Nassau Growth Annuity: what are you trying to grow?
Nassau Growth Annuity is a fixed indexed annuity. The important comparison is not simply whether an index rises. It is how the selected crediting method, charges, withdrawal rules and any income election work together for your time horizon.
This independent review is for someone evaluating a new contract or trying to understand a proposal. First Freedom Life is an independent insurance brokerage, not Nassau. This page does not provide a current quote, servicing instructions or a recommendation to replace coverage.
Standard and enhanced crediting choices
The Growth Annuity consumer brochure explains fixed and index-linked crediting choices. You do not own shares in the index or receive its dividends. Index performance and the amount credited to a contract are different measurements.
Ask which cap, participation rate, segment and renewal provisions apply. Enhanced participation choices involve strategy fees: an account can decline when its credits are smaller than its fees. A zero floor on index credits does not mean every account balance is immune from charges.
Compare the same premium, period and withdrawal assumptions across the choices. Ask for a low-credit scenario alongside any favorable illustration. That makes it easier to see the cost of a fee-based choice when the hoped-for growth does not arrive.
Income elections require a separate comparison
The companion product summary describes four rider choices on qualifying contracts: Amplified Income, Amplified Income with Rising Income Opportunity, and the corresponding Plus versions. Some involve a rider fee. Rider access depends on the contract version, surrender schedule and state; do not assume every Growth Annuity term includes the same income options.
The income benefit base is a calculation used for rider benefits and applicable fees. It is not a cash balance available for withdrawal. A rising-income opportunity is not an automatic inflation adjustment. Ask how the initial payment, later increases, fees and single-life or spousal election would work for you.
Keep three rows on the comparison sheet: spendable surrender value, contract value, and the income calculation. An illustration that combines them into one headline can hide the decision you actually need to make.
What happens if you need money early?
Before choosing a surrender schedule, identify expenses the annuity should not fund. Request the cash amount available if you surrender in a specific year, including any market value adjustment and fees. A withdrawal allowed without a surrender charge may still affect income benefits or create taxes.
Withdrawals before rider activation, including required minimum distributions, can reduce the income benefit base. Withdrawals beyond the rider's permitted amount after activation can reduce or eliminate future benefits. Confirm how your planned withdrawals would be treated rather than relying on a general free-withdrawal description.
Where this fits among Nassau products
Nassau's consumer product overview separates this accumulation-oriented comparison from other contract families. If your main question is a chosen lifetime payment pattern, compare the Income Accelerator income elections. For fixed-rate alternatives and the broader family distinctions, start with our Nassau carrier review.
Prepare for a useful annuity discussion
Bring the proposal version, state, account type, planned income date and any existing annuity statement. Ask whether keeping the current arrangement meets the need, what moving money would cost, and which guarantees depend on conditions you must continue to satisfy.
The Investor.gov annuity guide covers costs and the importance of the issuing insurer's financial strength. An annuity is not FDIC-insured. An IRA already provides tax deferral; an annuity within it needs a benefit other than additional tax deferral. Qualified tax advice and any plan eligibility review should precede a transfer decision.
Ask about annuity growth and income choices. The inquiry is for an insurance discussion, not an application or transfer instruction. Availability, current terms and suitability require individual review.
Frequently asked questions
Does Nassau Growth Annuity invest directly in a stock index?
No. Index-linked crediting is determined under the contract. You do not own the index or receive its dividends.
Can a strategy fee reduce the value when index credits are zero?
Yes. Enhanced participation choices have strategy fees, and value can decline when credits are smaller than the fees. A floor on index credits is different from a guarantee against all charges.
Can I withdraw the income benefit base?
No. It is a calculation for rider benefits and applicable fees, not withdrawable contract value. Ask for contract value and cash surrender value separately.
Are the same income riders available on every surrender schedule?
No. Rider access depends on the contract schedule, version and state. Review the current documents for the exact contract rather than assuming all terms include identical benefits.