How the Nationwide Peak 10 Fixed Indexed Annuity Can Help You Retire with Confidence

Why Millions Are Considering This Smart Bond Replacement Strategy for Retirement Income

Written By: Ford Stokes

Are You Worried About Outliving Your Retirement Savings?
You’re not alone. With increased life expectancy, market volatility, and uncertain interest rates, many Americans fear outliving their nest egg. Nationwide’s Peak 10 Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) is designed to address those concerns and deliver something many retirees desperately seek: financial security and predictability. Whether you’re approaching retirement or are already there, this product may offer the growth, protection, and guaranteed income you need.

Let’s explore exactly how Nationwide Peak 10 works—and why it’s quickly becoming one of the most trusted income tools for retirees today.

What Is the Nationwide Peak 10 Fixed Indexed Annuity?

The Nationwide Peak 10 is a Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA)—a type of insurance contract that links its growth to a market index, offering potential for upside without the risk of losing principal during market downturns.

But what truly sets Peak 10 apart is the strong combination of guaranteed income, indexed growth potential, and principal protection, making it especially attractive as a bond replacement strategy in a low-yield, uncertain market environment.

The Nationwide Peak 10 is a proprietary product that was developed in a partnership with Nationwide and AmeriLife and is only offered by less than 1% of financial advisors in the US.

Key Features That Make the Nationwide Peak 10 Stand Out

1. 20% Immediate Bonus into the Income Account
   When you purchase the Peak 10 and choose the Lifetime Bonus Income+ Rider (for an additional cost), you immediately receive a 20% bonus credited into your income account on day one. This immediately boosts your future income potential.
2. 8% Guaranteed Simple Interest Roll-Up
   Your income account continues to grow at a guaranteed 8% simple interest each year for up to 10 years or until your first withdrawal. This helps grow your income base faster, enhancing your future guaranteed lifetime income.
3. 310% Participation in Market Index Performance (2025 Rate)
   Peak 10 offers 310% participation in the BNP Paribas Global H-Factor Index (as of 2025), without any direct exposure to the stock market. That means if the index performs well, your account value can grow even faster—while your principal remains protected.
4. No Market Risk to Your Principal
   Your investment in Peak 10 is not directly invested in the market. Even if the linked index declines, you won’t lose principal due to market performance.
5. Guaranteed Lifetime Income
   Once you’re ready to retire, you can begin receiving guaranteed income for life, based on your income account value. This income continues even if your actual account value reaches zero.
6. Spousal Protection and Death Benefit Options
   The policy includes features to protect loved ones, like spousal continuation options and death benefits.

Real-World Performance Example: March 2023–March 2025

Here’s a true-to-life performance snapshot to show how Peak 10 works in action:

• Purchase Date: March 31, 2023
• Premium: $200,000
• Immediate Income Bonus: $40,000 (20% of premium) credited into income account
• Year 1 and Year 2 Income Account Growth: $16,000 (8% simple interest per year)
• Income Account Value by March 31, 2025: $272,000

But it gets even better…

• Index Growth: BNP Paribas Global H-Factor Index rose from 231 to 248
• Growth Factor: 7.3559%
• Participation Rate: 350% (for 2023 contracts)
• Gross Index Return: 7.3559% x 3.5 = 25.757576%
• Spread Fee: 1%
• Net Growth on Account Value: 24.757576%

That means someone who invested $400,000 would have grown their account value to $489,049.69 in just two years after factoring in the 1% fee and 1% spread rate —all without any market risk. AND the Income Account value will have ballooned to $559,872.30 so if you plan to take income from the Nationwide Peak 10, then you will generate even more important retirement income.

What Is the BNP Paribas Global H-Factor Index?

This is the index linked to the performance of the Peak 10 annuity. Here’s what makes it unique:

• Actively Managed: It’s a volatility-controlled index that selects stocks based on their “H-Factor,” which is tied to corporate behavior and sustainability.
• Positive Return Probability: It has historically delivered positive annual growth about 83% of the time over 12-month periods.
• Volatility Control: This design helps reduce wild market swings and increases the likelihood of consistent, stable returns.

Why Consider Nationwide Peak 10 as a Bond Replacement?

According to PSM Brokerage, using FIAs as a bond alternative is becoming a powerful strategy, especially in today’s low-interest-rate environment.

Traditional Bonds vs. Peak 10 FIA:

The result? A more reliable, higher-potential tool for generating retirement income.

Who Should Consider the Nationwide Peak 10?

