EPICC Annuities
Highest Cap in the Industry, A++ Carrier, Strong Renewal Rate History
MassMutual Ascend recently released the renewal rate history on its flagship American Legend 7 Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA)—and the numbers speak for themselves. The product currently offers a 10.5% S&P 500 cap, tied for the highest among A- or better rated carriers, and is backed by an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating.
What truly sets the Legend 7 apart is its renewal rate history—especially on the S&P 500 cap.
Many FIAs advertise attractive first-year caps only to reduce them sharply in later years. This can erode long-term growth potential and client confidence. By contrast, MassMutual Ascend has demonstrated one of the strongest renewal track records in the industry, keeping renewal caps close to initial levels year after year.
This matters because the S&P 500 cap is often the core growth driver inside an FIA. When caps are maintained at competitive levels, clients see more consistent crediting opportunities over time. Advisers can position this as not just a short-term product, but a reliable long-term accumulation vehicle.
For clients, the Legend 7 offers:
- Competitive Growth – A 10.5% S&P 500 cap, among the best available
- Principal Protection – Zero downside risk from market losses
- Renewal Strength – A proven history of cap consistency, reducing the risk of “bait and switch” disappointment
- Carrier Confidence – Backed by MassMutual Ascend’s A++ financial strength
In today’s environment, where rates are high but stability is uncertain, the Legend 7 FIA combines industry-leading upside potential with renewal consistency and rock-solid backing—making it one of the most compelling choices for advisers and their clients.
Call your annuity consultant today to see where this fits in your book.
Unlock 9%: New Standard in Guaranteed Income Starts Here 💸 Thursday, August 28th
The Power of Now: 9% Fixed Rate + Lifetime Income, No Waiting
Thursday, August 28th – 11.00 AM to 11.30 AM PST
REGISTER NOWWith U.S. markets at all-time highs, many clients value competitive, guaranteed fixed rates with flexibility to reallocate to index strategies long term.
This carrier is now offering a high first-year fixed rate, up to 9%, that’s ideal for clients seeking:
- Income Soon: Get a guaranteed increase to the benefit base in year one, then take a higher lifetime income benefit in year two
- Short-Term Market Risk Mitigation: Secure a compelling fixed rate for the first year with flexibility to reallocate at future anniversaries
In addition to the strong year 1 fixed strategy this carrier also offers:
✅ Up to 8.50% payouts guaranteed for life with no reductions for joint life
✅ Fast activation – income can start in just 30 days
✅ Guaranteed Cap rates – locked in for the full contract term
✅ Proven renewal history – strong carrier track record
✅ 2025 commission boosts – starting at just $1M!
Please join us to learn how to offer your clients top-of-market guaranteed early income with strong guaranteed rates.
Questions? Contact the CPS Annuities Team at (949) 863-0700 Option 2.
Before The Fed Cuts: Why Smart Advisors Are Locking In Annuities Today
As of late July 2025, the market is increasingly confident that the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates—possibly more than once—before the end of the year. Inflation has cooled, the labor market is softening, and forward-looking indicators show a slowing economy. With the rate cut narrative gaining momentum, several major carriers—including New York Life and MassMutual—have already announced upcoming rate drops on their Multi-Year Guarantee Annuities (MYGAs).
For financial advisors, this is a clear signal: your window to lock in historically high annuity rates for your clients is rapidly closing.
Why This Matters Now
- We’re Still Near 18-Year Highs. Across the board—MYGAs, Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs), Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIAs), and QLACs—contract rates and payout yields are among the highest we’ve seen since the mid-2000s. These elevated rates are directly tied to the Fed’s monetary policy. Once the rate cuts begin, product pricing will follow—and the generous income and accumulation opportunities available today will shrink.
- Carriers Are Already Repricing. Advisors should not wait for the Fed’s official move. Insurance carriers are proactive, adjusting their pricing and rate sheets in anticipation. We’ve already seen downward movement from top-rated carriers, and it’s likely just the beginning. Waiting could mean offering your clients a lower rate, a smaller income base, or reduced caps and participation on indexed strategies.
- Annuities as a Strategic Tool in Today’s Environment. For pre-retirees and retirees looking for safety, guaranteed income, or just a bond alternative in a traditional 60/40 portfolio, annuities are more competitive than they’ve been in decades
- MYGAs offer predictable, tax-deferred growth—ideal for clients sidelined from market volatility.
- FIAs provide growth potential tied to market indexes with no downside risk, and many still have caps and par rates that reflect the high-rate environment.
- SPIAs and QLACs convert today’s high interest rates into guaranteed income for life, helping clients hedge longevity and sequence-of-return risk.
