Annuities & Estate Planning
We help you create a personalized strategy for income and asset transfer.
Understanding Annuities & Estate Planning
Planning for retirement and beyond involves more than just saving—it’s about protecting your income and ensuring your legacy. Annuities and estate planning are two key components that can help secure your financial future and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
At Hero Insurance & Planning, we help you understand how these tools work and tailor solutions to fit your goals, whether you're preparing for a long retirement, planning how assets will be passed on, or seeking protection from unexpected healthcare or tax burdens.
Types of Annuities
Annuities can provide guaranteed income in retirement and offer various features depending on your needs:
- Fixed Annuities: Offer a guaranteed interest rate and predictable income. Ideal for those seeking security and stability.
- Indexed Annuities: Linked to a market index like the S&P 500. Provide the potential for growth while protecting your principal from market losses.
- Variable Annuities: Allow investment in sub-accounts similar to mutual funds, offering higher growth potential—but also more risk.
- Immediate Annuities: Begin paying out shortly after a lump-sum investment, ideal for those needing income now.
- Deferred Annuities: Grow tax-deferred until you begin withdrawals in the future, helping to build retirement income over time.
Key Estate Planning Tools
Estate planning ensures your wishes are honored and your assets are distributed according to your plan. Tools may include:
- Wills & Trusts: Outline how your property is distributed and who manages your estate.
- Powers of Attorney: Appoint someone to manage your finances or healthcare if you become unable.
- Beneficiary Designations: Ensure your annuities, life insurance, and retirement accounts go to the right people.
- Advanced Directives: Communicate your healthcare wishes ahead of time to avoid uncertainty for your family.
What to Consider When Planning Your Retirement & Estate
When exploring annuities or creating an estate plan, consider:
- Income Needs: How much income do you need now and later? Annuities can provide reliable streams.
- Longevity & Health: Do you need solutions that account for long-term care or potential health declines?
- Tax Implications: Some annuities and estate strategies offer tax advantages worth exploring.
- Legacy Goals: Do you want to leave assets to heirs, a charity, or minimize probate costs?
- Flexibility: Choose tools that align with your changing needs and priorities over time.
Partner With Confidence
At Hero Insurance & Planning, we provide personalized annuity and estate planning solutions. With over 25 years of experience, we help you make informed decisions so you can retire with confidence and protect what matters most.