An annuity is a contract between an individual and an insurance company, under which the individual makes a lump-sum payment or series of payments. In return, the insurer agrees to make periodic payments to the individual beginning immediately or at some future point, or alternatively, there is a rider available on most products that allows you to never have to annuitize and permits you to choose your withdrawal amounts.

Emerson Equity offers three types of annuities:

• Variable Annuities – Designed to help investors save for retirement, variable annuities offer many benefits that make them an attractive retirement planning tool. Variable annuities feature tax-deferred savings, death benefit protection, exposure to equity investing, and the advantages of professional money management. The investment options in a variable annuity may include a combination of stocks, bonds, and fixed rate accounts to meet any investment goal or risk tolerance.
• Fixed Annuities – When added to a portfolio, fixed annuities provide a conservative way to grow retirement funds. Each fixed annuity locks in an initial interest rate for the term that you choose. After the initial rate guarantee period, renewal rates are declared each year on the contract's anniversary date. Renewal rates are guaranteed never to fall below the guaranteed minimum interest rate, which is stated in the contract, regardless of future economic conditions. With a fixed annuity, your principle will be guaranteed 100% by the financial strength of the insurance company when it is held to the end of the chosen term.
• Equity Indexed Annuities – Equity indexed annuities combine the ability to participate in the long-term growth potential of the equity markets, with the safety of a minimum guaranteed interest rate and the features for which fixed annuities are known. Equity indexed annuities allow you to capture a percentage of the growth potential of an index, without being exposed to the risk of a market downturn. Even if the index is flat or has a negative return, you are able to walk away with at least your purchase payment, less withdrawals. Your principle will be guaranteed 100% by the financial strength of the insurance company, if it is held to the end of the chosen term.

Our investment professionals can help you determine which type of annuity would work best to meet your long-term retirement needs.

Please be advised that annuities are subject to market risk, including potential loss of principal.