- Rate Windows Don’t Stay Open Long. If you’re waiting for confirmation of rate cuts before taking action, you’re already behind. Advisors who act now can help clients secure lifetime income or growth before yields retreat—potentially for years to come. It’s worth remembering: the last time annuity rates were this competitive, we were still using flip phones.
Final Thoughts for Advisors
This is a rare moment where urgency and opportunity align. In a shifting rate environment, annuities are uniquely positioned to provide the certainty many clients are craving—and today’s rates give you a powerful story to tell.
If your clients are sitting on cash, under-earning in short-term treasuries, or unsure about staying in the market, now is the time to bring annuities into the conversation. You’ll be delivering long-term value while helping them take advantage of a fleeting window.
A++ Carrier, Over 10% Cap On The S&P 500
Rare Opportunity: A++ Carrier Now Offering Over 10% S&P 500 Cap on Fixed Indexed Annuity
In today’s shifting economic landscape — where interest rate cuts are widely expected and tariff tensions are making headlines again — it’s rare to see a safe-money product offering double-digit growth potential. That’s exactly what makes Reliance Standard Life’s recent rate update so remarkable.
A subsidiary of the globally respected TokioMarine Group and rated A++ by AM Best, Reliance Standard has raised the cap on its Accumulator Fixed Indexed Annuity to 10.25% on the S&P 500 1-Year Point-to-Point strategy. That makes it one of the only A++ rated carriers currently offering a cap over 10%.
While the Accumulator offers 5-, 7-, and 10-year terms, the 10-year option stands out as the best way to lock in this historically high cap. In a time when many expect rates to decline and market volatility to rise, clients have a narrow window to capture long-term upside without taking on market risk.
Why Indexed Annuities?
Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs) offer a unique combination of benefits:
- Zero market risk – your clients can’t lose principal due to market downturns.
- Annual gain lock-ins – once gains are credited, they’re locked in and can never be lost.
- No fees – most FIAs, including the Accumulator, come with no annual fees.
This is more than just a strong rate — it’s a rare combination of high growth potential, financial strength, and long-term security. For clients looking to ride out economic uncertainty with confidence, the Accumulator 10-Year offers a compelling opportunity that may not last long.
Call our Annuities Team today to see where this fits in your book.
Growth Without Guesswork: Why Advisors Are Turning to the American Legend 7 FIA
In an environment defined by market volatility, geopolitical uncertainty, and growing concerns about long-term equity returns, financial advisors are leaning into strategies that offer growth potential without exposing clients to downside risk.
One product leading that conversation is the MassMutual Ascend American Legend 7, a fixed indexed annuity (FIA) that combines flexibility, security, and performance in a single retirement planning tool.
Backed by MassMutual Ascend, an A++ rated insurer under the MassMutual umbrella, this annuity stands on exceptional financial footing.
MassMutual itself, founded in 1851, holds over $1 trillion of life insurance in force, ranks #102 on the Fortune 500, and has a long history of delivering on its promises. MassMutual Ascend has issued over $58 billion in annuity premium over the last decade and has been upgraded during crises—including both the 2008 financial meltdown and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The standout feature of the American Legend 7 is its 7-year S&P 500 point-to-point strategy with annual cap lock. In a recent 7-year back-test at an 8.5% cap, a $1 million premium grew to over $1.5 million, with no losses in negative years and all prior gains locked in. That means your clients never lose ground—even in a downturn.
The product also includes a 4.7% first-year fixed rate, plus diversified index options including real estate (iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF), gold (GLD), and a balanced income/equity index (First Trust Barclays Edge). Advisors can tailor allocations to match their client’s risk tolerance and goals.
With 10% annual penalty-free withdrawals, terminal illness access, RMD support, and an up-front 5% commission for clients under 76, the American Legend 7 is a smart addition to any advisor’s toolkit.
Reach out to explore where the American Legend 7 fits in your clients’ retirement strategies.
Out With The Old: Why It’s Never Been Easier To Upgrade Underperforming Annuities
Many annuities sold in 2020 and 2021 were written during one of the lowest interest rate environments in modern history. At the time, those products may have offered the best available guarantees — but a lot has changed since then.
Today, we’re in a drastically different rate environment, with interest rates near 18-year highs.
That shift has created a rare opportunity for advisors and their clients:
The ability to replace underperforming in-force annuities with newer contracts offering significantly better guarantees and growth potential.
Even more compelling is the current wave of aggressive cash value bonuses — many exceeding 20% — offered by top-tier carriers. These bonuses don’t just improve the value of the contract on day one—they also offer a powerful solution to one of the biggest barriers to replacement: surrender charges.
