What is a fixed annuity?

A fixed annuity is a contract with an insurance company that credits a set interest rate on your money and can provide an income stream for life. Your principal is protected from market losses. Any guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company and are not FDIC insured.

How does a fixed-indexed annuity work?

A fixed-indexed annuity credits interest based on the performance of a market index like the S&P 500, but your principal is not directly invested in the market. A 0% floor means index declines do not reduce your principal, while gains are credited up to a cap. Principal protection and any guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company and are not FDIC insured.

How much does it cost to work with Tim Hartle?

There is no out-of-pocket cost to you. Tim is compensated through commissions paid by the insurance carriers, not by you directly. The consultation is completely free with no obligation.

Is my money safe in an annuity?

Fixed and fixed-indexed annuities protect your principal from market losses. Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Tim only works with highly rated carriers rated A- or better.

Can I access my money if I need it?

Most fixed annuities allow penalty-free withdrawals of up to 10% of the account value per year. Surrender charges may apply to withdrawals beyond this amount during the surrender charge period, which typically lasts 5-10 years.

I inherited an annuity — what should I do?

Inherited annuities have specific IRS rules about required distributions, tax treatment, and deadlines depending on your relationship to the original owner. Making the wrong choice can cost thousands in unnecessary taxes. Tim Hartle offers a free inherited annuity review to help you understand all your options before making any decisions. Call (727) 692-5866.

My annuity broker retired or is no longer available — what do I do?

If your original broker has retired, moved, or left the business, you are not stuck. You can work with a new independent advisor who can review your existing policy, explain what you have, and help you make the most of it. Tim Hartle provides free policy reviews for clients in this situation throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Can someone review my existing annuity for free?

Yes. Tim Hartle offers completely free annuity policy reviews for residents of Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough County. Whether you inherited a policy, lost touch with your broker, or simply haven't reviewed your annuity in years, Tim will go through your policy with you at no cost and no obligation. Call (727) 692-5866 to schedule.

Should I get out of the market when I retire?

Not necessarily. Many retirees keep growth investments while protecting essential income from volatility, rather than abandoning the market entirely.

How can I protect my income from market swings?

Common approaches include cash reserves, diversification, and covering essentials with guaranteed income so downturns don't force sales.

What is a buffer strategy?

Keeping a reserve of stable assets to draw from during downturns, giving your growth investments time to recover before you sell them.

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Retirement Risks Cornerstone Guide

Market Volatility and Retirement

Market swings feel very different once you're living off your savings. Here's how to keep volatility from derailing your income.

Updated June 8, 2026 9 min readRetirement Risks

Original infographic in development: Market Volatility and Retirement

While you're working, a market downturn is a buying opportunity. In retirement, the same downturn can force you to sell at the worst time.

This guide explains why volatility matters more in retirement and how to manage it.

Why volatility hurts more in retirement

How withdrawals during a downturn can permanently shrink your savings.

The danger of selling in a downturn

Why locking in losses early in retirement is so damaging.

Cash reserves and buffers

Keeping a cushion so you don't have to sell investments at a loss.

Principal-protected options

How tools that protect principal can steady your income, subject to insurer claims-paying ability.

This guide is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Tim Hartle is an independent insurance professional. Annuity guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company and are not FDIC insured. Rules and product features vary by situation and by state. Please consult a qualified advisor about your own circumstances.

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