# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000723258
**File Stem:** 0001193125-23-024275
**Filing Date:** 2023-2
**Character Count:** 1094846
**Document Hash:** 69df0195c96572a050a7f4aadd0c7ca3
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-23-024275.hdr.sgml**: 20241002

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-23-024275

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: S-1

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 62

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230203

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230501

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE CO
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000723258
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** LIFE INSURANCE [6311]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 02 Finance
- **IRS NUMBER:** 131935920
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** OH
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** S-1
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-269562
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23586800

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 191 ROSA PARKS STREET
- **CITY:** CINCINNATI
- **STATE:** OH
- **ZIP:** 45202
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 513-361-9462

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 191 ROSA PARKS STREET
- **CITY:** CINCINNATI
- **STATE:** OH
- **ZIP:** 45202

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** GREAT AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE CO
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19830712

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 3, 2023** 

**Registration No. 333-[ ]** 

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**UNITED STATES** 

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION** 

**Washington, D.C. 20549** 

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**FORM S-1** 

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT** 

***UNDER***

***THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933***

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![LOGO](g459546g0202052133591.jpg)

## MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company
**(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)** 

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Ohio** | **6311** | **13-1935920** |
| **(State or other jurisdiction of**<br> **incorporation or organization)** | **(Primary Standard Industrial**<br> **Classification Code Number)** | **(I.R.S. Employer**<br> **Identification Number)** |

---

**191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202** 

**(513) 361-9000** 

**(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)** 

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**John P. Gruber** 

**MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company** 

**191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202** 

**(513) 361-9000** 

**(Name and Address of Agent of Service)** 

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**Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:** As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ |
|  |  | Emerging growth company | ☐ |

---

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**The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.** 

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY**

Administrative Office: P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati OH 45201-5423

Street Address: 191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati OH 45202

Policy Administration: 1-800-789-6771

**INDEX ACHIEVER ADVISORY ANNUITY** 

**With Return of Premium Guarantee** 

**PROSPECTUS DATED [ ], 2023** 

The Index Achiever Advisory annuity is an Individual Index-linked Modified Single Premium Deferred Annuity contract issued by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company<sup>®</sup>. It provides that we will pay the Annuity Payout Benefit to you in exchange for your Purchase Payments. It also provides a Death Benefit that will never be less than the return of premium guarantee.

**The Contract is a modified single premium deferred annuity. This means we will accept Purchase Payments only during the purchase payment period, which ends two months after the Contract Effective Date.** 

A glossary of defined terms used herein can be found in the Special Terms section starting on page [6] of this prospectus.

The Contract offers you the opportunity to allocate funds to Crediting Strategies for one-year or six-year Terms. The Crediting Strategies include Indexed Strategies and a Declared Rate Strategy.

**Indexed Strategies**. Indexed Strategies provide returns based, in part, on the rise or fall of an Index, which may be a market index, such as the S&P 500 Index, or the share price of an exchange-traded fund, such as an iShares ETF or a SPDR ETF. The returns of the S&P 500 Index do not reflect the payment of dividends by stocks that make up the Index.

For this Contract, we currently offer twelve Indexed Strategies that are shown in the table on page [9]. Each of these Indexed Strategies uses one of five Indexes: S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index, First Trust Barclays Edge Index, iShares<sup>®</sup> MSCI EAFE ETF, SPDR<sup>®</sup> Gold Shares ETF, and iShares<sup>®</sup> U.S. Real Estate ETF. When an Index rises over a Term, Indexed Strategy values are determined using one of two positive return factors: either a Cap or an Upside Participation Rate. When an Index falls over a Term, Indexed Strategy values are determined using one of three negative return factors: a -10% Floor, a 50% Downside Participation Rate, or a 10% Buffer.

The S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy will always be available. At the end of a Term, we may stop offering any other Indexed Strategy. Consequently, any other Indexed Strategy listed in this prospectus may not be available after the end of the initial Term. The S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy will only be available for Terms beginning in the first Contract Year. We have the right to replace the Index associated with an Indexed Strategy under certain circumstances. Indexed Strategies that may be available in the future may earn a return that is lower than the return your investments would have earned if they had been invested in the other Indexed Strategies listed in this prospectus. In addition, any reduction in the available number of Indexed Strategies may reduce your opportunity to increase your Account Value.

The value of an Indexed Strategy changes from day to day throughout each Term. The value of an Indexed Strategy is calculated using the Investment Base.

The Investment Base is the amount applied to the Indexed Strategy at the beginning of the current Term, adjusted proportionally for any withdrawals taken during the current Term and any related Market Value Adjustment. During the Term, the Investment Base remains unchanged except for any proportional adjustments for withdrawals.

The method used to calculate the Strategy value depends on whether the value is being calculated at the end of a Term or during a Term and on whether you have made a Performance Lock election.

At the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is the remaining Investment Base increased for any rise in the applicable Index for the Term or decreased for any fall in the applicable Index for the Term. For some Strategies, any increase for the Term is subject to a limit called the Cap (a "Cap Strategy"). For others, any increase for the Term is subject to a limit called the Upside Participation Rate (an "Upside Participation Rate Strategy"). For Indexed Strategies with a Buffer (a "Buffer Strategy"), any decrease for the Term resulting from Index performance is reduced by an amount called the Buffer. For the Indexed Strategy with a Floor (a "Floor Strategy"), any decrease for the Term resulting from Index performance is subject to a limit called the Floor. For all other Strategies, any decrease for the Term resulting from Index performance is subject to a limit called the Downside Participation Rate (a "Downside Participation Rate Strategy").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For a Cap Strategy, the Cap for a Term is the largest rise in the Index for the Term taken into account to
determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. We can change the Cap for each new Term of an Indexed Strategy. It will never be less than 1%. At least 10 days before the start of any Term, we will post the Caps for that Term on our website
(www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index rises by more than the Cap, the increase in the Strategy value for the Term will equal the Cap and
will be less than the rise in the Index.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index rises by a percentage equal to the Cap, the increase in the Strategy value for the Term will equal
both the Cap and the rise in the Index.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index rises by less than the Cap, the increase in the Strategy value for the Term will be less than the
Cap and will equal the rise in the Index.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For an Upside Participation Rate Strategy, the Upside Participation Rate for a Term is the portion of any rise in
the Index for the Term that is taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. We can change the Upside Participation Rate for each new Term of an Indexed Strategy. It never will be less than 5%. At least 10 days before
the start of any Term, we will post the Upside Participation Rates for that Term on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates). If the Upside Participation Rate for the Term is less than 100%, then the increase in the Strategy value for the
Term will be less than the rise in the Index.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For the Floor Strategy, the Floor is the most negative portion of any fall in the Index for the Term that is
taken into account to determine the Strategy value for a Floor Strategy at the end of the Term. For each Term of the Floor Strategy, the Floor is -10%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index falls by more than 10%, the decrease in the Strategy value for the Term will be 10%, meaning that
the change in the Strategy value will be -10%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index falls by 10%, the decrease in the Strategy value for the Term will equal both the -10% Floor and the
fall in the Index, meaning that the change in the Strategy value will be -10%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index falls by less than 10%, the decrease in the Strategy value for the Term will be less than the -10%
Floor and will equal the fall in the Index.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For a Buffer Strategy, the Buffer provides a buffer against the first 10% of any fall in the Index for the Term
to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. For each Term of a Buffer Strategy, the Buffer is 10%. The decrease for the Term will equal the amount, if any, by which the fall in the Index exceeds 10%. If the Index for the Term falls by
50%, the Buffer limits the change in Strategy value for the Term to -40%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index falls by more than 10%, the decrease in the Strategy value for the Term will be equal to the fall in
the Index minus 10%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index falls by 10%, there will be no decrease in the Strategy value for the Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index falls by less than 10%, there will be no decrease in the Strategy value for the Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For a Downside Participation Rate Strategy, the Downside Participation Rate is the portion of any fall in the
Index for the Term taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. For each Term of each Downside Participation Rate Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Downside Participation Rate is 50%. The decrease
in the Strategy value for the Term will be only half of the fall in the Index.

Unless you have made a Performance Lock election, any increase in the value of an Indexed Strategy at the end of a Term is based on the value of the underlying Index on the final Market Day of the Term. This means that you may experience negative or flat performance for the Term even though the underlying Index rose throughout some or most of the Term.

Before the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is the remaining Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage. The Daily Value Percentage is based on hypothetical options that represent the projected change in the Index over the full Term, and is equal to the Net Option Price, reduced by the Amortized Option Cost and the Trading Cost. **The Daily Value Percentage is applied to determine Strategy values when you withdraw funds allocated to an Indexed Strategy or Surrender your Contract before the end of a Term. The Daily Value Percentage is also applied if the Death Benefit or Annuity Payout value are determined before the end of a Term.** 

You may make a Performance Lock election for an S&P 500 Indexed Strategy or for a First Trust Barclays Edge Indexed Strategy for a Term that starts after the date of this prospectus. If you make a Performance Lock election, the Strategy value is determined based on the Daily Value Percentage locked at the second Market Close following receipt of your election. Thereafter, that locked Daily Value Percentage will apply to determine the Strategy value on each subsequent day of the Term, including the value at the end of the Term. After a Performance Lock election, the Strategy value continues to be subject to a Market Value Adjustment that may apply on a withdrawal or Surrender, and the Market Value Adjustment that may apply on any given day will continue to vary.

**An Indexed Strategy includes a risk of potential loss, which may include both your original principal and prior earnings.** This potential loss may exceed any decrease resulting from a fall in an Index because (i) the decline in the Daily Value Percentage during a Term may exceed the fall in the Index, and (ii) a withdrawal or Surrender may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment. For withdrawals before the end of a Term or if a Performance Lock election is made, the potential loss may exceed the Floor, the Downside Participation Rate, or may not receive the full protection of the Buffer, because the Daily Value Percentage during a Term is not directly limited by the Floor, Downside Participation Rate, or Buffer. These same factors could cause you to realize losses even when the Index rises. For example, you will lose value if the amount of increase attributable to an Index rise is smaller than the amount needed to offset a negative Market Value Adjustment.

**Declared Rate Strategy**. The Declared Rate Strategy earns interest during a Term at a fixed rate we set before that Term begins. The fixed interest rate varies from Term to Term, but will never be less than the guaranteed minimum interest rate set out in the Declared Rate Strategy endorsement included in your Contract. The guaranteed minimum interest will be at least equal to the minimum interest rate required for fixed annuity contracts by state Standard Nonforfeiture Law that is in effect on the date that the Contract is issued. Each Term of the Declared Rate Strategy is one-year long. Amounts allocated or reallocated to the Declared Rate Strategy are subject to an Allocation Limit of 12%. Note: The Declared Rate Strategy is not available for Contracts issued in Missouri. For Contracts issued in Missouri, see the State Variations section below for more information about the Temporary Holding Account, which has many of the same features as the Declared Rate Strategy.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Market Value Adjustment**. If you Surrender your Contract during the first six Contract Years, a Market Value Adjustment applies to amounts held under the Indexed Strategies. It also applies to withdrawals from an Indexed Strategy, including automated withdrawals and withdrawals taken to satisfy a required distribution, but not including withdrawals taken to pay advisory fees. It does not apply to withdrawals taken from the Declared Rate Strategy. For Contracts issued in Missouri, it does not apply to withdrawals taken from the Temporary Holding Account.

The Market Value Adjustment depends on changes in the BofA Merrill Lynch 5-10 Year US Corporate Bond Index ("MVA Index Interest Rate") since the Contract Effective Date and the amount of time remaining until the sixth Contract Anniversary. The Market Value Adjustment will be negative and will decrease the value of the Indexed Strategies if the MVA Index Interest Rate has gone up since the Contract Effective Date, or has fallen by the amount of a spread factor or less. The Market Value Adjustment will be positive and will increase the value of the Indexed Strategies if the MVA Index Interest Rate has fallen by more than the amount of a spread factor. Except as provided in the State Variations section, the spread factor is 0.25%.

Withdrawals and Surrenders may also be subject to income tax, and withdrawals and Surrenders before age 59<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> may also be subject to an additional 10% penalty tax.

**Advisory Fees.** The Contract is sold by broker-dealers who are also registered as, affiliated with, or in a contractual relationship with a registered investment advisor, through their registered representatives/investment advisor representatives. The Contract is intended to be used by investors who have engaged these investment advisors and investment advisor representatives to manage their Contract for a fee. If an investor elects to pay the advisory fee from his or her Account Value, then this deduction, like all other withdrawals, will reduce the Death Benefit and Account Value. The reduction in the Death Benefit could be significant and more than the dollar amount of the withdrawal. Based on current guidance, most withdrawals from the Contract to pay advisory fees should not be subject to income tax. However, tax laws are subject to change, and it is possible that a withdrawal to pay fees could be subject to federal and state income taxes, and to a 10% federal penalty tax if made before age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>. For more information on the tax treatment of withdrawals used to pay advisory fees, please see the discussion on page 54. **Given the adverse consequences of withdrawing advisory fees from Indexed Strategies before the end of a Term, an investor should consider paying advisory fees from some other source, such as amounts in the Declared Rate Strategy or other assets.**

**The Contract is intended for long-term investment purposes and the Indexed Strategies may not be appropriate for investors who plan to take withdrawals (including automated withdrawals and required minimum distributions) during the first six Contract Years.** 

**Risk Factors for this Contract appear on pages [14-19] and pages [85-89].** Indexed annuity contracts are complex insurance and investment vehicles. You should speak with your registered investment advisor about the Index Achiever Advisory annuity and its features, benefits, risks, and charges, and whether the Contract is appropriate for you based upon your financial situation and objectives.

Please read this prospectus before investing and keep it for future reference. It contains important information about your Contract and MassMutual Ascend Life that you ought to know before investing. It describes all material rights and obligations under the Contract. The provisions of the Contract may vary from state to state. All material state variations are identified in the State Variations section of this prospectus.

**All guarantees under the Contract are the obligations of MassMutual Ascend Life and are subject to the credit worthiness and claims-paying ability of MassMutual Ascend Life.** 

**\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** 

**NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Contract is not insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) or the NCUSIF (National Credit
Union Share Insurance Fund).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Although the Contract may be sold through relationships with banks or other financial institutions, the Contract
is not a deposit or obligation of, or guaranteed by, such institutions or any federal regulatory agency.

The Contract doesn't invest in any equity, debt, or other investments.

**\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** 

The principal underwriter of the Contract is MM Ascend Life Investor Services, LLC. The offering of the Contract is intended to be continuous. The underwriter will use its best efforts to sell the Contract. We offer other registered index-linked annuity contracts with different product features, benefits, and charges.

This prospectus is not an offering in any state, country, or jurisdiction in which we are not authorized to sell the Contract.

**If you purchase a Contract, you may cancel it within 20 days after you receive it. If you purchase a Contract to replace an existing annuity contract or insurance policy, you have 30 days to cancel the Contract. The right to cancel period may be longer in some states. In most states, you will bear the risk of any decreases in Indexed Strategy values before cancellation. The right to cancel is described more fully in the Right to Cancel section of this prospectus.** 

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Table of Contents** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  [SECTION I INDEX ACHIEVER ADVISORY ANNUITY INFORMATION](#txa459546_1) | 5.0 |
|  [Special Terms](#txa459546_2) | 5.0 |
|  [Special Terms Related to Daily Value Percentage](#txa459546_3) | 8.0 |
|  [Summary](#txa459546_4) | 9.0 |
|  [Risk Factors](#txa459546_5) | 14.0 |
|  [Indexed Strategies](#txa459546_6) | 20.0 |
|  [Indexes](#txa459546_7) | 25.0 |
|  [Caps, Buffers, Floors, and Participation Rates](#txa459546_8) | 31.0 |
|  [Indexed Strategy Value at End of Term](#txa459546_9) | 33.0 |
|  [Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term](#txa459546_10) | 34.0 |
|  [Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election](#txa459546_11) | 38.0 |
|  [Declared Rate Strategy](#txa459546_12) | 41.0 |
|  [Purchase](#txa459546_13) | 41.0 |
|  [Initial Strategy Selections](#txa459546_14) | 43.0 |
|  [Strategy Selections at Term End](#txa459546_15) | 43.0 |
|  [Cash Benefit](#txa459546_16) | 45.0 |
|  [Fees and Charges](#txa459546_17) | 47.0 |
|  [Market Value Adjustment](#txa459546_18) | 47.0 |
|  [Annuity Payout Benefit](#txa459546_19) | 49.0 |
|  [Death Benefit](#txa459546_20) | 50.0 |
|  [Payout Options](#txa459546_21) | 52.0 |
|  [Processing Purchase Payments and Requests](#txa459546_22) | 54.0 |
|  [Right to Cancel (Free Look)](#txa459546_23) | 55.0 |
|  [Annual Statement and Confirmations](#txa459546_24) | 56.0 |
|  [Electronic Delivery](#txa459546_25) | 56.0 |
|  [Abandoned Property Requirements](#txa459546_26) | 56.0 |
|  [Owner](#txa459546_27) | 56.0 |
|  [Annuitant](#txa459546_28) | 57.0 |
|  [Beneficiary](#txa459546_29) | 58.0 |
|  [Other Contract Provisions](#txa459546_30) | 58.0 |
|  [Federal Tax Considerations](#txa459546_31) | 59.0 |
|  [Premium and Other Taxes](#txa459546_32) | 62.0 |
|  [Distribution of the Contracts](#txa459546_33) | 63.0 |
|  [MassMutual Ascend Life's General Account](#txa459546_34) | 63.0 |
|  [Legal Matters](#txa459546_35) | 64.0 |
|  [Experts](#txa459546_36) | 64.0 |
|  [The Registration Statement](#txa459546_37) | 64.0 |
|  [Option Prices](#txa459546_38) | 65.0 |
|  [Examples: Impact of Withdrawals on Contract Values and Amounts Realized](#txa459546_39) | 66.0 |
|  [State Variations](#txa459546_40) | 94.0 |
|  [SECTION II MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INFORMATION](#txa459546_41) | 98.0 |

---

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**SECTION I** 

**INDEX ACHIEVER ADVISORY ANNUITY INFORMATION** 

**SPECIAL TERMS** 

In this prospectus, the following capitalized terms have the meanings set out below.

