Treasury Bond Yields
1-Year Treasury Bond: 4.05%
5-Year Treasury Bond: 4.21%
10-Year Treasury Bond: 4.34%
Future Rates Subject to Change
Short Term Income Only
VS
Next-Gen Annuities
Income: 5.2% – 14.6%
Often 2-3x Quality Bonds
Guaranteed for Life
Protection From Market Risk
Protection for Heirs
Are You Prepared?
Without Secure Income, It’s You vs. the Stock Market
Sequence of Returns Risk:
The Hidden Threat That Could Drain Your Retirement Savings…
Sequence of Returns Risk is the danger that market downturns early in retirement can permanently reduce your portfolio’s value—even if the average return over time seems reasonable.
Unlike during your working years, where you can ride out market ups and downs, in retirement you are withdrawing money without the support of your pay check.
Many retirees rely on bonds for stability, but bonds often fail to provide enough income, and their returns don’t keep up with inflation. That’s why more smart retirees are choosing Next-Generation Annuities, which can pay double or even triple the income of bonds, with guaranteed income rates ranging from 5.2% to 14.6%, depending on age and deferral period.
Why Income Matters in Retirement
Imagine two retirees, John and Sarah, both starting retirement with $1 million that now lives in their Rollover IRA from their 401(k).
- John keeps his entire portfolio in the markets and needs to withdraw $50,000 per year for income to maintain his lifestyle.
- Sarah, who’s 64, moves $500,000 into a Next-Gen Annuity and defers it 4 years for her planned retirement at of 68. With her age and deferral period, her annuity ends up providing a guaranteed $52,062 per year for life. She puts the other $500,000 in an investment portfolio similar to John’s.
Both experience the same market conditions, but the outcomes are dramatically different. Review the example numbers in detail below.
John’s 30-Year Fixed Withdrawal Scenario
John keeps his entire portfolio in the markets, with the plan to withdraw $50,000 per year for additional income.
Market Investments: $1,000,000
Next-Generation Annuities: $0
Total Starting Portfolio: $1,000,000
| Year | Market Return | John's Investment Portfolio | John's Annual Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | $1,000,000 | ||
| 1 | -20% | $750,000 | $50,000 |
| 2 | -10% | $625,000 | $50,000 |
| 3 | 15% | $668,750 | $50,000 |
| 4 | 8% | $672,250 | $50,000 |
| 5 | -5% | $588,638 | $50,000 |
| 6 | 12% | $609,274 | $50,000 |
| 7 | 6% | $595,830 | $50,000 |
| 8 | -3% | $527,956 | $50,000 |
| 9 | 10% | $530,751 | $50,000 |
| 10 | 7% | $517,904 | $50,000 |
| 11 | -15% | $390,218 | $50,000 |
| 12 | 5% | $359,729 | $50,000 |
| 13 | 9% | $342,105 | $50,000 |
| 14 | -8% | $264,736 | $50,000 |
| 15 | 6% | $230,620 | $50,000 |
| 16 | 12% | $208,295 | $50,000 |
| 17 | -4% | $149,963 | $50,000 |
| 18 | 10% | $114,959 | $50,000 |
| 19 | 8% | $74,156 | $50,000 |
| 20 | 5% | $27,864 | $50,000 |
| 21 | -6% | -$22,136 | $50,000 |
| 22 | 9% | -$72,136 | $50,000 |
| 23 | 7% | -$122,136 | $50,000 |
| 24 | -5% | -$172,136 | $50,000 |
| 25 | 8% | -$222,136 | $50,000 |
| 26 | -2% | -$272,136 | $50,000 |
| 27 | 10% | -$322,136 | $50,000 |
| 28 | -3% | -$372,136 | $50,000 |
| 29 | 6% | -$422,136 | $50,000 |
| 30 | -1% | -$472,136 | $50,000 |
| End | — | -$472,136 | $1,500,000 |
Ran out of income: Year 20
Total Income Shortfall: $472,135
What happened to John?
John relied solely on his stock portfolio for retirement income, but without guaranteed lifetime income from a next-gen annuity, market downturns and necessary withdrawals rapidly depleted his portfolio. Once his portfolio ran out, so did his income—leaving him with nothing to rely on.
After 20 years, he ran out of money with no way to recover.
