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 is sequence-of-returns risk in simple terms?

It's the risk that bad returns early in retirement, combined with withdrawals, permanently reduce how long your money lasts — even if average returns are fine.

Why does the order of returns matter?

When you're withdrawing money, losses early on shrink the base that future growth has to work with, so you can't fully recover the way you could while still saving.

How do I reduce this risk?

Holding reserves, staying flexible with spending, and covering essentials with guaranteed income all reduce how much you must sell during a downturn.

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Retirement Risks Cornerstone Guide

Understanding Sequence of Returns Risk

Two retirees with the same average return can get very different outcomes — all because of the order those returns arrive.

Updated June 8, 2026 8 min readRetirement Risks

Original infographic in development: Understanding Sequence of Returns Risk

Sequence-of-returns risk is the danger that poor investment returns early in retirement — when you're also withdrawing money — do lasting damage to your plan.

This guide explains the concept with plain examples and the strategies used to manage it.

What sequence-of-returns risk is

Chart: same average return, different outcomes

Why the order of returns matters once you're withdrawing money.

Why early losses are so dangerous

How withdrawing during a downturn locks in losses you can't recover from.

The first five years matter most

Why the period right around retirement carries outsized risk.

Managing the risk

Reserves, flexible spending, and guaranteed income to reduce reliance on volatile assets.

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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