ACCOUNT VALUE. For each day, the Account Value is the sum of the current values of each Crediting Strategy, plus the current value of the Purchase Payment Account, if any.

ALLOCATION LIMIT. The limit for allocations and reallocations to the Declared Rate Strategy. The Allocation Limit is 12%. The Allocation Limit also applies to the Temporary Holding Account for Contracts issued in Missouri.

ANNUITANT. The natural person or persons on whose life the Annuity Payout Benefit is based.

ANNUITY PAYOUT BENEFIT. A series of periodic payments made under a Payout Option. The terms and conditions are described in the Annuity Payout Benefit section of this prospectus.

ANNUITY PAYOUT INITIATION DATE. The first day of the first payment interval for which payment of an Annuity Payout Benefit is to be made. This is the date we apply your Account Value to the Annuity Payout Benefit and calculate the payment amount.

BENEFICIARY. A person entitled to receive all or part of a Death Benefit that is to be paid under the Contract on account of a death before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

BUFFER. For each Buffer Strategy, the Buffer provides a buffer against the first 10% of any fall in the Index for the Term when determining the Loss for the Term. The Buffer is also used in the calculation of the Daily Value Percentage before the end of the Term. For each Term of each Buffer Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Buffer is 10%. In the future, we may offer a new Strategy with a Buffer that is more than 10%, but we will not offer a new Strategy with a Buffer that is less than 10%.

CAP. For each Cap Strategy, the Cap is the largest rise in the Index for the Term that is taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. The Cap is also used in the calculation of the Daily Value Percentage for that Strategy before the end of the Term. We post on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates) the Cap for each Term of a Cap Strategy at least 10 days before the next Term starts. For a given Term, we may set a different Cap for amounts attributable to Purchase Payments received on different dates. The Cap for a Term will never be less than 1%.

CONTRACT. The annuity contract that is a legally binding agreement between you and MassMutual Ascend Life, including applicable endorsements and riders.

CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY. The date in each year that is the annual anniversary of the Contract Effective Date. That date is set out on your Contract Specifications Page.

CONTRACT EFFECTIVE DATE. The date as of which the initial Purchase Payment is applied to the Contract. That date is set out on your Contract Specifications Page.

CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS PAGE. The pages in your Contract that contain details unique to your Contract.

CONTRACT YEAR. A 12-month period that starts on the Contract Effective Date or on a Contract Anniversary.

CREDITING STRATEGY (STRATEGY). A specified method by which declared interest is set or values are calculated. The Crediting Strategies that are currently available are set out on the first page of this prospectus.

DAILY VALUE PERCENTAGE. The Daily Value Percentage is used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term. For each day of a Term of an Indexed Strategy before the final Market Day of the Term, the Daily Value Percentage is equal to: (1) the Net Option Price for that day; minus (2) the Amortized Option Cost for that day; and minus (3) the Trading Cost for that day.

See the next section (Special Terms Related to Daily Value Percentage) for the definitions of Amortized Option Cost, Net Option Price, and Trading Cost.

DEATH BENEFIT. An amount that becomes payable if you die before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and before the date that the Contract is Surrendered. The terms and conditions are described in the Death Benefit section of this prospectus.

DECLARED RATE. A fixed interest rate set by us for a Term of the Declared Rate Strategy.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
DECLARED RATE STRATEGY. A Crediting Strategy that credits interest at a Declared Rate. Note: The Declared Rate Strategy is not available for Contracts issued in Missouri. (For Contracts issued in Missouri, see the State Variations section below for more information about the Temporary Holding Account, which has many of the same features as the Declared Rate Strategy.)

DOWNSIDE PARTICIPATION RATE. For each Downside Participation Rate Strategy, the Downside Participation Rate is your share of any fall in the Index over a Term taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. The Downside Participation Rate is also used in the calculation of the Daily Value Percentage before the end of the Term. For every Term of each Downside Participation Rate Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Downside Participation Rate is 50%. In the future, we may offer a new Strategy with a Downside Participation Rate that is less than 50%, but we will not offer a new Strategy with a Downside Participation Rate that is more than 50%.

FLOOR. For a Floor Strategy, the Floor is the decrease in the value of an Index for a Term that is taken into account when determining the Loss for the Term. The Floor is also used in the calculation of the Daily Value Percentage before the end of the Term. For each Term of the Floor Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Floor is -10%. In the future, we may offer a new Strategy with a Floor that is less negative than -10%, but we will not offer a new Strategy with a Floor that is more negative than -10%.

INDEX. A stock market index or an exchange-traded fund (ETF) used to calculate the value of an Indexed Strategy. The Index at the start of a Term is its level or price at the last Market Close on or before the first day of that Term. The Index at the end of a Term is its level or price at the final Market Close of that Term.

INDEXED STRATEGY. A Crediting Strategy that provides a return based, in part, on changes in the level or price of an Index over a Term.

INVESTMENT BASE. The base amount used to calculate the value of an Indexed Strategy. The Investment Base is the amount applied to an Indexed Strategy at the start of a current Term, adjusted proportionally for any withdrawal during the Term and any related Market Value Adjustment. An Investment Base is not used to calculate the value of a Declared Rate Strategy.

MARKET CLOSE. The close of the regular or core trading session on the market used to measure a given Index.

MARKET DAY. Each day that all markets that are used to measure the available Indexes are open for regular trading.

MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT. An adjustment made to the value of an Indexed Strategy if this Contract is surrendered or a withdrawal is taken from the Indexed Strategy (including automated withdrawals, required minimum distributions, but not including withdrawals to pay advisory fees) before the sixth Contract Anniversary. The Market Value Adjustment does not apply to a withdrawal from the Declared Rate Strategy, the portion of the Account Value held in the Declared Rate Strategy on a Surrender, a Surrender that qualifies for a waiver, an Annuity Payout Benefit, or a Death Benefit.

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE ("WE," "US," "OUR," "MMALIC"). MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company.

OWNER ("YOU," "YOURS"). The person(s) who possesses the ownership rights under the Contract. If there is more than one Owner, each Owner will be a joint owner of the Contract and each reference to Owner means joint owners.

PAYOUT OPTION. The form in which an Annuity Payout Benefit or a Death Benefit may be paid. Standard options are described in the Payout Options section of this prospectus.

PERFORMANCE LOCK. An election to lock in the Daily Value Percentage for the remainder of a Term of an Indexed Strategy. A Performance Lock election for a Term is effective on the second Market Close following our receipt of your Request in Good Order. After the second Market Close, the Indexed Strategy value before the end of the Term and the Indexed Strategy value at the end of the Term is based on the Daily Value Percentage as determined for that second Market Close. This means that the Net Option Value, Amortized Option Cost, and Trading Cost as of that second Market Close will apply from that date on through the end of the Term.

PURCHASE PAYMENT. An amount received by us for the Contract. This amount is determined after deducting any taxes withheld from the payment and after deducting any fee charged by the person remitting payment.

PURCHASE PAYMENT ACCOUNT. An account where a Purchase Payment is held until it is applied to a Crediting Strategy on a Strategy Application Date.

REQUEST IN GOOD ORDER. An election or a request that is:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• complete and satisfactory to us;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• sent to us on our form or in a manner satisfactory to us, which may, at our discretion, be by telephone or
electronic means; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• received at our administrative office.

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An election or a request is complete and satisfactory when we have received: (1) all the information and legal documentation that we require to process the election or the request; and (2) instructions that are sufficiently clear that we do not need to exercise any discretion to process the election or the request. If you have any questions, you should contact us or your registered representative before submitting your election or your request.

STRATEGY APPLICATION DATE. The 6th and 20th days of each month.

SURRENDER. The termination of your Contract in exchange for its Surrender Value.

SURRENDER VALUE. For each day, the Surrender Value is the Account Value on that day plus or minus the Market Value Adjustment that would apply on a Surrender of the Contract. The Account Value will reflect the applicable Strategy values as calculated on that day, which will reflect the Daily Value Percentage whenever Surrender Value is measured before the end of a Term.

TAX-QUALIFIED CONTRACT. An annuity contract that is intended to qualify for special tax treatment for retirement savings. If your Contract is a Tax-Qualified Contract, the cover page of your Contract includes information about its tax qualification. If your Contract is not a Tax-Qualified Contract, the cover page of your Contract will identify it as a "Nonqualified Annuity."

TERM. The period for which Contract values are allocated to a given Crediting Strategy, and over which interest or values are calculated. Terms are one year long or six years long. Each Term will start and end on a Strategy Application Date. A new Term will start on the date that the preceding Term ends.

UPSIDE PARTICIPATION RATE. For each Upside Participation Rate Strategy, the Upside Participation Rate is your share of any rise in the Index over a Term taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. The Upside Participation Rate is also used in the calculation of the Daily Value Percentage before the end of the Term. We post on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates) the Upside Participation Rate for each Term of an Upside Participation Rate Strategy at least 10 days before the next Term starts. For a given Term, we may set a different Upside Participation Rate for amounts attributable to Purchase Payments received on different dates. An Upside Participation Rate for a Term will never be less than 5%.

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**SPECIAL TERMS RELATED TO DAILY VALUE PERCENTAGE** 

AMORTIZED OPTION COST. The Amortized Option Cost is one part of the Daily Value Percentage used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy each day before the final Market Day of a Term. The Amortized Cost for a day is calculated for the last Market Close on or before that day. The Amortized Option Cost is a percentage equal to: (1) the initial Net Option Price for an Indexed Strategy for the Term; multiplied by (2) the number of days remaining until the final Market Close of that Term divided by 365 days if that Term is one year long, or by 2,192 days if that Term is six years long. The initial Net Option Price is the Net Option Price calculated for the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term.

NET OPTION PRICE. The Net Option Price is one part of the Daily Value Percentage used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy before the final Market Day of a Term. The Net Option Price for a day is calculated as of the last Market Close on or before that day.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For strategies with a Floor and a Cap, the Net Option Price as of a Market Close is equal to: (1) the ATM
Call Option Price calculated for that Market Close; minus (2) the OTM Call Option Price calculated for that Market Close; minus (3) the ATM Put Option Price calculated for that Market Close; and plus (4) the OTM Put Option calculated
for the Market Close.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For strategies with a Buffer and a Cap, the Net Option Price as of a Market Close is equal to: (1) the ATM
Call Option Price calculated for that Market Close; minus (2) the OTM Call Option Price calculated for that Market Close; and minus (3) the OTM Put Option Price calculated for that Market Close.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For strategies with a Buffer and an Upside Participation Rate, the Net Option Price as of a Market Close is equal
to: (1) the ATM Call Option Price calculated for a Market Close multiplied by the Upside Participation Rate; minus (2) the OTM Put Option Price calculated for that Market Close

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For strategies with a Downside Participation Rate and an Upside Participation Rate, the Net Option Price as of a
Market Close is equal to: (1) the ATM Call Option Price calculated for a Market Close multiplied by the Upside Participation Rate; minus (2) the ATM Put Option Price calculated for that Market Close multiplied by the Downside Participation
Rate.

The option prices in these formulas reflect the possible future change in the Index over the remainder of the Term. The formulas take into account the Cap or the Upside Participation Rate for the Term and the Downside Participation Rate, the Buffer, or the Floor.

Each option price is stated as a percentage of the Index calculated for the last Market Close on or before the first day of the Term. The option price is an average of the bid-ask prices calculated for the hypothetical option.

ATM CALL OPTION PRICE. The calculated price of a hypothetical at-the-money call option. The hypothetical at-the-money call option is one that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage rise, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of a Term to the final Market Close of that Term.

ATM PUT OPTION PRICE. The calculated price of a hypothetical at-the-money put option. The hypothetical at-the-money put option is one that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage fall, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of a Term to the final Market Close of that Term.

OTM CALL OPTION PRICE. The calculated price of a hypothetical out-of-the-money call option. The hypothetical out-of-the-money call option is one that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage rise, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of a Term to the final Market Close of that Term, but only if and to the extent that rise exceeds the Cap for that Term.

OTM PUT OPTION PRICE. The calculated price of a hypothetical out-of-the-money put option. The hypothetical out-of-the-money put option is one that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage decrease, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term, but only to the extent the percentage decrease exceeds the Buffer or Floor for the Term.

TRADING COST. The Trading Cost is one part of the Daily Value Percentage used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy each day before the final Market Day of a Term. The Trading Cost is the estimated cost of selling the hypothetical options before the end of a Term. The Trading Cost for a day is a percentage set by us by the last Market Close on or before that day. The Trading Cost reflects the average market difference between option bid-ask average prices and option bid prices.

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**SUMMARY** 

The MassMutual Ascend Life Index Achiever Advisory annuity is an individual deferred indexed annuity contract that may help you accumulate retirement savings. The Contract is intended for long-term investment purposes. The Contract is a legal agreement between you as the Owner and MassMutual Ascend Life as the issuing insurance company. In the Contract, we agree to pay the Annuity Payout Benefit to you in exchange for one or more Purchase Payments. If you die before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date, we also agree to provide a Death Benefit that will never be less than the return of premium guarantee.

Like all deferred annuities, the Contract has two periods. During the period prior to the Annuity Payout Initiation Date, your Contract may accumulate earnings on a tax-deferred basis. During the period that begins on the Annuity Payout Initiation Date, we will make payments under the selected Payout Option.

The key features of the Contract are described in this Summary. Read this entire prospectus for more detailed information about the Contract.

**Benefits** *(See "Cash Benefit", "Annuity Payout Benefit", and "Death Benefit" sections on page [ ] and [ ] for more details)* 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The **Annuity Payout Benefit** is a series of periodic payments made under a Payout Option. This benefit can
provide you with income for a fixed period of time or for life. It is based on the Account Value on the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The **Cash Benefit** lets you take out all of your Account Value (Surrender) or take out part of it
(withdrawal). A Market Value Adjustment generally applies if you take out money during the first six Contract Years. You can Surrender your Contract or take a withdrawal before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The **Death Benefit** is payable if you die before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. This benefit is paid to
your beneficiaries. It is based on the Death Benefit value. It will never be less than the Return of Premium Guarantee, which will be equal to your Purchase Payments, reduced proportionally for withdrawals (not including amounts applied to pay for
negative Market Value Adjustments).

**Purchase Payments and Issue Age** *(See "Purchase" section on page [ ] for more details)* 

<u>The Contract is a modified single premium annuity. This means we will accept Purchase Payments only during the purchase payment period, which ends two months after the Contract Effective Date.</u> 

The initial Purchase Payment must be at least $25,000. Each additional Purchase Payment must be at least $10,000. You will need our prior approval if you want to make a Purchase Payment(s) of more than $1,000,000.

Each Owner must be age 80 or younger on the Contract Effective Date.

**Indexed Strategies** *(See "Indexed Strategies" section on page [ ] for more details)* 

For this Contract, we currently offer twelve Indexed Strategies. Each of these Indexed Strategies uses one of five Indexes: S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index, First Trust Barclays Edge Index, iShares<sup>®</sup> MSCI EAFE ETF, SPDR Gold Shares ETF, and iShares<sup>®</sup> U.S. Real Estate ETF. Eleven of these Indexed Strategies have one-year Terms and one has a six-year Term.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Strategy | Index | Term | Positive Return Factor | Negative Return Factor |
| S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap | S&P 500<sup>®</sup> | 1-year | Cap | -10% Floor |
| S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate | S&P 500<sup>®</sup> | 1-year | Upside Participation Rate | 50% Downside Participation Rate |
| S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap | S&P 500<sup>®</sup> | 1-year | Cap | 10% Buffer |
| S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate | S&P 500<sup>®</sup> | 6-year | Upside Participation Rate | 10% Buffer |
| iShares MSCI EAFE ETF 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate | MSCI EAFE ETF | 1-year | Upside Participation Rate | 50% Downside Participation Rate |
| iShares MSCI EAFE ETF 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap | MSCI EAFE ETF | 1-year | Cap | 10% Buffer |
| SPDR Gold Shares ETF 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate | Gold Shares ETF | 1-year | Upside Participation Rate | 50% Downside Participation Rate |
| SPDR Gold Shares ETF 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap | Gold Shares ETF | 1-year | Cap | 10% Buffer |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| iShares US Real Estate ETF 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate | U.S. Real Estate ETF | 1-year | Upside Participation Rate | 50% Downside Participation Rate |
| iShares US Real Estate ETF 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap | U.S. Real Estate ETF | 1-year | Cap | 10% Buffer |
| First Trust Barclays Edge 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate | First Trust Barclays Edge | 1-year | Upside Participation Rate | 50% Downside Participation Rate |
| First Trust Barclays Edge 1-Year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate | First Trust Barclays Edge | 1-year | Upside Participation Rate | 10% Buffer |

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For any Indexed Strategy with a Cap, the Cap will never be lower than 1%. For any Indexed Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate, the Upside Participation Rate will never be lower than 5%.

