re: Fixed Index Annuity – do any of you have experience with them? Update on page 2

Good point. The only thing I know about FIAs is what I have read in this thread, but it looks like a funky balanced fund that caps both upside and downside. Seems to me that if you just invested in a conservative balanced fund (which in reality has very little risk), you don't limit the upside, and you don't pay the relatively hefty fees.

But in the end, like you hint at, if that little risk keeps you up at night, maybe a FIA is for you. Oh the days of MM funds returning 5%....