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.

Do I lose money in a fixed indexed annuity if the market drops?

These contracts include a floor (often 0%) that protects your principal from index losses in a down year. You won’t earn index interest that year, but your prior credited value is protected, subject to the insurer’s claims-paying ability and not FDIC insured.

What are caps and participation rates?

A cap limits the maximum interest credited in a period; a participation rate determines what share of the index’s gain is credited. Both shape your potential return and vary by contract.

Video Library

Fixed Indexed Annuities Educational VideoComing Soon

Fixed Indexed Annuities: The Basics

How interest is credited from an index, what the “floor” protects, and the trade-offs to understand.

June 9, 2026 10 minFixed Indexed Annuities

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

Fixed indexed annuities credit interest based on the performance of a market index, with a floor that protects principal from market losses. This video explains the mechanics — caps, participation rates, and crediting methods — in plain English.

Index annuities do not directly participate in the market, and any guarantees are subject to the issuing insurer’s claims-paying ability and are not FDIC insured.

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.

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The Ultimate Fixed Indexed Annuity Guide

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Fixed Indexed Annuity vs Bonds

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Topic Hub

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