Brighthouse Financial Shield Options 'link'
A "Shield Option" is a specific combination of four components: , term , Shield Rate (level of protection), and rate crediting type . 1. Shield Rates (Level of Protection)
: Standard options often include Shield 10 , Shield 15 , and Shield 25 , representing 10%, 15%, and 25% protection levels.
Within these annuities, the "options" refer to the different ways you can allocate your money to earn interest. These use to provide growth potential without the risk of loss. brighthouse financial shield options
In essence, you are (through the cap and forgone dividends) for the protection of the shield. This is a classic hedging strategy, not a free lunch.
: If the market drops 15% and you have Shield 10, your account value would only decrease by 5%. A "Shield Option" is a specific combination of
BrightHouse/Corebridge often includes options to protect the legacy passed to heirs.
Shield Options are available in set time periods, most commonly 1-year , 3-year , and 6-year terms. The term length directly influences the Cap Rate. Generally, longer terms offer higher caps because you are locking your money away for a more extended period, giving the insurance company more flexibility. Within these annuities, the "options" refer to the
BrightHouse Financial (which rebranded to in 2022, though the products are often still searched under the old name) offers a suite of annuity products designed to help protect retirement savings.
For the right investor—one who is risk-aware, has a multi-year time horizon, and values sleep-well-at-night security—these options can be a powerful component of a diversified retirement portfolio. However, they are complex products. Always read the prospectus carefully and work with a fee-only fiduciary advisor to ensure the trade-offs align with your specific financial goals. In a world of uncertainty, a shield can be a wise companion—as long as you understand exactly how much it weighs and what it can, and cannot, protect you from.
Cap rates are not guaranteed for future terms. They fluctuate based on market volatility, interest rates, and the cost of the shield. Higher shield levels (more protection) typically come with lower cap rates.
You cannot buy a Shield Option directly from a brokerage like Schwab or Fidelity. You must purchase a (e.g., Shield Level Select, Shield Level Anniversary) through a licensed insurance agent or financial advisor. These are typically sold by independent advisors, broker-dealers, and some regional banks.