Intro to Fixed Annuities

Accumulating Funds in an Annuity:
A Deferred Fixed Interest and Indexed Annuity Review

Did you know that an annuity can be used to systematically accumulate money
for retirement purposes, as well as to guarantee a retirement income that you
cannot outlive?

Table of Contents Page
Your Earning Power 2
Sources of Retirement Income 3
What Are the Obstacles to Successful Retirement Planning? 4
A Potential Solution Using a Deferred Fixed Annuity 5
What Is an Annuity? 6
A Deferred Fixed Annuity in Action 7
The Power of Tax-Deferred Annuity Growth 8
Types of Deferred Fixed Annuities 9
Deferred Fixed Annuity Suitability 10
Annuity Income Options 11
Non-Qualified Deferred Fixed Annuity Taxation 12
Deferred Fixed Annuity Checklist 13
Important Information 14

Deferred Fixed Interest/Indexed Annuity Review 1

Your Earning Power

Earning Power:

Your Other
Your earning power - Income Income
your ability to earn an
income - is your most
valuable asset.
Investment S o s ’
p u es
Income Income

Few people realize that a 30-year-old couple will earn 3.5 million dollars by age 65 if
their total family income averages $100,000 for their entire careers, without any
raises.

How Much Will You Earn in a Lifetime?

Your Future Earning Power
Years
If Your Family Income Averages:
to
Age 65 $50,000 $100,000 $250,000 $500,000
40 $2,000,000 $4,000,000 $10,000,000 $20,000,000
35 1,750,000 3,500,000 8,750,000 17,500,000
30 1,500,000 3,000,000 7,500,000 15,000,000
25 1,250,000 2,500,000 6,250,000 12,500,000
20 1,000,000 2,000,000 5,000,000 10,000,000
15 750,000 1,500,000 3,750,000 7,500,000
10 500,000 1,000,000 2,500,000 5,000,000
5 250,000 500,000 1,250,000 2,500,000

How much of this money will be available to you when you retire?

What steps can you take to maximize the return
on your retirement savings?


Sources of Retirement Income

When you retire and your income ceases, you will have to depend on three primary
sources for your retirement income:

Social Security According to the Social Security Administration,
the average retired worker in 2011 receives an
estimated $1,180 monthly benefit, about 40% of
average pre-retirement income. As pre-retirement
income increases, however, the percentage
replaced by Social Security declines.

Employer-Provided You may be eligible to participate in a retirement
Plans plan established by your employer and receive
pension income at your retirement.

According to statistics compiled by the Congressional Committee On Aging, however,
Social Security and pension benefits combined account for less than half of the
a ea e rt e ’ p e
v rg ei es r-retirement income. That leaves the third source of retirement
r
income to account for the other half:

Personal Retirement For many people, there is a gap between the
Savings retirement income they can expect from Social
Security and employer-provided plans and their
retirement income objectives. Personal retirement
savings represent the only way to bridge that gap!

If sufficient retirement income is not available, will you
defer your retirement age, or will you choose to
reduce your standard of living?


What Are the Obstacles to Successful Retirement Planning?

There are a number of obstacles that you may face in planning for your retirement:

Discipline to Save Many people find it difficult to form the habit of
“ a ig t e ev sf s, b ma ig rg lrd p st
p yn h ms le i t yr ” kn e ua e o i s
to a savings plan.

Saving to Spend Money is saved for retirement purposes, but then is
spent to make purchases.

Income Taxes Income taxes can erode the growth of your retirement
savings.

Longer Life Longer life expectancies increase the risk of retirees
Expectancies outliving at least a portion of their retirement income.

Inflation Longer life expectancies also increase the risk of
inflation eroding the purchasing power of retirement
income. For example, if inflation increases at 3.5% a
year, it would require over $1,400 in 10 years in order
to maintain the original purchasing power of $1,000.

Since Social Security and your company pension plan probably
will not provide the income you need for a financially-secure retirement,
how can you overcome the obstacles you face in planning for retirement?


A Potential Solution Using a Deferred Fixed Annuity

A deferred fixed annuity can assist you in overcoming the retirement planning
obstacles you may face:

Discipline to Save Regularly-scheduled payments to a deferred annuity
c nh l t fr t e“a ig h bt
a ep o om h s vn s a i ” .

Saving to Spend A deferred annuity is designed to satisfy longer-term
financial needs, such as retirement. Withdrawals of
earnings before age 59-1/2 are subject to income tax
and a 10% penalty tax. Also, the insurer may charge
a surrender penalty for early withdrawal or surrender.

