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forum threadWolfTheCat posted Yesterday 10:28 AM
forum threadWolfTheCat posted Yesterday 10:28 AM

No-fee 3-7yr tax-deferred or Roth annuity, 6-6.2% fixed APY

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Posting an odd deal, and before you panic at the word "annuity", this isn't one of those high-fee hard-sell annuities. Acts more like a simple CD than anything else. A 6+% state-guaranteed fixed rate is very good right now, beating all competitive savings accounts, CDs, treasuries, and investment-grade bonds.

Facts and points:
  • 3-year 6% APR, 5-year 6.15%, 7-year 6.2%
  • $2,500 minimum investment. (Gainbridge offers a similar fee-free annuity product for a $1,000 minimum, but isn't running a rate special)
  • Tax-deferred annuity can be funded with cash or IRA/401(k) funds.
  • Roth annuity can be funded with Roth IRA/401(k) rollover.
  • You may withdraw up to 10% per year without a fee, or hold to maturity and withdraw it all.
    • Smart Move: If interest rates go up, take the 10% withdrawal and reinvest at a higher rate. If they go down, hold and let accumulate.
    • Withdrawal may be subject to tax penalty if you are under 59.5yrs old and it isn't rolled over into another similarly-taxed investment. Consult tax advisor.
  • It will automatically rollover like a bank CD to another annuity if you don't do anything and let it mature. Set a calendar reminder so this doesn't happen.
  • The insurance company backing this is Puritan Life Insurance Company of America (NAIC #71390).
  • Puritan Life Insurance is NOT a super-stable insurance company. AM Best ratings are lowish (B++, as of 8/1), and they are currently under watch because private equity is looking into acquiring them (which may be the reason for the high rate right now). If you want a similar product with a better company, Gainbridge is a good choice, but they aren't running a sale. Like any investment, do your research before buying.
  • Most states have a state insurance guaranty association that guarantees fixed annuities like this one, and will make sure the contract is honored, up to a state limit (usually $300k, but check your state).
    • I would not recommend buying if your state doesn't have this and would not recommend buying above your state guaranty limit. Also verify your state guaranty association covers fixed annuities like this one.
    • State guaranty associations are also looking into the merger. If the states don't like it, they could block it, preventing the merged firm from selling insurance in their state.
  • Not available in five states, including New York.
  • Terms on withdrawing from tax-advantaged annuities are very similar to IRAs and Roths, depending on what kind you have. 59 1/2 rule, RMDs, 5-year rule, all that stuff is there. Consult a tax advisor or know your tax law.
  • They offer extra riders with fees on purchase, that vary by state. I am not commenting on whether any of the riders are worth the fees.
https://canvasannuity.com/product/future-fund
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Posting an odd deal, and before you panic at the word "annuity", this isn't one of those high-fee hard-sell annuities. Acts more like a simple CD than anything else. A 6+% state-guaranteed fixed rate is very good right now, beating all competitive savings accounts, CDs, treasuries, and investment-grade bonds.

Facts and points:
  • 3-year 6% APR, 5-year 6.15%, 7-year 6.2%
  • $2,500 minimum investment. (Gainbridge offers a similar fee-free annuity product for a $1,000 minimum, but isn't running a rate special)
  • Tax-deferred annuity can be funded with cash or IRA/401(k) funds.
  • Roth annuity can be funded with Roth IRA/401(k) rollover.
  • You may withdraw up to 10% per year without a fee, or hold to maturity and withdraw it all.
    • Smart Move: If interest rates go up, take the 10% withdrawal and reinvest at a higher rate. If they go down, hold and let accumulate.
    • Withdrawal may be subject to tax penalty if you are under 59.5yrs old and it isn't rolled over into another similarly-taxed investment. Consult tax advisor.
  • It will automatically rollover like a bank CD to another annuity if you don't do anything and let it mature. Set a calendar reminder so this doesn't happen.
  • The insurance company backing this is Puritan Life Insurance Company of America (NAIC #71390).
  • Puritan Life Insurance is NOT a super-stable insurance company. AM Best ratings are lowish (B++, as of 8/1), and they are currently under watch because private equity is looking into acquiring them (which may be the reason for the high rate right now). If you want a similar product with a better company, Gainbridge is a good choice, but they aren't running a sale. Like any investment, do your research before buying.
  • Most states have a state insurance guaranty association that guarantees fixed annuities like this one, and will make sure the contract is honored, up to a state limit (usually $300k, but check your state).
    • I would not recommend buying if your state doesn't have this and would not recommend buying above your state guaranty limit. Also verify your state guaranty association covers fixed annuities like this one.
    • State guaranty associations are also looking into the merger. If the states don't like it, they could block it, preventing the merged firm from selling insurance in their state.
  • Not available in five states, including New York.
  • Terms on withdrawing from tax-advantaged annuities are very similar to IRAs and Roths, depending on what kind you have. 59 1/2 rule, RMDs, 5-year rule, all that stuff is there. Consult a tax advisor or know your tax law.
  • They offer extra riders with fees on purchase, that vary by state. I am not commenting on whether any of the riders are worth the fees.
https://canvasannuity.com/product/future-fund

