Faced With Rising Taxes and Ongoing Market Uncertainty, Pre-retirees Lean on New Investment Options to Maximize Savings Potential

Rhea-AI Summary

Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) announced the launch of a new spread crediting strategy for its indexed variable annuity, Lincoln Level Advantage^®, starting November 22, 2021. This strategy offers investors uncapped growth potential while safeguarding their assets. The product aims to support pre-retirees in their financial planning, enhancing the flexibility of investment options. With over $12 billion in lifetime sales since its May 2018 launch, Lincoln Level Advantage is a leading choice in the market.

Positive

• Launch of a new spread crediting strategy within the Lincoln Level Advantage product adds flexibility.
• Over $12 billion in lifetime sales since May 2018 indicates strong market performance and customer trust.
• Product recognized as the number one selling RILA in 2020, showcasing competitive positioning.

Negative

• Investors face risks of principal loss if negative returns exceed the protection level.
• Potentially lower returns due to spread rates, which may affect investor satisfaction.

Lincoln Financial continues to elevate its flagship indexed variable annuity, Lincoln Level Advantage^®, by introducing a new spread crediting strategy featuring un-capped options to offer investors opportunities to earn more while protecting their assets

RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) today announced the upcoming launch of a new crediting strategy within its highly recognized indexed variable annuity, Lincoln Level Advantage^®. Beginning Nov. 22, 2021, new contracts with Lincoln Level Advantage will offer a spread crediting strategy, in addition to several existing investing options, providing investors with a new option for portfolio growth opportunities, balanced with added protection. Lincoln Financial’s latest launch demonstrates its continued commitment to innovation within the registered index linked annuity (RILA) space.

This new option could be impactful for pre-retirees, who are working longer and may be facing changes in savings habits and strategies.¹

“As investors worry that they won’t have enough money to fund the life they want in retirement, many are now looking for diverse investment strategies that can both grow and protect their savings to help support their lifestyle in their golden years,” says Brian Kroll, senior vice president and head of Annuity Solutions, Lincoln Financial.

“Lincoln Level Advantage has helped more than 76,000 clients² safeguard the assets they’ve worked hard to save, stay positioned for growth and feel more confident about their financial futures,” says Kroll. “Now, this new spread indexed account further expands the product’s optionality and flexibility to best suit clients’ diverse investment needs.”

About the Lincoln Level Advantage Spread Account Option

The Lincoln Level Advantage spread account provides an added option for clients who value protection, but also have a strong desire to maximize earning potential. If the index performance is positive, the account begins earning uncapped growth once the performance exceeds the spread. If the index performance is negative, the account is protected up to the amount of the protection level.

The spread indexed account option is currently available for new contracts with a six-year indexed account and a 15% protection level. Spread rates for new indexed segments will be declared five business days in advance of the beginning of a segment. A spread rate is the percentage of the index’s return deducted from the indexed account when the index return is positive, which means a return could be lower than if invested directly in a fund based on the applicable index. There is risk of loss of principal if negative returns exceed the selected protection level, as well as a risk of future availability as the indexed accounts with applicable spread rates will vary over time.

Additionally, investment instructions must be received by the end of an indexed term or a new indexed segment will be selected on behalf of the policy holder. The available indexed account with applicable spread rates will vary over time. Investors should speak with their financial professionals to evaluate benefits and risks and select an option that best suits their investment goals.

About Lincoln Level Advantage

Since its launch in May 2018, Lincoln Level Advantage has been Lincoln’s most successful product launch to-date with more than $12 billion in lifetime sales. Lincoln’s RILA provides investors the ability to tailor a combination of protection levels with indexed account options to help meet their risk tolerance, individual investment style and retirement income planning goals.

The product has been lauded by investors and the industry alike, earning recognition from Structured Retail Products, was the number one selling RILA in the industry for 2020³ and named in Barron’s “The 100 Best Annuities for Today’s Market” feature.

For more information about Lincoln Level Advantage indexed variable annuity, visit www.LFG.com/LevelAdvantage.

