With a variable annuity, your assets have the potential to grow when the market goes up... while protecting your income if the market goes down.*
What is a variable annuity?
A variable annuity contains investment options that have the potential to grow and insurance features that offer protection, such as living and death benefits. At the core, a variable annuity is a long-term contract between you and an insurance company, in which your account value fluctuates based on the underlying investment options chosen. A common type of variable annuity is a deferred variable annuity which has two phases:
savings and investment, in which any earnings accumulate tax-deferred while usually allowing access to your money1
income and distribution, in which you convert your account value into a guaranteed stream of income that will continue for the rest of your life
With a variable annuity, you can invest in a range of equity and fixed investments that have the potential to perform well in a variety of market conditions. Because a diversified portfolio cannot ensure a profit or protect against a loss, you can get added protection by purchasing an optional living benefit rider for an additional charge along with your variable annuity. Living benefits are generally available in two options:
Income Benefits that provide a guaranteed minimum amount of future fixed lifetime income and the opportunity to take withdrawals when you need them which do not affect your future lifetime income benefit
Withdrawal Benefits that allow you to withdraw a percentage of your investment each year for life or for a specified period of time
(See the prospectus for more details.)
Learn more about Annuities and MetLife’s Income Benefits:
*With the purchase of an optional living benefit rider.
Although a variable annuity may be an appropriate choice for many people as part of an overall retirement portfolio, it is not suitable for everyone. You should speak with your financial professional to see if a variable annuity is right for you. Please read the prospectus for complete details before investing.
To provide the investment and insurance-related features, variable annuities contain certain fees, including contract fees, a separate account charge, and variable investment option charges and expenses. Optional living and death benefit riders carry additional charges.
Like most investments, variable annuity contracts will fluctuate in value and are subject to loss due to market declines. Optional benefits income base s for the optional benefits may not be withdrawn as a lump sum and do not guarantee a minimum return or establish an account value for any investment option.
1 Withdrawal charges may apply if you make withdrawals too soon. Withdrawals of taxable amounts are subject to ordinary income tax and a 10% Federal income tax penalty may apply if made prior to age 59½. Withdrawals also reduce the living and death benefits, and the account value. Please see the prospectus for complete details.
If you are buying a variable annuity to fund a qualified retirement plan or IRA, you should do so for the variable annuity’s features and benefits other than tax deferral. In such cases, tax deferral is not an additional benefit of the variable annuity. References throughout this material to tax advantages, such as tax deferral and tax-free transfers, are subject to this consideration.
Variable annuities are offered by prospectus only. The prospectus contains information about the product’s features, risks, charges and expenses, and the investment objectives, risks and policies of the underlying portfolios, as well as other information about the underlying funding choices. Read the prospectus and consider this information carefully before you invest. All product guarantees are based on the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
Pursuant to IRS Circular 230, MetLife is providing you with the following notification: The information contained in this document is not intended to (and cannot) be used by anyone to avoid IRS penalties. This document supports the promotion and marketing of insurance products. You should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
MetLife, its agents, and representatives may not give legal or tax advice. You should consult with and rely on your own independent legal and tax advisors regarding your particular set of facts and circumstances.
Like most annuity contracts, MetLife contracts contain holding periods, limitations, withdrawal charges, exclusions, termination provisions and terms for keeping them in force. See your MetLife Representative for complete details.
Variable annuities are issued by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 and distributed by MetLife Investors Distribution Company(member FINRA), 5 Park Plaza, Suite 900, Irvine, CA 92614. Securities, including variable products, offered through MetLife Securities, Inc. (member FINRA/SIPC), New York, NY 10166. All are MetLife companies.
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