Planning a Confident Retirement: How Fixed Indexed Annuities Help You Prepare Before Year-End
June 24, 2025
In today’s uncertain economic climate, retiring confidently requires more than saving — it demands planning with products designed for both growth and protection. Fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) offer a unique blend of features that can help individuals prepare before year-end, giving them peace of mind that comes from guaranteed protection and upside potential.
According to one NPR report, rising inflation and market volatility have left many worried about outliving their assets. By allocating a portion of your portfolio to an FIA, you lock in gains against market downturns while still participating in positive index performance.
What Are Fixed Indexed Annuities and Why Are They Popular Now?
A fixed indexed annuity is a retirement product that offers principal protection while allowing for growth tied to a market index, such as the S&P 500. Unlike variable investments, FIAs are not directly exposed to market losses, making them particularly appealing during periods of economic turbulence.
This blend of growth potential and downside protection has made FIAs an increasingly attractive option for individuals seeking balance and predictability in their retirement planning.
Benefits of FIAs: Building Retirement Confidence
FIAs combine protection and tax-deferred growth to help you stay on track, even in uncertain markets. As you near retirement, knowing that a portion of your savings is safeguarded from market loss while still generating income can strengthen your income strategy and support long-term goals. Explore key benefits of FIAs below.
Protection From Market Downturns
With an FIA, any gains credited to your contract cannot be lost to future declines. This feature can be especially appealing as you approach retirement, ensuring that a sudden downturn won’t derail your income plan.
Guaranteed Income Potential
Creating a reliable income stream is a top concern for retirees. By annuitizing, you create guaranteed monthly payments that supplement Social Security, pensions, and savings — helping you maintain your lifestyle throughout retirement.
Flexibility To Meet Changing Needs
A FIA isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Riders and optional features allow you to tailor your contract:
- Death-benefit riders ensure beneficiaries receive any remaining contract value.
- Liquidity riders let you withdraw a penalty-free percentage each year to cover unexpected expenses.
For an overview of how FIAs fit within broader goals, see why retirement plans matter — and how the right mix of products can deliver both growth potential and security.
Why June Is the Right Time to Reassess Your Retirement Plan
Beyond numbers and rates, FIAs address real emotional needs for stability and assurance that your nest egg is protected. As you plan for year-end, consider not only your financial objectives but also the peace of mind that comes from guaranteed protection.
Midyear provides an ideal checkpoint to review your retirement strategy. By assessing your portfolio in June, you avoid the rush of year-end decisions and give yourself time to make thoughtful, informed adjustments.
Reviewing your options now allows you to respond to current market conditions, explore product availability, and take advantage of any interest rate opportunities. Including a fixed indexed annuity in your retirement plan at this point in the year may help you lock in gains, manage risk more effectively, and stay ahead of potential volatility.
The 1891 Financial Life Difference
At 1891 Financial Life, we understand that retirement is more than just a financial event — it’s a life transition. That’s why we offer annuity products designed to meet the needs of today’s pre-retirees, backed by a long-standing tradition of community-focused service.
As a fraternal benefit society, we prioritize the needs of our members above all else. We provide personalized guidance and practical features that make a difference. Whether you're preparing for retirement now or planning ahead, our team is here to help you navigate your options with clarity.
Secure Your Strategy Now for a Smoother Year-End
An FIA can be a powerful anchor in your retirement plan, combining downside protection, growth opportunity, and guaranteed income. The new year will arrive quicker than you think, so take action before year-end to secure your future.
Contact 1891 Financial Life today to explore how an FIA can support your long-term financial well-being. By acting now, you’ll not only capture the current year’s full potential but also gain long-term clarity and control over your retirement journey.
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.