The Contract doesn't invest in any equity, debt, or other investments. If you buy this Contract, you aren't investing directly in an Index, in the stocks included in S&P 500 Index, in the stocks and bonds of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index, in the securities or other assets held by an iShares ETF or SPDR ETF, in any underlying index tracked by an iShares ETF or SPDR ETF, or in the securities or other assets held by such underlying index. **All benefits and guarantees under the Contract are the obligations of MassMutual Ascend Life and are subject to the credit worthiness and claims-paying ability of MassMutual Ascend Life.**

**Indexed Strategy Value** *(See "Indexed Strategy Value at End of Term" and "Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term" sections below for more details)* 

The value of an Indexed Strategy changes from day to day throughout each Term. The method used to calculate the Strategy value depends on whether the value is being calculated at the end of a Term or during a Term, and whether a Performance Lock election has been made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Once the last Market Day of the Term has been reached, unless a Performance Lock election has been made, the
value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to the remaining Investment Base increased for any rise in the applicable Index over that Term or decreased for any fall in the applicable Index over that Term. Any increase for the Term is limited by the Cap or
Upside Participation Rate for the Term. Any decrease for the Term is limited by the Floor, Downside Participation Rate, or Buffer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• On each day before the last Market Day of the Term, unless a Performance Lock election has been made, the value
of an Indexed Strategy is equal to the remaining Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage as of the most recent Market Close.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If a Performance Lock election has been made, then starting with the second Market Close following receipt of the
election and continuing through the end of the Term, the value of the Indexed Strategy is equal to the remaining Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage locked as of that second Market Close.

A withdrawal, including any withdrawal to pay advisory fees, reduces the Strategy value by the amount of the withdrawal plus or minus any related Market Value Adjustment.

**Investment Base** *(See "Indexed Strategies" section on page [ ] for more details)* 

The value of an Indexed Strategy is calculated using the Investment Base. The Investment Base is not your Strategy value, Account Value, Surrender Value, Annuity Payout value, or Death Benefit value, but it is used to calculate those values.

At the start of a Term, the Investment Base of an Indexed Strategy is equal to the amount applied to that Strategy for that Term. The Investment Base will not change during a Term unless there is a withdrawal. For example, if $60,000 is applied to a given Indexed Strategy at the beginning of a Term, and there are no withdrawals, then the Investment Base throughout that Term will be $60,000.

In addition, a withdrawal reduces the Investment Base by the amount that is proportional to the reduction in the Strategy value on account of the withdrawal and any related Market Value Adjustment. For example, if a withdrawal and the related Market Value Adjustment are equal to 35% of the Strategy value, then the Investment Base for that Strategy will be reduced by 35%.

This means the dollar amount of the proportional reduction in the Investment Base will not be the same as the dollar amount of the withdrawal and the Market Value Adjustment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Strategy value immediately before the withdrawal is greater than the Investment Base, then the
proportional reduction in the Investment Base will be less than the withdrawal and the related Market Value Adjustment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Strategy value immediately before the withdrawal is less than the Investment Base, then the proportional
reduction in the Investment Base will be greater than the withdrawal and the related Market Value Adjustment.

**Indexed Strategy Value at End of Term** *(See "Indexed Strategy Value at End of Term" section on page [ ] for more details)* 

At the end of a Term, unless a Performance Lock election has been made, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to the remaining Investment Base increased for any rise in the Index or decreased for any fall in the Index for the Term. If you have made a Performance Lock election, then the normal rules set out here do not apply, and the value at the end of a Term is determined as described under Performance Lock below.

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Any increase for the Term is potentially limited by a Cap or limited by an Upside Participation Rate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For a Cap Strategy, the Cap for a Term is the largest rise in the Index for the Term taken into account to
determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. For example, if the Cap is 10% and the Index increases for the Term by 16%, the Cap limits the increase in Strategy value for the Term to 10%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For an Upside Participation Rate Strategy, the Upside Participation Rate for a Term is the portion of any rise in
the Index for the Term that is taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. For example, if the Upside Participation Rate is 50% and the Index increases for the Term by 16%, the Upside Participation Rate limits the
increase in Strategy value for the Term to 8%.

Any decrease for a Term is limited by a Floor, a Buffer, or a Downside Participation Rate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For a Floor Strategy, the Floor is the portion of any fall in the Index for the Term that is taken into account
to determine the Strategy value for a Strategy at the end of the Term. For example, if the Floor is -10% and the Index decreases for the Term by 15%, the Floor limits the change in Strategy value for the Term to -10%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For a Buffer Strategy, the Buffer provides a buffer against the first 10% of any fall in the Index for the Term
to determine the Strategy value for a Strategy at the end of the Term. For example, if the Buffer is 10% and the Index decreases for the Term by 15%, the Buffer limits the change in Strategy value for the Term to -5%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For a Downside Participation Rate Strategy, the Downside Participation Rate is the portion of any fall in the
Index for the Term taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. For example, if the Downside Participation Rate is 50% and the Index decreases for the Term by 20%, the Downside Participation Rate limits the change in
Strategy value for the Term to -10%.

We set the Caps and Upside Participation Rates for each Indexed Strategy prior to the start of each Term. This means Caps and Upside Participation Rates may change for each Term. A Cap will never be lower than 1%. An Upside Participation Rate will never be less than 5%. At least 10 days before the next Term starts, we will post the Caps and Upside Participation Rates that will apply to the Indexed Strategies for that next Term on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

For each Term of the Floor Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Floor is -10%. The Floor for a Floor Strategy will not change. In a hypothetical worst case scenario where the Index falls by 100% for the Term and the Floor is -10%, then the Strategy value at the end of the Term will be equal to the Investment Base decreased by 10%.

For each Term of each Downside Participation Rate Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Downside Participation Rate is 50%. The Downside Participation for these Indexed Strategies will not change. In a hypothetical worst case scenario where the Index falls by 100% for the Term and the Downside Participation Rate is 50%, then the Strategy value at the end of the Term will be equal to the Investment Base decreased by 50%.

For each Term of each Buffer Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Buffer is 10%. The Buffer for these Indexed Strategies will not change. In a hypothetical worst case scenario where the Index falls by 100% for the Term and the Buffer is 10%, then the Strategy value at the end of the Term will be equal to the Investment Base decreased by 90%.

Any increase or decrease in the value of an Indexed Strategy at the end of a Term is based on the value of the underlying Index on the final Market Day of the Term. This means that you may experience negative or flat performance for the Term even though the underlying Index rose throughout some or most of the Term.

**Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term** *(See "Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term" section on page [ ] for more details)* 

Before the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to the Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage. If you have made a Performance Lock election, then the normal rules set out here do not apply, and the value before the end of a Term is determined as described under Performance Lock below.

The Daily Value Percentage is intended to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy prior to the end of a Term using option values related to the positive and negative return factors of the Indexed Strategy. The Daily Value Percentage is equal to the Net Option Price, reduced by the Amortized Option Cost and the Trading Cost.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Net Option Price is the calculated price of hypothetical options that represent the projected change in the
applicable Index over the full Term. The calculated price takes into account the applicable Cap or Upside Participation Rate and the Buffer, Floor, or Downside Participation Rate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Amortized Option Cost is the calculated price of those options at the start of the Term amortized over the
Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Trading Cost is the estimated cost of selling those options. It is a percentage set by us by the last Market
Close on or before that day.

For example, if the Investment Base for a Strategy is $100,000 and the Daily Value Percentage is 8%, then the value of your Strategy on that day is equal to $108,000 ($100,000 Investment Base, increased by $100,000 x 8%). If the Investment Base for a Strategy is $100,000 and the Daily Value Percentage is -4%, then the value of your Strategy on that day is equal to $96,000 ($100,000 Investment Base, decreased by $100,000 x -4%).

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Each part of the Daily Value Percentage is described in greater detail on pages [29] to [33].

**Performance Lock** *(See "Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock" section on page [ ] for more details)* 

A Performance Lock is an election to lock in the Daily Value Percentage for the remainder of a Term. You may make a Performance Lock election for a Term that starts after the date of this prospectus by a Request in Good Order. Once we receive your Request in Good Order, a Performance Lock election for a Term cannot be changed or revoked.

A Performance Lock election for a Term is effective on the second Market Close following our receipt of your Request in Good Order. After the second Market Close, the Indexed Strategy value before the end of the Term and the Indexed Strategy value at the end of the Term is based on the Daily Value Percentage and Trading Cost as determined for that second Market Close. This means that the Net Option Value, Amortized Option Cost, and Trading Cost as of that second Market Close will apply from that date on through the end of the Term.

Performance Lock is only available for an S&P 500 Indexed Strategy or a First Trust Barclays Edge Indexed Strategy.

If you make a Performance Lock election for the S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Indexed Strategy before the sixth year of the Term, that Term will end on the next anniversary of the Term start date.

A Performance Lock does not lock the Market Value Adjustment. After a Performance Lock election, the Strategy value continues to be subject to the Market Value Adjustment that may apply on a withdrawal or Surrender, and the Market Value Adjustment that may apply on any given day will continue to vary.

**You are responsible for deciding whether to elect a Performance Lock and we are not responsible for any losses incurred as a result of your decision whether or not to elect a Performance Lock.** 

**Declared Rate Strategy** *(See "Declared Rate Strategy" section on page [ ] for more details)* 

Amounts held under the Declared Rate Strategy are credited with interest daily throughout a Term at a rate we set before that Term begins. This means the interest rate for the Declared Rate Strategy may change for each Term. Each Term of the Declared Rate Strategy is one year long. A Declared Rate will never be less than the guaranteed minimum interest rate set out in the Declared Rate Strategy endorsement included in your Contract. The guaranteed minimum interest rate will be at least equal to the minimum interest rate required for fixed annuity contracts by state Standard Nonforfeiture Law that is in effect on the date that the Contract is issued. At least 10 days before the next Term starts, we will post the Declared Rate that will apply to the Declared Rate Strategy for that next Term on our website. Note: The Declared Rate Strategy is not available for Contracts issued in Missouri. For Contracts issued in Missouri, see the State Variations section below for more information about the Temporary Holding Account, which has many of the same features as the Declared Rate Strategy.

**Allocation Limit** *(See "Declared Rate Strategy – Allocation Limit" section on page [ ] for more details)* 

When a Purchase Payment is applied to Crediting Strategies, the percentage of the Purchase Payment Account applied to the Declared Rate Strategy cannot exceed the Allocation Limit of 12%. When ending values are reallocated to Crediting Strategies at the end of a Term, the percentage of the Account Value to be applied to the Declared Rate Strategy cannot exceed the Allocation Limit. If you do not make a request to reallocate the ending values of your Crediting Strategies for a given Term, the ending value of the Declared Rate Strategy may be applied to a new Term of that same Strategy even if it exceeds the Allocation Limit for the Declared Rate Strategy. This limit also applies to the Temporary Holding Account for Contracts issued in Missouri.

**Strategy Renewals and Reallocations** *(See "Strategy Selections at Term End" section on page [ ] for more details)* 

At the end of each Term, you may reallocate the ending values of the Crediting Strategies for that Term among the Strategies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you reallocate, then we will apply the ending values of the Crediting Strategies to a new Term of the
Crediting Strategies that you select.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you do not reallocate, then we will apply the ending value of each Crediting Strategy to a new Term of that
same Strategy, as long as the same Strategy is available for a new Term.

The S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Indexed Strategy is only available for a Term that starts in the first Contract Year. If at the end of the six-year Term you do not reallocate, then we will apply the ending value of that Strategy to a new Term of the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy.

If funds are allocated to any other Indexed Strategy that will not be available for the next Term and you do not request a reallocation of those funds, we will apply the ending value of that Indexed Strategy as follows:

1) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and that has the same or most comparable positive return factors and negative return factors; or

2) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the largest Buffer; or

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3) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the lowest percentage Downside Participation Rate; or 

4) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the least negative Floor; or

5) to the Declared Rate Strategy to the extent it does not cause the allocation to exceed the Allocation Limit; or

6) to the extent that it cannot be allocated to the Declared Rate Strategy, then to the S&P 500 1-Year –10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy. 

**You cannot reallocate your value among Crediting Strategies during a Term. If you elect a Performance Lock, you will not be able to reallocate the locked value until the end of a Term. We will send you written notice at least 30 days before the end of a Term to provide you with the opportunity to make a reallocation. However, you will not know the Cap and Upside Participation Rates applicable to a new Term until 10 days before the end of the current Term. You should consider this information before finalizing your renewal or reallocation decision.** 

**Access to Your Money through Withdrawals** *(See "Cash Benefit" section on page [ ] for more details)* 

You may take a withdrawal from your Contract at any time prior to the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. During the first six Contract Years, a Market Value Adjustment will apply unless your withdrawal comes from the Declared Rate Strategy. A withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy will reduce the Account Value by the amount of the withdrawal, including any taxes and any applicable Market Value Adjustment. A withdrawal during a Term will reduce the Investment Base, which is used to calculate subsequent Strategy values for that Term, by an amount that is proportional to the reduction in the Indexed Strategy value due to the withdrawal.

**Withdrawals to Pay Advisory Fees** *(See "Cash Benefit – Withdrawals to Pay Advisory Fees" section on page [ ] for more details)* 

You may authorize withdrawals from your Contract to pay advisory fees to a registered investment advisor with respect to the management of your Contract. Withdrawals to pay advisory fees are treated like other withdrawals from the Contract, except that a Market Value Adjustment will not apply. Withdrawals to pay advisory fees will reduce the amount payable upon Surrender, applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit, or payable as the Death Benefit. Like other withdrawals, they may reduce the Death Benefit by more than the amount withdrawn. Such withdrawals may also limit any growth in Contract values. Please refer to additional information on page 38.

**Market Value Adjustment** *(See "Market Value Adjustment" section on page [ ] for more details)* 

A Market Value Adjustment applies during the first six Contract Years if you Surrender your Contract or withdraw from an Indexed Strategy (other than to pay advisory fees). The Market Value Adjustment equals the MVA factor multiplied by the amount subject to the adjustment.

The MVA factor is equal to:

(A – (B + K)) x N

Where:

A = the MVA Index Interest Rate on the Contract Effective Date;

B = the MVA Index Interest Rate for the date of the withdrawal or surrender;

K = the spread factor of 0.25% (see State Variations section below for exceptions); and

N = the number of whole and partial years remaining to the sixth Contract Anniversary.

For Contracts issued in certain states, the spread factor does not apply. See the State Variations section below for any special rule relating to the spread factor in your state.

For example, if a withdrawal was made on the second Contract Anniversary, the MVA Index Interest Rate on the Contract Effective Date was 3%, and the MVA Index Interest Rate for the date of the withdrawal or surrender was 4%, the MVA factor would be equal to -5% (3% - (4% + 0.25%)) X 4 = -5%).

If you take a withdrawal from your Contract, the amount subject to the charge is the amount taken from Indexed Strategies plus any amount needed to pay a negative Market Value Adjustment. If you Surrender your Contract, the amount subject to the charge is your Account Value minus the value of the Declared Rate Strategy.

When you request a withdrawal, we will reduce the amount we pay you by the amount of a negative Market Value Adjustment, or we will increase the amount we pay you by the amount of a positive Market Value Adjustment. If you instruct us to pay you the specific withdrawal amount, we will instead reduce your Account Value by both the requested specific withdrawal amount plus the amount of needed to pay a negative Market Value Adjustment or minus the amount provided by a positive Market Value Adjustment. In this case, since you opted not to pay the Market Value Adjustment out of your withdrawal proceeds, we treat a negative Market Value Adjustment as an additional requested withdrawal or a positive Market Value Adjustment as a credit that need not be withdrawn from the Indexed Strategy values. We will apply the Market Value Adjustment to both the specified withdrawal amount, as well as any amounts we withdraw to cover a negative Market Value Adjustment.

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For example, if a contract owner requested that $10,000 be withdrawn when they have no funds in the Declared Rate Strategy and a -5% MVA factor was in effect, a $500 Market Value Adjustment would apply (5% of $10,000 withdrawn). The contract owner would receive $9,500 ($10,000 - $500), minus any income tax withholding.

Similarly, if a contract owner instead requested that they receive a net amount of $10,000 from their account in the same circumstances, we would treat the Market Value Adjustment amount as an additional requested withdrawal subject to a negative Market Value Adjustment. This means that we will "gross up" your requested withdrawal to cover applicable Market Value Adjustments (and any income tax withholding). If we assume that no income tax withholding applies, the withdrawal would be grossed up to $10,526, calculated by dividing the net amount requested by 1 minus the MVA factor ($10,000 / (1 – 0.05)). The Market Value Adjustment would be $526 (5% of the $10,526 withdrawal), and the contract owner would receive $10,000 ($10,526 - $526).

