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.

What retirement plans work best for business owners?

It depends on your income and whether you have employees. SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and solo 401(k)s are common options worth comparing.

How do I turn my business into retirement income?

A sale, buyout, or succession plan can be structured to create income. Planning ahead helps you avoid a tax-heavy lump sum.

Should my retirement depend on selling my business?

Relying entirely on a future sale is risky. Building savings and income outside the business adds important security.

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Retirement Income Cornerstone Guide

Retirement Planning for Business Owners

Business owners face unique retirement questions — from succession to turning years of reinvestment into personal income.

Updated June 8, 2026 9 min readRetirement Income

Original infographic in development: Retirement Planning for Business Owners

Business owners often pour everything back into the company, which can leave personal retirement planning behind. Your business may be your biggest asset — and your biggest planning challenge.

This guide covers retirement plan options, succession, and converting business value into personal income.

Retirement plans for the self-employed

An overview of SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, solo 401(k)s, and more.

Planning your exit and succession

Selling, transferring, or winding down — and the income implications of each.

Turning business value into income

Converting a sale or buyout into a dependable personal paycheck.

Diversifying beyond the business

Why building income outside the company reduces risk.

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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