Can I buy a fixed annuity online without a broker?

Yes. Annuital lets you compare and apply for fixed annuities directly online — no sales pressure. You can browse today's rates from Nassau, Oceanview, and F&G, get a free quote, and submit your application in minutes. Our licensed agents are available to answer questions if needed, but you are never required to speak with anyone to apply.

What are today's best fixed annuity rates?

Today's best fixed annuity (MYGA) rates reach up to 5.55% APY from A-rated carriers — more than 1% higher than the best 5-year CD rates currently available at banks. Rates vary by term (3, 5, or 7 years), premium amount, and state. Compare current live rates at Annuital.com.

How does a fixed annuity compare to a CD in 2026?

Fixed annuities (MYGAs) typically pay 1–1.5% more APY than the best CD rates in 2026 — up to 5.55% APY vs. ~4.20% for a 5-year CD. Unlike CDs, annuity interest grows tax-deferred, meaning you don't pay taxes until withdrawal. Both are principal-protected, but MYGAs offer compounding tax-deferred growth that CDs cannot match for retirement savings.

What is a multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA)?

A MYGA (multi-year guaranteed annuity) is a fixed annuity that locks in a guaranteed interest rate for a set term — typically 3, 5, or 7 years. Your principal is 100% protected, the rate never changes during your term, and all growth is tax-deferred. It works like a CD but with higher rates and better tax treatment for retirement savings.

How long does it take to buy a fixed annuity from Annuital?

Most applicants can complete the online application in under 10 minutes. You'll need your Social Security number and bank or rollover account information. Funding via electronic bank transfer is typically the fastest option. Once approved, your annuity contract is issued and your guaranteed rate is locked.

Are there fees when buying through Annuital?

The rate you see is the rate you earn. Surrender charges may apply if you withdraw more than the allowed penalty-free amount during the surrender period.

How safe are fixed annuities?

Fixed annuities are backed by the financial strength of AM Best-rated insurance carriers and state guaranty associations (typically up to $250,000 per carrier per state). Your principal is 100% guaranteed and protected from market losses. All carriers on Annuital are rated B++ or better by AM Best.

Can I withdraw money from a fixed annuity?

Most fixed annuities allow penalty-free withdrawals of up to 10% of your account value per year. Withdrawals above that during the surrender period incur surrender charges. After the surrender period ends, you can access your full balance penalty-free. Withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty on gains.

What is the minimum investment for a fixed annuity?

The minimum investment on Annuital starts at $10,000 for Nassau's MYAnnuity products and $20,000 for Oceanview and F&G products. There is no maximum investment limit. You can fund with a lump sum bank transfer, IRA rollover, or 401(k) transfer.

What states does Annuital serve?

Annuital is licensed to sell fixed annuities in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Services are not available to residents of California or New York.

What is defined outcome investing?

Defined outcome investing means you know your worst-case and best-case returns before you invest. Instead of exposing your savings to unknown market swings, a defined outcome product sets clear boundaries on your risk — your guaranteed rate, your floor, or your monthly income is established on day one. Fixed annuities (MYGAs), fixed indexed annuities (FIAs), and immediate annuities are all defined outcome products.

How does defined outcome investing work?

A defined outcome product defines your return range upfront. A multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA) locks in a guaranteed interest rate for a set term. A fixed indexed annuity (FIA) credits a portion of an index's gains with a 0% floor, so your balance never falls below your principal. An immediate annuity converts a lump sum into guaranteed lifetime income. In every case, the outcome is known before you commit.

Is defined outcome investing safe?

Defined outcome products issued by insurance carriers are 100% principal protected and backed by the financial strength of AM Best B++ or better rated insurers, with additional protection from state guaranty associations. They are not FDIC insured and are subject to surrender charges for early withdrawals, but your principal is protected from market losses.

What is the difference between defined outcome investing and a regular investment?

