By Cathy Weatherford, NAVA CEO and President

NAVA knows that while things are looking better economically on the horizon, Americans are still hurting today. And, in these troubling economic times, now more than ever people are looking for guarantees - not only on their investments but on their future retirement security.

The media has focused recently on people just like you who need quick cash for numerous reasons and aren't sure where to turn. Without consulting their financial advisors - and feeling pressure to find short-term solutions for any number of pressing issues in their lives - they over-withdraw from their deferred annuity and end up negatively affecting their long-term retirement security. While excessive withdrawals are certainly not commonplace, they do occur. This costly mistake, however, can be avoided.

If you find yourself in need of quick cash, consider the following before making any decisions. Often there are solutions to problems that only a financial professional can see when you find yourself in the haze of a crisis:

• Before making any decisions that could affect your long-term retirement security you should consult your financial advisor. There are many ways to free up more money than you anticipated needing in tough times that you may not be aware of.

• Keep in mind why you purchased an insured retirement solution, like an annuity - for real retirement security and guaranteed income for life. The last thing you want to do is take care of your needs today by putting your tomorrow at risk. Plus, when you over-withdraw orcash out an annuity, in some cases (not all) you couldincur a surrender charge and possibly have to payincome taxes on that transaction.

• If you own an annuity that allows you a certain annual percentage to withdrawal before you begin to receive monthly payments, make sure not to withdraw more than that amount.

• An example: you purchased an annuity for $100,000 that allows you aguaranteed 5% annual withdrawal until you start receiving your monthly payments for life. You're OK if you withdraw $5,000 yearly. But if you go over that $5,000, your annual guaranteed withdrawal decreases and you won't be able to take out as much the following years. And, if you completely withdraw the entire policy value, you may lose the annuity altogether.Pleaseconsultyour financial advisor first before making any decisions.

• Our industry prides itself on consumer service and transparency and the terms are made clear when people invest in insured retirement solutions. And with the marketplace constantly changing, the industry is evolving and will be unveiling new products that consumers can take even more confidence in.

• Pay close attention to all correspondence from your carriers, reading theprospectuses and other materials they send to you.

• Bottom line: you purchased an insured retirement solution to help provide you withsome long-term retirement security, guaranteed income for life and comforting peace of mind. Let it provide you that stability you've always wanted.