period. If your cap is 6% and the index gains 10%, you earn 6%. If the index drops, you earn 0% — never a loss.
What is a participation rate?
A participation rate determines what percentage of an index's gain is credited to your annuity. If the participation rate is 80% and the index gains 10%, your credited interest would be 8%.
Money & Fees
How much money do I need to buy an annuity?
Minimums vary by product and carrier. Most fixed and fixed index annuities require $10,000–$25,000. For meaningful retirement income, most clients invest $100,000 or more, but we'll work with your specific situation.
What fees are associated with annuities?
Fixed and fixed index annuities typically have no annual fees, no management fees, and no upfront costs. Optional income riders may carry an annual fee of 0.75%–1.25%.
How do annuity commissions work? Do I pay them?
You do not pay commissions — they are paid by the insurance company to the agent, not deducted from your investment. Your full premium goes to work for you from day one.
What is a surrender charge?
A surrender charge is a fee applied if you withdraw more than the allowed amount during the early years of your contract (typically 5–10 years). Most annuities allow 10% penalty-free withdrawals annually.
Can I access my money in an annuity?
Yes. Most annuities allow annual penalty-free withdrawals of up to 10% of your account value. Many also include waivers for nursing home confinement, terminal illness, or other qualifying events.
What is a free withdrawal provision?
Most annuities allow you to withdraw up to 10% of your contract value each year without incurring surrender charges. This provides liquidity for unexpected expenses.
What is an income rider fee?
Income rider fees typically range from 0.75% to 1.25% annually, deducted from your account value. This fee pays for the guarantee of lifetime income regardless of market performance.
Safety & Protection
Can I lose money in an annuity?
With fixed and fixed index annuities, no — your principal is protected from market losses. The worst outcome in any given period is a 0% return, never a negative one. Variable annuities can lose value.
Are annuities safe?
Fixed and fixed index annuities from A-rated insurance carriers are among the safest financial products available. They are backed by the financial strength of the issuing company and protected by state guaranty associations.
What happens to my annuity if the insurance company goes bankrupt?
Every state has a guaranty association that protects annuity holders if an insurer becomes insolvent, typically up to $250,000 per contract. We only recommend carriers with strong AM Best ratings.
Are annuities FDIC insured?
No, annuities are insurance products, not bank products. They are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company and protected by state guaranty associations.
What are the risks of owning an annuity?
Primary risks include reduced liquidity during the surrender period, potential surrender charges for early withdrawals, and possibly lower returns than aggressive market investments in strong bull markets.
Income & Payouts
How much income can an annuity provide?
Income depends on your age, amount invested, type of annuity, and current rates. A 65-year-old investing $500,000 might receive $3,000–$4,000+ per month for life. We provide personalized quotes.
Can I receive annuity income for life?
Yes — lifetime income is the core benefit of most annuities. Payments continue for as long as you live, regardless of market conditions.
What is a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit (GLWB)?
A GLWB is an optional rider that guarantees you can withdraw a specific percentage of your benefit base every year for life, even if your account value drops to zero.
Can my spouse continue receiving income after I die?
Yes. Joint-life annuities continue payments as long as either spouse is alive. Many contracts also offer period-certain guarantees for beneficiaries.
What happens to my annuity when I die?
Options include joint-life continuation for a spouse, period-certain guarantees, return-of-premium death benefits, and enhanced death benefits. We help you structure protection for your family.
What is a roll-up rate?
A roll-up rate is a guaranteed annual growth percentage applied to your income benefit base during the deferral period. Common roll-up rates range from 5%–10% annually.
Tax & Legal
How are annuities taxed?
Earnings grow tax-deferred. When you take withdrawals, the earnings portion is taxed as ordinary income. If purchased with pre-tax money (IRA/401k), the entire withdrawal is taxable.
What is the penalty for early withdrawal from an annuity?
Withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to a 10% IRS early withdrawal penalty plus ordinary income tax on earnings. Surrender charges may also apply during the surrender period.
Can I roll my 401(k) or IRA into an annuity?
Yes. You can do a direct rollover without taxes or penalties. This is one of the most common ways people fund annuities for retirement income.
What is a 1035 exchange?
A 1035 exchange allows you to transfer one annuity contract to another without triggering a taxable event. Useful for moving to better rates or a more stable carrier.
Do annuities affect my Social Security benefits?
Annuity income does not reduce your Social Security benefits. However, it may affect how much of your Social Security is taxable depending on your total income.
Process & Getting Started
Can I have more than one annuity?
Yes. Many retirees use multiple annuities to diversify across carriers, product types, and income start dates.
How long does it take to set up an annuity?
Typically 1–3 weeks from application to policy issuance. We handle all the paperwork and keep you informed at every step.
What documents do I need to purchase an annuity?
Government-issued ID, Social Security number, bank account information, and details about existing retirement accounts you're rolling over.
Do I need a medical exam to buy an annuity?
No. Unlike life insurance, annuities do not require a medical exam or health questions. Anyone who meets the minimum age and investment requirements can purchase one.
What is the best age to buy an annuity?
Most buyers are between 55 and 75. Earlier purchase allows more accumulation time. Later purchase maximizes monthly payouts.
Can I buy an annuity if I'm already retired?
Absolutely. Immediate annuities are specifically designed for retirees who want income to start right away.
Can I cancel my annuity?
Yes, but surrendering during the surrender charge period will result in penalties. The free look period (10–30 days after delivery) allows cancellation for a full refund.
What is a free look period?
A window of time (usually 10–30 days) after receiving your contract during which you can cancel for a complete refund, no questions asked.
How do I compare different annuity products?
Compare carrier financial strength, interest rates, surrender schedules, free withdrawal provisions, income rider guarantees, fees, and death benefit options. We do this comparison work for you.
THE RETIREMENT BLOG
Insights for a Confident Retirement
Expert articles on annuities, retirement planning, income strategies, and protecting your wealth.
Market TrendsApril 2026
Annuity Sales Hit $461 Billion: What This Means for Your Retirement
Record-breaking demand is reshaping how Americans plan for retirement. Here's why millions are choosing annuities.
Read Article →
ProtectionApril 2026
The Peak 65 Wave: Why 11,000 Americans Are Retiring Every Day
Understanding the historic retirement surge and how annuities fill the pension gap for millions of boomers.
Read Article →
StrategyApril 2026
Fixed Index Annuity vs. CD: Which Wins?
With rates shifting, we break down the real differences - including the tax advantages most people miss.
Read Article →
GET IN TOUCH
Let's Talk About Your Retirement
No pressure, no obligation. Just an honest conversation about your goals and how we can help you achieve guaranteed peace of mind.
We're Here to Help
PHONE
(800) 555-0199
Mon–Thu 9am–5pm, Fri 9am–1pm EST
[email protected]
We respond within 24 hours
LOCATION
Greenville, South Carolina
By appointment only • Serving clients nationwide
Helping retirees and pre-retirees protect their savings with guaranteed lifetime income solutions. Based in Greenville, SC. Serving clients nationwide.
Todd Schuchart
Licensed Insurance Producer
NPN# 19891776
🛡️ Verify License on NIPR.com →
© 2026 American Annuity Pros. All rights reserved. | Todd Schuchart, NPN# 19891776
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Cookie Policy
American Annuity Pros is a licensed insurance agency. Annuities are insurance products and are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA, or any federal government agency. Guarantees are backed solely by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Withdrawals may be subject to surrender charges, market value adjustments, and income tax, and if taken prior to age 59½, a 10% federal tax penalty may apply. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Annuity products and features vary by state. Always consult with a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions. Todd Schuchart | NPN# 19891776 | Verify license at NIPR.com