VA offers growth, withdrawals

Asset growth and guaranteed withdrawals. Retirees, pre-retirees and their advisors are always on the lookout for both, seeking that balance that will fund a long and happy retirement. The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Co. introduced an annuity rider it says will accomplish both.

Available on the company’s variable annuities, the optional Lifetime Focus rider offers the potential for quarterly step-ups, a 5 percent minimum guarantee roll-up if no withdrawals are made in a contract year, and investment models – for those interested in some risk – that allow greater equity market participation.