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How FIUL Can Help You Save on Taxes in Retirement

For many people approaching retirement, market volatility becomes a major concern. While fluctuations in the market are normal, they can have a greater impact on your finances when you are close to relying on your savings for income. After years of building your retirement nest egg, protecting those assets becomes just as important as growing them. Why Volatility Matters More Near Retirement When you're early in your career, market downturns are usually easier to recover from because you have time on your side. As retirement approaches, however, that timeline becomes shorter. A significant drop in the market right before or during retirement can reduce the value of your portfolio at the exact moment you begin withdrawing income. This is often referred to as sequence-of-returns risk , where early market losses can affect how long your retirement savings last. A common guideline some retirees consider is the ‘Rule of 100,’ which suggests subtracting your age from 100 to estimate the percentage of your portfolio that may be appropriate for market-based investments, with the remainder potentially allocated to more conservative or protected strategies. At Summerlin Benefits Consulting , we provide guidance and strategies for the best way to make your money safe based on your long-term goals. Creating Balance in Your Retirement Strategy Many retirement portfolios are heavily exposed to the stock market. While these investments can offer growth potential, they can also introduce volatility. A balanced retirement strategy often includes a mix of solutions designed to help manage risk while still allowing for growth. This may include professionally managed investment portfolios, annuity products that can provide protected income, or insurance-based strategies that offer additional financial flexibility. The goal is not to avoid growth, but to build a strategy that can better withstand different market conditions. Building Reliable Retirement Income In retirement, the focus shifts from accumulation to income. Social Security can provide a foundation, but many retirees need additional income sources to maintain their lifestyle. Some financial strategies can help create income that is less dependent on day-to-day market performance. Having multiple income sources can help provide stability and reduce the pressure to withdraw funds during market downturns. Planning with Confidence A thoughtful retirement plan considers growth, risk management, and income planning. By incorporating a variety of strategies, retirees can feel more confident about navigating market ups and downs. At Summerlin Benefits Consulting , we help individuals explore options designed to help protect retirement savings while supporting long-term financial goals. If you would like to review your current retirement strategy or learn more about ways to help protect your savings from market volatility, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team! Our goal is simple: helping you protect your money and your future.

Planning for retirement means making your savings work as hard as possible, and knowing the annual IRA contribution limits is a key part of that strategy. What’s New for 2026 The IRS has increased the amount you’re allowed to contribute to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for the 2026 tax year: 💰 Under age 50 — You can contribute up to $7,500 . 🎯 Age 50 and older — You can contribute up to $8,600 (including catch-up contributions). These limits are up from $7,000 and $8,000 in 2025, respectively. You have until the federal tax deadline , typically in April of the following year, to make contributions for the prior tax year. Key Things to Keep in Mind The total annual limit applies across all IRAs you own. That means if you have both a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, the combined contributions can’t exceed the limit. You can’t contribute more than your earned income for the year. If you earn less than the limit, your maximum contribution is capped at your income. Traditional and Roth IRA rules differ , traditional IRAs may allow a tax deduction depending on your income and workplace retirement coverage, while Roth IRA eligibility is phased out at higher income levels. Why It Matters Rising limits mean more opportunity to boost your retirement savings in a tax-advantaged account . Whether you contribute to a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA, or both, knowing these thresholds helps you maximize your long-term retirement plan. How Summerlin Benefits Consulting and SBC Wealth Management Can Help We help clients understand their options and create strategies that work to achieve their goals. Let us help you set up your personal retirement plan or learn how to enhance your existing portfolio. Contact us here or call us at 855-809-2894!

