Choosing the best fixed annuity for retirees comes down to three things: safety, predictability, and dependable income. We compare offerings from 100+ highly rated carriers to help you lock in guaranteed growth, protect principal from market losses, and convert savings into reliable paychecks for life. Whether you want a simple multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA) or a fixed indexed annuity for added upside with no downside, we’ll show you clear, apples-to-apples illustrations so you can decide with confidence.

Why Retirees Choose Fixed Annuities

• Guaranteed Growth: Lock in a fixed rate for a chosen term (e.g., 3–10 years) to stabilize part of your portfolio.
• Principal Protection: Your annuity value isn’t reduced by market downturns.
• Lifetime Income: Add an income rider or annuitize later to create personal-pension paychecks you can’t outlive.
• Tax-Deferred Accumulation: Interest grows tax-deferred, helping more of your money compound.

Fixed vs. Fixed Indexed (Which Is “Best” Depends on You)

MYGAs (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities): Simple CD-style contracts with a guaranteed rate for the term—great when you want straightforward, predictable growth.
Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs): Growth is tied to index strategies (e.g., S&P-linked) with floors that prevent market-losses; often the preferred chassis when pairing with lifetime income riders for higher payout potential.

Who This Works Best For

• Retirees who want predictable returns without stock-market risk.
• Pre-retirees (within 5–10 years of retirement) who want to lock in today’s rates.
• Couples seeking joint lifetime income options and legacy flexibility.
• Savers who prefer a “safety sleeve” alongside market investments.

How We Personalize Your Plan

We’ll review your timeline, income gap, tax considerations, and liquidity needs to match you with a blend of MYGA and/or FIA solutions. Then we’ll run side-by-side illustrations showing guaranteed values, surrender schedules, free-withdrawal features, and lifetime income projections. For broader context on income-focused designs, see our overview of Bonus Annuity with Lifetime Income.

Key Considerations

• Access & Liquidity: Most contracts include penalty-free withdrawals (e.g., up to 10%/year) and nursing-home/terminal-illness waivers.
• Surrender Periods: Plan the term to match your time horizon and cash-flow needs.
• Riders & Fees: Understand costs for income riders and how they affect long-term value.
• State Availability: Rates and features vary by state and carrier.

Bottom line: The best fixed annuity for retirees is the one that fits your income targets, time horizon, and risk tolerance—backed by a strong carrier and clear, guaranteed terms.