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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is an annuity?

The word “annuity” means “an amount payable annually.” An annuity refers to a contract offered by insurance companies that allows an annuity buyer to save funds for retirement on a tax-favored basis and then choose to receive income designed to last for your lifetime or for a certain period such as five or ten years. If you have more questions about annuities feel free to talk to one of our experienced financial professionals.

How does the law protect annuity investments?

In order to help provide security for the funds of annuity contract holders or policy owners, state laws require the insurance companies to meet stringent financial requirements. According to these legal financial requirements, the insurance companies are required by state regulation to maintain a reserve, which at all times is designed to be equal to the withdrawal or surrender value of their total block of annuity policies or contracts, i.e., the annuity providing insurance companies must set aside funds intended to meet surrender value of annuity contracts in force. Additionally, the state laws also require certain levels of capital and surplus to further protect the annuity holders or policy owners.

How many types of annuities are there?

Broadly, there are two classes of annuities: immediate annuities and deferred annuities, and these two classes have various sub-classes, including fixed deferred, and fixed-indexed annuities. While variable annuities fluctuate based on the performance of underlying investment subaccounts, our firm focuses on products that emphasize protection features.

What makes annuities different from other investments?

Their tax-deferred status, the potential to bypass probate, and the availability of contractual income for life make annuities different from other types of investments.

What is probate and why do people prefer avoiding it?

Probate is a judicial process to establish the validity of a will. The process of probate can delay the passing on of assets to heirs. Assets in an estate are generally subject to probate and may not be passed on to heirs unless the probate court certifies the validity of the will and authorizes the executor to execute the will. Many people seek to avoid probate because the process can potentially take anywhere between six and twelve months to conclude, and the legal expenses can be significant. Annuities and life insurance policies have the potential to bypass probate, and as they typically pass to a designated beneficiary directly without going through probate.

What is Whole Life Insurance?

This is life insurance that remains in force during the lifetime of the insured, provided premiums are paid as specified in the policy. Whole Life provides a guaranteed premium, a guaranteed death benefit, and a guaranteed cash value. While a Whole Life policy is in force, you may take out a policy loan against the cash value or receive the cash value (less any policy loans and accumulated interest) should you need to surrender the policy. In addition, a Whole Life policy can pay dividends, which may be used to enhance both the death benefit and the cash value or may be used to reduce your premium payment.

What is Universal Life Insurance?

This is adjustable life insurance that allows flexible premium payments, pays the life insurance benefit if the insured dies before the maturity date, and pays the cash value if the insured is living at the maturity date. A flexible premium is one that may be paid at a scheduled or unscheduled time. When a premium is paid, an expense charge is immediately deducted, and the balance is placed in a cash value fund to earn interest at the current rate. Each month, all insurance expense charges necessary to keep the policy in force are paid internally from the cash value, regardless of whether or not the premium was paid. The cost of insurance will increase each year on the policy anniversary based on the attained age of the insured. This is a non-participating policy on which no dividends are payable.

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