There’s no better time than today to develop your retirement plan and consider options that may be suitable for your future. Fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) can offer lifetime income and provide peace of mind when looking for ways to protect your nest egg from market downturns.

Read about the 5 W’s of FIAs to find out if this is the right option for you.

What is an FIA? A fixed indexed annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company where the potential interest earned is linked to an external benchmark index. You can choose to make premium payments in either a single lump sum or multiple payments over time.

Who should purchase an FIA? FIAs can provide guaranteed income in retirement and can be a smart solution for someone looking to balance his or her portfolio. Check out our Smart Buyer Checklist to learn more.

Where can I purchase a FIA? Talk to a licensed insurance agent about your interest in purchasing an FIA. Companies selling indexed annuities are required by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to review every sale and ensure indexed annuities are suitable for the customer.

When is the best time to purchase a FIA? FIAs are not actually invested in the stock market, which means they can be purchased at all times even during negative market fluctuations. With FIAs, your principal is protected and will never decline in value due to market loss.

Why should I purchase an FIA? FIAs can help to provide guaranteed income, principal protection from market downturns and interest rate stability in retirement.

Watch this clip to get to know the basics of FIAs today! Interested in learning more about retirement planning, but not sure where to start? Check out our various retirement calculators.