Introduction
A Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) is a type of fixed annuity that provides a guaranteed interest rate for a specified number of years, typically ranging from 2 to 10. Unlike variable or indexed annuities, where returns are linked to market performance, MYGAs offer a steady, predetermined return over the selected term. This feature makes them popular among conservative investors who seek predictable, low-risk growth of their assets, particularly in a retirement context.
MYGAs work similarly to Certificates of Deposit (CDs) in terms of fixed interest rates and defined maturity periods, but they offer additional benefits that make them attractive as retirement planning tools. MYGA funds grow on a tax-deferred basis, meaning that investors do not pay taxes on their gains until they begin making withdrawals. This allows the investment to compound more effectively over time, providing a distinct advantage over taxable investments with similar yields. Additionally, MYGAs offer the benefit of principal protection, ensuring that the initial investment is safe from market fluctuations.
This review will dive into the AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA), exploring its key features, benefits, and considerations.
The review of the AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) will be broken into multiple subcategories:
- Product Description
- Product Policy
- Rates and Costs
- Riders
- Benefits vs. Disadvantages of MYGA Compared to a Traditional Fixed Annuity
- Company Details
- Conclusion
Product Description
The AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) is a financial product designed to meet the needs of conservative investors seeking a stable, guaranteed return over a specific period.
Let’s have a look at the high-level fine print of the AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA), and then we will discuss each point in detail.
| Product Name | Axonic Waypoint MYGA |
|---|---|
Issuing Company | AmFirst Insurance Company |
AM Best Rating | A- (4th of 13 ratings) |
Withdrawal Charge Period(s) | 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10 year |
Surrender Charge Schedule | Varies as per withdrawal charge period |
Maximum Issue Age | 90 Years |
Minimum Initial Purchase Amount | $20,000 |
Plan Types | IRA, Roth IRA, Nonqualified Account, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, 401(a), etc. |
Free Withdrawals | 10% of the annuity’s Accumulated Value per year |
Death Benefit | Upon the annuitant’s death, the beneficiary will get full Account Value without any surrender charges |
Riders | Free Terminal Illness and Nursing Home Confinement Waiver |
Surrender Value | Account Value less any withdrawal charges/ MVA |
RMD Friendly | Yes |
Renewal Conditions | Option to continue with the MYGA for the same guaranteed period after the initial guaranteed period ends, but at the new rates available at that time |
The features of the AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) remain consistent across all term durations, with the only variations being the interest rates and the withdrawal charge schedule associated with each term.
Product Policy
How does the AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) policy work?
The AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) is structured to provide fixed, predictable growth over a chosen period, making it a suitable option for investors looking for security and stability. This annuity offers term options ranging from 2 to 10 years, with a unique interest rate assigned to each term. These rates ensure that the policyholder knows exactly how much their investment will grow over the selected period.
Let’s have a look at the AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) Annuity rate sheet (as of December 2024) to understand how the earnings are determined.
2-Year Term: 4.90%
3-Year Term: 5.05%
5-Year Term: 5.20%
7-Year Term: 5.10%
10-Year Term: 4.90%
Please note that these rates apply to the Low Band ($20,000 - $99,999). For the High Band ($100,000+), refer to the rate chart below for detailed information. The more you invest, the higher band you qualify for, which offers a higher interest rate. The AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-Year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) is available in 2-, 3-, 5-, 7-, and 10-year terms, allowing for flexibility based on your financial objectives.
Important: Rates are subject to change. To ensure you have the most accurate and current information, please consult your trusted financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
The MYGA’s interest rate is locked in at the start of the contract and remains fixed for the entire term, ensuring a steady accumulation of funds. At the end of the selected period, the policyholder has several options: they may withdraw the accumulated funds, renew for another term (with rates based on prevailing conditions), or roll the funds into another financial vehicle.
Key Mechanics of the AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) Policy
Interest Rate Lock: Once the policyholder selects a term, the corresponding interest rate is guaranteed for the duration of that term, providing clear expectations for growth.
Principal Protection: As a fixed annuity, the AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) guarantees the protection of the principal, meaning that the initial investment is secure and unaffected by market volatility.
Withdrawal Charge Schedule: The policy includes a withdrawal charge schedule, which varies according to the selected term. If the policyholder needs to access their funds before the term ends, they may incur a penalty. However, many MYGAs, including Axonic MYGAs, often allow a penalty-free withdrawal of a certain percentage of the account value each year, typically up to 10%.
