Client Profile
- Name: Sarah (Age 58)
- Situation: 7 years from retirement
- Assets: $600,000 in brokerage and retirement accounts
- Primary Concern: “I want growth, but I can’t afford a major loss this close to retirement.”
The Challenge
After experiencing significant losses during previous market downturns, Sarah became more risk-aware. She wanted:
- Continued growth potential
- Protection against market losses
- A plan to secure future retirement income
The Strategy
We implemented a risk-managed annuity strategy designed to balance growth and protection:
- Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA)
- Allocated $300,000 into an FIA linked to market indexes
- Provided 0% downside risk during market declines
- Income Rider for Future Security
- Built a guaranteed income base that grows annually
- Option to activate lifetime income at retirement
- Diversified Portfolio
- Remaining assets stayed invested for higher growth potential
The Outcome
- Protected principal: No losses during market downturns
- Market-linked growth: Captured gains during positive years
- Future income secured: Projected $2,200/month lifetime income at age 65
Sarah gained peace of mind knowing her retirement is no longer fully exposed to market swings, while still participating in growth opportunities.
Key Takeaway
Fixed indexed annuities can provide a powerful combination of downside protection and growth potential, making them ideal for pre-retirees managing risk.