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’s the difference between a direct and indirect rollover?

In a direct rollover, funds move straight from one custodian to another. In an indirect rollover, the money is paid to you first and must be redeposited within 60 days — and taxes may be withheld, which can create problems if you miss the deadline.

Will I owe taxes if I roll over my 401(k)?

A properly executed direct rollover to a like account generally isn’t a taxable event. Mistakes like missing the 60-day window on an indirect rollover are what tend to trigger taxes or penalties.

Video Library

IRA Rollovers Educational VideoComing Soon

401(k) Rollover Mistakes to Avoid

Direct vs. indirect transfers and the missteps that can trigger unnecessary taxes and penalties.

June 9, 2026 8 minIRA Rollovers

Video Coming Soon

This episode is in production. Read the summary below, or schedule a free review with Tim in the meantime.

About this video

Rolling over an old 401(k) is one of the most common retirement decisions — and one of the easiest to get wrong. This video walks through how rollovers work and the mistakes that can cost you in taxes or penalties.

As an independent insurance professional, Tim can review your accounts and options in a free, no-pressure conversation.

Transcript

A full transcript will be published here once this video is released. Prefer to read? Explore the related guides below for the same material in written form.

Frequently Asked

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The IRA Rollover Guide

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The 401(k) Rollover Guide

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Topic Hub

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Apply This to Your Own Plan

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