To understand how the AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) works, let’s look at a hypothetical example:
Suppose an investor, Lisa, is 60 years old and is planning to retire soon. She wants a low-risk investment to grow her funds predictably over time. After researching her options, Lisa decides to invest $100,000 in the AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) with a 7-year term, which offers a fixed interest rate of 5.40% for that period.
1. Interest Accumulation
With her $100,000 initial investment, Lisa can calculate her future value at the end of the 7-year term using the 5.40% annual interest rate:
Year 1: $100,000 * (1 + 5.40%) = $105,400
Year 2: $105,400 * (1 + 5.40%) ≈ $111,092
Year 3: $111,092 * (1 + 5.40%) ≈ $117,090
Year 4: $117,090 * (1 + 5.40%) ≈ $123,413
Year 5: $123,413 * (1 + 5.40%) ≈ $130,078
Year 6: $130,078 * (1 + 5.40%) ≈ $137,102
Year 7: $137,102 * (1 + 5.40%) ≈ $144,506
After seven years, her investment would grow to approximately $144,506, thanks to the fixed annual interest rate of 5.40%.
2. Principal Protection
Because the AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) is a fixed annuity, Lisa’s initial $100,000 is fully protected from market losses. Regardless of what happens in the stock or bond markets, her principal remains secure, and she continues to earn the 5.40% fixed rate annually.
3. Withdrawal Options at the End of the Term
At the end of the 7-year term, Lisa has several choices:
Withdraw the Full Amount: Lisa can withdraw the full $144,506 without any surrender charges, giving her access to her accumulated funds.
Renew for Another Term: Lisa can choose to renew her MYGA for another term with Axonic, though the new interest rate will depend on the prevailing rates at that time.
- Roll Over to Another Financial Product: Lisa can transfer her funds into another investment or retirement product, if she desires.
Riders
The AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) comes with two riders at no additional cost, providing policyholders with flexibility and support during critical life events.
Terminal Illness Waiver: After the first contract anniversary, if the contract owner is diagnosed with a terminal illness and is not expected to live more than 12 months, any applicable Market Value Adjustment (MVA) and surrender charges will be waived on withdrawals. The terminal illness must be diagnosed by a qualified physician after the contract’s issue date, and proof of the diagnosis must be provided to AmFirst Insurance Company.
Nursing Home Confinement Waiver: After the first contract anniversary, if the contract owner requires nursing home confinement, any applicable MVA and surrender charges will be waived on withdrawals. To qualify, the confinement must last at least 90 consecutive days or include no more than a 6-month break if spread over multiple periods. The confinement must be prescribed by a qualified physician as medically necessary, and proof must be provided to the company during confinement or within 90 days afterward.
Surrender/Early Withdrawal Charge
Should your needs change unexpectedly, and you need to take an excess withdrawal (a withdrawal that is above the free withdrawal amount available in a given contract year), you may be entitled to access additional monies, although certain charges and penalties may apply. Any amount withdrawn in excess of the remaining free withdrawal amount is subject to a Surrender Charge. Below is the Surrender Charge schedule for the AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA).
| Completed Contract Years | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10-yr | 9.2% | 8.30% | 7.40% | 6.50% | 5.60% | 4.70% | 3.80% | 2.80% | 1.90% | 0.90% | 0% |
7-yr | 9% | 8% | 7% | 6% | 5% | 4% | 3% | 0% | |||
5-yr | 9% | 8% | 7% | 6% | 5% | 0% | |||||
3-yr | 9% | 8% | 7% | 0% | |||||||
2-yr | 9% | 8% | 0% |
Market Value Adjustments - In case you need to surrender your policy, a Market Value Adjustment (MVA) will be applied to the portion of the withdrawal or surrender that exceeds the free withdrawal amount during the withdrawal charge period.
Contract/Administrative Charge
The AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) levies no annual contract or administrative fees.
Benefits vs. Disadvantages of MYGA Compared to a Traditional Fixed Annuity
MYGAs and traditional fixed annuities both cater to conservative investors but with slightly different structures. MYGAs are ideal for those who want a predictable rate over a fixed term and are comfortable with the limited liquidity during that period. In contrast, traditional fixed annuities may offer a bit more flexibility in terms of rate adjustments or income options but typically lack the defined multi-year guarantee MYGAs provide. Here’s a breakdown:
Benefits of MYGA
Guaranteed Interest Rates for Specific Terms
MYGA: MYGAs provide a guaranteed interest rate over a fixed term, such as 3, 5, or 7 years, allowing investors to lock in predictable returns for a specified period.