This annuity is ideal for:

• Pre-retirees (ages 55–65) looking to grow income over the next 2–10 years
• Retirees who want guaranteed lifetime income with no market downside
• Bond investors concerned about low yields or interest rate risk
• Spouses seeking long-term protection and legacy planning

How to Maximize the Peak 10 Strategy

The Peak 10 performs best when you:

• Defer withdrawals for 2+ years: This allows at least 16% growth from guaranteed interest.
• Use it as a bond replacement within a balanced retirement plan.
• Take advantage of market-linked growth: Especially in flat or volatile markets where traditional investments struggle.
• Use professional guidance to structure your portfolio, tax strategy, and income plan.

Why Nationwide?

When it comes to retirement planning, trust matters.

Nationwide is a Fortune 100 financial institution with over 90 years of experience. They are rated A+ by A.M. Best, and they offer exceptional customer service, transparent policies, and long-term financial strength.

With Nationwide, you’re not just buying an annuity—you’re gaining a trusted partner in your financial future.

What Makes the Lifetime Bonus Income+ Rider Worth It?

When you add the Lifetime Bonus Income+ Rider (for an additional fee), you unlock powerful retirement income features:

• 20% Immediate Bonus
• 8% Annual Roll-Up (Simple Interest)
• Guaranteed Lifetime Income
• Spousal Protection Options

While there is a 1% annual fee, this rider amplifies your income potential significantly—especially for those who don’t plan to start withdrawals right away.

Final Thoughts: Build a Stronger Retirement Plan

Let’s face it: traditional retirement strategies relying heavily on bonds, CDs, or low-yield fixed income just don’t cut it anymore. With rising inflation, volatile markets, and increasing longevity, retirees need a plan that delivers dependable growth and income without high risk.

Nationwide Peak 10 offers exactly that:

✅ 8% guaranteed interest
✅ Market-indexed upside potential
✅ Zero market downside
✅ Guaranteed income for life
✅ Protection for spouses and loved ones

And when you consider the real-world results—like a 24.76% growth in account value over just two years—it’s clear that Peak 10 is not only safe, but powerful.

Ready to Learn More?

📞 Call us today at (770) 685-1777
🗓 Or book a complimentary retirement review with a fiduciary advisor using this link: calendly.com/fordstokes

We’ll walk you through:

• How to use Peak 10 in your retirement plan
• Whether a bond replacement strategy makes sense for you
• How to maximize tax efficiency with a Roth ladder conversion
• How much guaranteed income you can receive for life

Don’t wait until the market takes another dip or interest rates drop again. Protect your retirement. Plan with confidence. Choose Nationwide Peak 10.

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company holds strong financial ratings from leading agencies, reflecting its stability and reliability:

• AM Best: A+ (Superior) for Nationwide Life Insurance Company and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company, affirmed on December 7, 2023. (AM Best News)
• Standard & Poor’s: A+ (Strong) for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates, affirmed on April 30, 2024. (Cbonds)

These ratings underscore Nationwide’s financial strength and its commitment to meeting policyholder obligations.

Disclosures

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.

Registered Investment Advisors and Investment Advisor Representatives act as fiduciaries for all of our investment management clients. We have an obligation to act in the best interests of our clients and to make full disclosure of any conflicts of interests. Please refer to our firm brochure, the ADV 2A item 4, for additional information.

Active Wealth Management is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other government agency.

Information provided is not intended as tax or legal advice and should not be relied on as such. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional.

Any comments regarding safe and secure products, and guaranteed income streams refer only to fixed insurance products. They do not refer, in any way to securities or investment advisory products. Fixed Insurance and Annuity product guarantees are subject to the claims‐paying ability of the issuing company and are not offered by Brookstone. Index or fixed annuities are not designed for short-term investments and may be subject to caps, restrictions, fees and surrender charges as described in the annuity contract.

Any bonuses mentioned may be subject to additional restrictions and regulations based on the offering annuity company. You may not receive the bonuses if the contract is fully surrendered or if traditional annuitization payments are taken, and if the policy is partially surrendered, it could result in a partial loss of bonuses. Because these are bonus annuities, they may include higher surrender charges, longer surrender charge periods, lower caps, higher spreads, or other restrictions that are not included in similar annuities that don’t offer a bonus feature.

This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author.  It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subject matter covered.  It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering professional services in the book. The information provided is not intended as tax, investment or legal advice, and should not be relied on as such.  If the reader requires personal assistance or advice, you are encouraged to seek tax, investment or legal advice from an independent professional advisor.

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A portion of the information provided in this article was prepared by Ford Stokes. This article provides general information that is intended, but not guaranteed, to be correct and up-to-date information on the subjects discussed and should not be regarded as a complete analysis of these subjects. You should not rely on statements or representations made within the article or by any externally referenced sources. No party assumes liability for any loss or damage resulting from errors or omissions or reliance on or use of this material.

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