Annuities Playbook Lightbox

About the Author:

Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, DIA, CAA and Chief Underwriter at Diversified Insurance Brokers (NPN 20471358), is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than 25 years of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, Group Health, Travel Medical and Evacuation Insurance, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.

His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, and contributions from his agency featured in Kiplinger and GoBankingRates— highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient. Visitors who want to explore current annuity rates and compare options across multiple insurers can also use this annuity quote and comparison tool.

Last Reviewed: September 26, 2025  |  Reviewed by: Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, DIA, CAA
Chief Underwriter, Diversified Insurance Brokers, Inc.  |  NPN: 20471358  |  Diversified Insurance Brokers, Inc. — Licensed in all 50 states

Fact Checked by: Tonia Pettitt, CMIP©
Medicare Specialist, Diversified Insurance Brokers, Inc.  |  NPN: 14374308  |  Diversified Insurance Brokers, Inc. — Licensed in all 50 states

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How the Main Annuity Types Compare

Annuities are not one-size-fits-all. Each type is engineered for a different financial objective — some prioritize growth, others guarantee income, and others focus on principal protection. Choosing the wrong structure can mean locking into the wrong product for decades or missing out on significantly higher income. Working with an independent annuity broker eliminates that risk. Jason Stolz (CLTC, CRPC, DIA, CAA) has over 25 years of experience placing annuities for retirees nationwide and compares products across dozens of carriers — not just one company's lineup. Use the table below to understand how the main annuity types differ, then connect with Jason to find the right fit for your retirement goals.

Annuity Type Principal Protected Growth Potential Guaranteed Income Liquidity Best For
Fixed (MYGA) ✅ Yes Fixed declared rate for the contract term No income rider; accumulation only Limited during surrender period Safe, predictable accumulation
Fixed Indexed (FIA) ✅ Yes Index-linked credits subject to cap or participation rate; no direct market exposure Income rider commonly available Limited during surrender period Growth potential with downside protection
Variable ⚠️ Not by default Direct sub-account (market) exposure; highest upside and downside Income rider available at added cost Limited during surrender period Market participation inside a tax-deferred wrapper
RILA ⚠️ Partial (buffer/floor) Index-linked with defined buffer or floor; more upside than FIA Income rider available on select products Limited during surrender period Moderate risk tolerance; growth-focused
SPIA ✅ Via income stream No accumulation phase; lump sum converts to income immediately ✅ Immediate, guaranteed for life or term Very limited; income stream only Immediate income from a lump sum at or near retirement
Deferred Income (DIA) ✅ Via income stream No accumulation phase; income begins at a future date you select ✅ Guaranteed; income start deferred 2–40 years Very limited before income start date Longevity planning; guaranteed income starting at a future age
QLAC ✅ Via income stream DIA funded with qualified (IRA/401k) dollars; defers RMDs on the portion used ✅ Guaranteed; income begins at advanced age None before income start date RMD reduction strategy; late-life income protection

Note: Product features, rider availability, and surrender terms vary by carrier and contract. An independent broker can compare specific products across multiple carriers to identify the structure that best fits your situation — without being limited to a single company's lineup.