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Original Poster
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Yesterday 10:32 AM
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Yesterday 10:32 AM
WolfTheCatYesterday 10:32 AM
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I am not a tax or investment advisor. I may comment, but you should verify anything I say with your own research and advisors.

Also, when you do, most good investment advisors will have a kneejerk negative reaction to the word "annuity". They are usually high-fee, iffy investments pushed by insurance agents to pump up their commissions. You will have to explain that this is a fee-free, direct-to-consumer product that isn't like traditional lifetime-based annuities.

I see this as potentially attractive to older folks who have lower-risk investments like bonds and CDs in their retirement portfolios, as this can pay better than bonds or CDs.
Last edited by WolfTheCat August 7, 2025 at 03:50 AM.
Yesterday 12:50 PM
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Yesterday 12:50 PM
thedowg2Yesterday 12:50 PM
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Picture the most dead beat person you know... They want to borrow money from you, and they "guarantee" they'll pay you back. Would you trust them? Would you give them your money?

Why wouldn't you? They said they "guarantee" to pay you back!

Now, instead of the deadbeat in your head being a person, picture it as Puritan Life Insurance. They are the deadbeat. They "guarantee" to pay you back.

For me? HARD PASS!
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Yesterday 12:57 PM
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Yesterday 12:57 PM
dcaslinYesterday 12:57 PM
79 Posts
Canvas Annuity is owned by Puritan Life whose rating is only B+ (which is pretty poor; compare to an A++ from New York Life). So you're trading that high rate of return for some risk of bankruptcy.

It's not a scam, but it's riskier than it sounds.


Source: https://www.annuity.org/annuities...s-annuity/
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Yesterday 01:14 PM
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Yesterday 01:14 PM
SteveV5660Yesterday 01:14 PM
165 Posts
Quote from thedowg2 :
Picture the most dead beat person you know... They want to borrow money from you, and they "guarantee" they'll pay you back. Would you trust them? Would you give them your money?

Why wouldn't you? They said they "guarantee" to pay you back!

Now, instead of the deadbeat in your head being a person, picture it as Puritan Life Insurance. They are the deadbeat. They "guarantee" to pay you back.

For me? HARD PASS!

Though there may be some hassle involved if they do go under, isn't the aforementioned State level insurance on annuities enough to protect you against said deadbeat?
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WolfTheCatYesterday 01:50 PM
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Quote from SteveV5660 :
Though there may be some hassle involved if they do go under, isn't the aforementioned State level insurance on annuities enough to protect you against said deadbeat?
This is correct. The state guaranty association will guarantee it in MOST states, similar to what FDIC insurance does for bank accounts.

If they go under, there will be a hassle, but if you are in one of those states, they will back it.

Check your state guaranty association, because, indeed, this insurance company is not the best. I'd give a 2-7% chance you will need it.
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WolfTheCatYesterday 01:56 PM
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Quote from dcaslin :
Canvas Annuity is owned by Puritan Life whose rating is only B+ (which is pretty poor; compare to an A++ from New York Life). So you're trading that high rate of return for some risk of bankruptcy.

It's not a scam, but it's riskier than it sounds.