**MVA Index** *(See "MVA Index" section on page [ ] for more details)* 

The Market Value Adjustment depends on changes in the MVA Index Interest Rate since the Contract Effective Date and the amount of time remaining until the sixth Contract Anniversary. The MVA Index is the BofA Merrill Lynch 5-10 Year US Corporate Bond Index. We may replace the MVA Index if it is discontinued or we are no longer able to use it or its calculation changes substantially. We may do so at the end of a Term or during a Term. We will notify you in writing at least 30 days before we replace an Index.

**Payout Options** *(See "Payout Options" section on page for more details)* 

Like all annuity contracts, the Contract offers a range of Payout Options, which provide payments for your lifetime or for a fixed period. After payments begin, you cannot change the Payout Option or any fixed period you selected. The standard Payout Options are listed below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Fixed Period Payout

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Life Payout

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Life Payout with Payments for at Least a Fixed Period

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Joint and One-Half Survivor Payout

**Death Benefit** *(See "Death Benefit" section on page [] for more details)* 

A Death Benefit is payable under the Contract if you die before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. If the Owner is a non-natural person, such as a trust or a corporation, then a Death Benefit is payable under the Contract if an Annuitant dies before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

The Death Benefit value is the greater of: (1) the Account Value as of the applicable date; or (2) the Return of Premium Guarantee, which will be equal to your Purchase Payment(s) reduced proportionally for all withdrawals (including withdrawals to pay advisory fees), but not including amounts applied to pay negative Market Value Adjustments.

**Tax Deferral** *(See "Federal Tax Considerations" section on page [ ] for more details)* 

The Contract is generally tax deferred, which means that you are not taxed on the earnings in your Contract until the money is paid to you. If a non-tax-qualified Contract is owned by a non-natural owner, such as a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, it is subject to special rules and generally will not qualify for tax deferral. These special rules may also apply to a non-tax-qualified Contract owned by certain irrevocable trusts that have charitable or other non-natural beneficiaries.

A tax-qualified retirement plan such as an IRA also provides tax deferral. Buying the Contract within a tax-qualified retirement plan does not give you any extra tax benefits. There should be reasons other than tax deferral for buying the Contract within a tax-qualified retirement plan.

**Right to Cancel** *(See "Right to Cancel (Free Look)" section on page [ ] for more details)* 

If you purchase a Contract, you may cancel it within 20 days after you receive it. If you purchase a Contract to replace an existing annuity contract or insurance policy, you have 30 days to cancel the Contract. The right to cancel period may be longer in some states. If you cancel your Contract, you will receive a refund. The amount of the refund will depend on where you live. In some states, the refund amount is equal to the Purchase Payments. In that case, no adjustment will be made for the Daily Value Percentage and no Market Value Adjustment will apply to the amount refunded. In other states, the refund amount is equal to the Account Value on the day that we receive a cancellation request. In this case, an owner bears the risk of changes in Indexed Strategy values before cancellation, but no Market Value Adjustments will apply to the amount refunded. Unless required by state law, we do not refund any negative Market Value Adjustments assessed during the free look period that relate to a withdrawal taken before you cancel the Contract. See the Right to Cancel (Free Look) section for more information about your cancellation rights and the State Variations section of this prospectus for more information about state variations that apply to cancellation rights.

There may be tax consequences if you cancel the Contract. You should seek advice on tax questions based on your particular circumstances from a tax advisor.

**RISK FACTORS** 

The Contract involves certain risks that you should understand before purchasing it. You should carefully consider your income needs and risk tolerance to determine whether the Contract or a particular Indexed Strategy is appropriate for you. The level of risk you bear and your potential investment performance will differ depending on the Crediting Strategies you choose.

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**Loss of Principal Related to Indexed Strategies** 

There is a significant risk of loss of principal and prior earnings due to the fall of an Index if you allocate your Purchase Payment(s) to an Indexed Strategy. Such a loss may be substantial. This risk exists because, at the end of that Term, you can lose up to 90% of the money allocated to a Buffer Strategy, or 50% of the money allocated to a Downside Participation Rate Strategy, or 10% of the money allocated to a Floor Strategy. In addition, before the end of a Term, the value of a Strategy may be even less than 50% of the money allocated to a Downside Participation Rate Strategy, or even less than 10% for money allocated to a Buffer Strategy, or even less than 90% for money allocated to the Floor Strategy, because the loss will include a reduction for the Amortized Option Cost and the Trading Cost. If you allocate money to one or more Strategies over multiple Terms, you may lose money each Term, which may result in a cumulative loss of your Purchase Payment(s) that is greater than 50% for a Downside Participation Rate Strategy, or greater than 90% for a Buffer Strategy, or greater than 10% for the Floor Strategy.

The S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy will always be available. At the end of a Term, we may stop offering any other Indexed Strategy. Consequently, any other Indexed Strategy listed in this prospectus may not be available after the end of the initial Term. The S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy will only be available for Terms beginning in the first Contract Year. We have the right to replace the Index associated with an Indexed Strategy under certain circumstances.

In the future, we may offer new Indexed Strategies. Indexed Strategies that may be available in the future may earn a return that is lower than the return your investments would have earned if they had been invested in the other Indexed Strategies that are currently available. In addition, any reduction in the available number of Indexed Strategies may reduce your opportunity to increase your Account Value.

**Loss of Principal Related to Market Value Adjustment** 

There is also a risk of loss of principal and prior earnings if you take a withdrawal from your Contract or Surrender it during the first six Contract Years and a Market Value Adjustment applies. This risk exists for each Indexed Strategy, but not the Declared Rate Strategy. A Market Value Adjustment may reduce the value of the Indexed Strategy even when the Index has risen. This reduction may exceed any prior earnings.

**Long-Term Nature of Contract** 

The Contract is a deferred annuity, which means the Annuity Payout Benefit will begin on a future date. We designed the Contract to be a long-term investment that you can use to help build a retirement nest egg and provide income for retirement. The limitations, adjustments and charges included in the Contract reflect its long-term nature.

**Limits on Strategy Value at End of Term** 

If the Index rises for the Term and a Cap applies, then the Strategy value at the end of the Term can never be more than the Investment Base increased by the Cap for that Term even if the Index has risen by more than the Cap. If the Index rises for the Term and an Upside Participation Rate applies, then the Strategy value at the end of the Term will be the Investment Base increased by your share of the rise in the Index. Your share of any rise in the Index is equal to the Upside Participation Rate for that Term multiplied by the rise in the Index. Due to these limitations, in many cases the return on money allocated to Cap Strategy will not fully reflect the corresponding rise in the Index for the Term and the return on money allocated to an Upside Participation Rate Strategy that is less than 100% will never reflect the entire corresponding rise in the Index for the Term.

**Index Changes Over the Course of Term** 

At the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, we measure the Index change by comparing the Index value on the first day of the Term to the Index value on the last day of the Term. This means that if the Index value is lower on the last day of the Term, you may experience negative or flat performance even if the Index rose through some, or most, of the Term.

The Contract offers you the opportunity to allocate funds to Indexed Strategies for one-year or six-year Terms. For Indexed Strategies with a six-year Term, changes in Strategy value as a result of Index performance will only be measured over a six-year period and not annually.

**Limits on Strategy Value before End of Term** 

Before the end of a Term, we calculate the value of an Indexed Strategy using a Daily Value Percentage that is not tied directly to the underlying Index. The Daily Value Percentage includes the prices of hypothetical options. Such option prices will vary from day to day. You will bear the risk that the Daily Value Percentage may decrease the Strategy value before the end of a Term.

The Daily Value Percentage includes deductions for the Amortized Option Cost and the Trading Cost, which means that any Strategy value before the end of a Term will almost always be less than the value suggested by the rise or fall of the Index. Because the Amortized Option Cost is a decreasing value, its negative impact on Strategy values will be more pronounced at the start of a Term than at the end of that Term. In addition, even if the Index rises, the Strategy value may be less than the Investment Base due to these deductions.

Strategy values are used to calculate the amount payable upon Surrender, applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit, or payable as the Death Benefit. Accordingly, the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost will have a negative effect on such benefits taken before the end of a Term.

For more information on how we determine the prices of hypothetical options, see the Option Prices section of this Prospectus.

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**No Increases in Value After Performance Lock** 

If you make a Performance Lock election, the Daily Value Percentage will be locked for the balance of the Term. This means that you will experience flat performance through the balance of the Term even if the Net Option Value increases, you will not benefit from the continued decline in the Amortized Option Cost, and your ending Strategy value will not be based on the ending Index value on the last day of the Term.

**Limits on Reallocations** 

You cannot reallocate money among the Crediting Strategies prior to the end of a Term. If you want to take money out of a Crediting Strategy during a Term, you must take a withdrawal or Surrender your Contract.

**Effect of Surrenders** 

If you Surrender your Contract at any time during the first six Contract Years and a Market Value Adjustment applies, the amount payable may reflect a deduction for the Market Value Adjustment. If you Surrender your Contract at the end of a Term, the amount payable will reflect any rise or fall of the applicable Indexes for the Term, applicable Caps, Upside Participation Rates, Floors, Buffers, and Downside Participation Rates. If you Surrender your Contract before the end of a Term, the amount payable will reflect the applicable Daily Value Percentage.

**Effect of All Withdrawals** 

If you take a withdrawal at any time, including any withdrawals to pay advisory fees, we will reduce your Account Value by an amount equal to your withdrawal. A reduction in the Account Value will reduce the amount payable upon Surrender, applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit, or payable as the Death Benefit. In addition, a withdrawal will proportionally reduce the Return of Premium Guarantee for the Death Benefit.

If you take a withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy during the first six Contract Years and a Market Value Adjustment applies, we will also adjust the amount of your withdrawal by the amount of the Market Value Adjustment.

Each withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy, including any negative Market Value Adjustment, withdrawals under an automated withdrawal program, withdrawals to satisfy a required distribution, or withdrawals to pay advisory fees, will reduce the Strategy value. If taken from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, the reduction in Strategy value is determined by the Daily Value Percentage on the date of the withdrawal, or on the locked Daily Value Percentage if you have made a Performance Lock election. The reduction in Strategy value may be higher or lower than the Investment Base. Unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the reduction in Strategy value may be higher or lower than the end-of-Term value. The Investment Base used to calculate the Strategy value through the end of that Term will also be reduced. The reduction in the Investment Base for a withdrawal and any related Market Value Adjustment is proportional to the reduction in the Strategy value. A reduction in the Investment Base will limit the effect of any rise or fall in the Index for the remainder of the Term.

All or some portion of a withdrawal may be subject to federal and state income taxes and, if taken before age 59<sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>, may be subject to a 10% federal penalty tax. For a further discussion of the tax treatment of withdrawals and surrenders, please see page [51].

**Timing and Effect of Withdrawals Before End of Term** 

You should take into consideration the dates on which the Term(s) of your Indexed Strategies end relative to the timing of a withdrawal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you take a withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, we will immediately reduce the
Investment Base for that Indexed Strategy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The reduction will be proportional to the reduction in the Account Value, which means that the proportional
reduction in the Investment Base could be larger than the dollar amount of the withdrawal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Reductions to the Investment Base will have a negative effect on any increases in the Indexed Strategy value for
the remainder of that Term, but will also reduce any decreases in the Indexed Strategy value for the remainder of that Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Once the Investment Base for an Indexed Strategy is reduced due to a withdrawal before the end of a Term, it will
not increase at any time during the remainder of that Term.

Each withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, including withdrawals to pay advisory fees, withdrawals under an automated withdrawal program and withdrawals to satisfy a required distribution, will proportionally reduce the Investment Base.

**No Ability to Determine Contract Values in Advance** 

We will process any withdrawal request at the first Market Close after receipt of your Request in Good Order. This means you will not be able to determine in advance the amount of the proportional reduction in the Investment Base due to the withdrawal.

A Performance Lock election is effective on the second Market Close after receipt of your Request in Good Order. This means you will not be able to determine in advance the locked Daily Value Percentage that will be applicable to the Indexed Strategy at the time you make a Performance Lock election. The Daily Value Percentage may be higher or lower at the time the Performance Lock election goes effective than it was when you submitted your Request in Good Order.

Likewise, you will not be able to determine in advance the amount payable upon Surrender, to be applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit or payable as the Death Benefit.

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**Changes in Caps, Upside Participation Rates, and Trading Cost** 

We set a Cap or an Upside Participation Rate for each new Term of an Indexed Strategy. The Cap or Upside Participation Rate for a new Term of an Indexed Strategy may be lower than its Cap or Upside Participation Rate for the current Term. A Cap may be as low as 1%. An Upside Participation Rate may be as low as 5%. You risk the possibility that the Cap or Upside Participation Rate for a new Term may be lower than you would find acceptable.

We may change the Trading Cost at any time due to changes in option prices. You bear the risk of any negative effect on the Daily Value Percentage and Indexed Strategy values of an increase in the Trading Cost.

**Changes in Declared Rates** 

We set a Declared Rate for each new one-year Term of the Declared Rate Strategy. The Declared Rate will never be less than the guaranteed minimum interest rate set out in the Declared Rate Strategy endorsement included in your Contract. The guaranteed minimum interest rate will be at least equal to the minimum interest rate required for fixed annuity contracts by state Standard Nonforfeiture Law that is in effect on the date that the Contract is issued. You risk the possibility that the Declared Rate for a new Term may be lower than you would find acceptable.

**Unavailable Indexed Strategies** 

At the end of a Term, we may stop offering any Indexed Strategy other than the S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy. Consequently, any other Indexed Strategy you selected may not be available after the end of a Term. In such an event, the Company will amend the prospectus. At least 30 days before the end of each Term, we will send you a written notice with information about the Indexed Strategies that will be available for the next Term.

The S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Indexed Strategy is not available for Terms that begin after the first Contract Year. If funds are allocated to the S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Indexed Strategy and you do not reallocate at the end of the Term, then we will apply the ending value of that Strategy to a new Term of the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy. If funds are allocated to any other Indexed Strategy that will not be available for the next Term and you do not request a reallocation of those funds, we will apply the ending value of that Indexed Strategy as follows:

1) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and that has the same or most comparable positive return factors and negative return factors; or

2) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the largest Buffer; or

3) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the lowest percentage Downside Participation Rate; or 

4) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the least negative Floor; or

5) to the Declared Rate Strategy to the extent it does not cause the allocation to exceed the Allocation Limit; or

6) to the extent that it cannot be allocated to the Declared Rate Strategy, then to the S&P 500 1-Year –10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy. 

We may establish minimum and maximum amounts or percentages that may be applied to a given Indexed Strategy. This means that an Indexed Strategy you selected may not be available after the end of a Term because the amount to be applied to that Strategy is less than the minimum we set for the new Term. Likewise, the amount to be applied to an Indexed Strategy may be limited by the maximum we set for the new Term. At least 30 days before the end of each Term, we will send you a written notice with information about any maximum or minimum that will apply for the next Term. If funds cannot be applied to a Strategy due to the minimum or maximum we set for the next Term and you do not request a reallocation of those funds, we will apply the funds to the Declared Rate Strategy. To the extent those funds cannot be allocated to the Declared Rate Strategy, we will apply the funds to the S&P 500 1-Year –10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy.

In these cases, the funds that we allocate to the Declared Rate Strategy may earn a return that is lower than the return those funds would have earned if they had been applied to the Indexed Strategy you selected.

If you choose to Surrender your Contract because a certain Indexed Strategy is no longer available, you may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment. There may be tax consequences if you Surrender your Contract. You should seek advice on tax questions based on your particular circumstances from a tax advisor.

**Replacement of an Index** 

We have the right to replace an Index, including the MVA Index, if: it is discontinued, we are no longer able to use it, its calculation changes substantially, or we determine that hedging instruments are difficult to acquire or the cost of hedging becomes excessive. We may do so at the end of a Term or during a Term. If we replace an Index, notice will be provided to contract owners and the Company will amend the prospectus. If we replace an Index connected to an Indexed Strategy during a Term, we will calculate any rise or fall in the Index using the old Index up until the replacement date. After the replacement date, we will calculate any rise or fall in the Index using the new Index. The performance of the new Index may not be as good as the performance of the old Index. As a result, funds allocated to an Indexed Strategy may earn a return that is lower than the return they would have earned if there had been no replacement.

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**Involuntary Termination of Contract** 

If your Account Value on any anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date is below the minimum value of $5,000 for any reason, we may terminate your Contract on that anniversary. If your Contract has Terms that end on the same date because you made only one Purchase Payment, any involuntary termination will occur on that date. If your Contract has Terms that end on different dates because you made more than one Purchase Payment, any involuntary termination will occur on one of those dates, which will be the end of one Term but not the end of the other Terms. In this case, the Surrender Value payable upon termination of your Contract will reflect the Daily Value Percentages used to calculate the values of Indexed Strategies with Terms that are not ending on the termination date.

**No Direct Investment in S&P 500 Index** 

When you allocate money to an Indexed Strategy that uses the S&P 500 Index, you will not be investing in that Index, or in any stock included in that Index. The S&P 500 Index is calculated without taking into account dividends paid on stocks that make up the S&P 500 Index. In addition, because the performance of an S&P 500 Indexed Strategy is linked to the performance of the S&P 500 Index and not the performance of the stocks included in the Index, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in such stocks. In addition, due to the same limitations, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in a fund that tracks the S&P 500 Index.