As we move into 2026 , now is the perfect moment to set the tone for your financial future. Just like reflecting on the past year, planning ahead gives you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind, especially when it comes to your financial goals. Whether you’re looking to grow your wealth, protect what you’ve built, or ensure income for retirement, having a thoughtful financial plan is key to long-term success. At Summerlin Benefits Consulting and SBC Wealth Management , we combine strengths to help you craft a plan that works for 2026 and beyond. With decades of experience helping individuals secure their financial futures, our combined services offer a full suite of solutions tailored to your unique goals and life stage. 🌟 Why Start 2026 with a Financial Plan? A solid financial plan does more than track numbers - it provides direction. It helps you: Clarify your goals for retirement, income, investment growth, legacy, and protection. Understand your risks and opportunities in today’s evolving financial landscape. Take action now , so you can look back at year-end with confidence instead of questions. Whether you’re newly focused on your finances or continuing a lifelong journey, proactive planning changes outcomes, and gives you control over your future. 💼 How Our Services Can Help Summerlin Benefits Consulting specializes in financial safety and retirement planning. We help our clients build comprehensive strategies using tools such as: Annuities - providing reliable income streams that you can’t outlive, with protection from market downturns. Fixed Indexed Universal Life Insurance (FIUL) - combining life insurance protection with potential cash value growth linked to market indexes without direct market risk. Fixed annuities and indexed strategies - designed to give you growth potential while safeguarding your principal. SBC Wealth Management , serving as a fiduciary to actively manage your investment portfolio, helps by focusing on: Custom wealth management strategies that align with your personal financial goals. Active money management - not set-and-forget investing, but ongoing monitoring and adjustments as markets and your needs evolve. Holistic financial planning - considering your entire picture, including retirement income, risk tolerance, and legacy. Together, we help you balance growth, protection, and flexibility - so your 2026 goals don’t stay goals, but become achievements! 📈 Your Next Steps Starting 2026 with a plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming - it starts with a conversation: Schedule a complimentary consultation to review where you are now. Evaluate your retirement income needs and savings gap. Review your investments and consider professional management options. Assess your life insurance coverage and legacy strategies. At SBC Wealth Management and Summerlin Benefits Consulting, we provide ongoing support, personalized planning, and a partnership that grows with you. Whether you’re focused on retirement, wealth growth, or financial security, we’re here to help you build the plan that will take you confidently into the future. 👉 Start your year with purpose -- begin with a plan! Contact us today to begin your financial journey for 2026 and beyond.

As the year winds down and we gather with loved ones, it's the perfect time to reflect on what truly matters, and to act on securing your financial future. At Summerlin Benefits Consulting , we help clients build comprehensive strategies using three essential tools: annuities, professionally managed assets (AUM), and Fixed Indexed Universal Life Insurance (FIUL). Annuities provide reliable income streams that you cannot outlive. We offer fixed annuities with guaranteed rates and fixed indexed annuities that protect your principal while offering growth potential tied to market indexes. We analyze your retirement income needs and existing resources to determine the right annuity type, funding amount, and payout structure. Our goal is to ensure you have reliable cash flow throughout retirement without worrying about market volatility. Our Assets Under Management (AUM) service means we actively manage your investment portfolio, handling everything from initial strategy development to ongoing rebalancing and performance monitoring. We assess your risk tolerance and financial goals, then construct and actively manage a diversified portfolio tailored to your needs. You receive transparent reporting and regular reviews, with strategic adjustments as markets evolve and your life changes. Fixed Indexed Universal Life (FIUL) provides both life insurance protection for your family and tax-free cash value growth linked to market index performance, without direct market risk. It offers flexibility to adjust premiums and access funds during your lifetime. We evaluate your life insurance needs and income objectives to determine if FIUL fits your strategy. We help structure policies for optimal coverage and cash value growth, explaining when and how to access funds for retirement or other needs. This holiday season, give yourself the best present, a sense of financial clarity: Schedule a complimentary consultation to review your current situation Evaluate your retirement income gap —will Social Security and savings be enough? Review your investment portfolio performance and consider professional management Assess your life insurance coverage —would your family be financially secure? Need help developing your action plan? Summerlin Benefits Consulting provides our clients with: Specialized Expertise: We focus specifically on annuities, managed investments, and life insurance strategies, giving us deep knowledge in these critical areas. Personalized Plans: Every client receives a customized strategy based on their unique goals—no cookie-cutter solutions. Ongoing Partnership: We provide continuous support and adjustments as your needs evolve, ensuring your plan stays on track. Our Process: Comprehensive financial assessment Gap analysis and strategy development Product selection and implementation Regular reviews and adjustments Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start the new year with confidence! Let's discuss your goals and create a comprehensive strategy using annuities, professional asset management, and FIUL products tailored to your needs.

