10/19/2026
⏰💵Monday Money Minute💵⏰
Ken Fisher's "I Hate Annuities" Campaign: What He Won't Tell You
Types of Annuities
Insurance companies offer several types of annuities to fit different financial goals. Here's how they compare.
Fixed (MYGA), Fixed Indexed (FIA), Fixed Indexed Income (SPIA), Variable
A Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) is the simplest fixed annuity. Your rate is guaranteed for the entire term of 2, 3, 5, or 7 years. No market exposure or downside risk, no index tracking. What you see is what you earn.
Best for: Savers who want a predictable, guaranteed return and are comfortable locking funds for a set term. Often compared to CDs but frequently pays more.
Fixed Indexed Income Annuity (SPIA) is simple fixed annuity that guarantees a specific income (typically for 5 years but can vary based on the contract). No downside risk.
Best for: Savers who want a predictable, guaranteed return and are comfortable locking funds for a set term.
A Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) is a little more complex in that there is an option for Fixed Interest, but also options for market index crediting using market indices including but not all inclusive: S&P 500, Barclays Trailblazer, Balanced Asset, US Pacesetter….etc. For upside potential of the market with no downside risk for the owner. FIA’s can be credited with Fixed Interest, Indexed Interest and also Participation Rate Interest, depending on the owner)
Best for: Savers who want the beauty of no downside risk but also the opportunity for market-like returns and have a horizon timeline that allows for years of tax-deferred growth.
A Variable Annuity (VIA) is a more complex tax-deferred insurance contract that allows an owner to invest premiums in professionally managed investment subaccounts (similar to mutual funds). The contract value rises and falls based on the performance of the selected investments, so the owner assumes the investment risk.
Ken Fisher's "I Hate Annuities" Campaign: What He Won't Tell You
For products we check the carrier's AM Best, Standard & Poor’s, and Moody’s financial strength rating, a measure of the insurer's ability to meet its obligations, so you can weigh the rate against the carrier's strength. We monitor carriers across the ratings spectrum and do not exclude one based on its rating.
✨To Get a Free, no obligation Quote, email Pam Thompson, [email protected] or call 479.216.1761.
