Steelhead Insurance Services Corp. 405 North Hayden Bay Drive Portland, OR 97217 Phone: (877) 235-9299 E-mail: Dave@SteelheadInsurance.com
An annuity is basically a savings plan, but with an insurance company. It is a contract sold by an insurance company designed to provide payments to the holder at specified intervals, usually after retirement. The holder is taxed only when they start taking distributions or if they withdraw funds from the account. All annuities are tax-deferred, meaning that the earnings from investments in these accounts grow tax-deferred until withdrawal and cannot be withdrawn without penalty until a certain specified age. Fixed annuities guarantee a certain payment amount while variable annuities do not, but do have the potential for greater returns. An annuity has a death benefit equivalent to the higher of the current value of the annuity or the amount the buyer has paid into it. If the owner dies during the accumulation phase, his or her heirs will receive the accumulated amount in the annuity. This money is subject to ordinary income taxes in addition to estate taxes.
A variable annuity is an insurance company product designed to allow you to accumulate retirement savings. Variable annuities are an annuity with payments to the annuitant that vary depending upon the investment success of a separate investment account underlying the annuity. Because the invested funds are primarily in common stock, this annuity offers greater potential rewards and greater attendant risks than annuities supported by fixed-income securities.
When you purchase a variable annuity, either with a lump sum or over time, you allocate the premiums you pay among the various separate account funds offered in your annuity contract. The tax-deferred return on your variable annuity fluctuates with the performance of the underlying investments in your separate account funds, sometimes called investment portfolios or subaccounts. You may purchase qualified variable annuities, which are offered as options within an employer sponsored retirement savings plan, or nonqualified variable annuities. Nonqualified annuities are those you purchase on your own, often to supplement other retirement savings.
You can also choose an individual retirement annuity, which resembles an individual retirement account except that the underlying investments are separate account funds.
Among the appeals of both qualified and nonqualified variable annuities is the promise of a stream of income for life if you annuitize the assets in your account and the right to make tax-exempt transfers among separate account funds.
If you purchase a nonqualified annuity, there are no federal limits on the annual amounts you can invest, no requirement that you purchase the annuity with earned income, and no minimum required withdrawals beginning at age 70 1/2.
However, with both types of variable annuities, withdrawals before you reach age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10% early withdrawal tax penalty.
To learn more or get a quote, fill out the form "Request an annuity quote" and someone will be in contact with you.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is not intended to constitute legal, accounting, tax, investment, consulting or other professional advice or services. For specific information that applies to your circumstances you should consult a qualified tax advisor. In accordance with IRS Circular 230 Disclosure, and to ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, we inform you that any tax advice contained in this article was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of:
You should seek professional advice before implementing any of the strategies discussed herein, since:
"Only ONE Agent will contact you"
Copyright © 2011 Steelhead Insurance Services Corp. All Rights Reserved.
Dave,
First of all I appreciated your approach. You were not pushy but stayed in touch…you were always polite, direct and I never felt that you were condescending at all. You are assertive and confident but I didn’t feel arrogance. You gave enough examples or stories of your own information to help me relate too.
You were a gentleman and dealt with me patiently and respectfully. That is the best way to get more business and increase your sales!
Thank you. - Marla G. Jonesville, Michigan
Hello Dave,
I’m very pleased with all the effort you put in with me in obtaining the best possible rate. If you have a few business cards and some literature, drop it in the mail and I’ll make certain that it is given to friends and business associates who may be prospects for your services. - Russ F. Schaumburg, Illinois
You made it really easy to go through this long process by keeping me informed every step of the way which was very important. It has truly been a pleasure to work with you and your staff.
Thank you - Rodney B. Gresham, Oregon
All positive feedback. You were extremely patient as this was a long process but at no time did I feel I was being pressured. In the end I felt I went forward with the policy and price to fit my requirements so overall it was a good experience.
Cheers, - Neil B. Woodstock, Georgia
Dear Dave:
I will be most honored to pass the word around that you are a good Agent. You stayed in touch with me. I was so impressed on how you handled the underwriters. You did not let me down, and you kept your word. You could have just said, "I\'m sorry I can\'t help you." You did not do that, and for that reason, I really appreciate you. You got me a fine rate and reasonable amount of years. Thank you so much. My daughter has lots of young friends that have no insurance for themselves or their kids. I will be more than happy to tell all of them about you.
Thanks in Advance, - Ms. Hubertha E. Houston, Texas
Good morning, Dave. Always nice to hear from you! Any time the occasion or subject arises, I will certainly recommend you to family, friends, and acquaintances. You are a good guy!
Have a lovely Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year! - David V. Seattle, Washington
You have been wonderful. You have no idea the challenges I encountered to get this done. Your patience has been noted. It is my desire to be a blessing in this way to my family. To live long that is. lol
Thank you! - Ms. Rand Columbus, Ohio
Hi Dave,
All is well and you did a great job for me. You can bet I will recommend you to friends and family if they have a need. - Tom B. Montgomery, Illinois
The process was very smooth and easy, especially considering the fact that I was traveling the whole time. I will recommend you to anyone looking for life insurance. - Danny B. Madera, California
You helped me out a great deal in getting this policy and I will be happy to ALWAYS mention your name to friends and family in need of your services. The process went perfectly smooth. The price was right and the coverage was just what I wanted. I appreciate your help and wish you luck in all of your endeavors.
Sincerely, - Craig A. Crystal Lake, Illinois
Dear David,
You were extremely helpful with the whole process, and every time I needed something explained, you were right there to help me. I would highly recommend you to anyone I know who is looking for insurance. Thanks for everything. - David G New Smyrna, Florida
I really thought the process was very easy and everyone seemed to know what they were doing and wonder if you offer other types of insurance, such as auto and home. - John S. Apache Junction, Arizona
Hi Dave!
Thank you! I would like to tell you what a wonderful job you did!! My first impression was to trust you based on your voice quality and confidence in your insurance knowledge alone. You immediately responded to my fear of that by providing me all the necessary information I would need from you in order to check your credentials on our State\'s official government web site. All your credentials checked out, and you further went the distance while you patiently waited again when I told you I wanted to check Assurity Life\'s ratings on my Consumer Report\'s web site. You earned my trust, and the end result was terrific!!
Sincerely, - Theresa L. Allendale, Michigan
I liked the prompt service regarding my questions, and sending me (over e-mail) different scenarios regarding years and amount of coverage. Good follow-up. You were personable over the phone and called every now and then, to see if I had questions or if I had made any decisions. Everything went pretty quickly actually. - Kathryn D. Omro, Wisconsin