Retirement Income Solutions
Introducing blueprint income solutions
Turn your retirement savings into guaranteed lifetime income
As a participant in the ACEC Retirement Trust, you have access to resources designed to help you navigate one of retirement’s biggest challenges — turning savings into income. The Blueprint Income Solutions offering through Empower provides educational tools and information to help you explore income strategies to make more informed retirement planning decisions.
The Challenge
Retirement Today Looks Different
For many workers, retirement no longer includes the predictability of a traditional pension. Instead, individuals are increasingly responsible for turning their retirement savings into income that can last throughout retirement.
One of the biggest concerns retirees face is the possibility of outliving their savings. Rising healthcare costs, longer life expectancies, market volatility, and inflation can all create uncertainty about whether retirement assets will provide dependable income over time.
While saving for retirement is important, creating a strategy for generating income during retirement is equally critical.
Participants nearing retirement often ask:
- How long will my savings last?
- How much income can I safely withdraw?
- How can I create more predictable monthly income?
- How do I balance guaranteed income with continued flexibility?
Retirement planning today requires both accumulation and thoughtful income tactics.
The Solution
Integrated Income Strategies for Retirement
Blueprint Income Solutions provides access to retirement income strategies designed to help participants create a more predictable and sustainable retirement income plan. Through Blueprint Income, participants can explore income annuity options that may help provide guaranteed monthly income for life.
Available strategies may include:
- Immediate income annuities
- Longevity or deferred income annuities
- Qualified longevity annuity contracts (QLACs)
The platform combines digital tools, educational resources, and access to licensed professionals to help participants better understand available retirement income options and make informed decisions based on their specific risk tolerance and retirement readiness situation.
Participants can:
- Explore educational guides and retirement income resources
- Compare real-time annuity quotes from multiple insurance carriers
- Access support by phone, email, or chat
- Learn about strategies designed to help create reliable retirement income
Blueprint Overview
About Blueprint Income Solutions
Blueprint Income Solutions is a retirement income marketplace available through Empower that provides participants access to educational resources, retirement income tools, and income annuity options from multiple insurance providers.
The platform is designed to help participants evaluate strategies for converting a portion of retirement savings into guaranteed lifetime income.
How It Works
1. Explore Your Options
Visit Blueprint Income
- Learn about retirement income strategies
- Compare different types of income annuities
- Access educational tools and resources
2. Get Personalized Quotes
See What Income May Be Available
- Select the income solution you’d like to explore
- Enter a few basic details
- Receive real-time quotes from multiple insurance providers
3. Choose and Apply
Move Forward with Confidence
- Review and compare your options
- Complete your application online
- Work with the Blueprint Income team to finalize your rollover
Learn More About Retirement Income Planning
additional resources
Looking to learn more about retirement income planning? Explore the resources below to better understand income annuities, retirement income strategies, and the services available through Blueprint Income. These educational materials can help you make more informed decisions as you prepare for retirement.
Retirement Income Overviews
income annuities FAQs
What is an income annuity?
An income annuity is an insurance product that converts a lump sum or series of payments into a guaranteed stream of income, typically for life or for a specified period.
What are the main types of income annuities?
Single Premium Immediate Annuity (SPIA): Income begins shortly after purchase (typically within 12 months).
Deferred Income Annuity (DIA): Income begins at a future date (e.g., 5–20+ years after purchase).
Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract (QLAC): A DIA purchased within a qualified retirement plan, allowing deferral of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) up to IRS limits.
What payout options are available?
Common options include:
Life Only: Highest income; payments stop at death
Life with Period Certain (e.g., 10 or 20 years): Guarantees payments for a minimum period
Joint & Survivor: Continues income to a surviving spouse
Period Certain Only: Pays for a fixed number of years (not life contingent)
What happens if the annuitant dies early?
With life only, payments stop at death.
With period certain or refund features, remaining payments or value are paid to beneficiaries.
With joint options, income continues to the surviving annuitant.
Are income payments fixed or can they increase?
Options include:
Fixed payments: Level income for life
Inflation-adjusted payments: Increase annually (lower starting income)
Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA): Predetermined annual increases
Are income annuities liquid?
No. Income annuities are generally illiquid once purchased, and lump sum access is typically not available.
What are the advantages of income annuities?
Guaranteed lifetime income
Simplicity and predictability
Protection against market volatility
Mortality credits enhance income efficiency
What are the disadvantages?
Illiquidity
Irreversibility once purchased
Inflation risk (unless indexed)
Dependence on insurer credit quality
Ready to get started?
Visit Blueprint Income to view your options or schedule a call with an annuity expert.