About Lincoln Financial

Lincoln Financial Group provides advice and solutions that help people take charge of their financial lives with confidence and optimism. Today, more than 17 million customers trust our retirement, insurance and wealth protection expertise to help address their lifestyle, savings and income goals, and guard against long-term care expenses. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. The company had $322 billion in end-of-period account values as of September 30, 2021. Lincoln Financial Group is a committed corporate citizen included on major sustainability indices including the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America and FTSE4Good. Dedicated to diversity and inclusion, we earned perfect 100 percent scores on the Corporate Equality Index and the Disability Equality Index, and rank among Newsweek’s Most Responsible Companies. Learn more at: www.LincolnFinancial.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Sign up for email alerts at http://newsroom.lfg.com.

Important Information:

Lincoln Financial Group^® affiliates, their distributors, and their respective employees, representatives, and/or insurance agents do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Please consult an independent advisor as to any tax, accounting, or legal statements made herein.

Lincoln Level Advantage^® indexed variable annuity is a long-term investment product designed for retirement purposes. There are no explicit fees associated with the indexed-linked account options available. There are associated fees with the variable annuity subaccounts, which include a product charge, and administrative fees. Annuities are subject to market risk including loss of principal. Withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax treatment and, if taken prior to age 59½ in nonqualified contracts, may be subject to an additional 10% federal tax.

The risk of loss occurs each time you move into a new indexed account after the end of an indexed term. The protection level option selected in the indexed account helps protect you from some downside risk. If the negative return is in excess of the protection level selected, there is a risk of loss of principal. Protection levels vary based on the index, crediting strategy and term selected are subject to change and may not be available with every option. Please see the prospectus for details.

Guarantee of Principal (also know as return of principal, or ROP) death benefit is available for an additional charge of 0.20% (applied to assets in variable investment options only). Adjusted performance cap, participation and performance trigger rates will apply to indexed accounts. The GOP is adjusted proportionately for withdrawals and dollar-for-dollar for i4LIFE^® Advantage payments. The spread rate may be higher for contracts with the GOP benefit.

Investors are advised to consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the annuity and its underlying investment options carefully before investing. The applicable prospectuses for the variable annuity and its underlying investment options contain this and other important information. Please call for free prospectuses. Read them carefully before investing or sending money. Products and features are subject to state availability.

Lincoln Level Advantage^® indexed variable annuities (contract form 30070-B or 30070-A and state variations) are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker-dealer. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company does not solicit business in the state of New York, nor is it authorized to do so.

All contract and rider guarantees, including those for optional benefits, payment of the amount from the indexed accounts, or annuity payout rates, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. They are not subject to the broker-dealer or insurance agency from which this annuity is purchased, or any affiliates of those entities other than the issuing company affiliates, and none makes any representations or guarantees regarding the claims-paying ability of the issuer.

This product and the components and features contained within are not available in all states or firms. Please reach out to your registered representative for more details on state approvals and firm guidelines.

There is no additional tax-deferral benefit for an annuity contract purchased in an IRA or other tax-qualified plan.

Not available in New York.

For use with the general public.

LCN-3901408-110421

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¹ Urban Institute, Preparing for Retirement Reforms, October 2021.
² Lincoln Financial Group, October 2021.
³ LIMRA Fact Tank, March 9, 2021

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005088/en/

Media:

Sarah Boxler

Sarah.Boxler@lfg.com

Source: Lincoln Financial Group

FAQ

What is the new crediting strategy launched by Lincoln Financial for LNC?

Lincoln Financial introduced a new spread crediting strategy for its indexed variable annuity, Lincoln Level Advantage, starting November 22, 2021.

How much have sales reached for Lincoln Level Advantage as of October 2021?

Lincoln Level Advantage has achieved over $12 billion in lifetime sales since its launch in May 2018.

What are the risks associated with the new spread indexed account option for LNC?

Investors may face risks of principal loss if negative returns exceed the selected protection level in the spread indexed account.

When did Lincoln Financial launch the Lincoln Level Advantage product?

The Lincoln Level Advantage product was launched in May 2018.

How has Lincoln Level Advantage performed in the market?

It was recognized as the number one selling registered index linked annuity (RILA) in 2020.