Why it earned this rating
Our assessment
The Advisory MYGA 3-Year offers the top 3-year rate in the Aspida lineup without commission compression, with waivers included and clean contract structure. It earns a Good Option rating for RIA-channel buyers with a 3-year capital horizon.
The short version
For an RIA client who wants a 3-year guaranteed rate with no commission costs and principal protection, this is a functional choice. The main consideration is whether the rate is competitive against other 3-year MYGAs available in the advisory channel — that comparison should be made at the time of purchase since rates in this category move frequently.
Key facts
The full review
Is Aspida Advisory MYGA 3-Year a Good Annuity?
Yes, for the right buyer and channel. The product is clean, the rate is solid for a 3-year guarantee in the advisory channel, and the carrier is credible. The limitation is channel access — if you are not working with a DPL-contracted RIA, this product is not available to you.
Why Someone Would Buy This Annuity
A buyer who has a defined 3-year horizon — perhaps waiting for retirement, redeploying capital, or matching a known liability — and wants a guaranteed return higher than a 2-year MYGA without committing to 5 years. The 3-year structure is common for conservative savers who are close to but not yet at a major financial event.
Who This Annuity Is Best For
I think the 3-Year Advisory MYGA fits best for someone in their late 50s or early 60s who is within 3 years of a financial milestone (retirement, planned large purchase, asset reallocation) and wants principal protection and a guaranteed return in the meantime. It is less appealing for someone who can commit longer or who needs regular access to principal.
What You're Really Buying Here
A 3-year interest rate guarantee with daily compounding, tax deferral, and principal protection. The minimum guaranteed rate after the initial period is 3.00%. At the end of 3 years, you can withdraw everything penalty-free.
How the Core Feature Works
Aspida credits interest at the guaranteed rate daily for 3 full years. At or above $100,000, the current rate is 4.80%. Below that, it is 4.65%. These rates are locked for the full guarantee period and do not change with market conditions. After 3 years, the rate resets annually.
Why the Secondary Feature Matters
The principal protection feature is the counterpart to the rate guarantee. Unlike a short-duration bond fund, which can lose principal if rates rise, this contract guarantees no downside to principal during the term. For a buyer who has recently moved money out of equities or fixed income and wants stability for 3 years, that guarantee is the core value.
Liquidity and Surrender Schedule
Free withdrawals of 10% of contract value are allowed each year after the first anniversary. The surrender schedule on excess withdrawals is 9%, 8%, 7% in years one through three, then 0%. An MVA also applies during the charge period. RMDs from qualified accounts are available 30 days after issue. Nursing home and terminal illness waivers provide full access after the first anniversary.
Fees and Tradeoffs
No annual fees, no M&E, no rider charges. The tradeoff is the same as all MYGAs: early exit before the guarantee period ends triggers surrender charges and potentially an unfavorable MVA. Buyers should treat this as committed capital for the full 3 years unless using the free withdrawal provision.
Product snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product type | Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) |
| Guarantee period | 3 years |
| Issue ages | 18–90 |
| Minimum premium | $25,000 |
| Maximum premium | $2,000,000 |
| Current rate | 4.65% / 4.80% (under / at or above $100K) |
| Minimum guaranteed rate | 3.00% after initial guarantee period |
| Free withdrawal | Up to 10% of contract value after year one |
| Surrender schedule | 9% / 8% / 7% / 0% |
| Market value adjustment | Yes, on excess withdrawals during the charge period |
| Death benefit | Full contract value, no surrender charges or MVA |
| RMD treatment | Available after 30 days |
| Nursing home waiver | Available after first anniversary |
| Terminal illness waiver | Available after first anniversary |
| Plan types | NQ, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, 403(b), 457(b), Traditional IRA |
| Distribution channel | RIA channel via DPL Financial Partners only |
| State availability | Not available in NC or NY |
Carrier snapshot
Aspida Life Insurance Company: A- from AM Best, A- from KBRA. Founded 2020, Durham, NC. Backed by Ares Management (NYSE: ARES) with approximately $546 billion in AUM. Licensed in 49 states and DC, excluding New York.
Final take
The 3-Year Advisory MYGA is a solid middle option in the Advisory series. It offers a meaningfully better rate than the 2-year version while keeping the commitment manageable. For the right RIA-channel buyer, it is an efficient use of short-to-medium-term fixed capital. The main check before buying: compare the rate against other 3-year MYGAs available in the advisory channel at the time of purchase.