Have you noticed that it seems like the requirements for a comfortable retirement have changed? A few decades ago, pensions were common, and many people had the ability to acquire an easy post-work life. However, these days, guaranteed income is a rarity, and Baby Boomers are living longer, healthier lives than previous generations. All of this has created a problem for so many Americans.

If your current biggest fear is running out of money during your golden years, you are not alone. Every day, people around the country report being afraid that their savings will not be enough to take them through retirement. Additionally, and especially in today’s landscape, the stock market is increasingly unreliable. As we have seen over the last few months, any unforeseen circumstance has the ability to turn the markets upside down. Do you really want to leave your future in the hands of a roller coaster?

You don’t need us to tell you this, but we’re going to remind you of the fact, anyway. You have worked incredibly hard in your lifetime, and you deserve to be able to enjoy your retirement to the fullest. However, the only way all of your needs, wants, and desires are going to be met is with a financial strategy that comes with some guarantees. Otherwise, you will forever be at the mercy of a marketplace that has no promises.

Annuities focus on different things, but for those who are interested in guaranteed lifetime income, as well as some room for growth of assets, the Allianz 360 is worth a look. This annuity is a growth annuity, that also possesses the ability to turn on lifetime income based on the accumulation of the account over time. And, because this fixed indexed annuity allows you to enjoy market gains, without losing during times of negativity, the ability to grow that money is strong.

The Allianz 360 focuses on a number of critical benefits, including indexed interest, interest bonuses during accumulation, and protection of principal and credited interest from market loss. This annuity locks in your interest as credit annually, which is added to your accumulation value. And, don’t underestimate that interest bonus, as the 25% added to your gains can add up in a hurry.

The unique feature that makes the Allianz 360 stand out is that it possesses the ability to turn on lifetime income any time after the first contract year. This is the kind of thing that you don’t see in many annuities, and may be ideal for people who are looking for a quick chance at lifetime income. Additionally, the Allianz 360 has multiple options for lifetime withdrawals, including level income, increasing income, cumulative withdrawal amount, and annuitization. Your specific set of circumstances will dictate which one of these options makes the most sense.

If protection and flexibility are important to you, there are options there as well with this annuity. Related benefits include principal protection, a death benefit, premiums, and free withdrawals.

Although the Allianz 360 has a strong focus on guaranteed lifetime income, you can also experience solid growth options with market index strategies including the S&P 500, NASDAQ-100, Bloomberg US Dynamic II ER, BlackRock iBLD Claria ER and participation rates as high as 105% (at time of this writing, subject to change). However, it is worth noting that other annuities have much higher participation rates available. So, if the ability for powerful levels of growth is your number one priority, there may be better options available. Additionally, the Allianz 360 does not place much priority on long-term care benefits with an enhanced payout option, so there may also be better options for those who want to focus primarily on that goal.