In today’s unpredictable financial climate, retirees and pre-retirees face a tough dilemma: pursue...
A Smarter Alternative to Fixed and Indexed Annuities
When it comes to retirement planning, financial advisors often face a common dilemma: how to offer clients market growth potential without exposing them to unnecessary risk. Many clients feel comfortable with fixed multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs) but are hesitant to make the leap to indexed annuities due to concerns about complexity and market volatility.
If you’ve ever wished for a “middle ground” solution—one that provides guaranteed returns with the potential for additional market-linked upside—Market Crest™ could be the perfect fit.
What Is Market Crest™?
Market Crest™ is a Multi-Year Guarantee Indexed Annuity (MYGIA) that offers the security of a MYGA with the growth opportunity of an indexed annuity—but without the downside risk.
Here's how it works:
- Clients lock in a guaranteed fixed interest rate for a 3-, 5-, or 7-year term.
- If the S&P 500® Index performs well, they can receive an interest bonus—calculated based on the highest anniversary value of the index during the contract term.
- Regardless of market performance, they never receive less than their guaranteed return.
This unique structure allows clients to "dip their toes" into indexed products while still maintaining the safety of fixed returns.
Why This Product Matters for Your Clients
✅ Guaranteed Stability with Potential for More
Clients receive a fixed, predictable return—just like a MYGA—but with an additional opportunity to benefit from market growth. If the S&P 500® reaches a peak during the contract term, the client locks in an interest bonus.
📈 Higher Growth Potential Without Risk
Unlike traditional indexed annuities, where returns fluctuate based on the market’s performance over time, Market Crest™ allows clients to capture the highest anniversary value during the guarantee period—helping them maximize potential gains while avoiding downturns.
💰 Tax-Deferred Growth
Like all annuities, Market Crest™ offers tax deferral, allowing earnings to compound more efficiently than taxable investment accounts.
🏦 No Losses Due to Market Declines
Even if the market underperforms, clients will always receive at least the fixed rate they were promised. This eliminates the “what if” worries that some clients have about market-based products.
How Market Crest™ Performs: A Real-World Example
Let's say a client invests $100,000 in Market Crest™ with a 5-year guarantee period.
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Scenario 1: The S&P 500® performs well
- The highest recorded anniversary value results in an indexed return of $141,550.
- The client’s effective annual return: 7.2% (higher than the fixed rate).
- The client receives an interest bonus.
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Scenario 2: The market underperforms
- The indexed value at the end of the 5-year term is only $105,100.
- The guaranteed fixed interest rate was 4% annually, resulting in a final value of $121,665.
- Since the fixed value is higher, the client receives the guaranteed amount.
No matter what happens, the client comes out ahead—either with market-driven upside or their locked-in fixed return.
Who Should Consider Market Crest™?
This product is ideal for:
- Clients who want more growth than a MYGA but are not ready for full indexed annuity exposure.
- Pre-retirees and retirees looking for secure retirement income with upside potential.
- Conservative investors who want market-linked opportunities without the risk of loss.
- Clients concerned about interest rate fluctuations and inflation impacting their retirement assets.
How to Position Market Crest™ in Your Sales Conversations
💬 "If you're looking for more growth than a traditional MYGA but still want downside protection, Market Crest™ offers the best of both worlds—guaranteed returns with the potential for market-linked upside."
💬 "With Market Crest™, you won’t lose money due to market downturns, but if the market performs well, you’ll have the chance to earn more than a standard fixed annuity."
💬 "This is a great option if you're curious about indexed annuities but want a simple, low-risk way to get started."
Final Thoughts: A Bridge Between Security and Growth
Market Crest™ is a game-changer for financial professionals offering retirement solutions. It provides a smooth transition for clients who want to test the waters of market-based annuities without abandoning the security they value.
For advisors, this is an opportunity to differentiate yourself from competitors by offering a product that combines the best features of fixed and indexed annuities—helping clients achieve growth, safety, and peace of mind.
Want to explore how Market Crest™ fits into your retirement planning strategy? Let’s talk.