At Summerlin Benefits Consulting, we believe retirement planning should go beyond simply accumulating savings. In an era of longer lifespans, market turbulence, and uncertainty around how to generate income in retirement, it’s wise to consider how you’ll draw income, what risks you face, and which tools can help you meet both income and legacy goals. In this article, we’ll explore how life-insurance-based strategies (particularly indexed universal life – IUL) and fixed index annuity solutions can complement traditional investments, improve outcomes and enhance flexibility. 1. The Changing Retirement Landscape More people are facing three major shifts: Longevity – Retirees now may spend decades in retirement, increasing the risk of outliving their savings. Market & inflation risk – Traditional portfolios are exposed to sequence-of-returns risk, equity downturns and low returns in fixed income. Fading pensions, rising responsibility – With fewer defined benefit plans, the burden for securing income falls on individuals and their advisors. Given these dynamics, strategies that simply rely on “save and invest” may not fully address the income and legacy challenges many clients face. 2. Beyond Investments — Why Add Life Insurance and Fixed Index Annuities? Traditional portfolios serve an important role, but certain additional tools bring features that can fill gaps: Fixed Index Annuities can offer guaranteed income for life, principal protection in many designs and relief from market timing risk. IUL (Indexed Universal Life) can build cash value with downside protection, offer tax-deferred growth, and potentially tax-free access via policy loans (when structured correctly) as well as a death benefit. Combined, these can create a hybrid solution that allows portfolio growth, income certainty, protection from downside, and legacy potential. 3. What the Research Shows Recent modeling (via Monte Carlo simulation across many market scenarios) reveals interesting patterns: Strategies that mix insurance tools (IUL + indexed fixed index annuities + investments) often outperformed investment-only strategies when looking at two key outcomes: sustainable retirement income and legacy value. For example, in one scenario with a 65-year-old couple allocating 30% of retirement assets to an IUL and 30% to a fixed indexed annuity (with the rest in investments), the result showed about a 5.5% increase in retirement income and roughly a 29.6% higher legacy value compared to an investment-only portfolio. Insurance solutions were treated in the model as part of the “fixed income” or conservative bucket thereby allowing reduction in traditional bond holdings and freeing up more room for equity growth. The tax-efficient nature of IUL (growth not taxed until withdrawn/loaned, death benefit typically tax-free) and fixed index annuities (tax-deferred accumulation) helped improve net outcomes after taxes. 4. How to Think About the Roles When picking which tool to lean on, consider these points: Income maximization → Fixed Index Annuities (especially those with lifetime income features) tend to shine when the primary objective is reliable cash flow in retirement. Legacy preservation / wealth transfer → IULs can be structured to provide death benefits and tax-efficient access so they favor clients with strong legacy goals. Balanced objectives → A mix of both (e.g., some allocation to IUL, some to fixed index annuities, rest in investments) offers flexibility and allows for tailored outcomes. Liquidity & flexibility → While fixed index annuities often reduce access to capital (in exchange for guarantees), IULs can provide an accessible cash value buffer that can be used in downturns instead of tapping equities at the wrong time. 5. Why Partnering with Experienced Advisors Matters Successful implementation of these tools often requires a deeper understanding of product features, tax implications, design trade-offs, and long-term modelling. At Summerlin Benefits Consulting, we support clients by: Reviewing how insurance-based solutions fit into your overall portfolio. Customizing allocations based on individual goals (income, legacy, risk tolerance, time horizon). Coordinating with tax and legal advisors to align distributions and estate planning. Keeping an eye on the evolving market, regulatory or product developments so the strategy remains current. If you’re interested in exploring how these tools might support your retirement plan, or want a tailored modelling scenario, please Contact us to schedule a consultation. At Summerlin Benefits Consulting we’re committed to helping you build a retirement strategy that goes beyond saving, to delivering confidence in income, flexibility, and legacy.

