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Annuities

Independent Annuity Guidance for Your Retirement Strategy

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Income Solutions That Fit Your Life

Helping You Decide if an Annuity Belongs in Your Plan

At Meagher Financial Services, we believe an annuity should be chosen for one reason only—it fits your plan. For many families across Georgia, annuities can play a valuable role in providing reliable income, reducing market risk, or supplementing other retirement accounts. But they’re not for everyone. As independent advisors held to a fiduciary standard, we review your entire financial picture, explain your annuity options in plain language, and recommend solutions only if they align with your goals. Whether you need lifetime income, principal protection, or a tax-deferred growth vehicle, our approach puts clarity ahead of complexity.

How do I know if I really need an annuity?

You deserve straight answers, not sales pressure. We’ll walk you through how annuities work, when they make sense, and when they don’t—always in the context of your bigger financial picture.

  • Independent, unbiased advice

  • Tailored solutions aligned with your goals

  • Annuity audit for existing contracts

  • Coordinated with your retirement income

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01

Fixed Annuities

Provide a guaranteed interest rate for a set period. Ideal for conservative investors seeking steady growth without market exposure. Often used for predictable income in retirement or as a low-risk savings alternative.

02

Fixed Indexed Annuities

Offer potential growth linked to a market index (such as the S&P 500) while protecting your principal from losses. Can be suitable for those wanting growth potential with built-in downside protection.

03

Variable Annuities

Allow you to invest in sub-accounts similar to mutual funds, offering higher growth potential alongside higher risk. Commonly chosen by those with longer time horizons and a tolerance for market fluctuations.

04

Immediate Annuities

Convert a lump sum into a guaranteed stream of income that starts right away—often used by retirees looking to cover essential expenses.

05

Deferred Income Annuities

Provide income starting at a future date, locking in future payouts to address longevity risk.

06

Annuity Audit & Review Program

If you already own an annuity, we’ll evaluate fees, performance, surrender schedules, and benefits to determine if it still fits your needs—or if adjustments are needed.

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Retirement Income Integration

We coordinate annuities with Social Security, pensions, IRAs, and taxable investments to create a balanced and sustainable retirement income plan.

**Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability and principal strength of the annuity issuer. 

Potential Drawbacks of Annuities

  • Surrender Charges

    Most annuities impose fees for early withdrawals during a surrender period.

  • Liquidity Limits

    Access to your funds may be restricted; withdrawals above the free-withdrawal amount can incur penalties.

  • Tax Treatment

    Earnings are taxed as ordinary income upon withdrawal (not at capital gains rates), and withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty.

  • Fees and Expenses

    Certain annuities include mortality & expense charges, administrative fees, rider costs, or investment subaccount expenses that can reduce returns.

  • Complexity

    Features such as income riders, step-ups, and crediting methods can be difficult to understand and compare across products.

  • Market Value Adjustments

    Fixed or indexed annuities may apply a market value adjustment (MVA) if funds are withdrawn early or annuitized before the term ends.

  • Insurance Company Risk

    Guarantees are backed by the issuing insurance company’s claims-paying ability, not the government.

  • Are annuities only for retirees?

    No. While annuities are often used for retirement income, they can also serve younger investors looking for tax-deferred growth or principal protection in certain situations.

  • What fees should I expect with an annuity?

    Fees vary widely by product type. Fixed annuities often have minimal costs, while variable annuities can have higher fees for investment options and optional riders. We’ll review all costs before you commit.

  • Can I lose money in an annuity?

    It depends on the type. Fixed and fixed indexed annuities protect your principal, while variable annuities are subject to market risk. We’ll help you understand the risk profile of each option.

  • How do annuities work with my other investments?

    Annuities can provide guaranteed income, freeing up your other investments to pursue growth. We design them to complement—not compete with—your broader plan.

  • What happens to my annuity if I pass away?

    Many annuities offer death benefits for your beneficiaries. The details depend on the contract and options you select.

Your Annuity Questions, Answered

Clear Answers to Help You Decide