**No Direct Investment in SPDR Gold Shares ETF** 

When you allocate money to an Indexed Strategy that uses the SPDR Gold Shares ETF, you will not be investing in that exchange-traded fund or the securities or other assets held by the fund. In addition, because the performance of SPDR Gold Shares ETF is linked to the performance of the share price of the ETF, which is determined by trading on the exchange, and not the performance of its investment portfolio, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in the securities or other assets held by the fund. In addition, due to the same limitations, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in the fund.

**No Direct Investment in an iShares ETF** 

When you allocate money to an Indexed Strategy that uses the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF or iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF, you will not be investing in that exchange-traded fund, the securities or other assets held by the fund, in any underlying index tracked by the fund, or in the securities or other assets held by such underlying index. In addition, because the performance of an iShares ETF is linked to the performance of the share price of the ETF, which is determined by trading on the exchange, and not the performance of its investment portfolio, its underlying index or the components of that index, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in the securities or other assets held by the fund or a direct investment in the components of the fund's underlying index. In addition, due to the same limitations, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in the fund.

**No Direct Investment in First Trust Barclays Edge Index** 

When you allocate money to an Indexed Strategy that uses the First Trust Barclays Edge Index, you will not be investing in that Index, or in any stock or bonds included in that Index. The First Trust Barclays Edge Index is calculated assuming that dividends paid on stocks that make up the First Trust Barclays Edge Index are reinvested. In addition, because the performance of the First Trust Barclays Edge Indexed Strategy is linked to the performance of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index and not the performance of the stocks and bonds included in the Index, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in such stocks and bonds. In addition, due to the same limitations, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in a fund that tracks the First Trust Barclays Edge Index.

**Divergence of Performance** 

The performance of an Indexed Strategy will diverge from the performance of the underlying Index because changes in the value of an Indexed Strategy at the end of a Term are subject to Caps or Upside Participation Rates and the Downside Participation Rate, Floor, or Buffer, and because changes in the value of an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term are based on the Daily Value Percentage.

**Market Risk Related to Indexes** 

Money allocated to an Indexed Strategy that uses the S&P 500 Index or the First Trust Barclays Edge Index is subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying securities that comprise the S&P 500 Index and the First Trust Barclays Edge Index may decline over a Term. Likewise, money allocated to an Indexed Strategy that uses the SPDR Gold Shares ETF, iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, or the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is subject to the risk that the fund's share price may decline over a Term. The level of the S&P 500 Index and the First Trust Barclays Edge Index and the share prices of the SPDR Gold Shares ETF, iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, and the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF may be volatile. Any such market loss in an amount limited by the Buffer, Floor, or Downside Participation Rate will be reflected in the Indexed Strategy value. For example, for an Indexed Strategy with a Downside Participation Rate, the Indexed Strategy value will be reduced by 50% of a fall in the Index at the end of a Term. For an Indexed Strategy with a Buffer, the Indexed Strategy value will be reduced by any amount by which the fall in the Index at the end of the Term exceeds the 10% Buffer. For the Indexed Strategy with a Floor, the Indexed Strategy value will be reduced by the fall in the Index, not to exceed -10%. For each type of Indexed Strategy, this risk applies even if you do not take a withdrawal before the end of a Term.

[The outbreak of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine and has been subjected to wide-ranging sanctions. As of the date of this prospectus, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia invasion of Ukraine have led to significant volatility in the financial markets. These market conditions have impacted the performance of the Indexes to which the Indexed Strategies are linked. If these market conditions continue, and depending on your individual circumstances (e.g., your selected Crediting Strategies and the timing of any Purchase Payments, transfers, or withdrawals), you may experience (perhaps significant)

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negative returns under the Contract. The duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the future impact that the pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine may have on the financial markets and global economy, cannot be foreseen, however. You should consult with a Financial Professional about how the COVID-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine, and the recent market conditions may impact your future investment decisions related to the Contract, such as purchasing the Contract or making Purchase Payments, transfers, or withdrawals, based on your individual circumstances. ]

The historical performance of an Index does not guarantee future results.

***S&P 500 Index***. The S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index is designed to reflect the large-cap sector of the U.S. equity market and, due to its composition, it also represents the U.S. equity market in general. Any positive change in the S&P 500 Index over a Term will be lower than the total return on an investment in the stocks that comprise the S&P 500 Index because such total return will reflect dividend payments on those stocks and the S&P 500 Index will not reflect those dividend payments. More information about the S&P 500 Index is set out in the Indexes section of this prospectus.

***SPDR Gold Shares ETF***. The SPDR Gold Shares represent units of beneficial interest in, and ownership of, the SPDR Gold Trust, an exchange traded fund that holds gold bullion. The investment objective of the trust is for the shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the trust's expenses. The shares are designed to mirror as closely as possible the price of gold, and the value of the shares relates directly to the value of the gold held by the trust, less its liabilities. The price of gold has fluctuated widely over the past several years and the shares have experienced significant price fluctuations. The value of the gold held by the trust is determined using the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Gold Price PM. The Gold Shares trade on the NYSE Arca under the symbol GLD. For more information, visit www.spdrgoldshares.com.

***iShares MSCI EAFE ETF***. The iShares MSCI EAFE ETF is an exchange traded fund that seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization developed market equities, excluding the U.S. and Canada (MSCI EAFE Index). This underlying index includes stocks from Europe, Australasia and the Far East. It may include large- or mid-capitalization companies. The share price of the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF is tied to the performance of large- and mid-capitalization developed market equites, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The share price may not replicate the performance of the fund, its underlying index, or the components of that index. More information about the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF is set out in the Indexes section of this prospectus. To learn more about the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, visit iShares.com and search ticker symbol EFA.

***iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF****.* The iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is an exchange traded fund that seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the real estate sector (Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index). This underlying index may include large-, mid- or small-capitalization companies. A significant portion of the underlying index is represented by real estate investment trusts (REITs), but the components are likely to change over time. The share price of the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is tied to the performance of the real estate sector. The share price may not replicate the performance of the fund, its underlying index, or the components of that index. More information about the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is set out in the Indexes section of this prospectus. To learn more about the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF, visit iShares.com and search ticker symbol IYR.

**First Trust Barclays Edge Index** The First Trust Barclays Edge Index is designed to combine capital strength and value equity investment methodologies with a mix of US Treasuries for more consistent returns. The First Trust Barclays Edge Index consists of an equity component that combines stocks from the Capital Strength Index and the Value LineR Dividend Index. The Capital Strength Index starts with the largest 500 companies in the NASDAQ US benchmark index and then reduces the selection universe by screening for companies that meet minimum criteria including cash and/or short-term investments on their balance sheets, low debt-to-market cap ratios and attractive return-on-equity. It then selects the top 50 names from this smaller universe based on low historical volatility. The Value Line Dividend Index starts with the universe of stocks published in its The Value Line Investment Survey publication and then selects those with a Value LineR Safety Rank of 1 or 2, with attractive dividends and market cap of one billion dollars or above. It then equally weights all stocks that meet those conditions (generally, around 160-200 stocks). The First Trust Barclays Edge Index then combines the stocks represented in The Capital Strength Index and the Value Line Dividend Index. The Index also monitors various market factors to determine if an allocation to 2-year, 5-year and 10-year US Treasuries is warranted with a daily volatility control to target a 7% volatility level per annum.

**Performance Lock Risk** 

If you make a Performance Lock election, you will no longer participate in the positive or negative performance of the Index over the remainder of the Term. This means the value of the Indexed Strategy cannot increase for the remainder of the Term, even if the Index rises over the remainder of the Term.

A Performance Lock does not lock the Market Value Adjustment. After a Performance Lock election, the Strategy value continues to be subject to the Market Value Adjustment that may apply on a withdrawal or Surrender, and the Market Value Adjustment that may apply on any given day will continue to vary. A Performance Lock election may mean that a subsequent rise in the Index will help offset a negative Market Value Adjustment.

A Performance Lock election is effective on the second Market Close after receipt of your Request in Good Order. This means you will not be able to determine in advance the Gain or Loss applicable to the Indexed Strategy when electing a Performance Lock. The Gain or Loss may be higher or lower at the time the Performance Lock election goes effective than it was when you submitted your Request in Good Order.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Market Risk Related to Option Prices** 

Before the end of a Term, money allocated to an Indexed Strategy is subject to the risk that changes in the related option prices may have a negative effect on the value of the Indexed Strategy. This risk applies only if you take a withdrawal (including withdrawals to pay advisory fees) before the end of a Term.

**Regulatory Risk** 

MassMutual Ascend Life is not an investment company. Neither MassMutual Ascend Life nor the separate account that we established in connection with the Contracts is registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The protections provided to investors by that Act are not applicable to the Contract.

**Reliance on Our Claims-Paying Ability** 

No company other than MassMutual Ascend Life has any legal responsibility to pay amounts owed under the Contract. You should look to the financial strength of MassMutual Ascend Life for its claims-paying ability.

Our general account assets fund the guarantees provided in the Contracts. The assets are subject to our general business operation liabilities and claims of our creditors and may lose value. We established a non-unitized separate account for the purpose of supporting our obligation to adjust the Indexed Strategy values based on the Daily Value Percentage or rise or fall of the Index. The assets in the non-unitized separate account are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business that we conduct but may lose value. The non-unitized separate account differs from the unitized separate accounts that support our variable annuity contracts. As a result, unlike the owner of a traditional variable annuity who has a beneficial interest in, and participates in the performance of, the assets of the related unitized separate account, you do not have any interest in or claim on the assets in the non-unitized separate account and you will not participate in any way in the performance of assets held in that account.

Various factors, such as those listed below, could materially affect our business, financial condition, cash flows, or future results and, in turn, our financial strength and claims-paying ability. A more complete discussion of these factors appears on pages [85-89].

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Financial losses including those resulting from the following events:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Adverse developments in financial markets and deterioration in global economic conditions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Unfavorable interest rate environments

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Losses on our investment portfolio

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Loss of market share due to intense competition

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Ineffectiveness of risk management policies

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Changes in applicable law and regulations

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Inability to obtain or collect on reinsurance

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A downgrade or potential downgrade in our financial strength ratings

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Variations from actual experience and management's estimates and assumptions that could result in inadequate
reserves

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Significant variations in the amount of capital we must hold to meet statutory capital requirements

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Legal actions and regulatory proceedings

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Difficulties with technology or data security

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Failure to protect confidentiality of customer information

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Failure to maintain effective and efficient information systems

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Occurrence of catastrophic events, terrorism, or military actions

[The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine may negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine impact financial markets, the global economy, and our financial strength and claims-paying ability will depend on future developments that cannot be predicted with certainty. We continue to be subject to significant state solvency regulations that require us to reserve amounts to pay our contractual guarantees. Please see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Risk Factors Related to MMALIC's Business," and "Financial Statements", and "Regulation" for additional financial information about the company and the state solvency regulations to which we are subject.]

**INDEXED STRATEGIES** 

The Indexed Strategies provide returns that are based, in part, upon changes in an Index. The Indexed Strategies do not earn interest at a fixed rate. Unlike a traditional variable annuity, the values of the Indexed Strategies are not based on the investment performance of underlying portfolios.

At the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, any increase in the value of an Indexed Strategy is determined based on the rise in the applicable Index since the start of that Term and the Cap or Upside Participation Rate for that Term. At the end of a Term, any decrease in the value of an Indexed Strategy is determined based on the fall in the applicable Index since the start of that Term and the Downside Participation Rate, Floor, or Buffer.

Before the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, any increase or decrease in the value of an Indexed Strategy is based on the calculated price of hypothetical options related to the possible future change in the applicable Index for the Term, the initial cost of those options, and the trading cost related to those options. The calculated price of those options takes into account the Cap or the Upside Participation Rate for the Term and the Buffer, Floor, or Downside Participation Rate.

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If you have made a Performance Lock election, then beginning at the second Market Close following receipt of your election and continuing through the end of the Term, any increase or decrease in the value of an Indexed Strategy is locked in based on the calculated price of hypothetical options related to the possible future change in the applicable Index over the Term, the initial cost of those options, and the trading cost related to those options, all as determined at that second Market Close.

Each Indexed Strategy has a Cap or an Upside Participation Rate for each Term. We will set a new Cap or Upside Participation Rate for each Indexed Strategy prior to the start of each Term.

The Downside Participation Rate, Floor, or Buffer for a Strategy will not change from Term to Term. For each Term of each Downside Participation Rate Strategy that we currently offer, the Downside Participation Rate is 50%. For each Term of a Buffer Strategy that we currently offer, the Buffer is 10%. For each Term of a Floor Strategy that we currently offer, the Floor is -10%.

**This means that each Term it is possible for you to lose a portion of the money you allocated to any Indexed Strategy.** 

**Available Indexed Strategies** 

For this Contract, we currently offer twelve Indexed Strategies. Each of these Indexed Strategies uses one of five Indexes: S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index, SPDR Gold Shares ETF, iShares<sup>®</sup> MSCI EAFE ETF, iShares<sup>®</sup> U.S. Real Estate ETF, and First Trust Barclays Edge Index. Eleven of these Indexed Strategies have one-year Terms, and one has a six-year Term.

S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap

S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate

S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap

S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap

SPDR Gold Shares ETF 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate

SPDR Gold Shares ETF 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap

iShares US Real Estate ETF 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate

iShares US Real Estate ETF 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap

First Trust Barclays Edge 1-Year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation rate

First Trust Barclays Edge 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate

**Possible Changes in Indexed Strategies** 

The S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy will always be available. At the end of a Term, we may stop offering any other Indexed Strategy. Consequently, any other Indexed Strategy listed above may not be available after the end of the initial Term. The S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy will only be available for Terms beginning in the first Contract Year. We have the right to replace the Index associated with an Indexed Strategy under certain circumstances.

In the future, we may offer new Indexed Strategies. Any new Indexed Strategy with a Downside Participation Rate will not have a Downside Participation Rate that is greater than 50%. Any new Indexed Strategy with a Buffer will not have a Buffer that is less than 10%. Any new Indexed Strategy with a Floor will not have a Floor that is more negative than -10%.

Indexed Strategies that may be available in the future may earn a return that is lower than the return your investments would have earned if they had been invested in the other Indexed Strategies that are currently available. In addition, any reduction in the available number of Indexed Strategies may reduce your opportunity to increase your Account Value.

**Considerations in Choosing an Indexed Strategy** 

When choosing among Indexed Strategies, you should consider the characteristics and risk profiles of the Indexes, which are discussed in the Indexes section of this prospectus. You should also consider Term lengths. It is generally more difficult to predict Index performance over a longer Term. In addition, you cannot reallocate funds among Strategies before the end of a Term, and the only way to exit a Strategy before the end of a Term is to take a withdrawal or Surrender your Contract.

When choosing among Indexed Strategies that use the same Index, you should also consider how the Caps and Upside Participation Rates may affect the potential return.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A Cap Strategy provides you with the opportunity to participate fully in any rise in the Index up to the Cap, but
you will not participate in any rise in the Index in excess of the Cap.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• An Upside Participation Rate Strategy provides you with the opportunity to share in any rise in the Index without
a Cap, but your share of any rise may be less than 100%.

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If we assume the Participation Rate is less than 100%, here is how a Cap Strategy will perform in comparison to an Upside Participation Rate Strategy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• In any Term where the rise in the Index is less than the Cap, the Cap Strategy will always perform better than
the corresponding Participation Rate Strategy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• In any Term where the rise in the Index is more than the Cap, but less than the Cap divided by the Upside
Participation Rate, the Cap Strategy will always perform better than the corresponding Participation Rate Strategy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• In any Term where the rise in the Index is more than the Cap divided by the Upside Participation Rate, the
Participation Rate Strategy will always perform better than the Cap Strategy.

*Examples*. These examples are intended to help you understand the interplay between Caps and Upside Participation Rates for Indexed Strategies with similar Terms in different market environments and how this interplay affects the comparative performance of such Strategies that use the same Index.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Return at end of Term | Return at end of Term |  |
| Index rise<br>over Term | 12% Cap | 75% Upside<br>Participation Rate | Explanation |
| 4% | 4% | 3% | The Cap Strategy has a better return than the Upside Participation Rate Strategy because the 4% rise in the Index is less than the 12% Cap. |
| 14% | 12% | 10.5% | The Cap Strategy has a better return than the Upside Participation Rate Strategy because the 14% rise in the Index is more than the 12% Cap, but less than 16% (the 12% Cap divided by the 75% Upside Participation Rate). |
| 16% | 12% | 12% | Both Strategies have the same positive return because the rise in the Index is equal to 16% (the 12% Cap divided by the 75% Upside Participation Rate). |
| 20% | 12% | 15% | The Upside Participation Rate Strategy has a better return than the Cap Strategy because the 20% rise in the Index is more than 16% (the 12% Cap divided by the 75% Upside Participation Rate) |

---

See the "Examples: Impact of Withdrawals on Contract Values and Amounts Realized" section below for more information about the interplay between Caps and Participation Rates for Indexed Strategies with different Terms in different market environments,

When choosing among Indexed Strategies that use the same Index, you should also consider how the Buffers, Floors, and Downside Participation Rates may affect your potential risk of loss.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A Buffer Strategy protects you against losses up to the Buffer amount, but you are subject to any loss in excess
of the Buffer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A Floor Strategy limits your loss to the Floor amount, and you will be protected against any loss beyond the
Floor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A Downside Participation Rate Strategy means you will share in any fall in the Index without a Floor or a Buffer,
but your share of any fall is limited by the Downside Participation Rate percentage.

