An annuity is an insurance product that provides a tax-deferred source of income to help you save for your retirement years. Annuities are a popular choice for investors who want to receive a steady income stream in retirement.

When you make an investment in an annuity, it then makes payments to you on a future date or series of dates. You can receive income from an annuity monthly, quarterly, annually or even in a lump sum payment.

You can choose to receive payments for the rest of your life, or for a set number of years. How much you receive depends on whether you select a guaranteed payout (fixed annuity) or a payout stream determined by the performance of your annuity's underlying investments (variable annuity).

Fixed annuities are long-term investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Gains from tax-deferred investments are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company. Withdrawals made prior to age 59 are subject to a 10% IRS penalty tax and surrender charges may apply.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the variable insurance contract and sub-accounts carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the variable insurance contract and sub-accounts. You can obtain prospectuses from your financial representative. Read prospectuses carefully before investing.

Contact Clear Mountain Investments for more information.