A market value adjustment annuity with principal protection, indexed growth potential, and guaranteed lifetime income options.
| Annuity Type | Fixed-Indexed Annuity (FIA) with Market Value Adjustment (MVA) |
| Issued By | MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company — wholly owned subsidiary of MassMutual (founded 1851) |
| AM Best Rating | A++ (Superior) — highest possible rating; 40+ consecutive years of A or higher |
| Surrender Period | 7 years — charges start at 9% in Year 1, declining to 0% after Year 7 |
| Minimum Premium | $10,000 initial; $2,000 for additional payments (lump sum only) |
| Issue Ages | Non-Qualified & Qualified: Ages 0–85 | Inherited IRA / Non-Qualified: Ages 0–75 |
| Tax Treatment | Tax-deferred growth; gains taxed as ordinary income upon withdrawal |
| Free Withdrawals | Up to 10% of account value per year — no surrender charges |
| Market Value Adj. | Applies to surrenders and excess withdrawals during the first 7 years |
A Fixed-Indexed Annuity (FIA) is an insurance product that combines principal protection with the opportunity to earn interest linked to a market index — without directly investing in the market.
Accumulation phase: Your premium grows through indexed strategies or a declared fixed rate. You may reallocate each year at renewal.
Income phase: After the first contract year, you can convert your accumulated value into guaranteed income — for a fixed period or for the rest of your life.
This illustration uses a 50/50 allocation between two strategies. Additional strategies are available and can be selected or changed at each annual renewal.
Tracks the S&P 500 index over a one-year term. If the index gains, you earn up to 9%. If it falls, you earn 0% — your balance stays protected. Interest is credited and locked in at the end of each term year.
Tracks the SPDR Gold Shares ETF (a proxy for gold prices). Gold can serve as an inflation-sensitive diversifier. If gold rises, you earn up to 12%. If it falls, you earn 0% — principal is protected.
The table below shows hypothetical annualized credited rates based on actual historical index performance over 10-year periods, using current cap rates. Past performance does not predict future results.
| Index Strategy | Cap Rate | Best Period (Ann. Rate) |
Worst Period (Ann. Rate) |
Most Recent (2016–2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 PTP Cap | 9% | 7.14% | 5.67% | 7.14% |
| SPDR Gold PTP Cap | 12% | 7.87% | 4.26% | 7.87% |
Using the most recent 10-year period (2016–2025), the hypothetical 50/50 allocation produced a 7.51% annual effective rate of return, growing $100,000 to approximately $206,000 by Year 10 and over $510,000 by Year 23 — all with zero market-loss risk.
Showing best, worst, and most recent 10-year periods at the current 12% annual cap:
Showing best, worst, and most recent 10-year periods at the current 9% annual cap:
Each year you may withdraw up to 10% of your account value without incurring any surrender charges. This allowance is not cumulative — unused amounts don't roll over. After the free withdrawal amount, early withdrawal charges and an MVA may apply.
| Contract Year | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charge | 9% | 8% | 7% | 6% | 5% | 4% | 3% | 0% |
The MVA compares interest rates at the time of your purchase payment to rates at the time of any surrender or excess withdrawal. This adjustment can work in your favor or against you:
The GMSV is your safety floor — your surrender value will never fall below it, regardless of market conditions.
Even in a worst-case scenario where no indexed interest is ever credited, the GMSV grows steadily — from $89,600 in Year 1 to over $150,000 by Year 23 — exceeding the original $100,000 premium by Year 6.
Two waiver riders are automatically included at no additional charge, providing critical liquidity protection in serious life events.
If you are confined to a nursing home or long-term care facility for at least 90 consecutive days (after the first contract year), you may withdraw up to 100% of your account value with no early withdrawal charge.
If you are diagnosed with a terminal illness (prognosis of 12 months or less), after the first contract year, you may withdraw up to 100% of your account value with no early withdrawal charge.
Note: Riders not available in Massachusetts. California uses a modified extended care rider with broader qualifying circumstances.
After the first contract year, you may convert your accumulated value into a guaranteed income stream. Options include:
Receive payments for a set number of years you choose.
Guaranteed income for your entire lifetime, no matter how long you live.
Lifetime income with a guaranteed minimum payout period for beneficiaries.
Income for your life, with 50% continuing to a designated joint annuitant.
Beneficiaries receive the greater of the account value or the GMSV, paid directly — bypassing the cost and delays of probate. A surviving spouse who is the sole beneficiary may assume full ownership of the contract.
This review is for informational purposes only and is not a quote, contract, or guarantee of future performance. Historical and hypothetical performance data is based on actual past index results using current cap rates and does not predict or project future results. All rates and caps are subject to change by the insurer. Interest credited to indexed strategies does not include dividends paid on underlying equity investments. Annuity guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company.
Early withdrawals may be subject to surrender charges, market value adjustments, and income taxes. Withdrawals prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Products and features may vary by state and may not be available in all states. This is not tax or legal advice — consult a qualified professional before making any financial decision.
Not a bank deposit. Not FDIC or NCUA insured. Not insured by any federal government agency. May lose value if surrendered during the surrender charge period. Not guaranteed by any bank or credit union. FOR AGENT/PRODUCER USE — this illustration is not for use with the general public as sales literature without accompanying carrier disclosure documents.