A regular stock or mutual fund investment has an unknown outcome — your return depends entirely on market performance and can be negative. A defined outcome product sets boundaries: your worst case (the floor) and best case (the cap or guaranteed rate) are defined before you invest, removing the guesswork and market anxiety from retirement savings.

Who is defined outcome investing for?

Defined outcome investing is ideal for retirees and pre-retirees in drawdown who can't afford a market crash, savers who want a higher guaranteed rate than a bank CD, and anyone who needs income that lasts as long as they do. Annuital offers three defined outcome strategies: LockIn (guaranteed rate MYGA), IndexedUp (fixed indexed annuity with a floor), and Paycheck (lifetime income annuity).

Federal Retirement Planning Guides — FERS & CSRS

The Date You Choose Matters More Than You Think

Many federal employees spend years planning their retirement — but overlook one of the most impactful decisions: the exact calendar date on which they submit their paperwork.

Under FERS, the date you retire directly affects:

·When your first pension payment arrives
·Whether you lose any pay days
·How your sick leave credit is calculated
·Whether you miss your annual leave accrual for the final pay period

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always verify your retirement date with your agency HR office and OPM before submitting paperwork.

The Golden Rule: Retire on the Last Day of a Month

The single most important rule for FERS employees: retire on the last day of a month — ideally December 31st, but any month-end works.

Here's why:

How FERS Pension Start Date Works

Your FERS annuity begins the first day of the month following the month in which you retire. So:

| Retirement Date | Annuity Begins | |---|---| | January 31 | March 1 | | June 30 | August 1 | | December 31 | February 1 | | January 15 | March 1 | | June 15 | August 1 |

Notice that retiring on January 15 gives you the same annuity start date as retiring on January 31 — but you worked an extra half-month for free.

The takeaway: Retiring mid-month costs you two weeks of federal pay with no corresponding benefit.

Why December 31st Is Special

Retiring on December 31st has additional advantages:

1. Full-Year Annual Leave Accrual

Federal employees accrue leave based on their leave year (which usually ends in early January). Retiring on December 31st typically allows you to accrue your final year of leave through the last full pay period of the year — maximizing your annual leave lump-sum payout.

2. Calendar Year Benefits Continuity

·Your Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) remain in effect for the full year
·TSP contribution eligibility through year-end
·Cleaner tax reporting

3. Pension Starts February 1st

Your first full pension payment arrives February 1st — a clean start to the new year.

What About CSRS Employees?

CSRS employees have slightly different rules. CSRS annuities begin on the first day of the month for those who retire on the last calendar day of the previous month, or the first three days of the month.

Best CSRS retirement dates: Last day of month (e.g., December 31) or the first three days (January 1, 2, or 3). This is a unique CSRS quirk — retiring January 1–3 starts your annuity on February 1 with no gap.

Sick Leave and the Retirement Date

Your sick leave balance at retirement is converted to additional creditable service using a factor of 2,087 hours per year. This calculation happens at your exact retirement date — so timing matters.

If you're close to a threshold (say, 1,500 hours vs. 2,087 hours), it may be worth staying a bit longer to cross a full-year boundary and earn the extra service credit.

The Annual Leave Strategy

Unlike sick leave, unused annual leave is paid out as a lump-sum cash payment at your hourly rate. Most GS employees can carry up to 240 hours (30 days) into the next leave year; SES employees can carry up to 720 hours.

Strategy: Stop using annual leave in the final months of your career and let it accumulate. This turns days off into tax-advantaged cash at retirement.

Summary: The Optimal FERS Retirement Dates

| Goal | Best Date | |---|---| | Maximize pension start | Last day of any month | | Maximize annual leave payout | December 31 | | Best overall | December 31st | | Runner-up | Last day of any other month |

Use Our Calculator

Ready to find your exact optimal retirement date? Our Federal Retirement Date Optimizer calculates your estimated pension, sick leave credit, annual leave payout, and first payment date instantly — no signup required.

Best Days to Retire Under FERS