Calculator Published: 2026-10-03

MYGA Ladder Calculator

Written by Hans Goldstein, independent licensed insurance producer · CA license 4273294 · NPN 20602398
Published October 3, 2026

Short answer: a MYGA ladder splits your money across several guaranteed terms, for example 3, 5 and 7 years, so part of it comes due every couple of years. Each rung can be renewed, moved with a 1035 exchange or spent. You get most of the long-term rate with less risk of locking everything at the wrong time. This calculator is pre-filled with one A-rated insurer’s rates effective September 25, 2026: 3-year 5.65%, 5-year 5.85%, 7-year 5.95%. Change any of them.

Build your ladder

Total amount ($)

Rung 1 term (yrs)

Rung 1 rate (%)

Rung 1 share (%)

Rung 2 term (yrs)

Rung 2 rate (%)

Rung 2 share (%)

Rung 3 term (yrs)

Rung 3 rate (%)

Rung 3 share (%)

Rates default to one A-rated insurer’s published rate card effective September 25, 2026, $100,000+ premium, most states. Rates vary by state, premium and insurer and change often. Annual compounding, no withdrawals. A minimum premium per contract applies (often $10,000 to $25,000). Illustration only.

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Why ladder MYGAs instead of buying one term

Access. Something matures every 2 years in a 3/5/7 ladder, with no surrender charge on the maturing rung.
Rate timing. If rates rise, the short rung renews higher. If they fall, the long rung keeps today’s rate.
Guaranty limits. Using a different insurer per rung keeps each contract inside your state guaranty association limit (see are fixed annuities safe).
Free withdrawals stack. Each contract usually has its own free withdrawal allowance.

What to do when a rung matures

Either roll it to the long end of the ladder (a new 7-year MYGA keeps the ladder going), move it to another insurer with a 1035 exchange, or spend it. The checklist is in what happens when a MYGA matures.

MYGA ladder vs CD ladder

Same idea, different wrapper. A CD ladder is FDIC insured and taxed every year; a MYGA ladder usually pays more and defers the tax. Worked $250,000 comparison: CD ladder vs MYGA ladder. Build the bank version with the CD ladder builder, and read the full strategy with a $500,000 example in MYGA laddering strategy explained.

Want a second opinion on your numbers?

Straight answer, no pressure.

Send your details and I’ll reply with current guaranteed rates from highly rated insurers for your amount and term, and a plain-English read on your situation. If what you have is already the right fit, I’ll say so.

Rather talk it through? Or book 15 minutes on Hans’s calendar, or call 213-414-2808.

Hans Goldstein · 213-414-2808 · NPN 20602398, independent licensed insurance producer appointed with multiple carriers

We’ll email it to you. Hans replies within one business day. Privacy Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a MYGA ladder?

A MYGA ladder spreads money across several multi-year guaranteed annuities with different terms, such as 3, 5 and 7 years, so a portion matures at regular intervals and can be renewed, moved or spent without surrender charges.

How many rungs should a MYGA ladder have?

Three is common for most retirees: short, middle and long. More rungs add flexibility but each contract has a minimum premium, often $10,000 to $25,000.

Should each rung be with a different insurer?

Often yes. Spreading rungs across highly rated insurers keeps each contract inside your state guaranty association limit and lets you pick the best rate for each term.

Is a MYGA ladder better than a CD ladder?

A MYGA ladder usually pays a higher locked rate and defers tax until withdrawal. A CD ladder is FDIC insured and has no age-based IRS penalty. The right choice depends on your age, tax bracket and how much backstop you want.

Sources

Goldstein & Co. LLC dba Goldstein Insurance Services, CA lic. #4273294 · Hans Goldstein, NPN 20602398 · 213-414-2808 · hans@hansgoldstein.com

Rates: A-rated-or-better 5-year MYGAs 5.80% to 6.00% (AnnuityRateWatch carrier rate data, September 24, 2026); Treasury par yields from the U.S. Treasury for October 2, 2026; CD, savings and money market figures from DepositAccounts, bank and fund sites, September 23 to 25, 2026. Rates change often; confirm before you act.

This page is general education. It is not tax, legal or investment advice and is not an offer or recommendation for any specific product. Calculator results are estimates from the stated assumptions, not quotes. Guarantees in a fixed annuity are contractual and are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Annuities are not FDIC insured. Annuities have surrender charges and other limitations; read the contract and disclosure before you buy. Consult a tax professional or attorney about your situation.