Three top-rated carriers. Principal protection with market-linked upside. Up to 31% day-one premium bonus. Every carrier selected for financial strength and client protections.
Our Carrier Network
Every carrier below was selected for financial strength, product innovation, and quality of client protections. Rick Cabezas provides direct access to all four products.
EquiTrust is a national insurance carrier focused exclusively on fixed and fixed index annuity products for the retirement and accumulation market. Their flagship FIA — the MarketTen Bonus Index® — applies an 8% premium bonus on every dollar of premium paid in the first five years, creating an immediate boost to accumulation value.
Combined with index-linked interest crediting and a zero floor, the MarketTen is designed for clients who want market-linked upside with the security of knowing they can never lose money due to index declines. The Nursing Home Waiver is included at no additional cost.
Schedule a Consultation →American Life & Security Corp. offers one of the most compelling day-one bonus structures in the FIA market. The American Select 10 Bonus Plus applies a full 23% premium bonus immediately at contract issue — giving clients an immediate and significant jump-start on their accumulation value.
Index options include the S&P 500 Intraday Index (a unique crediting method that captures intraday movement) and the Nasdaq-100, giving clients access to two of the most recognized growth indices — with zero downside risk.
Schedule a Consultation →AuguStar Retirement brings a differentiated FIA to the shelf. The OrionShield FIA is built around the proprietary Guaranteed Accumulation Protection (GAP) feature — a guarantee that the contract will accumulate to a minimum value regardless of index performance. This is not just principal protection; it is a floor on growth.
Available in 7 and 10-year options with up to 21% premium bonus, tax-deferred accumulation, and a death benefit. Ideal for clients who want maximum peace of mind around their long-term retirement outcome. Not for use in California.
Schedule a Consultation →The Omega Bonus Plus 10 is AuguStar's highest-bonus FIA — delivering up to 31% day-one premium bonus on a 10-year contract. For clients who want maximum accumulation credit from day one, this product offers the strongest premium bonus available on our shelf, backed by nine index-linked crediting strategies with rates guaranteed for the full surrender period.
Index options include S&P 500, Nasdaq Night Owl, S&P MARC 5, Dynamic Balanced Asset 10, and more. All with a 0% floor guarantee — no market loss, ever. Not available in New York or California.
Schedule a Consultation →The Secure Horizon Plus delivers a 24% day-one premium bonus on a 10-year single premium contract. Its unique Performance Strategy Ladder allocates premium across five index account strategies with different term lengths — designed to capture higher participation rates while ensuring at least one strategy matures each year.
The Accumulation Value True-Up benefit provides a one-time credit at the end of the surrender period if strategy charges exceed total credited interest — an added layer of protection for long-term clients. Ages 40–79. Minimum premium $25,000.
Schedule a Consultation →The Charter Plus 10 is a flexible premium annuity — one of the few FIA products that allows additional premium contributions throughout the contract. It pays a 13–16% premium bonus on all premiums paid during the first three years, making it ideal for clients who plan to fund their annuity over time rather than with a single lump sum.
With a 45-day rate lock period and MVA provision, the Charter Plus 10 offers flexibility and competitive bonus structures for accumulation-focused clients. Ages 0–79. Minimum premium $20,000. Maximum $2,000,000.
Schedule a Consultation →The Trailhead 10 PLUS Enhanced is a single premium deferred indexed annuity offering a 23% enhanced premium bonus with a 10-year surrender period. With a generous 60-day rate lock period, clients and advisors have ample time to lock in competitive rates before issuance.
Available for ages 0–89 with a minimum premium of $20,000, the Trailhead PLUS Enhanced offers multiple index crediting strategies with a 0% floor guarantee. Premiums over $1M require carrier approval.
Schedule a Consultation →The WealthDefender™ Series from Ibexis offers three distinct products — WealthDefender (no bonus), WealthDefender Bonus, and WealthDefender Bonus Plus — each designed for a different client profile. Available in 5, 7, and 10-year terms with index options including S&P 500, Nasdaq-100 Engle 10%, and Barclays Tactical Growth Index.
A unique Bailout Feature allows penalty-free withdrawals if the S&P 500 cap rate falls below the declared Bailout Rate. Waivers for Activities of Daily Living, Nursing Home confinement, and Terminal Illness are included at no additional cost (not available in CA). Minimum premium $25,000.
Schedule a Consultation →Side by Side
A quick-reference comparison of all eight products. Use the interactive compare tool above to select specific products side by side.
| Feature | EquiTrust MarketTen | American Life Select 10 | AuguStar OrionShield | AuguStar Omega Bonus Plus 10 | NA Secure Horizon Plus | NA Charter Plus 10 | Trailhead 10 PLUS | Ibexis WealthDefender |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Bonus | 8% (Yrs 1–5) | 23% Day One | Up to 21% | Up to 31% Day One | 24% Day One | 13–16% (Yrs 1–3) | 23% Day One | Up to 22% |
| Additional Bonus | — | 3% Yr 10 | GAP Feature | — | AV True-Up Yr 10 | — | — | Bailout Feature |
| Floor | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Free Withdrawals | 10% annually | 10% annually | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | 10% annually |
| Death Benefit | ✓ | Varies | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Nursing Home Waiver | ✓ | — | — | — | — | — | — | ✓ (not CA) |
| Surrender Period | Multi-year | 10 Years | 7 or 10 Yrs | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years | 5, 7, or 10 Yrs |
| Eligible Ages | Standard | 0–85 | Standard | Standard | 40–79 | 0–79 | 0–89 | 0–85 |
| AM Best Rating | — | B++ | — | — | A+ | A+ | — | A- Excellent |
| Not Available In | — | — | CA | NY, CA | NJ, NY + Others | — | CA, NJ, NY + Others | Bonus Plus not CA |
This table is for reference only. Verify all product details with current carrier materials. Product features subject to change.
Every client's retirement timeline is different. Rick Cabezas will work with you personally to match the right carrier and product to your goals, risk tolerance, and timeline.
Or email: rick@vmcapitalpartners.com
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Side-by-side comparison of selected annuity products