**Term** 

Each Term of an Indexed Strategy will start and end on a Strategy Application Date. Each Term is either one year long or six years long. A new Term will start at the end of the preceding Term.

If you make only one Purchase Payment or you make all of your Purchase Payments before the initial Strategy Application Date, then each Term of each Indexed Strategy will end on the same date in any given year. If you make a Purchase Payment after the initial Strategy Application Date, then your Purchase Payments will be applied to the Indexed Strategies on different Strategy Application Dates. In this case, an Indexed Strategy may have Terms that end on different dates in any given year.

*Examples.* These examples show how a Contract with multiple Purchase Payments may have Terms that end on different dates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You make your initial Purchase Payment on March 10 and another Purchase Payment on March 17. You
allocate both payments to the same Indexed Strategy and both payments are applied on March 20. Each Term of that Indexed Strategy will start and end on March 20.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You make your initial Purchase Payment on May 2 and another Purchase Payment on June 14. You allocate
both payments to the same Indexed Strategy. Your initial Purchase Payment is applied on May 6 and the other Purchase Payment is applied on June 20. That Indexed Strategy will have Terms that start and end on May 6 and other Terms that
start and end on June 20.

**Investment Base** 

The value of an Indexed Strategy is calculated using the Investment Base. The Investment Base is not your Account Value, Surrender Value, Annuity Payout value, or Death Benefit value, but it is used to calculate those values.

The Investment Base is the amount applied to the Strategy at the start of the current Term, reduced proportionally for each withdrawal (including any withdrawals to pay advisory fees), and adjusted for each related Market Value Adjustment during the current Term.

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A withdrawal and the related Market Value Adjustment reduce the Investment Base by an amount that is proportional to the reduction in the value of the Indexed Strategy due to the withdrawal and the Market Value Adjustment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Strategy value immediately before the withdrawal is greater than the Investment Base, then the reduction
in the Investment Base will be less than the withdrawal and the related Market Value Adjustment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Strategy value immediately before the withdrawal is less than the Investment Base, then the reduction in
the Investment Base will be more than the withdrawal and the related Market Value Adjustment.

Here are the formulas that we use to calculate a reduction in the Investment Base for a withdrawal.

Withdrawal as a percentage of Strategy value = withdrawal and related Market Value Adjustment / Strategy value before withdrawal

Reduction in Investment Base = Investment Base before withdrawal x withdrawal as a percentage of Strategy value

Investment Base after withdrawal = Investment Base before withdrawal – reduction in Investment Base

**Indexed Strategy Value** 

At the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Investment Base at the end of the Term; plus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any increase for a rise in the Index for the Term; or minus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any decrease for a fall in the Index for the Term.

In this formula, the Investment Base at the end of the Term is equal to the amount applied to the Strategy at the start of that Term, reduced proportionally for each withdrawal and adjusted by any related Market Value Adjustment that you took during that Term. After we calculate the Investment Base at the end of the Term, we calculate any increase for a rise in the Index over that Term or any decrease for a fall in the Index over that Term. Any increase for the Term is subject to the Cap or Upside Participation Rate for that Term. Any decrease for the Term is subject to the Downside Participation Rate, Floor, or Buffer.

*Examples*. At the end of a Term, the Investment Base in an Indexed Strategy is $5,000. You take a $1,000 withdrawal and no Market Value Adjustment applies to the withdrawal.

*Assume that the Index had increased by 20% at the end of the Term, and either a Cap of 10% or an Upside Participation Rate of 50% was in place:* 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **At Final Market Close of Term** |
|  Rise in Index | +20% |
|  Increase as a Percentage | +10% (10% Cap, or 50% Par Rate x 20%) |
|  Dollar Amount of Increase | +$500 ($5,000 x 10%) |
|  Strategy Value before Withdrawal | $5,500 ($5,000 + $500) |
|  Withdrawal Amount | $1000 |
|  Strategy Value at Term End | $4500 ($5500 - $1000) |

---

If in this example a Market Value Adjustment of 5% applied to the entire withdrawal amount and you requested a net amount of $1,000, your withdrawal amount would have been $1,053 ($1,000 / (1 – 0.05)), resulting in a Strategy Value at Term End of $4,447 ($5,500 - $1,053).

*Assume that the Index had decreased by 20% at the end of the Term, and a Buffer of 10%, a Floor of -10%, or a 50% Downside Participation Rate was in place:* 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **At Final Market Close of Term** |
| Fall in Index | -20% |
| Decrease as a Percentage | -10% (20% fall minus 10% Buffer, or 50% Par Rate x -20%, or -10% Floor) |
| Dollar Amount of Decrease | -$500 ($5,000 x -10%) |
| Strategy Value before Withdrawal | $4500 ($5000 - $500) |
| Withdrawal Amount | $1000 |
| Strategy Value at Term End | $3500 ($4500 - $1000) |

---

If in this example a Market Value Adjustment of 5% applied to the entire withdrawal amount and you requested a net amount of $1,000, your withdrawal amount would have been $1,053 ($1,000 / (1 – 0.05)), resulting in a Strategy Value at Term End of $3,447 ($4,500 - $1,053).

On each day before the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Investment Base on that day; plus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any increase for a positive Daily Value Percentage; or minus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any decrease for a negative Daily Value Percentage.

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In this formula, the Investment Base on each day before the end of the Term is equal to the amount applied to the Strategy at the start of that Term, reduced proportionally for each withdrawal and adjusted for any related Market Value Adjustment that you took on or before that day. After we calculate the Investment Base on that day, we calculate any increase for a positive Daily Value Percentage or any decrease for a negative Daily Value Percentage.

A withdrawal and the related Market Value Adjustment reduce the value of an Indexed Strategy by an amount equal to the withdrawal and the Market Value Adjustment.

*Examples*. You allocate $5,000 to an Indexed Strategy at the start of a Term. This means the Investment Base at the start of the Term is $5,000. You take a $1,000 withdrawal.

*Assume that the Daily Value Percentage is 5% on the withdrawal date and no Market Value Adjustment applies.* 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The increase for the Daily Value Percentage is equal to $250 ($5,000 x 5%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value on the withdrawal date is $5,250 ($5,000 + $250).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value after the withdrawal is $4,250 ($5,250 - $1,000).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The withdrawal as a percentage of the Strategy value is 19.05% ($1,000 / $5,250).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The reduction in the Investment Base is $952 ($5,000 x 19.05%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Investment Base after the withdrawal is $4,048 ($5,000 - $952).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Because the Strategy value on the withdrawal date was more than the Investment Base, the reduction in the
Investment Base is only $952, which is less than the $1000 withdrawal.

*Assume that the Daily Value Percentage is 5% and a Market Value Adjustment of -5% applies, and you requested a net amount of $1,000*: 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The increase for the Daily Value Percentage is equal to $250 ($5,000 x 5%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value on the withdrawal date is $5,250 ($5,000 + $250).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The total amount withdrawn, grossed up to cover the Market Value Adjustment, is $1,053 ($1,000 / (1 –
0.05)).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value after the withdrawal is $4,197 ($5,250 - $1,053).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The withdrawal as a percentage of the Strategy value is 20.05% ($1,053 / $5,250).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The reduction in the Investment Base is $1,003 ($5,000 x 20.05%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Investment Base after the withdrawal is $3,997 ($5,000 - $1,003).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Because the Strategy value on the withdrawal date was more than the Investment Base, the reduction in the
Investment Base was $1,003, which is less than the $1,053 withdrawal but greater than the $1,000 you receive.

*Assume that the Daily Value Percentage is -10% on the withdrawal date and no Market Value Adjustment applies.* 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The reduction for the Daily Value Percentage is equal to $500 ($5,000 x -10%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value on the withdrawal date is $4,500 ($5,000 - $500).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value after the withdrawal is $3,500 ($4,500 - $1,000).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The withdrawal as a percentage of the Strategy value is 22.22% ($1,000 / $4,500).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The reduction in the Investment Base is $1,111 ($5,000 x 22.22%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Investment Base after the withdrawal is $3,889 ($5,000 - $1,111).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Because the Strategy value on the withdrawal date was less than the Investment Base, the reduction in the
Investment Base was $1,111, which is greater than the $1,000 withdrawal.

*Assume that the Daily Value Percentage is -10% and a Market Value Adjustment of -5% applies, and you requested a net amount of $1,000*: 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The reduction for the Daily Value Percentage is equal to $500 ($5,000 x 10%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value on the withdrawal date is $4,500 ($5,000 - $500).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value after the withdrawal is $3,447 ($4,500 - $1,053).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The total amount withdrawn is $1,053 ($1,000 / (1 – 0.05)).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The withdrawal as a percentage of the Strategy value is 23.39% ($1,053 / $4,500).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The reduction in the Investment Base is $1,170 ($5,000 x 23.39%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Investment Base after the withdrawal is $3,830 ($5,000 - $1,170).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Because the Strategy value on the withdrawal date was less than the Investment Base, the reduction in the
Investment Base was $1,170, which is greater than the $1,053 withdrawal and the $1,000 you receive.

**Performance Lock** 

Performance Lock is an election to lock in the Daily Value Percentage for the remainder of a Term of an Indexed Strategy. You can make a Performance Lock election for each Term of a S&P 500 Strategy and for each Term of a First Trust Barclays Edge Strategy that starts after the date of this prospectus. Only one Performance Lock election may be made for a given Term of a Strategy.

You may make a Performance Lock election by a Request in Good Order. Once we receive your Request in Good Order, a Performance Lock election for a Term cannot be changed or revoked.

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A Performance Lock election for a Term is effective on the second Market Close following our receipt of your Request in Good Order. After the second Market Close, the Strategy value before the end of the Term and the Strategy value at the end of the Term is based on the Daily Value Percentage as locked at that second Market Close. This means that the Net Option Value, Amortized Option Cost, and Trading Cost as of that second Market Close will apply from that date on through the end of the Term.

Beginning on that second Market Close and continuing through the end of the Term, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Investment Base on that day; plus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any increase for a positive Daily Value Percentage, as locked on that second Market Close; or minus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any decrease for a negative Daily Value Percentage, as locked on that second Market Close.

After a Performance Lock election is effective, except for withdrawals and Market value Adjustments, the value of a locked Strategy will not change until the start of the next Term.

A Performance Lock election does not affect the Investment Base, so the Indexed Strategy value will still change if the Investment Base is reduced by a withdrawal.

A Performance Lock election does not affect the application of the Market Value Adjustment, so a Market Value Adjustment may still apply to the Indexed Strategy value if you take a withdrawal or Surrender.

If you make a Performance Lock election for the S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Indexed Strategy before the sixth year of the Term, that Term will end on the next anniversary of the Term start date. If you take no action and do not send us a reallocation request by that anniversary, then we will apply the ending value of that Strategy to a new Term of the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy.

*Examples*. You allocate $5,000 to an Indexed Strategy at the start of a 1-year Term. This means the Investment Base at the start of the Term is $5,000. You make a Performance Lock election, and on the second Market Close following receipt of that election the Daily Value Percentage is 5%.

*Assume that you take no withdrawals.* 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The increase for the locked Daily Value Percentage is equal to $250 ($5,000 x 5%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• On the second Market Close following receipt of the Performance Lock election, the Strategy value is $5,250
($5,000 + $250).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value on each following day of the Term remains $5,250 because the Daily Value Percentage is locked.
No further changes in the Net Option Value, Amortized Option Cost, or Trading Cost are taken into account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ending Strategy value is $5,250. The normal calculation based on the percentage change in the Index over the
1-year Term does not apply.

*Assume you take a $1,000 withdrawal after the Performance Lock election is effective, and no Market Value Adjustment applies to the withdrawal*:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The increase for the locked Daily Value Percentage is equal to $250 ($5,000 x 5%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• On the second Market Close following receipt of the Performance Lock election, the Strategy value is $5,250
($5,000 + $250).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Until the withdrawal, the Strategy value on each following day of the Term remains $5,250 because the Daily Value
Percentage is locked. No further changes in the net option value, amortized option cost, or trading cost are taken into account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Immediately after the $1,000 withdrawal, the Strategy value is $4,250 ($5,250 - $1,000).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The withdrawal as a percentage of the Strategy value is 19.05% ($1,000 / $5,250)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The proportionate reduction in the Investment Base is $952 ($5,000 x 19.05%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Investment Base after the withdrawal is $4,048 ($5,000 - $952).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Because the Strategy value on the withdrawal date was more than the Investment Base, the reduction in the
Investment Base was $952, which is less than the $1,000 withdrawal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• After the withdrawal, on each following day of the Term, the increase for the locked Daily Value Percentage is
equal to $202 ($4,048 x5%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• After the withdrawal, on each day of the Term, the Strategy value is $4,250 ($4,048 + $202). The reduction in the
Strategy value is equal to the $1,000 withdrawal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ending Strategy value is $4,250. The normal calculation based on the percentage change in the Index over the
1-year Term does not apply.

**INDEXES** 

**S&P 500 Index** 

The S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index is designed to reflect the large-cap sector of the U.S. equity market and, due to its composition, it also represents the U.S. equity market in general. It includes 500 leading companies and captures approximately 80% coverage of available market capitalization. The S&P 500 Index does not include dividends declared by any of the companies in this index. Consequently, any positive change in the Index over a Term will be lower than the total return on a direct investment in the stocks that comprise the S&P 500 Index.

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The S&P 500 Index is subject to multiple principal investment risks, such as those related to its investments in large-capitalization companies. The S&P 500 Index tracks a subset of the U.S. stock market, which could cause the S&P 500 Index to perform differently from the overall stock market. In general, large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, and may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies. In addition, the S&P 500 Index may, at times, become focused in stocks of a particular market sector, which would subject the S&P 500 Index to proportionately higher exposure to the risks of that sector.

The S&P 500 Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates ("SPDJI"), and has been licensed for use by MassMutual Ascend Life. Standard & Poor's<sup>®</sup>, S&P<sup>®</sup>, S&P 500<sup>®</sup>, US 500, The 500, iBoxx<sup>®</sup>, iTraxx<sup>®</sup> and CDX<sup>®</sup> are trademarks of S&P Global, Inc. or its affiliates ("S&P"); Dow Jones<sup>®</sup> is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC ("Dow Jones"). MassMutual Ascend Life products are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P or their respective affiliates, and none of such parties makes any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such products nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruption of the S&P 500 Index.

For more information, visit www.US.SPIndices.com.

**SPDR Gold Shares ETF** 

The SPDR Gold Shares represent units of beneficial interest in, and ownership of, the SPDR Gold Trust, an exchange traded fund that holds gold bullion. The investment objective of the trust is for the shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the trust's expenses. The shares are designed to mirror as closely as possible the price of gold, and the value of the shares relates directly to the value of the gold held by the trust, less its liabilities. The value of the gold held by the trust is determined using the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Gold Price PM.

The fund is subject to several principal investment risks related to the price of gold. The price of gold has fluctuated widely over the past several years and the shares have experienced significant price fluctuations. Several factors may affect the price of gold, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Global gold supply and demand, which is influenced by such factors as gold's uses in jewelry, technology and
industrial applications, purchases made by investors in the form of bars, coins and other gold products, forward selling by gold producers, purchases made by gold producers to unwind gold hedge positions, central bank purchases and sales, and
production and cost levels in major gold producing countries such as China, the United States and Australia;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Global or regional political, economic or financial events and situations, especially those unexpected in nature;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Investors' expectations with respect to the rate of inflation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Currency exchange rates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Interest rates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Investment and trading activities of hedge funds and commodity funds; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Other economic variables such as income growth, economic output, and monetary policies.

The principal investment risks of the fund are described in the fund's prospectus, including the following risks: price risk, passive investment risk, trading market risk, and risk of loss, damage, theft, or restriction on access.

The Gold Shares trade on the NYSE Arca under the symbol GLD. For more information, visit www.spdrgoldshares.com.

**iShares MSCI EAFE ETF** 

The iShares MSCI EAFE ETF is an exchange traded fund that seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization developed market equities, excluding the U.S. and Canada (MSCI EAFE Index). This underlying index includes stocks from Europe, Australasia and the Far East. It may include large- or mid-capitalization companies. The components of the underlying index, and the degree to which these components represent certain industries and/or countries, are likely to change over time. The fund's adviser uses an indexing strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively has an investment profile similar to that of the underlying index. The fund's performance will be reduced by its expenses and fees.

The fund is subject to several principal investment risks, such as those related to its investments in large- and mid-capitalization foreign companies. In general, large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, and may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies. Generally, the securities of mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile and may involve more risk than the securities of larger companies. Mid-capitalization companies are also more likely to fail than larger companies. Securities issued by

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non-U.S. companies are subject to the risks related to investments in foreign markets (*e.g.*, increased price volatility; changing currency exchange rates; and greater political, regulatory and economic uncertainty). Because the fund is an ETF, it is also exposed to the risks associated with the operation of any ETF. The value of its shares, which are valued based on their trading prices in the secondary market, may change rapidly and unpredictably and may trade at premiums or discounts to the fund's net asset value.