Income Taxes Earnings on money contributed to a deferred annuity
grow on a tax-deferred basis.

Longer Life At retirement, the funds accumulated in a deferred
Expectancies annuity can be converted into an income that cannot
be outlived. The portion of each annuity payment
representing earnings on annuity premiums is subject
to income tax as received.

Inflation A flexible premium deferred annuity allows you to
increase your contributions as your income grows. In
addition, an indexed deferred annuity offers some
potential to keep pace with inflation.


What Is an Annuity?

An annuity is a long-term savings plan that can be used to accumulate assets on a
tax-deferred basis for retirement and/or to convert retirement assets into a stream
of income.

While both are insurance contracts, an annuity is the opposite of life insurance:

 Life insurance provides financial protection against the risk of dying
prematurely.

 An annuity provides financial protection against the risk of living too long
and being without income during retirement.

If you are already contributing the maximum to an IRA and/or an
employer-sponsored retirement plan, an annuity can be an excellent
way to save for financial security in retirement.


A Deferred Fixed Annuity in Action

Here's How a Deferred Fixed Annuity Works:

1
Makes Premium Payments During
the Accumulation Phase
Annuitant Insurance
Company
2
Pays a Stream of Income During
the Income Phase 3
Pays Any
Survivor Benefits

Beneficiary

1. During the accumulation phase prior to retirement, the annuitant makes a
single premium payment or periodic premium payments to an insurance
company. If early withdrawals are taken, they may be subject to surrender
charges (contingent deferred sales charges). Withdrawals also may be
subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken prior to age 59-1/2, a 10%
federal tax penalty may apply.

2. At retirement, the annuitant selects an annuity income option and the
insurance company pays the annuitant a stream of income. If, for example,
the annuitant selects a life income annuity option, the annuitant receives a
guaranteed* income from the annuity for as long as he or she is alive. The
portion of each annuity payment representing earnings on annuity premiums
is subject to income tax as received.

3. If the annuitant dies during the accumulation phase, the insurance company
p y t e a c muae v le o t e d fre a n i t t e a n i n ’
as h c u ltd au f h eerd n ut o h y n ut ta s
designated beneficiary. If the annuitant dies during the income phase, there
ma b s rio b n f s p y be t t e a n i n ’ d sg ae b n f ir,
y e u vv r e ei a a l o h n ut t e in td e ei ay
t a s c
depending on the annuity income option selected.

* Guarantee is based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing
insurance company. Annuities are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC
or any other government agency.


The Power of Tax-Deferred Annuity Growth

The tax-deferred growth feature of a deferred annuity can produce results that are
superior to those of a savings plan whose growth is taxed each year.

20 Year Results
$2,000 Annual Contribution After Taxes
8% Hypothetical Annual Rate of Return 25% Income Tax Bracket

$98,846(1)

$77,985(2)

Tax-Deferred Annuity Taxable Savings
 Tax-deferred
  Growth taxed (4)

growth (3) (25% tax bracket)

(1)
This is a hypothetical illustration only and is not indicative of the actual performance of any particular
annuity. It does not reflect the mortality and expense charges, sales charges and administrative fees
typically associated with an annuity, which would reduce the performance shown in this hypothetical
illustration if they were included. In addition, rates of return will vary over time, particularly for
longer-term investments.
(2)
This is a hypothetical illustration only and is not indicative of the actual performance of any particular
investment. It does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any particular investment,
which would reduce the performance shown in this hypothetical illustration if they were included. In
addition, rates of return will vary over time, particularly for longer-term investments.
(3)
If the annuity is surrendered at the end of the 20th year, the principal amount remaining after
payment of income taxes is $84,134 at a 25% rate. Withdrawals from or surrender of an annuity
prior to age 59-1/2 are subject to a 10% tax penalty.
(4)
Calculations assume the income tax is paid out of earnings each year.


(5) Types of Deferred Fixed Annuities

1. Fixed Interest Annuities

A fixed interest annuity pays a fixed rate of interest on the premiums
invested in the contract, less any applicable charges. The insurance company
guarantees* that it will pay a minimum interest rate for the life of the
annuity contract. A company may also pay an "excess" or bonus interest
rate, which is guaranteed* for a shorter period, such as one year. During the
income phase of a fixed annuity, the amount of each income payment is a
level, guaranteed* amount.

