NEWS FROM SUMMERLIN BENEFITS CONSULTING

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?”