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This annuity is a flexible premium fixed indexed annuity with a 14-year surrender charge period. It provides premium protection from market downturns while allowing interest to be credited based in part on the performance of selected external indices. Unlike direct market investments, your accumulation value will not decrease due to negative index performance. Interest credited is locked in at the end of each crediting term through a reset feature, creating a new protected base for future growth. For individuals comparing conservative accumulation options such as MYGA annuity strategies for affluent individuals, Charter Plus 14 introduces the added dimension of indexed growth potential layered on top of principal protection.

One of the defining features of the Charter Plus 14 is its immediate premium bonus structure. Depending on premium size, the base premium bonus can reach up to 13% on premiums received during the first three contract years. In addition, a limited-time premium bonus increase special may apply, further enhancing the immediate value. For clients who want even more upfront leverage, the optional Enhanced Bonus Rider (EBR) adds an additional 12% premium bonus on eligible premiums during the first three contract years, subject to a rider charge. While bonus annuities may feature adjusted caps or participation rates compared to non-bonus products, the structure can provide a powerful head start for long-term retirement accumulation when properly aligned with your objectives.

Interest crediting flexibility is central to the design of Charter Plus 14. You may allocate premiums between a fixed account and multiple index account options. Crediting methods include Monthly Point-to-Point with a cap rate, Annual Point-to-Point with either cap or participation rate structures, and Two-Year Point-to-Point strategies. Enhanced participation strategies are also available for those willing to accept a strategy charge in exchange for higher upside participation. Available indices include well-known benchmarks and volatility-controlled strategies from financial institutions such as S&P, Fidelity, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Barclays. This variety allows diversification within the annuity itself, offering multiple ways to pursue growth while maintaining protection from negative index performance.

For investors who value structured risk management, the volatility control indices aim to stabilize performance by targeting defined volatility levels. These indices adjust allocations among asset classes to help manage swings in market conditions. While index performance does not guarantee future results and does not include dividends, the structure allows participation in positive movements without direct exposure to equity market losses. Clients who are also evaluating retirement accounts such as those discussed in Is Empower Retirement a Good Company? may find that adding a fixed indexed annuity can provide complementary stability alongside traditional market-based holdings.

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Liquidity provisions are structured to balance long-term accumulation with reasonable access. Beginning after the first contract anniversary, you may withdraw up to 10% of the accumulation value annually without surrender charges, market value adjustments, or premium bonus recapture. Required Minimum Distributions based solely on this contract may also qualify for penalty-free treatment under current company practice. Withdrawals in excess of the penalty-free amount during the surrender charge period may trigger surrender charges, a market value adjustment, and premium bonus recapture. As with all annuities, withdrawals may be subject to ordinary income tax and potential IRS penalties if taken prior to age 59½.

The Charter Plus 14 also includes an accumulation value true-up feature. If total strategy charges exceed total interest credited since issue at the end of the surrender charge period, a one-time benefit may be applied to help offset the difference, provided excess withdrawals have not been taken. This feature adds another layer of structural protection for clients utilizing enhanced participation strategies.

In addition to accumulation, the annuity offers multiple income payout options. You may elect annuitization options including life income, life income with period certain, joint and survivor life income, or income for a specified period or amount. Once an annuitization option is selected, it cannot be changed, and other contract rights end. For clients seeking to coordinate guaranteed income with estate planning tools such as How to Get a Will Online or broader trust planning guidance like How to Get a Will and Trust Online, this flexibility can help integrate retirement income with legacy planning.

The death benefit provides beneficiaries with the greater of the accumulation value or minimum surrender value as of the date of death. Spousal continuation options may be available, allowing a surviving spouse to continue the contract. Assets pass directly to named beneficiaries, avoiding probate delays. When integrated alongside protection strategies such as Ethos Life Instant Decision Term or specialized coverage solutions like life insurance for pulmonary diseases, annuities can serve as a stable foundation within a broader financial plan.

The nursing home confinement waiver adds additional flexibility. After the first contract anniversary, if the annuitant becomes confined to a qualified nursing care facility (subject to rider terms and state availability), up to 100% of the accumulation value may be available each year while confinement continues. This feature can provide meaningful financial relief during times of serious health need.

It is important to recognize that Charter Plus 14 is a long-term insurance product. The surrender charge schedule spans 14 years, beginning at 12% in the first two years and gradually declining to 0% after year 14. Premium bonus recapture applies during the surrender charge period on withdrawals exceeding the penalty-free amount. Market value adjustments may increase or decrease surrender value depending on changes in the external MVA index. These features allow the insurer to support long-term crediting strategies while maintaining contractual guarantees.

If you are exploring ways to diversify retirement assets beyond traditional brokerage accounts, pensions, or settlement liquidity strategies such as pre-settlement funding companies, Charter Plus 14 can play a strategic role. It is not designed for short-term funds, but rather for retirement-focused dollars that benefit from tax deferral, structured protection, and disciplined growth potential.

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Every retirement plan is unique. Some individuals prioritize maximum upfront bonuses, while others focus on long-term participation rates. Some want to diversify among multiple volatility-controlled indices, while others prefer simpler fixed allocations. The Charter Plus 14 was designed to provide flexibility across those preferences while maintaining principal protection from negative index performance. When structured correctly, it can serve as a durable retirement foundation that supports both accumulation and eventual income.