Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of simplicity in investment strategies for building wealth and achieving a comfortable retirement [2][4] - Financial experts advocate for a disciplined approach to investing, focusing on low-cost, diversified index funds rather than complex financial products [1][4] Investment Strategy - A simple saving and investing strategy is often the most effective for most Americans, with an emphasis on defining the right kind of simplicity [2] - Consistency and discipline are crucial for wealth building, rather than relying on individual stock picks or market timing [4] - Investors should regularly invest in low-cost, globally diversified index funds and align their portfolio risk with their personal risk tolerance [4] Risk Management - To assess risk tolerance, investors should consider their emotional response to a potential 20% loss in portfolio value [4] - Asset allocation should be based on the investor's time horizon, with adjustments made as they age [5][6] Age-Based Investment Adjustments - Younger investors (in their 30s and 40s) can afford to be more aggressive in their investment strategies, while older investors (in their late 50s and 60s) should focus on capital preservation and income generation [6] - For short-term needs, high-yield accounts are recommended, while U.S. Treasuries are suggested for medium-term savings [6] - Long-term goals should be supported by a diversified portfolio of low-cost index funds, avoiding reactions to market fluctuations [6]

Annuity Basics - Annuities are tools to help generate retirement income [1] - The industry offers fixed, variable, indexed, immediate, and deferred annuities [1]

Core Insights - F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. reported a significant decline in net earnings for Q2 2025, with net earnings attributable to common shareholders at $35 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, compared to $198 million, or $1.55 per share in Q2 2024 [2][10][22] - Adjusted net earnings for Q2 2025 were $103 million, or $0.77 per share, down from $139 million, or $1.10 per share in the same quarter of the previous year [3][10][26] - The company achieved record assets under management (AUM) before flow reinsurance of $69.2 billion, a 13% increase from $61.4 billion in Q2 2024, driven by strong sales [5][7][11] Financial Performance - Gross sales for Q2 2025 were $4.1 billion, a decrease from $4.4 billion in Q2 2024, with net sales at $2.7 billion compared to $3.4 billion in the prior year [6][9][27] - The investment portfolio remains strong, with 97% of fixed maturities rated investment grade, and credit-related impairments averaging 6 basis points over the past five years [11][12] - Adjusted return on assets (ROA) was 0.71% for Q2 2025, down from 0.98% in Q2 2024, while adjusted return on equity (ROE) excluding AOCI increased to 8.8% from 8.4% year-over-year [6][11][14] Sales and Market Position - Retail channel sales reached over $3.6 billion, a 13% increase from Q2 2024, marking one of the best quarters for indexed annuities and record sales for indexed universal life and multiyear guaranteed annuities [8][11][27] - Institutional market sales were $0.5 billion for pension risk transfer, down from $1.2 billion in Q2 2024, reflecting the opportunistic nature of these sales [9][11] - The company continues to focus on organic growth and returning capital to shareholders, having returned $35 million in capital during Q2 2025 [11][14] Capital and Equity - Total equity attributable to common shareholders, excluding AOCI, was $5.9 billion, or $43.39 per share, reflecting an increase of $0.08 per share during the quarter [14][25] - Book value per common share, excluding AOCI, increased to $43.39 from $42.52 at the end of Q2 2024 [6][14][25] - The company is on track to meet its medium-term targets set during the 2023 Investor Day, with expectations for further improvement in operating efficiency [5][11][14]

Core Viewpoint - F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. reported a significant net loss of $25 million for Q1 2025, contrasting sharply with net earnings of $111 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to unfavorable mark-to-market effects and other items [2][3][12]. Financial Performance - Net loss attributable to common shareholders for Q1 2025 was $25 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $111 million, or $0.88 per share, in Q1 2024 [2][12]. - Adjusted net earnings for Q1 2025 were $91 million, or $0.72 per share, down from $108 million, or $0.86 per share, in Q1 2024 [3][12]. - Total revenues for Q1 2025 were $908 million, a decrease from $1.569 billion in Q1 2024 [26]. Assets Under Management (AUM) - Record AUM before flow reinsurance reached $67.4 billion as of March 31, 2025, a 16% increase from $58.0 billion a year earlier [5][9][7]. - Retained AUM was $54.5 billion, reflecting a 9% increase from $49.8 billion in Q1 2024 [7][9]. Sales Performance - Gross sales for Q1 2025 were $2.9 billion, a decrease of 17% from $3.495 billion in Q1 2024 [8][9]. - Net sales were $2.2 billion, slightly down from $2.3 billion in the same quarter of the previous year [12][9]. Investment Portfolio - The investment portfolio maintained high credit quality, with 96% of fixed maturities rated as investment grade [5][9]. - Credit-related impairments remained low, averaging 6 basis points over the past five years and 2 basis points in Q1 2025 [9]. Capital and Liquidity - Total equity attributable to common shareholders, excluding AOCI, was $5.8 billion, or $43.31 per share, as of March 31, 2025 [14][25]. - The debt-to-capitalization ratio, excluding AOCI, was 26.7%, with a commitment to a long-term target of approximately 25% [16][14]. Strategic Initiatives - The company completed a public offering of 8 million shares of common stock in March 2025, generating nearly $269 million for general corporate purposes [21][9]. - F&G returned $30 million of capital to shareholders through common and preferred dividends in Q1 2025, compared to $26 million in Q1 2024 [16][9].