Why It May Be Time to Leave Your Underperforming FIA Behind
If you’re reading this, you may already own a fixed indexed annuity (FIA) from a well-known provider like Allianz, American Equity, Guggenheim, Athene, or another large insurance company. These annuities likely sounded promising when you purchased them—market-linked growth with downside protection, no direct stock market exposure, and potential income for life. But for many investors, the returns haven’t matched the expectations.
Are you seeing stagnant growth, limited upside participation, low caps, or inflexible terms? Are the fees piling up with little to show for it?
If so, it may be time for an upgrade—and the North American Charter Plus 14 Fixed Indexed Annuity could be your solution.
With a powerful 27% immediate bonus to your account value upon issue, an industry-leading underlying index averaging 7.28% annual growth over the past 10+ years, and zero market downside risk, this FIA is making waves as a compelling transition strategy for clients leaving underperforming or fee-heavy annuities behind.
Let’s explore why the North American Charter Plus 14 could be the reset your retirement needs.
The Problem: Underwhelming FIAs and Risky Variable Annuities
Over the past decade, we’ve helped hundreds of retirees and pre-retirees evaluate their current annuity contracts, many of which have simply failed to deliver on growth promises. Common complaints include:
- Low participation rates or caps that limit upside even when markets are up.
- High rider or administrative fees that drain account value.
- Surrender charges that lock investors in.
- No bonus or minimal incentives to stay invested.
- Exposure to market risk in variable annuities.
If your current annuity doesn’t feel like it’s helping you grow toward your retirement goals, don’t worry—there’s a better option.
Meet the North American Charter Plus 14: A New Chapter in Retirement Growth
The North American Charter Plus 14 Fixed Indexed Annuity is a game-changer for anyone looking to transition away from an underperforming annuity. Here’s why.
🔹 27% Immediate Account Value Bonus
When your policy issues, you receive an immediate 27% bonus to your account value. This isn’t an income-only bonus like some products offer—this bonus goes directly into your account value, compounding and locking in future growth from day one. The bonus vests over 14 years.
For many investors, this bonus more than offsets any surrender charges from switching out of an old annuity. That’s right—even if your current annuity has a 10%, 12%, or even 15% surrender charge, this bonus can backfill those losses and put you in a better long-term position immediately.
🔹 Consistent, Competitive Index-Linked Growth
The North American Charter Plus 14 is linked to an innovative index that has delivered an average 7.28% annual return over the past decade. Unlike traditional bonds or CDs, this product allows your account value to grow based on how the index performs—without exposing your money to market losses.
This market-like growth potential, combined with complete downside protection, is what makes Fixed Indexed Annuities one of the most popular retirement vehicles for conservative investors today.
🔹 100% Principal Protection
Your money is never directly invested in the stock market. Instead, 100% of your premium is invested in 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds, and the interest from those bonds is used to purchase options tied to the index’s performance.
This structure means you get the upside of market-linked growth without any risk of losing principal due to market downturns. This is not true of Variable Annuities, which are still exposed to the financial markets and can lose value.
🔹 No Fees, No Worries
The Charter Plus 14 comes with zero income rider fees, no portfolio management fees, and no administrative fees. It’s a clean, transparent contract designed to provide growth and protection—without hidden charges.
🔹 Liquidity and Flexibility
You can withdraw up to 10% of your account value annually without any surrender penalties. This gives you flexibility in retirement to access your money if needed, all while your remaining account continues to grow.
A Smart Transition from Underperforming Contracts
If you currently own a FIA or Variable Annuity from a company like:
- Allianz
- American Equity
- Guggenheim
- Athene
- Or others…
…there’s a good chance you’re not receiving the full benefits you deserve. Many of these annuities were written years ago, when participation rates were higher or indexes performed differently. Now, due to economic conditions and changes in company structures, they’re lagging behind.
The North American Charter Plus 14 gives you the opportunity to reset your retirement strategy—with a powerful bonus that can backfill surrender charges and set your account on a stronger growth trajectory moving forward.
Strong Financial Backing = Peace of Mind
The North American Company for Life and Health Insurance is one of the most trusted names in the annuity space. Backed by over 130 years of experience, they currently hold an A+ rating from AM Best and Standard & Poor’s.
That means your annuity is not only structured to protect and grow your money, but also backed by a strong, reliable insurer with a long-standing track record.
In addition, Fixed Indexed Annuities are subject to strict 100% financial reserve requirements by state insurance commissions and legislatures. This ensures that the insurance company must maintain enough capital to cover its obligations to policyholders—unlike traditional investments or even mutual funds.
How Does a Fixed Indexed Annuity Work?
Let’s break it down:
- Your premium is invested in safe U.S. Treasury bonds.
- The interest earned from those bonds is used to buy options linked to a market index.
- If the index goes up, your account value grows based on a percentage of that performance.
- If the index goes down, you lose nothing—your principal is protected.
- Every contract year, your gains are locked in and can never be lost due to future market declines.
This hybrid strategy gives you the best of both worlds: safety and growth.
Real-World Example: Why Charter Plus 14 Makes Sense
Let’s say you currently have $250,000 in an Allianz FIA purchased five years ago. It’s underperforming with limited growth, and you’re facing a 10% surrender charge to move your money.
Here’s what it looks like if you switch to the Charter Plus 14:
- $250,000 Premium
- 27% Immediate Bonus = $67,500 added to account
- New Account Value: $317,500 on Day 1
- Market-like growth potential from a proven index
- Zero downside risk, no fees, and 10% annual liquidity
In most cases, this kind of upgrade far outweighs the short-term cost of surrendering the old contract.
Want a Personalized Analysis? Request Your Annuity X-Ray™
Not sure if switching is the right move for you?
At Active Wealth Management, we offer a complimentary service called the Annuity X-Ray™. We’ll:
- Analyze your current annuity contract.
- Review surrender schedules, fees, and growth potential.
- Compare it against top-tier products like the Charter Plus 14.
- Help you understand whether a transition is in your best interest.
This service is free of charge, and there’s no obligation. It’s simply our way of helping you make an informed decision about your retirement.
📞 Call us today at 770-685-1777
📧 Or email me directly: [email protected]
About Ford Stokes, RSSA, MBA
Ford Stokes is the Founder and Chief Financial Advisor of Active Wealth Management and host of the Retirement Results radio show and podcast. Ford holds the Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA) designation and earned his MBA from the University of Georgia.
He is also the author of multiple retirement planning books, including The Smart Retirement Plan, and is a frequent contributor to financial education platforms. Ford and his team specialize in helping retirees and pre-retirees build smart, tax-efficient retirement income strategies that last to—and through—their 90s.
Ford believes every American deserves clarity, confidence, and control over their retirement future—and that starts with a conversation.
Final Thoughts: The Time to Act Is Now
Markets are volatile. Bonds are unpredictable. And traditional retirement products are no longer enough to protect and grow your savings with confidence.
The North American Charter Plus 14 Fixed Indexed Annuity offers a rare combination of:
✅ High immediate bonus (27%)
✅ Strong historical growth (7.28% annually)
✅ Zero market downside risk
✅ No income rider or admin fees
✅ Transparent, flexible access to your money
✅ Backed by an A+ rated company
If you’re stuck in an annuity that isn’t working for you—or you’re just ready to upgrade to something smarter—let’s talk.
🔍 Get your free Annuity X-Ray today.
☎️ Call 770-685-1777 or email [email protected]
Disclosure:
Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and Active Wealth Management are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents.