Source: https://www.annuity.org/annuities...s-annuity/ [annuity.org]
Agreed - your state guaranty association is critical for these guys. I don't trust them on their own, especially with private equity starting to get involved.

But, if the contract is backed by your state (which you need to verify), that makes it close to zero risk. Puritan isn't huge - the state guaranty associations can afford the loss.
Yesterday 02:22 PM
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SonofZeusYesterday 02:22 PM
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https://www.annuityexpertadvice.c...-any-good/

"Is Canvas Annuities Any Good?"
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Yesterday 02:51 PM
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fentanylYesterday 02:51 PM
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Will the state guaranty association pay out the interest if it fails? I don't think the FDIC pays interest if your bank holding a CD fails, and the money can be locked up while the failure is dealt with
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WolfTheCatYesterday 02:57 PM
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Quote from SonofZeus :
https://www.annuityexpertadvice.c...-any-good/ [annuityexpertadvice.com]

"Is Canvas Annuities Any Good?"
Quote from dcaslin :
Canvas Annuity is owned by Puritan Life whose rating is only B+ (which is pretty poor; compare to an A++ from New York Life). So you're trading that high rate of return for some risk of bankruptcy.

It's not a scam, but it's riskier than it sounds.


Source: https://www.annuity.org/annuities...s-annuity/ [annuity.org]
These are both good sources, but do not mention the state guaranty associations.

There's a reason for that. Banks are allowed to advertise "FDIC Insured", and all of them do so.

Annuities and agents are not allowed to advertise "[YourStateGuarantyAssociation]-insured". States prefer to be the backer of last resort and want buyers to consider the financial stability of the insurance company.

I don't sell annuities, and am not an insurance agent, so I can mention it. In my state (Indiana) they cover me for up to $250,000 is Puritan becomes insolvent, although this can vary at the state level.
Yesterday 07:59 PM
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lanbYesterday 07:59 PM
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Quote from WolfTheCat :
Agreed - your state guaranty association is critical for these guys. I don't trust them on their own, especially with private equity starting to get involved.

But, if the contract is backed by your state (which you need to verify), that makes it close to zero risk. Puritan isn't huge - the state guaranty associations can afford the loss.
How do we verify that this particular MYGA policy including the interest is covered ?

For example, my state guarantee website says -

"Annuities and Structured Settlement Annuities

Present value of annuity benefits and structured settlement annuities, including cash surrenders or withdrawal values: $250,000
Participants in a government retirement plan covered by an unallocated annuity as described by NRS 686.C.035: $250,000"

It appears this should be covered up to 250K of accumulated value (principal + interest).

Am I right ?
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WolfTheCatYesterday 11:29 PM
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Quote from lanb :
How do we verify that this particular MYGA policy including the interest is covered ?

For example, my state guarantee website says -

"Annuities and Structured Settlement Annuities

Present value of annuity benefits and structured settlement annuities, including cash surrenders or withdrawal values: $250,000
Participants in a government retirement plan covered by an unallocated annuity as described by NRS 686.C.035: $250,000"

It appears this should be covered up to 250K of accumulated value (principal + interest).

Am I right ?
My state has similar language: "$250,000 in present value of annuity and structured settlement annuity benefits (including cash surrender or withdrawal values)".

Present value has a very clear meaning. It is principal plus interest-to-date (the present), but would not include future interest payments. That is the MINIMUM the guaranty association provides, and kinda sucks because you are out the future interest, and if it's retirement money, you have to reinvest it pretty quick (like 60 days) to retain it's tax-advantaged status.

However, the guaranty associations don't want to make a lump-sum payout of present value. They will attempt to find another insurer to take over the contract so there is no change in your terms. In most cases, they are successful, and you get your future interest. However, in some cases, they will fail - the contract may be too small or have too high an interest rate for another insurer to be interested, and they cash you out. But, guaranty associations state that they prefer to reassign vs. cash-out in the event of default.

Quote:
"guaranty associations will first attempt to transfer the policies at an insolvent institution to a healthy one, in which case paying out all the customers' claims is usually not necessary." ( www.annuity.org/annuities/regulations/state-guaranty-associations/ [annuity.org] )
Last edited by WolfTheCat August 7, 2025 at 04:58 PM.

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