The principal investment risks of the fund are described in the fund's prospectus, including the following risks: asset class risk, authorized participant concentration risk, concentration risk, currency risk, cyber security risk, equity securities risk, financials sector risk, geographic risk, index-related risk, issuer risk, large-capitalization companies risk, management risk, market risk, market trading risk, mid-capitalization companies risk, national closed market trading risk, non-U.S. securities risk, operational risk, passive investment risk, reliance on trading partners risk, risk of investing in developed countries, risk of investing in Japan, securities lending risk, structural risk, tracking error risk and valuation risk.

The fund's shares trade on the NYSE Arca under the symbol EFA.

The iShares MSCI EAFE ETF is distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC. iShares<sup>®</sup>, BLACKROCK<sup>®</sup>, and the corresponding logos are registered and unregistered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates ("BlackRock"), and these trademarks have been licensed for certain purposes by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company. MassMutual Ascend Life annuity products are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by BlackRock, and purchasers of an annuity from MassMutual Ascend Life do not acquire any interest in the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF nor enter into any relationship of any kind with BlackRock. BlackRock makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of any MassMutual Ascend Life annuity product or any member of the public regarding the advisability of purchasing an annuity, nor does it have any liability for any errors, omissions, interruptions or use of the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF or any data related thereto.

**iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF** 

The iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is an exchange traded fund that seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the real estate sector (Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index). This underlying index may include large-, mid- or small-capitalization companies. A significant portion of the underlying index is represented by real estate investment trusts (REITs), but the components are likely to change over time. The fund's adviser uses an indexing strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively has an investment profile similar to that of the underlying index. The fund's performance will be reduced by its expenses and fees.

The fund is subject to several principal investment risks, such as those related to its investments in large-, mid- and small-capitalization U.S. companies in the real estate sector. In general, large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, and may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies. Generally, the securities of smaller companies (including mid- and small-capitalization companies) may be more volatile and may involve more risk than the securities of larger companies. Smaller companies are also more likely to fail than larger companies. Companies that invest in real estate are highly sensitive to the risks of owning real estate, to general and local economic conditions and developments in the real estate market, and to changes in interest rates. Many companies that invest in real estate utilize leverage (and some may be highly leveraged), which increases investment risk, and could potentially magnify the fund's losses. Because the fund is an ETF, it is also exposed to the risks associated with the operation of any ETF. The value of its shares, which are valued based on their trading prices in the secondary market, may change rapidly and unpredictably and may trade at premiums or discounts to the fund's net asset value.

The principal investment risks of the fund are described in the fund's prospectus, including the following risks: asset class risk, authorized participant concentration risk, concentration risk, cyber security risk, dividend risk, equity securities risk, index-related risk, issuer risk, large-capitalization companies risk, management risk, market risk, market trading risk, mid-capitalization companies risk, operational risk, passive investment risk, real estate investment risk, risk of investing in the United States, securities lending risk and tracking error risk.

The fund's shares trade on the NYSE Arca under the symbol IYR.

The iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC. iShares<sup>®</sup>, BLACKROCK<sup>®</sup>, and the corresponding logos are registered and unregistered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates ("BlackRock"), and these trademarks have been licensed for certain purposes by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company. MassMutual Ascend Life annuity products are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by BlackRock, and purchasers of an annuity from MassMutual Ascend Life do not acquire any interest in the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF nor enter into any relationship of any kind with BlackRock. BlackRock makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of any MassMutual Ascend Life annuity product or any member of the public regarding the advisability of purchasing an annuity, nor does it have any liability for any errors, omissions, interruptions or use of the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF or any data related thereto.

**First Trust Barclays Edge Index** 

The First Trust Barclays Edge Index is designed to combine capital strength and value equity investment methodologies with a mix of US Treasuries for more consistent returns. The First Trust Barclays Edge Index consists of an equity component that combines stocks from the Capital Strength Index or The Value Line Dividend Index coupled with a volatility control using a mix of 2-year, 5-year and 10-year US Treasuries. Based on various market factors the First Trust Barclays Edge Index may vary the balance between stocks and bonds and the exposure to the market to target a seven percent (7%) volatility level.

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For more information visit https://www.ftindexingsolutions.com/

The First Trust Barclays Edge Index ("FTIS Index") is a product of FT Indexing Solutions LLC ("FTIS") and is administered and calculated by Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates (collectively, "Bloomberg"). FIRST TRUSTR is a trademark of First Trust Portfolios L.P. (collectively, with FTIS and their respective affiliates, "First Trust"). The foregoing index and trademark have been licensed for use for certain purposes by Barclays, Bloomberg, and MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company ("MassMutual Ascend") in connection with the FTIS Index and the Index Achiever Advisory annuity.

The Capital Strength Index ("Nasdaq Index") is a product of Nasdaq, Inc. (collectively, with its affiliates, "Nasdaq"). NASDAQR, CAPITAL STRENGTH INDEXTM, and NQCAPSTTM are trademarks of Nasdaq. The foregoing index and trademarks have been licensed for use for certain purposes by FTIS and MassMutual Ascend in connection with the FTIS Index and the Index Achiever Advisory annuity.

The Value Line Dividend Index ("Value Line Index") is a product of Value Line, Inc. ("Value Line"). VALUE LINER and VALUE LINE DIVIDEND

INDEXTM are trademarks or registered trademarks of Value Line. The foregoing index and trademarks have been licensed for use for certain purposes by FTIS and MassMutual Ascend in connection with the FTIS Index and the Index Achiever Advisory annuity. The FTIS Index is not sponsored, endorsed, recommended, sold or promoted by Value Line and Value Line makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the FTIS Index.

The Index Achiever Advisory annuity is not issued, sponsored, endorsed, sold, recommended, or promoted by First Trust, Bloomberg, Nasdaq, Value Line, or their respective affiliates (collectively, the "Companies"). Bloomberg's relationship to First Trust and Barclays is only (1) in the licensing of the FIRST TRUST<sup>®</sup>, BARCLAYS<sup>®</sup>, and FIRST TRUST BARCLAYS EDGE INDEX<sup>TM</sup> trademarks and (2) to act as the administrator and calculation agent of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index. The Companies have not passed on the legality or suitability of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to the Index Achiever Advisory annuity. The Companies make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of any product based on the FTIS Index, Barclays Indexes, Nasdaq Index, or Value Line Index, or to any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in products based on the FTIS Index, Dow Index, Nasdaq Indices, or Value Line Index particularly, or the ability of the FTIS Index, Dow Index, Nasdaq Indices, or Value Line Index to track general stock market performance. The Companies' only relationship to MassMutual Ascend is in the licensing of the certain trademarks, trade names, and service marks and the use of the FTIS Index, Dow lndex, Nasdaq Indices, and Value Line Indices, which are determined, composed and calculated without regard to MassMutual Ascend or the Index Achiever Advisory annuity. The Companies have no obligation to take the needs of MassMutual Ascend, or the owners of the Index Achiever Advisory annuity, or the sponsors or owners of products based on the FTIS Index, Barclays Indexes, Nasdaq Index, or Value Line Index into consideration when determining, composing, or calculating the FTIS Index, Barclays Indexes, Nasdaq Index, and Value Line Index. The Companies are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination or calculation of the Index Achiever Advisory annuity. There is no assurances from the Companies that products based on the FTIS Index, Barclays Indexes, Nasdaq Index, or Value Line Index will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. The Companies are not investment advisors. Inclusion of a security or financial instrument within an index is not a recommendation by the Companies to buy, sell, or hold such security or financial instrument, nor is it considered to be investment advice.

THE COMPANIES DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, COMPLETENESS, AND/OR UNINTERRUPTED CALCULATION OF THE INDEX ACHIEVER ADVISORY ANNUITY, FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDEXES, NASDAQ INDEX, VALUE LINE INDEX, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR ANY COMMUNICATION WITH RESPECT THERETO, INCLUDING, ORAL, WRITTEN, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS. THE COMPANIES SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS IN THE INDEX ACHIEVER ADVISORY ANNUITY, FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDEXES, NASDAQ INDEX, OR VALUE LINE INDEX. THE COMPANIES MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY OWNERS OF THE INDEX ACHIEVER ADVISORY ANNUITY OR OF PRODUCTS BASED ON THE FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDEXES, NASDAQ INDEX, OR VALUE LINE INDEX, OR BY ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDEXES, NASDAQ INDEX, OR VALUE LINE INDEX, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE COMPANIES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDEX ACHIEVER ADVISORY ANNUITY, FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDEXES, NASDAQ INDEX, VALUE LINE INDEX, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANIES BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME, OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN MASSMUTUAL ASCEND AND THE COMPANIES.

Neither Barclays Bank PLC ('**BB PLC**'') nor any of its affiliates (collectively **'Barclays**') is the issuer or producer of the Index Achiever Advisory annuity and Barclays has no responsibilities, obligations or duties to investors in the Index Achiever Advisory annuity. The Barclays US 2Y Treasury Futures Index,

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Barclays US 5Y Treasury Futures Index, Barclays US 10Y Treasury Futures Index, and Barclays US 30Y Treasury Futures Index (collectively, the "**Indices**"), together with any Barclays indices that are components of the Indices, are trademarks owned by Barclays and, together with any component indices and index data, are licensed for use by MassMutual Ascend as the issuer or producer of the Index Achiever Advisory 5 X annuity (the '**Issuer**').

Barclays' only relationship with the Issuer in respect of the Indices is the licensing of the Indices, which are administered, compiled and published by BB PLC in its role as the index sponsor (the '**Index Sponsor**') without regard to the Issuer or the Index Achiever Advisory 5 X annuity or investors in the Index Achiever Advisory annuity. Additionally, MassMutual Ascend as issuer or producer of the Index Achiever Advisory annuity may for itself execute transaction(s) with Barclays in or relating to the Indices in connection with the Index Achiever Advisory annuity. Investors acquire the Index Achiever Advisory annuity from MassMutual Ascend and investors neither acquire any interest in the Indices nor enter into any relationship of any kind whatsoever with Barclays upon making an investment in the Index Achiever Advisory annuity. The Index Achiever Advisory annuity is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Barclays and Barclays makes no representation regarding the advisability of the Index Achiever Advisory annuity or use of the Indices or any data included therein. Barclays shall not be liable in any way to the Issuer, investors or to other third parties in respect of the use or accuracy of the Indices or any data included therein.

Barclays Index Administration ("**BINDA**"), a distinct function within BB PLC, is responsible for day-to-day governance of BB PLC's activities as Index Sponsor. To protect the integrity of Barclays' indices, BB PLC has in place a control framework designed to identify and remove and/or mitigate (as appropriate) conflicts of interest. Within the control framework, BINDA has the following specific responsibilities:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• oversight of any third party index calculation agent;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• acting as approvals body for index lifecycle events (index launch, change and retirement); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• resolving unforeseen index calculation issues where discretion or interpretation may be required (for example:
upon the occurrence of market disruption events).

To promote the independence of BINDA, the function is operationally separate from BB PLC's sales, trading and structuring desks, investment managers, and other business units that have, or may be perceived to have, interests that may conflict with the independence or integrity of Barclays' indices.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, potential conflicts of interest exist as a consequence of BB PLC providing indices alongside its other businesses. Please note the following in relation to Barclays' indices:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• BB PLC may act in multiple capacities with respect to a particular index including, but not limited to,
functioning as index sponsor, index administrator, index owner and licensor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Sales, trading or structuring desks in BB PLC may launch products linked to the performance of a index. These
products are typically hedged by BB PLC's trading desks. In hedging an index, a trading desk may purchase or sell constituents of that index. These purchases or sales may affect the prices of the index constituents which could in turn affect
the level of that index.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• BB PLC may establish investment funds that track an index or otherwise use an index for portfolio or asset
allocation decisions.

The Index Sponsor is under no obligation to continue the administration, compilation and publication of the Indices or the level of the Indices. While the Index Sponsor currently employs the methodology ascribed to the Indices (and application of such methodology shall be conclusive and binding), no assurance can be given that market, regulatory, juridical, financial, fiscal or other circumstances (including, but not limited to, any changes to or any suspension or termination of or any other events affecting any constituent within the Index) will not arise that would, in the view of the Index Sponsor, necessitate an adjustment, modification or change of such methodology. In certain circumstances, the Index Sponsor may suspend or terminate the Indices. The Index Sponsor has appointed a third-party agent (the '**Index Calculation Agent**') to calculate and maintain the Indices. While the Index Sponsor is responsible for the operation of the Indices, certain aspects have thus been outsourced to the Index Calculation Agent.

Barclays

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Issuer or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in transactions generally or the ability of the Indices to track the performance of any market or underlying assets or data; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. has no obligation to take the needs of the Issuer into consideration in administering, compiling or publishing the Indices.

Barclays has no obligation or liability in connection with administration, marketing or trading of the Index Achiever Advisory annuity.

The licensing agreement between MassMutual Ascend and BB PLC is solely for the benefit of MassMutual Ascend and Barclays and not for the benefit of the owners of the Index Achiever Advisory annuity, investors or other third parties.

BARCLAYS DOES NOT GUARANTEE, AND SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY TO THE PURCHASERS AND TRADERS, AS THE CASE MAY BE, OF THE TRANSACTION OR TO THIRD PARTIES FOR THE QUALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INDICES OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR FOR INTERRUPTIONS IN THE DELIVERY OF THE INDICES. BARCLAYS MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A

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PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDICES INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE INDICES, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. IN NO EVENT SHALL BARCLAYS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR ANY LOST PROFITS, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBLITY OF SUCH DAMAGES SAVE TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.

None of the information supplied by Barclays and used in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the prior written permission of Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England No. 1026167. Registered office 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP.

Bloomberg Index Services Limited is the official index calculation and maintenance agent of the Index, an index owned and administered by Barclays. Bloomberg Index Services Limited does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or completeness of the Index calculations or any data or information relating to the Index. Bloomberg Index Services Limited makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the Index or any data or values relating thereto or results to be obtained therefrom, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect thereto. To the maximum extent allowed by law, Bloomberg Index Services Limited, its affiliates, and all of their respective partners, employees, subcontractors, agents, suppliers and vendors (collectively, the 'protected parties') shall have no liability or responsibility, contingent or otherwise, for any injury or damages, whether caused by the negligence of a protected party or otherwise, arising in connection with the calculation of the Index or any data or values included therein or in connection therewith and shall not be liable for any lost profits, losses, punitive, incidental or consequential damages.

**Index Values** 

For Indexed Strategies that use the S&P 500 Index or the First Trust Barclays Edge Index, the Index is the level of the S&P 500 Index or the First Trust Barclays Edge Index at the applicable Market Close. For Indexed Strategies that use the SPDR Gold Shares ETF, iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, or the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF, the Index is the applicable exchange-traded fund's share price on the NYSE Arca at the applicable Market Close.

We will use consistent sources to obtain the values of an Index. We currently obtain the values for the S&P 500 Index and the SPDR Gold Shares ETF from S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and the values for the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF and iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF from BlackRock, Inc., and the value of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index from Bloomberg Index Services Limited. If those sources are no longer available, we will select an alternative published source(s) to obtain such values.

**Index Replacement** 

We may replace an Index, including the MVA Index, if it is discontinued or we are no longer able to use it, its calculation changes substantially, or we determine that hedging instruments are difficult to acquire or the cost of hedging becomes excessive. We may do so at the end of a Term or during a Term. We will notify you in writing at least 30 days before we replace an Index.

We would attempt to choose a replacement Index that is similar to the old Index. To determine if a new Index is similar, we will consider factors such as asset class, index composition, strategy or methodology inherent to the index and index liquidity.

If we replace an Index connected to an Indexed Strategy during a Term, we will calculate the rise and fall in the Index using the old Index up until the replacement date. After the replacement date, we will calculate the rise and fall in the Index using the new Index, but with a modified start of Term value for the new Index. The modified start of Term value for the new index will reflect the rise or fall in the Index for the old Index from the start of the Term to the replacement date.

If we replace an Index, the Caps and Upside Participation Rates for the Term and the Downside Participation Rate, Floor, or Buffer will not change.