Sarah’s 30-Year Annuity + Growth Scenario
Sarah splits her portfolio. She chooses a Next-Gen Annuity for additional income and leaves the remainder in the markets for growth.
Market Investments: $500,000
Next-Generation Annuities: $500,000
Total Starting Portfolio: $1,000,000
| Year | Market Return | Sarah's Investment Portfolio | Sarah's Annuity Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | $500,000 | ||
| 1 | -20% | $400,000 | $52,062 |
| 2 | -10% | $360,000 | $52,062 |
| 3 | 15% | $414,000 | $52,062 |
| 4 | 8% | $447,120 | $52,062 |
| 5 | -5% | $424,764 | $52,062 |
| 6 | 12% | $475,736 | $52,062 |
| 7 | 6% | $504,280 | $52,062 |
| 8 | -3% | $489,151 | $52,062 |
| 9 | 10% | $538,067 | $52,062 |
| 10 | 7% | $575,731 | $52,062 |
| 11 | -15% | $489,372 | $52,062 |
| 12 | 5% | $513,840 | $52,062 |
| 13 | 9% | $560,086 | $52,062 |
| 14 | -8% | $515,279 | $52,062 |
| 15 | 6% | $546,196 | $52,062 |
| 16 | 12% | $611,739 | $52,062 |
| 17 | -4% | $587,270 | $52,062 |
| 18 | 10% | $645,996 | $52,062 |
| 19 | 8% | $697,676 | $52,062 |
| 20 | 5% | $732,560 | $52,062 |
| 21 | -6% | $688,606 | $52,062 |
| 22 | 9% | $750,581 | $52,062 |
| 23 | 7% | $803,122 | $52,062 |
| 24 | -5% | $762,966 | $52,062 |
| 25 | 8% | $824,003 | $52,062 |
| 26 | -2% | $807,523 | $52,062 |
| 27 | 10% | $888,275 | $52,062 |
| 28 | -3% | $861,627 | $52,062 |
| 29 | 6% | $913,324 | $52,062 |
| 30 | -1% | $904,191 | $52,062 |
| End | — | $904,191 | $1,561,860 |
Ran out of Income: Never
Total Guaranteed Income From Annuity: $1,561,860
Why Did Sarah Do Better?
Sarah took a balanced approach, splitting her $1,000,000 portfolio—investing $500,000 into a Next-Gen Annuity for guaranteed lifetime income and keeping $500,000 in stocks. While market downturns impacted her stock portfolio, she never had to sell at a loss because her annuity provided stable income. Over time, her investments had the opportunity to recover, ensuring she maintained both financial security and growth potential.
Why This Happens in Retirement
During the accumulation phase, early market losses don’t matter as much because you are still contributing and can recover.
However, once you start withdrawing money, early losses permanently reduce your portfolio’s ability to recover.
This is what happened to John in our example. He was withdrawing from his investment portfolio for income. Sarah, however, started with a smaller investment portfolio, but never had to withdraw from it for income. Instead, she relied on guaranteed income from her next-gen annuity. As a result, we can see that her investment portfolio grew.
If John hadn’t retired, still had his salary, and didn’t have to draw from his investments for 30 years… The sequence of returns would have resulted in a substantial portfolio. However, because he retired and no longer had another income source, his portfolio depleted far too early.
In the past, investors have tried to turn to bonds—but bonds simply don’t pay enough and their low yields can’t compensate enough for market downturns. Why accept less income when you can get more without any additional risk?
How Next-Generation Annuities Solve This Problem
You can’t control the market, but you can control how much risk your retirement income is exposed to.
Instead of relying on low-yield bonds, Next-Generation Annuities provide:
- Guaranteed Lifetime Income: No matter what happens in the market, you continue receiving income for life.
- Higher Payouts Than Bonds: Depending on age and deferral period, next-gen annuities can pay income of from 5.2% to 14.6%—often double or triple the income of bonds.
- Protection from Market Loss: Your principal is safe, and your income is locked in.
- Legacy Protection: Unlike outdated annuities, your money doesn’t disappear when you pass—it can be passed to heirs.
The Future of Retirement Income Starts Here
Next-Generation Retirement Annuities Are Redefining Retirement Planning.
Today’s retirees are seeking advanced income solutions—because while markets go up, they also come down. When they do, you need a stable, reliable income that lasts through thick and thin. The issue? Bonds don’t pay enough, and pensions have gone the way of the dinosaur.
