Straight answers, no jargon.
From general annuity and retirement questions to specifics about how we work, find answers to the questions we hear most.
20+ years in Deerfield Beach · Licensed Florida professionals · Hosts of Money Talks on the Blue Couch
Straight answers, no jargon.
From general annuity and retirement questions to specifics about how we work, find answers to the questions we hear most.
20+ years in Deerfield Beach · Licensed Florida professionals · Hosts of Money Talks on the Blue Couch
Annuities 101
How safe are fixed annuities?
Fixed and fixed index annuities are insurance contracts: the issuing company guarantees your principal and a minimum interest rate, and Florida’s Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association adds a further layer of protection within statutory limits. They are not FDIC-insured and are not stock-market investments.
Are annuities low-risk?
Fixed annuities are among the lowest-risk savings vehicles available to retirees because the insurance company—not you—bears the market risk. Variable annuities are different: your value rises and falls with the market.
What is a guaranteed paycheck for life?
A lifetime-income option converts part of your savings into payments that continue for as long as you (or you and your spouse) live, no matter how long that is or what the market does.
How much should I be saving for retirement?
It depends on the income you want and what Social Security and any pension already provide. Our income-gap analysis puts a real number on it instead of a rule of thumb.
How do I get started with Sunshine Financial Partners?
Request a free, no-obligation income review. We meet in Deerfield Beach or by phone, listen first, and show you where you stand before any product is discussed.
Fixed & Indexed Annuities
What is the difference between a fixed and a fixed index annuity?
A traditional fixed annuity credits a declared interest rate. A fixed index annuity credits interest based on an index with caps or participation rates—but your principal is never reduced by a negative index year.
Can I get my money out?
Most contracts allow free withdrawals of up to 10% per year and waive surrender charges for nursing-home confinement or terminal illness.
How is the interest taxed?
Interest grows tax-deferred and is taxed as ordinary income when withdrawn.
Personal Pension Plan
Do I have to put all my savings into it?
No. Most clients reposition only the portion needed to cover essential expenses.
What if my spouse outlives me?
Joint-life income options continue payments for as long as either of you is living.
Does the income ever go up?
Some contracts offer increasing-income options. We model level and increasing payouts so you can compare.
Social Security
What is my Full Retirement Age?
For anyone born in 1960 or later, Full Retirement Age is 67.
How much does filing early or late change my benefit?
Filing at 62 reduces your benefit by up to 30%; waiting past FRA earns 8% per year until 70.
Is Sunshine Financial Partners affiliated with the SSA?
No. Our Social Security education is provided through the Council of Financial Educators (COFE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Protection & legacy
Does Medicare cover long-term care?
Medicare covers short-term skilled care after a hospital stay, not custodial care.
I was declined for long-term care insurance. Do I have options?
Usually, yes. Asset-based and life-insurance-based solutions often have more lenient underwriting.
What is the tax time-bomb?
Untaxed gains in deferred accounts left to heirs are taxed at the heirs’ bracket. Single premium life insurance passes income-tax-free.
Working with us
What does the first meeting cost?
Nothing. The income review is free and there is no obligation.
Where do you meet?
Our office is at 1191 E. Newport Center Drive, Suite PHB, Deerfield Beach—five minutes from I-95 at Hillsboro Blvd—or by phone.
Are you affiliated with any insurance company?
We are independent. We are members of the Safe Money Places® Agent Network and work with multiple carriers.
Not sure where to start? Ask us a financial question.
Every situation is different and there is no one-size-fits-all retirement plan. Ask anything—you’ll get a straight answer from a licensed professional, not a sales pitch.