Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers before you reach out
If your question is not here, ask it directly. We would rather have a short conversation than leave you guessing.
Questions
Working with Guardian
We learn more about your goals and the questions on your mind, explain how Guardian works, and help you determine whether a next step may make sense. There is no cost and no obligation.
Questions
Planning and investments
A savings total is only part of the picture. Withdrawal sequencing, Social Security timing, tax-aware considerations, investment risk, healthcare, and family priorities all influence how a plan holds up over time.
Questions
Annuities and insurance
No. Income, indexed, and variable annuities have different features, costs, limitations, risks, surrender charges, tax considerations, and suitability requirements. Suitability depends on individual circumstances.
Questions
Forms, privacy, and follow-up
It is used to respond to your request and, if you opt in, to send educational updates. You can opt out at any time. Please do not send account numbers or Social Security numbers through web forms.
Start with the questions that matter most to you.
You do not need every answer before starting a conversation. A first meeting can help you organize the decisions ahead and determine whether Guardian may be a fit.
Important disclosures
Variable annuities are long-term investment alternatives designed for retirement purposes. Withdrawals of taxable amounts are subject to income tax and, if made prior to age 59 1/2, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Early withdrawals may be subject to withdrawal charges. Partial withdrawals may also reduce benefits available under the contract as well as the amount available upon a full surrender. An investment in variable annuities involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The contracts, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original investment.
A fixed annuity is a long-term, tax-deferred insurance contract designed for retirement. It allows you to create a fixed stream of income through a process called annuitization and also provides a fixed rate of return based on the terms of the contract. Fixed annuities have limitations. If you decide to take your money out early, you may face fees called surrender charges. Plus, if you're not yet 59½, you may also have to pay an additional 10% tax penalty on top of ordinary income taxes. You should also know that a fixed annuity contains guarantees and protections that are subject to the issuing insurance company's ability to pay for them.
Index annuities are contracts issued by an insurance company that offer earning potential linked to participation in the growth, if any, of an index or benchmark.
All deferred annuities are long-term investment alternatives designed for retirement purposes. All annuity contract and rider guarantees, or annuity payout rates, are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company, which is solely responsible for obligations under its contracts. Withdrawals will generally be subject to a surrender penalty if redeemed during the surrender charge period and if they are in excess of any free withdrawal provisions. Since annuities grow tax-deferred, any withdrawals made prior to age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty in addition to any gains being taxed as ordinary income.
The S&P 500 index is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.