Studies from MIT, Wharton, and more confirm that lifetime income annuities fill this gap. Today’s NEXT-Generation Retirement Annuities can provide permanent income, often double or triple that of quality bonds—AND like a pension, the income is inexhaustible. But unlike old annuities, these modern options protect your heirs—meaning the insurance company doesn’t keep your money when you pass.
But how do you find the right one? The IQ Wealth® Annuity Comparison System™ gives you the power to review up to 1,200+ annuities with an experienced Fiduciary Planner. This could be your opportunity to strengthen your 401(k), 403(b), 457, TSP, or IRA Rollover. Learn how to achieve a safe income rate for life between 5.2% and 14.6%, depending on age and deferral period.
Our proven fiduciary approach puts you in the driver’s seat—with no sales pressure, ever.
Important
Annuities from legal reserve life insurance companies are licensed and audited in all 50 states. The right annuity can provide more than enough lifetime income, protect you from market loss, and protect your heirs. By comparing your options, you can find the one that best fits your retirement goals.
Lifetime Income
5-14.6%
Annuity Bonus
7-30%
Past performance of any asset or index should never be relied upon to predict future results. No specific product or company being promoted. Guarantees rely on the financial strength of the issuing insurer. Not FDIC insured, not a bank deposit.
Next-Generation Annuities: More Income, More Control
Enjoy fixed income for life—like a pension—but with full control over your money. Unlike old-style annuities, the insurance company won’t keep your money when you pass.
In the past, the only way to get lifetime income from an annuity was to “annuitize”—meaning you had to give up your principal in exchange for income. That idea is dead and gone.
Thanks to the Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB), there’s no need to annuitize anymore. For those who want to Retire and STAY Retired with lasting high income, Next-Generation Retirement Annuities provide the answer.
These newer Next-Generation Annuities can far outperform quality bonds by two or three times. Depending on age and deferral period, they can provide a permanent income rate of 5.2% to 14.6%—guaranteed for life.
But here’s the key: it’s all about finding the right one. Some Next-Generation Annuities pay up to 40% more than others, making it crucial to compare options with an experienced Fiduciary—preferably an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® and a Certified Annuity Specialist®.
Recent Lifetime Income Examples
Age 64, Deferred 4 Years, Annual Guaranteed Income
(Annual income may be taken monthly for life)
Licensed With All Carriers
We Independently Review 1200+ Annuities For You
Common Annuity Myths Explained
Aren’t Annuities Too Expensive?
Misconception: Many assume annuities have high fees like mutual funds.
Reality: Next-Generation Annuities can offer zero advisory fees, and 100% of your money starts working for you on day one.
Solution: Compare annuities with a fiduciary-first approach to ensure you’re getting the best value.
What If I Die Early? Do I Lose My Money?
Old-School Myth: Traditional annuities did require "annuitization," meaning you lost control of your money.
Modern Reality: Next-Generation Annuities allow your heirs to inherit any unused portion.
Solution: Many annuities come with return-of-premium options and beneficiary protections.
Why shouldn't I Just Invest in Stocks and Withdraw as Needed?
- Stock Market Risk: Market downturns can force you to sell assets at a loss, reducing your income over time.
- Sequence of Returns Risk: Even a small crash early in retirement can permanently impact your portfolio.
- Annuity Advantage: Provides guaranteed lifetime income, removing withdrawal risk and market uncertainty.
Don't Annuities Have High Fees?
- Not all annuities have high fees—some have zero fees, and 100% principal allocation.
- Variable annuities often have high costs, but fixed indexed annuities, also known as Next-Generation Annuities have ZERO fees.
- The right annuity is cheaper and safer than mutual funds, which have ongoing management fees.
Aren’t Annuities Just for Old People?
Myth: Annuities are only for seniors.
Reality: Annuities are for anyone looking for guaranteed lifetime income.
- Many pre-retirees (40s & 50s) use annuities for tax-efficient growth and protected future income.
The power of deferral may increase the income you receive from your Next-Generation Annuity, while avoid damage from market downturns.
Will My Money Be Locked Up Forever?
- Many annuities allow penalty-free withdrawals (often up to 10% per year).
- Liquidity features ensure you still have access to funds if needed.
- You can also ladder annuities for flexibility.
