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Financial Planning

Guaranteed Investment Contracts (GICs)

 

What Are Guaranteed Investment Contracts?

Guaranteed investment contracts (GICs) are term deposits that are mainly sold by insurance companies. GICs come in many varieties, but this discussion will focus on traditional GICs. GICs work somewhat like a CD--you deposit a sum of money and, after a set time period, you receive your principal back plus interest. Individuals typically invest in GICs through retirement plans, such as a 401(k) plan. The insurer invests GIC deposits as it sees fit--typically in mortgages, real estate, and other fixed-income investments. GICs usually mature in one to five years.

GICs are "guaranteed" because the insurer promises to return principal and to pay a fixed rate of return at maturity. It's important to note that the "guarantee" is subject to the claims-paying ability of the insurer. GICs are not insured by the FDIC or otherwise as CDs are. Because of this increase in risk, GICs generally pay a higher rate of interest than CDs.

Strengths

Safety

The issuing insurance company "guarantees" the preservation of your principal.

Stability

GICs offer a fixed rate of return, even if interest rates fluctuate.

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Tradeoffs

Not FDIC Insured

Unlike some other types of cash alternatives, GICs are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The term "guaranteed" in guaranteed investment contract means only that the insurance company promises to pay a specific rate of return on the money you invest. Your money becomes part of the insurer's general assets. If the insurance company becomes insolvent, you become one of the claimants in bankruptcy court.

Tip: It is important to investigate the financial stability of the insurance company offering the contract. Ratings services such as A.

  1. Best, Moody's, Standard & Poor's, and Fitch publish ratings of insurance companies.

Opportunity Cost

An opportunity cost is always involved when you invest in so-called safe vehicles. If you invested in long-term vehicles that are more risky, you could receive higher interest rates.

Tax Considerations

The interest you receive on a guaranteed investment contract is taxable income and must be reported on your federal income tax return unless you own GICs within a retirement plan in which taxes are deferred until money is withdrawn.

This material was prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of The Retirement Group or FSC Financial Corp. This information should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named Representatives nor Broker/Dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If other expert assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information or call 800-900-5867

The Retirement Group is not affiliated with nor endorsed by fidelity.com, netbenefits.fidelity.com, hewitt.com, resources.hewitt.com, access.att.com, ING Retirement, AT&T, Qwest, Chevron, Hughes, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, ExxonMobil, Glaxosmithkline, Merck, Pfizer, Verizon, Bank of America, Alcatel-Lucent or by your employer. We are an independent financial advisory group that specializes in transition planning and lump sum distribution. Please call our office at 800-900-5867 if you have additional questions or need help in the retirement planning process.

The Retirement Group is a Registered Investment Advisor not affiliated with FSC Securities and may be reached at www.theretirementgroup.com.

 

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