New Fixed Annuity Introduced: MassMutual Stable Voyage(SM)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) today announced the launch of MassMutual Stable Voyage, a new single premium fixed deferred annuity that offers customers the confidence of knowing that a portion of their retirement savings is protected and earning a guaranteed interest rate, even in declining interest-rate environments.

"MassMutual Stable Voyage offers a fixed rate of growth with access to cash when needed, along with the ability to turn it into a predictable income stream that will last a lifetime," said Dana Tatro, vice president, MassMutual.  "It is designed for people seeking certainty in uncertain times, as well as for more risk-tolerant investors seeking stability for a portion of their assets.  It's an ideal component of a broader retirement income plan for many people."

MassMutual Stable Voyage offers a variety of attractive features:

• Guaranteed interest rates.* The credited interest rate will not change during the entire term of the initial guarantee period – a period of five, seven or nine years. Money that remains in the contract is guaranteed to grow in value.

• Banded interest-rate structure.  MassMutual Stable Voyage offers an opportunity to earn a higher interest rate via a banded interest-rate structure. Customers whose premium at time of purchase or contract value at renewal is $100,000 or more can potentially receive a higher interest rate for the entire ensuing guarantee period.

• Choice of renewal options.**  After the initial guarantee period ends, customers can choose a renewal guarantee period of one, five, seven or nine years (if available at the time). The surrender charge period restarts at a reduced rate for all but the one-year option. Because no surrender charge period applies to this option, the one-year period can serve as a "safe haven" for clients who are unsure about, or are unwilling to commit to, a longer guarantee period.

• Time to make decisions.  As each guarantee period draws to a close, a 30-day window will permit surrender charge free withdrawals as customers decide whether to renew into a new, long-term (five, seven or nine year) renewal guarantee period (reduced surrender charge period begins), renew into a one-year guarantee period (no surrender charge period), take a partial or full withdrawal with no surrender charge, or begin annuity payments with no surrender charge.

• Access to contract value.*** In certain cases, clients can access their contract value without incurring surrender charges. During the accumulation period, surrender charges are waived for free withdrawal amounts (up to 10 percent of contract value or required minimum distribution, whichever is greater) for withdrawals in the window period and for contracts in one-year-rate duration.

• Guaranteed lifetime income options. Various guaranteed income options are available, including lifetime-income choices.

"Customers who like the thought of guaranteeing a predictable income stream in retirement that they cannot outlive will appreciate all that MassMutual Stable Voyage has to offer," said Tatro.  "And with MassMutual's long history of financial strength and stability, customers can have the confidence that they're making a good decision for their own future financial security and for the people they care about."

For more information, visit www.massmutual.com or 'Like' MassMutual on Facebook.

About MassMutual

Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyholders. The company has a long history of financial strength and strong performance, and although dividends are not guaranteed, MassMutual has paid dividends to eligible participating policyholders every year since the 1860s. With whole life insurance as its foundation, MassMutual provides products to help meet the financial needs of clients, such as life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, retirement/401(k) plan services, and annuities. In addition, the company's strong and growing network of financial professionals helps clients make good financial decisions for the long-term.

MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts and its major affiliates include: Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MassMutual International LLC; MML Investors Services, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC; OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB.

*All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.  MassMutual Stable Voyage (contract form SPFA11 and ICC10-SPFA11) is a single-premium, fixed deferred annuity contract issued by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA 01111.

**In certain states, only a 1-year renewal option is available.

***Liquidated earnings are subject to ordinary income tax and, if withdrawn prior to age 59 1/2, may also be subject to a 10 percent federal income-tax penalty. Withdrawals exceeding the free withdrawal amount are subject to surrender charges.

SOURCE MassMutual