Always make sure you compare annuities with a true fiduciary to make sure you understand everything about your annuity.
At IQ Wealth®, we are a true fiduciary, and have been helping people retire and stay retired for over 20 years.
Aren’t Annuities Too Complicated?
Concern: Some annuities are complex.
Solution: Not all annuities are the same—comparison tools like the IQ Wealth Annuity Comparison System™ help find the best fit for you.
Are Annuities Safe?
- Legal Reserve Life Insurance Companies back annuities, and they are licensed & audited in all 50 states.
- Many annuities come with guarantees backed by multi-billion-dollar insurance companies.
Can I Get Better Returns Elsewhere?
- Growth assets (stocks, real estate, etc.) can provide high returns but come with risk.
- Annuities offer guaranteed income, ensuring your lifestyle is protected even if markets crash.
- Next-generation annuities allow for upside growth while protecting against loss.
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Keeping Your Retirement Goals Front and Center
As we continue the planning process, your retirement goals remain our top priority. Clearly defining the kind of retirement you envision allows us to strategically align each asset with a specific purpose and timeline—ensuring your money works for you, when you need it.
At this stage, most of our clients have important questions, such as:
- Social Security: When is the best time to start collecting?
- Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): How will they impact your taxes and income?
- Current Portfolio Review: What’s working, what’s not, and what adjustments make sense?
- Retirement Security: How protected are you from market volatility?
- Mutual Fund Concerns: Are they too risky for your retirement goals?
- Risk Reduction & Income Growth: How can you create more stability?
- Tax Strategies: How can you minimize your tax burden in retirement?
- IRA Rollovers & Roth Conversions: Are they the right move for you?
- Investments & Annuities: What role should they play in your financial plan?
- “Are annuities really safe?” (Hint: It depends on the type of annuity and how it’s structured.)
If you have additional questions, we’re here to answer them all—ensuring you feel confident and in control of your retirement future.
Your First Meeting
Scheduling your first meeting or phone call? Here’s what you can look forward to—no pressure, no sales tactics, and definitely no "used car" experience.
At IQ Wealth®, we start every conversation with one simple question: “What are your goals?” From there, we craft a strategy designed to turn those goals into reality.
For over 20 years, we’ve been committed to delivering unmatched client care and personalized financial guidance. Our approach ensures you can retire confidently in any economy by addressing the five key areas of retirement planning:
- Income Planning – Ensuring you have a steady, reliable retirement paycheck.
- Legacy Planning – Protecting your assets and passing wealth efficiently.
- Tax-Efficient Strategies – Minimizing taxes to maximize your income.
- Asset Protection – Safeguarding your wealth from market downturns.
- Growth Strategies – Keeping your portfolio positioned for long-term success.
At IQ Wealth®, our goal is simple: to help you retire smarter, safer, and with complete peace of mind.
FAQ
What happens when I become a client?
Becoming a client at IQ Wealth is a structured, stress-free process designed for clarity and confidence. We typically follow three steps:
- Discovery Meeting – Understanding your goals and needs.
- Plan Creation – Crafting a tailored financial strategy.
- Implementation – Putting your plan into action (which may begin as early as the second meeting).
We focus on education, transparency, and a world-class planning experience—without any sales pressure.
Are there any advisor fees for annuities?
No. The annuities we recommend have zero advisory or management fees. We are compensated by the insurance company, but 100% of your money starts working for you on day one. As an independent agency, we compare options from 50+ companies with a fiduciary-first approach.
What are your investment portfolio management fees?
Our fee arrangement is very simple. We charge one flat fee of 0.95%, which is all inclusive. You pay no transaction fees, no commissions, no junk fees. Our minimum is typically $200,000 but we can work with portfolios of $100,000+.
What are your qualifications?
Our team holds AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary), CAS® (Certified Annuity Specialist), and CIS™ (Certified Income Specialist) designations. IQ Wealth is an A+ Accredited Member of the Better Business Bureau, fully licensed in securities and insurance.
How much does a retirement plan cost?
For clients implementing our recommendations, there is no charge. This includes:
- Guaranteed income projections (not hypothetical models).
- Social Security timing optimization.
- Inflation protection strategies.
This is a $1,250 value, provided free to clients.
Where are you located?
Our primary office is in Scottsdale, AZ (by appointment only):
8777 N Gainey Center Drive
Suite 200
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
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