What is a fixed annuity?

A fixed annuity is a contract with an insurance company that credits a set interest rate on your money and can provide an income stream for life. Your principal is protected from market losses. Any guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company and are not FDIC insured.

How does a fixed-indexed annuity work?

A fixed-indexed annuity credits interest based on the performance of a market index like the S&P 500, but your principal is not directly invested in the market. A 0% floor means index declines do not reduce your principal, while gains are credited up to a cap. Principal protection and any guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company and are not FDIC insured.

How much does it cost to work with Tim Hartle?

There is no out-of-pocket cost to you. Tim is compensated through commissions paid by the insurance carriers, not by you directly. The consultation is completely free with no obligation.

Is my money safe in an annuity?

Fixed and fixed-indexed annuities protect your principal from market losses. Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Tim only works with highly rated carriers rated A- or better.

Can I access my money if I need it?

Most fixed annuities allow penalty-free withdrawals of up to 10% of the account value per year. Surrender charges may apply to withdrawals beyond this amount during the surrender charge period, which typically lasts 5-10 years.

I inherited an annuity — what should I do?

Inherited annuities have specific IRS rules about required distributions, tax treatment, and deadlines depending on your relationship to the original owner. Making the wrong choice can cost thousands in unnecessary taxes. Tim Hartle offers a free inherited annuity review to help you understand all your options before making any decisions. Call (727) 692-5866.

My annuity broker retired or is no longer available — what do I do?

If your original broker has retired, moved, or left the business, you are not stuck. You can work with a new independent advisor who can review your existing policy, explain what you have, and help you make the most of it. Tim Hartle provides free policy reviews for clients in this situation throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Can someone review my existing annuity for free?

Yes. Tim Hartle offers completely free annuity policy reviews for residents of Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough County. Whether you inherited a policy, lost touch with your broker, or simply haven't reviewed your annuity in years, Tim will go through your policy with you at no cost and no obligation. Call (727) 692-5866 to schedule.

What is full retirement age?

It's the age at which you receive your full Social Security benefit — between 66 and 67 depending on your birth year. Claiming earlier reduces it; delaying increases it.

Is it better to claim at 62 or wait?

Claiming early gives you smaller payments sooner; delaying gives you larger payments later. The best choice depends on your health, other income, and goals.

Are Social Security benefits taxed?

Depending on your total income, up to 85% of your benefits may be subject to federal income tax. Florida does not tax them at the state level.

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Social Security Cornerstone Guide

The Social Security Planning Guide

When and how you claim Social Security can change your lifetime benefits by tens of thousands of dollars. Here's the full picture.

Updated June 8, 2026 12 min readSocial Security

Original infographic in development: The Social Security Planning Guide

Social Security is the income foundation for most retirees, and the timing of your claim is one of the most consequential financial decisions you'll make.

This cornerstone guide explains how benefits are calculated, the trade-offs of claiming early or late, and how spousal and survivor benefits work.

How benefits are calculated

Chart: benefit by claiming age

Your earnings history, full retirement age, and the benefit formula.

Claiming early vs. delaying

How claiming at 62, full retirement age, or 70 changes your monthly amount.

Spousal and survivor benefits

How married couples can coordinate and protect a survivor.

Working while claiming

The earnings test and how earnings can affect early benefits.

This guide is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Tim Hartle is an independent insurance professional. Annuity guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company and are not FDIC insured. Rules and product features vary by situation and by state. Please consult a qualified advisor about your own circumstances.

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