2. Indexed Annuities

An indexed annuity has characteristics of both a fixed interest annuity and a
variable annuity. Similar to a variable annuity, the insurance company pays
a rate of return on annuity premiums that is tied to a stock market index,
such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index. Similar to
fixed interest annuities, indexed annuities also provide a minimum
guaranteed interest rate*, meaning that they have less market risk than
variable annuities. An investment in an indexed annuity is not a stock market
investment. Instead, the rate of return is linked to the performance of a
market index that tracks the performance of a specific group of stocks. Since
the minimum guaranteed interest rate is combined with this interest rate
linked to a market index, indexed annuities have the potential to earn returns
better than fixed interest annuities when the stock market is rising. You
could, however, lose money on your investment if the issuing company does
not guarantee 100% of the principal and you receive no index-linked interest
due to a decline in the market index linked to your annuity, or if you
surrender your indexed annuity while a surrender charge is in effect.

* Guarantee is based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing
insurance company.


Deferred Fixed Annuity Suitability

First of all, a deferred fixed annuity should be considered as a longer-term
investment. If, for example, your objective is to save for retirement and you are
already contributing the maximum to an IRA and/or employer-sponsored retirement
plan, a deferred fixed annuity might be right for you. But which type of deferred
fixed annuity? The answer to that question depends primarily on your investment
objectives and risk tolerance.

Fixed interest deferred annuities may be best suited for individuals who:

 Prefer to rely on fixed rates of return
 Focus on preservation of assets
 Want protection from market volatility
 Prefer to delegate investment decisions and risks to the insurance company
 Understand that a fixed rate of return may not provide a good hedge against
inflation

Indexed deferred annuities may be best suited for individuals who:

 Are adverse to risk
 Understand that a rate of return linked to stock market performance provides
the potential for higher returns than fixed interest investments, together with
the risk of losing money if the issuing company does not guarantee 100% of
the principal and no index-linked interest is credited, or if the indexed annuity
is surrendered while a surrender charge is in effect
 Prefer to delegate investment decisions to others
 Want less market risk than with a variable annuity


Annuity Income Options

At retirement, annuity income can be structured in a variety of ways, enabling you to
select the income option that best satisfies your unique needs. While you can
surrender a deferred annuity and receive a lump-sum payment equal to the
annuity value, many people elect to convert the annuity value into a stream of
retirement income using one of these income options:

Life Income Payments are made for as long as the annuitant is alive.
Option  a me t c a ea t ea n i n ’ d ah
P y n s e s t h n ut t e t .a s
This option produces the maximum guaranteed* lifetime
income.

with Period If the annuitant dies before a specified number of payments
Certain Option have been received (e.g., 120 monthly payments), the
remaining payments in the period certain are made to the
beneficiary.

with Refund If the annuitant dies before payments equal to all or a
Guarantee specified portion of the purchase price have been received,
Option the beneficiary receives the balance of the payments, up to
the refund guarantee* amount.

Joint-and- This payout option covers two lives.
Survivor The same payment can be received for as long as either of
Option the two annuitants is alive or, alternatively, at the death of
the first annuitant, the payment to the surviving annuitant
can be structured to reduce to a specified percentage (e.g.,
75%) of the payment received while both annuitants were
alive.
A joint-and-survivor payout can also include a period certain
feature.

Period Certain Payments are made for a specified number of years, such as
Option 10 years or 20 years.
(no guarantee Payments cease at the end of the period certain.
of lifetime If annuitant dies before receiving all guaranteed* payments,
income) the beneficiary will receive the remaining payments.

* All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the
issuing insurance company.

Flexibility While these are the five basic annuity income options, some
a n i c n rcs ofr a dt n lf xbly s y u l e s d
n ut o ta t f
y e d io a l iit…a k o r i n e
i e i c
financial adviser about contract features that may add flexibility
to your use of an annuity to provide retirement income.


Non-Qualified Deferred Fixed Annuity Taxation

During the Accumulation Phase:

 Earnings credited on the funds in a deferred fixed annuity are tax deferred,
meaning that the earnings are not taxed while they remain in the annuity.

 Withdrawals from a deferred fixed annuity during the accumulation phase are
treated as withdrawals of earnings to the extent that the cash value of the
annuity exceeds the total premiums paid and are taxed as income in the year
withdrawn. To the extent that a withdrawal exceeds any earnings, that
portion of the withdrawal is considered a non-taxable return of principal.

 In addition, a 10% penalty tax may be imposed on withdrawals made before
age 59-1/2, unless certain conditions are met. The penalty tax is in addition
to the regular income tax on the withdrawal.