With retirement planning top of mind for many Americans, annuities are gaining attention as a potential solution for creating steady income in retirement. Recent changes like the SECURE Act 2.0—which makes it easier to include annuities in 401(k) plans—have only increased their appeal. In fact, a LIMRA survey revealed that 7 in 10 working Americans not yet retired would be inclined to choose an annuity option within their retirement plan if offered. Their top reason? The opportunity to receive guaranteed lifetime income. This growing interest is reflected in the numbers: annuity sales hit a record $432.4 billion in 2024, up 12% from the previous year, marking the third straight year of record growth, according to LIMRA. With more employers incorporating annuity options into workplace retirement plans, many people are asking: Should I consider adding an annuity to my retirement strategy? The answer depends on your unique financial situation and retirement goals. When Might an Annuity Make Sense? Here are five scenarios where adding an annuity could be a smart move: 1. You’re worried about outliving your savings. If you’re concerned your retirement funds might not last, an annuity can offer peace of mind. Annuities work by turning a lump sum or a series of payments into income you receive later—often for the rest of your life. There are two main types of income annuities: Immediate Income Annuities, which begin paying out within a year of purchase. Qualified Fixed Index Annuities , which allow your money to grow tax-deferred before beginning income payments at a future date you select. These products are sometimes referred to as “personal pensions” because they can offer a dependable income stream for life—something few other financial tools can guarantee. 2. You want better returns than a CD but with minimal risk. Fixed annuities, especially multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs), can deliver better returns than bank CDs while still preserving your principal. Because insurers invest your funds over a longer period, they can typically offer more competitive interest rates, and growth is tax-deferred. 3. You’ve maxed out other retirement savings vehicles. If your 401(k) and IRA contributions have reached their limits but you still want to put more away for retirement, an annuity can be a tax-efficient option. Contributions made with after-tax dollars grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals of those original contributions are not taxed again. 4. You want stock market growth but without the full risk. Fixed indexed annuities allow for market-linked growth while protecting your principal. These annuities offer the opportunity for higher returns than traditional fixed-income investments, but without the full downside risk of stocks. This option appeals to savers nearing retirement who want some market exposure but can’t afford major losses. It’s a tool to help preserve capital while still participating in some market gains. 5. Your retirement income sources aren’t diversified. According to some financial advisors, an ideal retirement income strategy includes: One-third from Social Security One-third from investment withdrawals One-third from guaranteed lifetime income (like annuities) Relying too heavily on market-based income opens you up to volatility. Adding a guaranteed income component can bring greater stability to your retirement finances. How Summerlin Benefits Consulting Can Help At Summerlin Benefits Consulting, we understand that every retirement journey is unique. That’s why we offer customized strategies to help protect your retirement income—so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying what matters most. Whether you're considering an annuity for the first time or looking to evaluate your current retirement income plan, we’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions. Our team can walk you through the different types of annuities available, explain how they may fit into your overall financial picture, and tailor solutions based on your long-term goals. We specialize in building retirement income plans designed to: Provide predictable, lifelong income Preserve your principal and reduce market risk Maximize the benefits of tax-deferred growth Protect what you've worked hard to earn With access to top-rated annuity products and a client-first approach, we’ll guide you toward strategies that align with your financial priorities and retirement timeline. Ready to explore whether an annuity belongs in your retirement strategy? Let’s talk. Schedule a consultation with Stacy Summerlin today, and take the next step toward retirement with confidence.

When most people think about working with a financial advisor, they tend to focus on the dollars and cents, building wealth, managing investments, and planning for retirement. But what often goes overlooked are the profound emotional and psychological benefits that come with having a trusted financial professional in your corner.

If you’re feeling generous and planning to share your wealth with family or friends, you might be wondering whether the IRS is going to come knocking. The good news? Most people can give freely without owing a dime in gift taxes — but there are limits you should be aware of. Let’s break down how the gift tax works and what the exclusion amounts are for 2025.

Annuities can play a vital role in retirement security, yet many Americans fail to understand or take advantage of them. Social Security provides a guaranteed income stream in retirement but often retirees find that to be their only guaranteed income source in retirement. Annuities can help to supplement social security and other pensions by providing additional income for life, yet they are often underutilized with only a small percentage of Americans owning one. We are going to dive deeper into annuities and how they can be a powerful tool for ensuring long-term financial stability.

For retirees navigating the complexities of Medicare, the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is an important factor to be aware of. This surcharge increases Medicare premiums for higher-income individuals, potentially reducing disposable income.

The end of the year offers a perfect opportunity to evaluate your progress toward retirement savings goals. Below, you'll find tips to help ensure you're making the most of your resources as we approach 2025.

Life insurance isn't just about providing financial security for your loved ones; it can also be a strategic tool for building wealth and planning for the future. One option that stands out, especially for younger adults, is Fixed Indexed Universal Life (FIUL) Insurance. But what makes FIUL a compelling choice for those in their thirties and forties? Let’s explore!

Have you ever received a 100-page financial plan from your advisor only to find out that less than 10 of those pages were useful? Typically, only a few pages of a financial plan will focus on strategy and investment choices; the rest usually cover fee breakdowns, risk and return explanations, and regulatory compliance disclosures. This may seem overwhelming when only a fraction of the pages are actually helpful! You’re not the only one that may be thinking, “Is this standard or should I consider finding a new advisor?”

When you think of "retirement planning", you probably don’t associate this topic with someone in their twenties. But saving for retirement is becoming more and more important to the younger generations for many reasons.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) made many changes to U.S. tax law. However, some of those changes included sunset provisions that will cause them to expire at the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2026, unless Congress acts to extend them. For today’s retirees, these changes will have significant impact. The three key components of the TCJA that will impact retirees in 2026 are going to be the changes pertaining to income-tax, estate taxes, and gift taxing.

Those who feel underprepared for retirement will need to be extra strategic when navigating their retirement income plan. Obviously the primary goal is to have enough income in retirement so as not to outlive your means, however one should also anticipate and account for potential risks when developing or tweaking their plan.

This year, we will experience record-breaking levels of Americans entering retirement. In fact, nearly 11,000 people per day are expected to turn 65 this year. Experts have begun calling this wave of retirement the “silver tsunami”, or “peak 65”.

