WHAT ANNUITY QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK MY AGENT OR THE COMPANY?

• Is this a single premium or multiple premium contract?
• Is this an equity indexed annuity?
• What is the initial interest rate and how long is it guaranteed?
• Does the initial rate include a bonus rate and how much is the bonus?
• What is the guaranteed minimum interest rate?
• What renewal rate is the company crediting on annuity contracts of the same type that were issued last year?
• Are there withdrawal or surrender charges or penalties if I want to end my contract early and take out all of my money? How much are they?
• Can I get a partial withdrawal without paying surrender or other charges or losing interest?
• Does my annuity waive withdrawal charges for reasons such as death, confinement in a nursing home or terminal illness?
• Is there a market value adjustment (MVA) provision in my annuity?
• What other charges, if any, may be deducted from my premium or contract value?
• If I pick a shorter or longer payout period or surrender the annuity, will the accumulated value or the way interest is credited change?
• Is there a death benefit?  How is it set? Can it change?
• What income payment options can I choose?  Once I choose a payment option, can I change it? Annuities definition