Peace of Mind in Paradise: How Annuities Empowered One Woman’s Retirement
July 17, 2025
A beachside cottage. A city apartment walkable to a thriving arts scene. A cabin in the forest. Who wouldn’t love to retire in their dream location? For many people, such dreams do become reality — thanks in part to annuities, which help turn savings into reliable retirement income.
Retirement dreams are unique to each person, but all require financial support to spring to life. Here’s the real-life story of how one woman used an annuity to retire with peace of mind in her own personal paradise. Let her experience inspire your own planning journey.
Meet Linda: A Retirement Story Rooted in Security
As highlighted in this Life Happens article, Linda Billings always dreamed of retiring in a warm, beachside town. She wanted steady, reliable retirement income without having to worry about market ups and downs.
About 10 years before relocating from Virginia to Sarasota, Florida, she worked with an advisor who guided her toward investing in annuities. That decision gave her the confidence and clarity to make the move.
Why She Chose Annuities
Annuities fit perfectly into Linda’s long-term retirement strategy in many ways. First, she could plan well in advance, giving her space to breathe as she worked toward her long-term goals. Because fixed annuities provide guaranteed monthly income, she could secure future payouts without worrying about market fluctuations.
Linda also valued the advice of an insurance professional, who could clarify options and help her tailor the best products to reach her goals. She appreciated the simplicity and reliability of annuities, which fit her lifestyle and values.
Linda’s example highlights the importance of setting clear goals early and building that solid financial foundation ahead of time. With the right tools and support, you, too, can turn your retirement dreams into a confident, well-planned reality. At 1891 Financial Life, our experts are just a phone call away.
Living Her Retirement Dream
Linda now lives the life she once only dreamed of. Thanks to the guaranteed income stream from her annuity, she spends her days volunteering, traveling, and gardening — all without worrying about money. She can follow her passions and build her legacy confidently, knowing she’ll never outlive her savings.
She also hasn’t given up her passion for writing about astrobiology for NASA. She finds the work challenging and interesting, but she doesn’t want to commit full-time anymore. Linda has achieved what so many of us hope for: working because you want to, not because you have to.
What You Can Learn From Linda’s Journey
Linda’s story shows that the joy and freedom of a financially stable retirement doesn’t just happen by chance; it’s built through careful, thoughtful planning. By planning early and choosing financial tools that provide both peace of mind and purpose, you can shape your ideal future.
Retirement should be a time of incredible fulfillment. Why not get started today?
At 1891 Financial Life, we specialize in providing tailored insurance solutions that cater to diverse needs. Our team is equipped to help you navigate these challenges with expertise and compassion. Contact us today for personalized assistance and to explore member benefits and retirement options.
About 1891 Financial Life
Our culture is about looking out — for you, for others, for family, for the community. That is how we go “Beyond Life Insurance.”
At 1891 Financial Life, we don’t just sell policies, we offer possibilities. We pride ourselves on giving back to the communities that we serve by providing quality and comprehensive insurance solutions. We are a not-for-profit life insurance Society, which means the sales from these financial service products help fund member benefits along with social, educational, and volunteer programs designed to respond to community needs. In 2023, 1891 Financial Life was listed by Forbes as one of “The World’s Best Life Insurance Companies.”
Our portfolio is extensive, ranging from various life insurance policies to our annuities to support your financial needs no matter what stage of life you’re in.