Traditional Fixed Annuity: Traditional fixed annuities also offer guaranteed interest, but these rates are often set for a shorter duration (e.g., one year) and may reset annually based on prevailing rates.
Benefit: MYGAs offer more stability over a multi-year horizon, protecting against interest rate fluctuations, which is particularly beneficial in a low or falling interest rate environment.
Flexibility with Term Lengths
MYGA: MYGAs provide the flexibility to choose from different terms (e.g., 3, 5, 7, 10 years), depending on the investor's needs and market outlook.
Traditional Fixed Annuity: Traditional fixed annuities do not typically offer fixed terms with guaranteed rates over multi-year periods.
Benefit: MYGAs allow investors to align their investments with specific time horizons, such as short-term goals or bridge periods before retirement.
Disadvantages of MYGA
Interest Rate Risk Over the Long Term
MYGA: While MYGAs lock in rates for a specific term, they may be less advantageous if interest rates rise significantly during the term, as policyholders are bound to the initial rate until maturity.
Traditional Fixed Annuity: Traditional fixed annuities may offer rate adjustments periodically, which could benefit policyholders in a rising interest rate environment.
Disadvantage: MYGAs might not benefit from increasing rates mid-term, whereas traditional fixed annuities may adjust rates periodically, providing some adaptability to market changes.
Lower Growth Potential Compared to Market-Linked Annuities
- MYGA: MYGAs have a fixed interest rate and are not linked to market performance, limiting the growth potential.
- Traditional Fixed Annuity: Similarly, traditional fixed annuities are also fixed, but they may sometimes offer interest rate adjustments that allow for slightly higher yields over time
- Disadvantage: Both MYGAs and traditional fixed annuities limit growth potential compared to market-linked annuities or other investment options, which may not be ideal for younger investors with higher risk tolerance.
Company Details
You must always keep in mind that, unlike CDs, annuities are not guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other federal insurance agency. An annuity's "guarantee" is only as strong as the insurance company that issues the annuity, so it is always important to assess the issuing company before buying an annuity.
AmFirst Insurance Company
AmFirst Insurance Company is a supplemental insurance provider headquartered in Ridgeland, Mississippi, with its statutory home office in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Established in 1998, AmFirst has grown steadily by offering innovative supplemental medical products, including dental, vision, and medical gap plans.
As part of the AmFirst Holdings, Inc. group, the company provides a diverse range of insurance products and services with a strong presence in the supplemental insurance market, particularly throughout the Southeast United States. AmFirst is licensed to underwrite health and life insurance in the United States and the British Virgin Islands.
AmFirst Insurance Company, in collaboration with Axonic Insurance Solutions, also offers a range of annuity products designed to provide financial security and stable returns. Its primary annuity product is the Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA), available in various guarantee periods, catering to different financial planning needs.
AmFirst Insurance Company’s financial strength is reflected in the following figures as of FY2023:
Total Assets: $107 million
Surplus: $813 million
Net Income: $6.3 million
Total Revenue: $91.8 million
Financial Strength and Ratings
AmFirst Insurance Company has maintained a strong financial position over the years. AM Best has affirmed the company’s Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" (Excellent). These ratings have been consistently reaffirmed in recent years, including 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020, demonstrating the company’s stability and ability to meet its policyholder obligations.
Conclusion
With the advancement in healthcare and technology, the average person today is living longer than ever. So, it’s very important to have a stream of income that can grow safely and steadily and have the ability to provide a guaranteed income during the retirement years. This not only helps you mitigate the risk of outliving your income but also ensures that you continue to live a decent life even in your retirement.
The AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) is a solid option for investors seeking stability with added access to funds in critical situations. Alongside its competitive interest rates, this MYGA includes valuable riders such as the Terminal Illness and Nursing Home Confinement waivers, offering policyholders flexibility in case of certain health challenges. These features provide practical benefits for those concerned about unforeseen medical events, allowing access to funds without penalties during challenging times. Overall, the AmFirst Axonic Waypoint Multi-year Guarantee Annuity (MYGA) is a straightforward choice for individuals who value both reliable growth and essential protections in their retirement planning.
We understand that choosing the right annuity can be a complex decision, influenced by a myriad of factors such as market conditions, individual financial goals, and evolving life circumstances. To better serve you in this critical decision-making process, we regularly conduct in-depth reviews of various annuity products, examining features, costs, and potential benefits. Dive deeper into our extensive reviews.