 If the annuitant dies during the accumulation phase, the value of the deferred
f e a n i i g n rl icu e i t e a n i n ’ e tt,t t e e tn o
i d n ut s e eal n ld d n h n ut t sae o h xe t f
x y y a s
t e d c a e a n i n ’ p o ot n lcontribution to the annuity purchase
h e e s d n ut t rp ri a
a s o
price.

During the Income Phase:

 The annuity purchase price is returned in equal income-tax-free amounts over
t ee p ce p y n p r d( a e o t ea n i n ’ lee p ca c )
h x e td a me t ei b s d n h n ut t i x e tn y .
o a s f

 The portion of each payment in excess of the tax-free return of the purchase
price is taxable in the year received.

 In summary, a portion of each annuity payment is received income tax free
and the balance is taxable as received.

 A t e a n i n ’ d ah t e p e e t v le o a y rmaning annuity
t h n ut t
a s e t, h rs n au f n e i
p y n sd ei g n rl icu e i t ea n i n ’ e tt, ot ee tn o
a me t u s e eal n ld d n h n ut t sae t h xe t f
y a s
t e d c a e a n i n ’ p o ot n lc n r u in t t e a n i p rh s
h e e s d n ut t rp ri a o ti t
a s o b o o h n ut u c a e
y
price.

A professional tax advisor should be consulted for more detailed
information on annuity taxation in your situation.


Deferred Fixed Annuity Checklist

Once you decide that a deferred fixed annuity is right for you, there are a number of
factors you should consider in evaluating the specific annuity you will purchase.
These include:

Fees and The annuity fees and expenses an insurance company charges can
Expenses include:

Premium charges deducted when premiums are paid;
An annual maintenance fee (e.g., $30);
Mortality or insurance charges for death benefit features;
and/or
Surrender charges assessed when the annuity is surrendered
or withdrawals are made in the early years of the contract.

Carefully evaluate fees and expenses, since they will impact the
amount of money ultimately available in the annuity.

Insurance Since an annuity is an insurance contract, you need to be able to
Company count on the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the
Ratings insurance company from which you purchase an annuity. Ask for
company rating information from respected sources, such as A.M.
Best, Moody's or Standard & Poor's, before purchasing an annuity.

Annuity Make sure you understand the terms and limitations of the annuity
Features contract before you purchase it, including:

In the case of a fixed interest annuity, the current interest
rate being credited, how often it changes and the minimum
interest rate guaranteed by the contract;
in the case of an indexed annuity, how amounts credited to
the annuity contract are determined;
the withdrawal and surrender options;
how the death benefit is determined and paid;
the income payout options available.


Important Information

The information, general principles and conclusions presented in this report are
subject to local, state and federal laws and regulations, court cases and any
revisions of same. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this report,
neither VSA, L.P. nor The National Underwriter is engaged in providing legal,
accounting, financial or other professional services. This report should not be used
as a substitute for the professional advice of an attorney, accountant, or other
qualified professional.

Annuity contracts contain exclusions, limitations, reductions of benefits and terms for
keeping them in force. All contract guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability
of the issuing insurance company. Consult with your licensed financial representative
on how specific annuity contracts may work for you in your particular situation. Your
licensed financial representative will also provide you with costs and complete details
about specific annuity contracts recommended to meet your specific needs and
financial objectives.

Insurance products are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company of
Fort Wayne, Indiana, and for contracts sold in New York, Lincoln Life & Annuity
Company of Syracuse, New York. Insurance products are distributed by Lincoln
Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker dealer and sold through individuals who are
insurance licensed and appointed with the issuing company. Variable products are
solicited only by registered representatives.

NOTE: This annuity discussion is intended primarily to provide information on
personal, non-qualified annuities that are not purchased to fund an IRA or qualified
employer-sponsored retirement plan. An annuity purchased to fund an IRA or
qualified employer-sponsored retirement plan does not provide any additional tax
deferral, since tax deferral is provided by the IRA or qualified plan itself. If an
annuity is purchased to fund an IRA or qualified employer-sponsored retirement
plan, it should be done for the annuity features and benefits other than tax deferral.

U.S. Treasury Circular 230 may require us to advise you that "any tax information
provided in this document is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used,
by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the
taxpayer. The tax information was written to support the promotion or marketing of
the transaction(s) or matter(s) addressed and you should seek advice based on your
particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor."

© VSA, LP All rights reserved (LFG 1a2-15 ed. 01-11)


Intro to Fixed Annuities

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