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.

Is Social Security taxed in retirement?

Depending on your total income, a portion of your Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax. The exact amount depends on your combined income for the year.

What is a required minimum distribution (RMD)?

An RMD is the minimum amount you must withdraw from certain tax-deferred accounts each year once you reach the required age. Missing one can trigger a penalty, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Video Library

Retirement Taxes Educational VideoComing Soon

Taxes in Retirement: What Changes

How withdrawals, Social Security, and RMDs are taxed — and why the order you spend matters.

June 9, 2026 9 minRetirement Taxes

Video Coming Soon

This episode is in production. Read the summary below, or schedule a free review with Tim in the meantime.

About this video

How and when you withdraw from different accounts can change your tax bill in retirement. This video covers the basics every retiree should understand — taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts, the taxation of Social Security, and required minimum distributions.

This is educational only and not tax advice; please consult a qualified tax professional about your situation.

Transcript

A full transcript will be published here once this video is released. Prefer to read? Explore the related guides below for the same material in written form.

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