Over the past 20+ years, Kara has assisted hundreds of agents in finding the best fixed and fixed-indexed annuities to benefit their clients’ retirement planning needs. She’s started with the former GPALM the day it opened in 2002, and previously worked with Rich at a health insurance company as well as another annuity marketing firm. Kara combines her immense knowledge of the fixed annuity market: products, riders and rates; with her ability to navigate the Home Office and get cases issued and paid. Over the years, Kara has handled and assisted agents in placing over $820 million in annuity production. Producers working with her have come rely on her ability to quickly help them solve problems and be a valuable part of their sales efforts.
Fixed Annuities are long term insurance contacts and there is a surrender charge imposed generally during the first 5 to 7 years that you own the annuity contract. Withdrawals prior to age 59-1/2 may result in a 10% IRS tax penalty, in addition to any ordinary income tax. Any guarantees of the annuity are backed by the financial strength of the underlying insurance company. Indexed annuities are insurance contracts that, depending on the contract, may offer a guaranteed annual interest rate and some participation growth, if any, of a stock market index. Such contracts have substantial variation in terms, costs of guarantees and features and may cap participation or returns in significant ways. Any guarantees offered are backed by the financial strength of the insurance company. Surrender charges apply if not held to the end of the term. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken prior to 59 ½, a 10% federal tax penalty. Investors are cautioned to carefully review an indexed annuity for its features, costs, risks, and how the variables are calculated.