We are well into the new year and resolutions are in full swing. Maybe this year it’s not about eating better or getting more exercise, but instead about your financial health, which can have a profound impact on living comfortably down the road. Even if you are several years off from retiring, there’s no time like the present to take a deep dive into your retirement plan to make sure you feel confident about your future.

As a grandparent, you hold a special place in the family structure. Your wisdom, experience, and unconditional love have a profound impact on the lives of your children and grandchildren. “And how does this relate to retirement planning?”, you may ask. Well, being an involved grandparent requires time, attention, and for some- travel and financial means.

There is no “one size fits all” answer to how much is enough when it comes to retirement. That is why retirement planning is often thought of as a complicated and taxing topic. But it doesn’t have to be. At Summerlin Benefits Consulting, we believe in making things simple for our clients. Below, we will outline some of the basic steps one should take when determining how much they will need to have in their retirement nest egg to live comfortably when they retire.

You may remember back in 2019 when Congress passed the SECURE Act to enhance various rules around retirement saving. Then along came what’s now being referred to as SECURE 2.0, or “The Securing a Strong Retirement Act”, which expanded the original act. This impacted retirement planning and wealth management even further and some retirees are struggling to keep up with these new changes to the law.

While getting an early start on retirement planning is important for both men and women alike, women tend to face some unique challenges in life that make it even more urgent. Moreover, if you're a woman who feels behind in retirement planning to begin with, the disparities can be even larger.

We know that many people will have more than one job during their working years and that these 401(k) accounts are often left behind after a job change. So, what can be done?

Starting a Fixed Index Annuity in your 40s lets you take advantage of stock market performance to help your asset grow for many years before you get ready to retire.

Retirement saving can be daunting, especially if you don’t know where to start. But luckily, there is a general guideline, called the 4% rule to help you plan.

We dream about retiring and imagine doing so while we’re still young enough to enjoy it. How can you set yourself up to retire and not have to go back to work?

FIA is based on the performance of a specific market index. If it goes up, the asset grows. If the index performs poorly, the investment is protected by insurance.

How much do you really need to retire? Why are all so many answers so different? Here’s what to consider when planning the retirement that’s right for you.

After rate hikes in the first half of 2023, interest rates may remain stable for some time. What should you do and what shouldn’t you do with your money now?

A new study shows the oldest adults who retired before 2000 need more than $500 a month extra just to maintain the same level of buying power.

We specialize in products that have benefits such as Safety, Long Term Care, and Lifetime income which contractually protect every dollar in your nest egg.

Many retirees don’t realize that they can donate a portion, or even all of their RMD directly to a charity of their choosing. This is referred to as a qualified charitable donation (QCD).

We can help you plan for managing the financial aspects of long-term care, to help ensure good quality care for the senior in your life.

Baby Boomers continue to face the decision to either retire or keep working for a while longer. We help mature employees prepare for their retirement future.

A little planning before you move the assets can save you a lot of pain later on. Many people move the money first and ask questions after, costing quite a bit in taxes and lost gains.

U.S. bonds are coming off their worst year in almost a half-century of record-keeping, but the question is, do they look poised for a better performance in 2023?

Retiring earlier means living in retirement longer: The assets you’ve saved over your career will need to stretch farther. We can help.

An informal survey of staff at the Center for Retirement Research asking “What is the current retirement age for Social Security?” produced a range of responses.

401k and IRA contribution and income limits have increased in 2023 as expected. Feel free to reach out to us for a no-obligation meeting if you are looking for guidance.

New legislation may impact future financial security. Even if you’ve covered all of the retirement planning bases, like income generation, taxes, inflation.

Life insurance can be an important part of your financial plans. After you have decided which kind of life insurance is best for you, it's always good to compare similar policies from different...

Many Americans are surprised to see they have not prepared as well as they had hoped for retirement when they finally get ready to call it quits. Having a medical condition certainly does not help the situation either.

Its a good time for people to consider alternatives to bonds. Fixed Index Annuity (FIA), is considered to be a “safe money strategy” because of the manner in which an FIA protects consumers’ savings.

A comfortable retirement is a lifelong goal for people of almost any age, in any profession, and from every state. But that isn’t to say retirement has equal value across state lines. Taxes, cost...

The decade leading up to retirement is prime time to get your planning in order as you move into retirement. These are 7 important steps to take.

You don’t have to pay large amounts of money in fees for a financial plan that is tailored to your retirement needs. Protect your assets along the way!

Financial laddering is typically a method of investing in bonds and CDs, but it’s also a good financial strategy for maximizing the value of annuities.

With U.S. stock indexes down and the Federal Reserve’s latest announcement of increases, retirees should be saving all they can but retirees' savings is also at risk.