Fixed and Fixed Indexed Annuities as Inflation-Hedging Tools in 2026

David Bollinger
Annuity Sales Consultant

The Inflation Reality
Inflation remains a key risk for retirees and pre-retirees in 2026. Even when inflation moderates, rising costs for housing, healthcare, insurance, and everyday expenses can steadily erode purchasing power. Investors are seeking strategies that protect income and savings without increasing market exposure.

Why Fixed and Fixed Indexed Annuities Matter
Fixed and fixed indexed annuities offer principal protection, predictable outcomes, and insulation from market volatility. These features make them effective foundational tools within an inflation-aware retirement strategy, helping stabilize portfolios during uncertain economic conditions.

Fixed Annuities: Rate Certainty and Stability
Fixed annuities provide guaranteed interest rates for a defined period, delivering consistent and predictable growth. While not designed to outpace inflation, locking in rates can help reduce inflation risk by ensuring a portion of assets continues to grow regardless of market performance. Laddering fixed annuities can further enhance flexibility as conditions change.

Fixed Indexed Annuities: Growth Potential with Protection
Fixed indexed annuities offer the opportunity for higher growth through market index-linked returns, while protecting principal from market losses. This balance of growth potential and downside protection can help better address long-term inflation risk compared to traditional fixed-rate solutions.

Guaranteed Income Supports Purchasing Power
Both fixed and fixed indexed annuities can provide guaranteed income options that create a reliable income floor for essential expenses. Securing core expenses reduces reliance on market-based assets during volatile or inflationary periods and allows other investments to pursue growth.

Confidence Through Predictability
Inflation and market uncertainty can drive emotional decisions. Fixed and fixed indexed annuities bring clarity and predictability to a retirement plan, supporting disciplined decision-making and long-term confidence.

Conclusion
In 2026, fixed and fixed indexed annuities remain effective risk-management tools. When used as part of a diversified strategy, they help stabilize income, protect principal, and provide measured growth potential to support purchasing power over time.

Reach out to Wholehan Marketing today to find out which fixed annuities can benefit your client’s portfolio!

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