How do you currently feel about your retirement plans? When a big event happens, such as a global pandemic, it can cause a lot of people to reassess things that they thought were under control. However, if you have recently realized that your plan to stick it out in the stock market is going to cause a few too many ulcers during what is supposed to be your most relaxing time period, you aren’t alone. And, the good news is that there are safer outlets for your money, as you transition away from regular paychecks.

Those who are approaching retirement often face similar dilemmas. On the one hand, they want the ability to see some significant growth from their assets, as a way to help them enjoy their golden years to the fullest. But, at the same time, many are completely over the roller coaster that is the stock market, and they don’t want to see their entire future wiped out by an unforeseen circumstance. The question is - is there a happy medium?

If you aren’t sure that there’s a way to combine asset growth with protection from market risk, it is time to step into the world of annuities. The right annuity can give you the ability to grow your money in a powerful way, without subjecting yourself to the torments of the market. With a fixed index annuity, you will have the opportunity to participate in the upside performance of the market with zero downside risk.  A Fixed Index Annuity gives the investor best of both worlds.

But there’s a catch - not all annuities are created equally. If your focus is on the ability to grow your assets safely, you may want to check out the North American VersaChoice 10. With participation rates available at up to 175% (at time of this writing, subject to change), you will be able to grow your accumulated assets in a major way. Plus, since available market index options include the Fidelity Multi-Factor Yield 5% Index, S&P MARC 5% ER Index, S&P 500 Low Volatility DRC, and the standard S&P 500, you can feel good about your chances for growth.

When you choose the VersaChoice 10, you will have many different options for upside growth potential, with participation rates that include 120%, 160%, and a whopping 175% of the specific index strategy performance you choose. That means you will be able to receive more growth on top of what the index actually performed at. Of course, keep in mind that you will need to pay an enhanced participation rider fee in order to give yourself the chance at these higher growth options. But, that just means you can customize your annuity to have as much flexibility as you prefer.

The North American VersaChoice 10 also includes an enhanced liquidity benefit rider for those who are in search of even more flexibility. This rider comes with enhanced penalty-free withdrawals up to 20% per year, return of premium options, and ADL (activities of daily living) considerations for potential long-term care needs. When it comes to those ADLs, if you are unable to perform two of the six activities (bathing, continence, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring), the rider allows for a waiver of potential surrender charges, as well as a payout benefit as high as 125% of the accumulation value to cover the potential higher costs of long-term care.

Although the VersaChoice 10 represents a solid option for those searching for growth, there are better options out there for anybody in search of an annuity that focuses more on guaranteed streams of lifetime income, as well as serious long-term care support. Additionally, it is important to remember that many of the best participation options are only available with a fee. Still, overall, the North American VersaChoice 10 is a strong option for powerful growth while eliminating market volatility risks.