Here’s how it works:
If a client has a contract that’s still in its surrender period, a high-value bonus can offset those charges, and in some cases even immediately increase the overall account value. This gives both the client and advisor the flexibility to reposition assets without waiting out a full surrender schedule — and the opportunity to secure stronger long-term accumulation potential starting today.
For clients in older contracts with lower caps, weak fixed rates, or limited index options, this is a chance to upgrade their annuity without penalty — and position them for greater success in retirement.
Send our Annuity Team any current annuity statements for a no-obligation review, or give us a call to discuss how today’s top bonus products can help you unlock more value for your clients.
CPS Annuity Marketplace Update 📈 Thursday, June 19
Stay Ahead with the Latest Annuity Market Insights
Thursday, June 19th – 11.00 AM to 11.30 AM PST
REGISTER NOWJoin our team of in-house annuity experts for an insightful webinar covering the latest trends in the annuity space. We’ll provide a detailed annuity market update and take a deep dive into the A++ rated MassMutual Ascend American Legend 7 Fixed Index Annuity.
Discover how locking in an 8.5% cap rate can be a powerful addition to your clients’ portfolios — and explore smart strategies for positioning annuities in today’s market.
Webinar Agenda:
- Market update: Key trends and insights
- Strategic annuity positioning ideas
- In-depth look at MassMutual Ascend American Legend 7
- Understanding the benefits of a cap rate lock
- Live Q&A with our annuity experts
Product Highlights – MassMutual Ascend American Legend 7:
- 8.5% cap rate, locked in for the full 7 years
- 10% free withdrawals available from day one
- 4.70% current fixed account rate (with a 2.80% minimum guarantee)
- No fees
- Flexible premium contributions allowed throughout the product’s life
- 5% up-front commission (ages 0–75)
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and strengthen your annuity strategy.
Questions? Contact the CPS Annuities Team at (949) 863-0700 Option 2.
New Research Points To 3.7% As The Updated Safe Withdrawal Rate – But There’s A Smarter Way To Generate Retirement Income
Morningstar’s recent study suggests that the safe withdrawal rate for retirees has now shifted to 3.7%. For a 60-year-old with a $5 million portfolio, that translates to an annual withdrawal of $185,000 — offering a solid chance that the portfolio will last through retirement.
But is there a way to ease the burden on the income-producing portion of a retirement portfolio while preserving longevity? And what are the potential advantages of doing so?
Top advisors are turning to Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) income riders to help meet these goals.
More importantly, you don’t need to replace all income with annuities to reap the benefits. Even a partial allocation can have a major impact. For example, by allocating just 27% of the portfolio — $1,340,580 — toward a top-performing FIA income rider, clients can generate about half the income ($92,500 per year) they would from the entire $5 million portfolio. This portion is guaranteed for life, removing uncertainty around at least half of the retirement income.
Contrary to common misconceptions, this strategy can actually enhance liquidity in the overall portfolio.
While annuities are long-term vehicles and not known for liquidity, the reliable income they provide can allow other parts of the portfolio to remain more flexible.
Additionally, with a portion of income secured, clients may feel more comfortable taking on additional market risk in the rest of their portfolio — potentially capturing higher returns. Monte Carlo simulations support this strategy, showing improved outcomes when these guaranteed-income tools are included in the broader retirement plan.
Partner with us on your next income planning case.
We can help generate a personalized income portfolio report for your client, showcasing how FIAs with income riders offer one of the most efficient income-generating solutions available today.
Turning Volatility into Opportunity 💸 Wednesday, May 28
Turning Volatility into Opportunity: Leveraging Trigger Rates with Lincoln’s OptiBlend FIAs
Wednesday, May 28th – 11.00 AM to 11.30 AM PST
REGISTER NOWDiscover how Lincoln’s OptiBlend series offers growth potential — even in flat markets — using the power of trigger strategies tied to the S&P 500 10% Daily Risk Control Index.
In an environment marked by economic uncertainty, market swings, and rising geopolitical tension, your clients are looking for more than just protection — they want potential. Join CPS Insurance Services and Lincoln Financial for an exclusive deep dive into the OptiBlend Fixed Indexed Annuities and how they’re redefining accumulation strategies with innovative trigger rate crediting.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- How trigger rates can generate over 10% interest—even if the index is just flat or slightly up
- How FIAs can provide principal protection during turbulent market cycles
- Why the S&P 500 10% Daily Risk Control Index matters in today’s market
- When and how to position OptiBlend for clients seeking peace of mind and upside potential
Questions? Contact the CPS Annuities Team at (949) 863-0700 Option 2.