The Fourth of July may be over, but your financial freedom never has to end, and with the right retirement vehicles in your financial portfolio, it doesn’t have to.

In fact, there are many ways retirement can increase financial freedom and ensure security by providing a guaranteed lifetime income stream. For example, a fixed indexed annuity (FIA) is a savings option that works overtime to address many basic retirement concerns: protection of hard-earned dollars, tax-deferred growth, balance, and lifetime income.

Our recent retirement-readiness research shows workers are, above all, looking for lifetime income (nearly 80 percent). Therefore, educating Americans on the different retirement vehicles that address this retirement need is crucial to help them be excited for their golden years.

The data further showed only 57 percent of Americans are excited about retirement. For others, their golden years come with uncertainty and hesitation, due to fears they will lose their financial freedom or outlive their savings. More than 40 percent reported they are worried about retiring.

However, by understanding more about retirement savings options, such as FIAs, you can stay financially free all year round, not just on Independence Day.