Income for Life
Income-for-Life
Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuities for Federal Employees
Plan once. Sleep well. Income for life — no matter how long you live.
This is Robin and me - and yes, we’re building
our own version of that simple, steady life too.
What Retirement Planning Really Means for Federal Employees
In my years of helping people plan for their retirements — the thousands of hours listening to the fears, the hopes, the “will it be enough?” — I’ve come to recognize that what many call “retirement planning” is often just the search for a kind of peace.
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And here’s something that might surprise you:
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For many, many people, this doesn’t look like stock market investing or complicated money strategies in retirement at all.
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For lots of people, what they really want to think about in retirement is being with their grandkids. Or starting an herb garden. Or finally going bird-watching.
And for what it’s worth - for my wife Robin and me - it looks a lot like that, too.
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What we’ve come to value most is consistency. A steady monthly income that takes care of the basics - the “nut” - so we can relax, be present, and live without fear of running out.
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Income-for-life annuities aren’t flashy. They don’t trend. But what they offer rests deep in the nervous system like a soft hum of “I will be okay.”
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A retirement filled with financial maneuvering is perfect for some. But a life wrapped in simplicity and grounded income...
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That’s what a great many others are truly looking for.
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If that sounds like you, I can help.​​​
Why Federal Employees Are Turning to Lifetime Income Strategies
A lifetime income strategy helps federal employees convert a portion of their TSP or retirement savings into a guaranteed income stream — one they can’t outlive.
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For many FERS and CSRS retirees, this means layering a personal annuity on top of their pension and Social Security. It creates a clear, predictable path forward and replaces the paycheck you've relied on your entire career.
How a Lifetime Income Rider Works
— and When It Might Be Right for You
An annuity with a lifetime income rider is like a private pension you create for yourself. You put in a lump sum or series of payments, and in return, the annuity guarantees income for life — regardless of market performance or how long you live.
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Federal retirees use these to:
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Delay Social Security
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Bridge early retirement to Medicare
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Cover monthly “nut” expenses predictably
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Some annuities offer increasing income, while others allow for spousal coverage.
Rolling Over Your TSP Into an IRA for Guaranteed Income
Rolling over your TSP to an IRA gives you access to a wider range of guaranteed lifetime income annuities.
These may include:
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Income bonuses
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Annual rollups
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Joint lifetime income
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Inflation riders
Even Shaquille O’Neal Relies on Annuities
During his NBA career, Shaquille O’Neal received a pivotal piece of financial advice from a trusted, affluent friend: invest in annuities to secure long-term financial stability.
Taking this to heart, Shaq began allocating a portion of his earnings into annuities annually.
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“I can lose every dime tomorrow and still be fine... Annuities are what allow me to sleep at night.”
Choosing the Right Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuity
Not all annuities are created equal.
COMPARE:
FAQs
What is a guaranteed lifetime income annuity?
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A guaranteed lifetime income annuity is a contract with an insurance company that provides a stream of income for life, no matter how long you live.
Can federal employees use their TSP to buy an income annuity?
​Yes. Many federal employees roll over a portion of their TSP to an IRA and use those funds to purchase an income annuity.
What is a lifetime income rider on an annuity?
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A lifetime income rider is an optional feature you can add to an annuity that guarantees lifetime income, often with benefits like increases for delaying payouts.
Are income-for-life annuities a good idea?
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They can be ideal for those who want predictable income and protection from outliving savings. It depends on your goals.
Is income from a lifetime annuity taxable?
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Yes. Annuity income is usually taxable, especially if funded with pre-tax dollars like from a TSP or IRA.
Let’s Talk About What’s Right for You
🎯 I specialize in helping federal employees and retirees design income plans that offer peace of mind — and guaranteed monthly income for life.
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