*Example.* This example is intended to show how we would calculate the Strategy value on any day during a Term if we have replaced an Index during the Term. This example assumes: (1) you allocate $50,000 to an Indexed Strategy; (2) the replacement is made on day 90 of the Term; and (3) no Performance Lock election has been made. To simplify the example, we assume that you take no withdrawals during the Term.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Rise or Fall of Index on Replacement Date for Old Index** | **Rise or Fall of Index on Replacement Date for Old Index** |
| Old Index at Term start | 1000 |
| Old Index on replacement date | 1050 |
| Rise or fall of old Index on replacement date | (1050 – 1000) / 1,000 = 5% |

---

The 5% rise in the old Index on the replacement date is then used to calculate the modified start of Term value for the new Index.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Modified Start of Term Value for New Index** | **Modified Start of Term Value for New Index** |
| Rise in old Index on replacement date | 5% |
| New Index on replacement date | 1785 |
| Modified start of Term value for new Index | 1785 / (100% + 5%) = 1700 |

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
The modified start of Term value for the new Index is then used to calculate the Indexed Strategy value on any date after the replacement date, including the value at the Term end.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Indexed Strategy Value at Term End** | **Indexed Strategy Value at Term End** |
| Investment Base at Term start | $50000 |
| Modified start of Term value for new Index | 1700 |
| Value of new Index at Term end | 1853 |
| Rise in new Index | (1853 - 1,700) / 1700) = 9% |
| Cap | 8% |
| Rise in new Index limited by Cap | 8% |
| Increase as a percentage | 8% x 100% = 8% |
| Dollar amount of increase | $50,000 x 8% = $4,000 |
| Strategy value at Term end | $50,000 + $4,000 = $54,000 |

---

**CAPS, BUFFERS, FLOORS, AND PARTICIPATION RATES** 

We set limits for the increase and reduction in the value of an Indexed Strategy over a Term. We limit increases with a Cap or an Upside Participation Rate. We limit reductions with a Downside Participation Rate, a Floor, or a Buffer. For information about the current Caps and Participation Rates offered for new Contracts, please contact your registered representative or refer to our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

***Cap****.* The Cap for an Indexed Strategy is the largest rise in the Index over a Term that is taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of that Term. Before the end of a Term, the Cap is reflected in the formulas that we use to calculate the Net Option Price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **The Cap will vary among Indexed Strategies.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **The Cap for a given Indexed Strategy will vary from Term to Term.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **We guarantee that the Cap for a Term of an Indexed Strategy will never be less than 1%.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **For each Term, your return on a Cap Strategy may be less than any rise in the Index over that Term.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **For each Term, your return on a Cap Strategy may be less than the Cap for that Term.** 

***Upside Participation Rate****.* The Upside Participation Rate for an Indexed Strategy is your share of any rise in the Index over a Term that is taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of that Term. Before the end of a Term, the Upside Participation Rate is reflected in the formulas that we use to calculate Net Option Price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **The Upside Participation Rate will vary among Indexed Strategies.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **The Upside Participation Rare for a given Indexed Strategy will vary from Term to Term.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **We guarantee that the Upside Participation Rate for a Term of an Indexed Strategy will never be less than 5%.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **For each Term, your return on an Upside Participation Rate Strategy will be less than any rise in the Index over that Term unless the Upside Participation Rate equals or exceeds 100%.** 

***Caps and Upside Participation Rates***. We set Caps and Upside Participation Rates based on the length of the Term, the cost of hedging, interest rates, and other market factors. On a non-discriminatory basis, we may also take into account the amount of the Purchase Payments received for a Contract. The Caps and Upside Participation Rates for Contracts with larger Purchase Payments may be higher than the Caps and Upside Participations Rates for Contracts with smaller Purchase Payments.

*Caps and Upside Participation Rates for Initial Terms*. Each Purchase Payment that you allocate to an Indexed Strategy is applied to an initial Term of that Indexed Strategy on the first Strategy Application Date on or after the date that the payment is received. The Caps and Upside Participation Rates for each Strategy Application Date may vary. We will publish the Caps and Upside Participation Rates for the next Strategy Application Date on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates) by the close of the prior Strategy Application Date. If we receive the application for the Contract within eight days after the date you sign it, we will guarantee the Caps and Upside Participation Rates in effect on the date you signed the application for all Purchase Payments received by us on or before the third Strategy Application Date that occurs on or after the date of the application.

If we receive the signed application within eight days after the date you sign it, then for any **1-year Indexed Strategy**:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For Purchase Payments applied to an initial Term starting on the first Strategy Application Date on or after the
application date, the Cap or Upside Participation Rate will be the Cap or Upside Participation Rate in effect on the date you signed the application.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For Purchase Payments applied to an initial Term starting on one of the next two Strategy Application Dates, the
Cap or Upside Participation Rate will be the higher of the Cap or Upside Participation Rate in effect on the date you signed the application or the Cap or Upside Participation Rate otherwise in effect for that Strategy Application Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For Purchase Payments applied to an initial Term starting on a later Strategy Application Date, the Cap or Upside
Participation Rate will be the Cap or Upside Participation Rate in effect for that Strategy Application Date.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
If we receive the signed application within eight days after the date you sign it, then for the **6-year Indexed Strategy**:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For Purchase Payments applied to an initial Term starting on the first Strategy Application Date on or after the
application date or one of the next two Strategy Application Dates, the Cap or Upside Participation Rate will be the Cap or Upside Participation Rate in effect on the date you signed the application.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For Purchase Payments applied to an initial Term starting on a later Strategy Application Date, the Cap or Upside
Participation Rate will be the Cap or Upside Participation Rate in effect for that Strategy Application Date.

If we receive the signed application more than eight days after the date you sign it, then the guarantee does not apply and the Cap or Upside Participation Rate for each Purchase Payment applied to an Initial Term will be the Cap or Upside Participation Rate in effect for that Strategy Application Date.

*Example 1*: You sign an application for a Contract on May 1 and allocate all of your Purchase Payments to the S&P 500 1-year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy. On the date of the application, the Upside Participation Rate for the first Strategy Application Date (May 6) is 80%. We receive the application and the first Purchase Payment from you on May 8 and the second Purchase Payment from you on May 23. The Upside Participation Rate for the second Strategy Application Date (May 20) is 85% and the Upside Participation Rate for the third Strategy Application Date (June 6) is 75%.

In this case, the initial 1-year Term for the first Purchase Payment would begin on May 20 and would have an 85% Participation Rate (the higher of the May 6 rate or the May 20 rate). The initial 1-year Term for the second Purchase Payment would begin on June 6 and would have an 80% Participation Rate (the higher of the May 6 rate or the June 6 rate).

If we had not received your signed application until May 10 (more than eight days after the date you signed the application), then you would not qualify for the rate guarantee, and the initial 1-year Term for the first Purchase Payment received on May 8 would have an 85% Participation Rate (the May 20 rate effective for Purchase Payments received between May 7 and May 20), and the initial 1-year Term for the second Purchase Payment received on May 23 would have a 75% Participation Rate (the June 6 rate effective for Purchase Payments received between May 21 and June 6).

*Example 2*: You sign an application for a Contract on May 1 and allocate all of your Purchase Payments to the 6-year Indexed Strategy. On the date of the application, the Upside Participation Rate for the first Strategy Application Date (May 6) is 105%. We receive the application and the first Purchase Payment from you on May 8 and the second Purchase Payment from you on May 23. The Upside Participation Rate for the second Strategy Application Date (May 20) is 110% and the Upside Participation Rates for the third Strategy Application Date (June 6) is 95%.

In this case, the initial 6-year Term for the first Purchase Payment would begin on May 20 and would have a 105% Participation Rate (the May 6 rate), and the initial 6-year Term for the second Purchase Payment would have a 105% Participation Rate (the May 6 rate).

If we had not received your signed application until May 10 (more than eight days after the date you signed the application), then the initial 6-year Term for the first Purchase Payment would have an 110% Participation Rate (the May 20 rate), and the initial 6-year Term for the second Purchase Payment would have a 95% Participation Rate (the June 6 rate).

*Caps and Upside Participation Rate for Subsequent Terms*. At least 30 days before the end of each Term, we will send you a written notice with information about the Indexed Strategies that will be available for the next Term, and will indicate the date by which the Caps and Upside Participation Rates will be posted on our website. The Caps and Participation Rates for the next Term will be available on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates) at least 10 days before the start of the Term. You should consider this information before finalizing your renewal or reallocation decision.

***Downside Participation Rate****.* The Downside Participation Rate for an Indexed Strategy is your share of any fall in the Index for the Term that is taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of that Term. Before the end of a Term, the Downside Participation Rate is reflected in the formulas that we use to calculate the Net Option Price.

For each Term of each Downside Participation Rate Strategy that we currently offer for this Contract, the Downside Participation Rate is 50%. The Downside Participation Rate for an Indexed Strategy that is available on the Contract Effective Date will not change.

In the future, we may offer a new Strategy with a Downside Participation Rate that is less than 50%, but we will not offer a new Strategy with a Downside Participation Rate that is more than 50%.

***Buffer****.* The Buffer for an Indexed Strategy provides a buffer against the first 10% of any fall in the Index for the Term when determining the Strategy value at the end of that Term. Before the end of a Term, the Buffer is reflected in the formulas that we use to calculate the Net Option Price.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
For each Term of each Buffer Strategy that we currently offer for this Contract, the Buffer is 10%. The Buffer for an Indexed Strategy that is available on the Contract Effective Date will not change.

In the future, we may offer a new Strategy with a Buffer that is more than 10%, but we will not offer a new Strategy with a Buffer that is less than 10%.

***Floor***. The Floor for an Indexed Strategy is the portion of any fall in the Index for the Term that is taken into account when determining the Strategy value at the end of that Term. Before the end of a Term, the Floor is reflected in the formulas that we use to calculate the Net Option Price.

For each Term of the Floor Strategy that we currently offer for this Contract, the Floor is -10%. The Floor for an Indexed Strategy that is available on the Contract Effective Date will not change.

In the future, we may offer a new Strategy with a Floor that is less negative than -10%, but we will not offer a new Strategy with a Floor that is more negative than -10%.

**INDEXED STRATEGY VALUE AT END OF TERM** 

On or after the final Market Day of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is the Investment Base increased for any rise in the applicable Index or decreased for any fall in the applicable Index over that Term. If you have made a Performance Lock election, then the normal rules set out in this section do not apply, and the value at the end of a Term is determined as described under Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election section on page [ ].

Any increase or decrease is based on the rise or fall in the applicable Index since the start of that Term. This rise or fall is expressed as a percentage of the Index at the start of the Term. It is measured from the Index at the last Market Close on or before the first day of that Term to the Index at the final Market Close of the Term.

*Example.* The Index was 1000 at the last Market Close on or before for first day of a Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index at the final Market Close of the Term is 1065, then the Index has risen by 6.5% ((1065 – 1000)
/ 1000).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index at the final Market Close of the Term is 925, then the Index has fallen by 7.5% ((925 – 1000) /
1000).

**Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy** 

In the absence of a Performance Lock election, here are the formulas that we use to calculate the Strategy value at the end of a Term of a Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy.

Strategy value at end of Term = Investment Base + dollar amount of increase or decrease

Dollar amount of increase or decrease = Investment Base x increase or decrease percentage

Increase percentage = any rise in the Index for the Term, but never more than the Cap

Decrease percentage = any fall in the Index for the Term but never more than the Floor

*Example.* At the beginning of a Term, you allocate $100,000 to an Indexed Strategy with a -10% Floor and a 14% Cap. To simplify the example, we assume that you do not take any withdrawals during that Term, which means your Investment Base at the end of that Term is $100,000. You have not made a Performance Lock election.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **At Final Market Close of Term** | **At Final Market Close of Term** |
|  Rise or fall in Index | +16% | –16% |
|  Increase or decrease percentage | +14% (16% > 14% Cap) | –10% (-10% Floor) |
|  Dollar amount of increase or decrease | +14,000 ($100,000 x 14%) | –10,000 ($100,000 x –10%) |
|  Strategy value at end of Term | $114,000 ($100,000 + $14,000) | $90000 ($100000 - $10000) |

---

**Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy** 

In the absence of a Performance Lock election, here are the formulas that we use to calculate the Strategy value at the end of a Term of Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy.

Strategy value at end of Term = Investment Base + dollar amount of increase or decrease

Dollar amount of increase or decrease = Investment Base x increase or decrease percentage

Increase percentage = any rise in the Index for the Term, but never more than the Cap

Decrease percentage = any fall in the Index for the Term that is greater than the Buffer

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
*Example.* At the beginning of a Term, you allocate $100,000 to an Indexed Strategy with a 10% Buffer and a 14% Cap. To simplify the example, we assume that you do not take any withdrawals during that Term, which means your Investment Base at the end of that Term is $100,000. You have not made a Performance Lock election.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **At Final Market Close of Term** | **At Final Market Close of Term** |
|  Rise or fall in Index | +16% | –16% |
|  Increase or decrease percentage | +14% (16% > 14% Cap) | –6% (-16% - (-10%)) |
|  Dollar amount of increase or decrease | +14,000 ($100,000 x 14%) | –6,000 ($100,000 x –6%) |
|  Strategy value at end of Term | $114,000 ($100,000 + $14,000) | $94000 ($100000 - $6000) |

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**Participation Rate Indexed Strategy (Strategy with Upside Participation Rate and Downside Participation Rate)** 

In the absence of a Performance Lock election, here are the formulas that we use to calculate the Strategy value at the end of a Term of a Participation Rate Indexed Strategy.

Strategy value at end of Term = Investment Base + dollar amount of increase or decrease

Dollar amount of increase or decrease = Investment Base x increase or decrease percentage

Increase percentage = any rise in the Index for the Term x Upside Participation Rate

Decrease percentage = any fall in the Index for the Term x Downside Participation Rate

*Example.* At the beginning of a Term, you allocate $100,000 to an Indexed Strategy with a 75% Upside Participation Rate and a 50% Downside Participation Rate. To simplify the example, we assume that you do not take any withdrawals during that Term, which means that your Investment Base at the end of that Term is $100,000. You have not made a Performance Lock election.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **At Final Market Close of Term** | **At Final Market Close of Term** |
| Rise or fall in Index | +16% | –16% |
| Increase or decrease percentage | +12% (75% of 16%) | –8% (50% of –16%) |
| Dollar amount of increase or decrease | +12,000 ($100,000 x 12%) | –8,000 ($100,000 x –8%) |
| Strategy value at end of Term | $112,000 ($100,000 + $12,000) | $92000 ($100, 000 - $8000) |

---

**Buffer with Participation Rate Indexed Strategy** 

In the absence of a Performance Lock election, here are the formulas that we use to calculate the Strategy value at the end of a Term of a Buffer with Participation Rate Indexed Strategy.

Strategy value at end of Term = Investment Base + dollar amount of increase or decrease

Dollar amount of increase or decrease = Investment Base x increase or decrease percentage

Increase percentage = any rise in the Index for the Term x Upside Participation Rate

Decrease percentage for Buffer Strategies = any fall in the Index for the Term that is greater than the Buffer

*Example.* At the beginning of a Term, you allocate $100,000 to an Indexed Strategy with a 10% Buffer and a 130% Upside Participation Rate. To simplify the example, we assume that you do not take any withdrawals during that Term, which means that your Investment Base at the end of that Term is $100,000. You have not made a Performance Lock election.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **At Final Market Close of Term** | **At Final Market Close of Term** |
|  Rise or fall in Index | +16% | –16% |
|  Increase or decrease percentage | +20.8% (130% of 16%) | –6% (-16% - (-10%)) |
|  Dollar amount of increase or decrease | +20,800 ($100,000 x 20.8%) | –6,000 ($100,000 x –6%) |
|  Strategy value at end of Term | $120,800 ($100,000 + $20,800) | $94000 ($100000 - $6000) |

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**INDEXED STRATEGY VALUE BEFORE END OF TERM** 

Before the final Market Day of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is the Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage. If you have made a Performance Lock election, then the normal rules set out in this section do not apply, and the value after the effective date of the Performance Lock election through the end of the Term is determined as described under Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election section below.

In the absence of a Performance Lock election, here are the formulas that we use to calculate the Strategy value before the end of a Term.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
Strategy value before end of Term = Investment Base + dollar amount of increase or decrease

Dollar amount of increase or decrease = Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage

Daily Value Percentage = Net Option Price – Amortized Option Cost – Trading Cost

**Net Option Price** 

The Net Option Price is one part of the Daily Value Percentage. The Net Option Price is based on the calculated prices of hypothetical options that represent the projected changes in the Index over the full Term. The mathematical model we use to price those options is described in the Option Prices section of this prospectus.

**Net Option Price for Floor with Cap Strategy** 

For an Indexed Strategy with a Floor and a Cap, four option prices are included in the calculation of the Net Option Price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ATM Call Option Price, which represents the possible rise in the Index

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• OTM Call Option Price, which is subtracted in order to limit any rise in the Index to the Cap

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ATM Put Option Price, which is subtracted and represents the possible fall in the Index

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• OTM Put Option Price, which is added in order to limit any fall in the Index and is limited to the Floor.

The Net Option Price as of a Market Close is a percentage equal to: (1) the ATM Call Option Price at the Market Close; minus (2) the OTM Call Option Price at the Market Close; (3) minus the ATM Put Option Price at the Market Close; and (4) plus the OTM Put Option at the Market Close.

It is important to note that the Net Option Price will almost always be less than any rise in the Index because, when we calculate the Net Option Price, we subtract the amount by which the ATM Put Option Price exceeds the OTM Put Option Price, and the ATM Put Option Price always exceeds the OTM Put Option Price because the ATM Put Option Price represents the constant present potential for a fall in the Index before the end of the Term, while the OTM Put Option Price represents the lesser/included potential for a fall in the Index of more than the -10% Floor.

**Net Option Price for Buffer with Cap Strategy** 

For an Indexed Strategy with a Buffer and a Cap, three option prices are included in the calculation of the Net Option Price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ATM Call Option Price, which represents the possible rise in the Index

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• OTM Call Option Price, which is subtracted in order to limit any rise in the Index by the Cap

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• OTM Put Option Price, which represents the possible fall in the Index and is limited by the Buffer in order to
reflect your share in any such fall.

The Net Option Price as of a Market Close is a percentage equal to: (1) the ATM Call Option Price at the Market Close; minus (2) the OTM Call Option Price at the Market Close; and (3) minus the OTM Put Option at the Market Close.

It is important to note that the Net Option Price will almost always be less than any rise in the Index because, when we calculate the Net Option Price, we subtract the OTM Put Option Price, and the OTM Put Option Price is always above zero due to the constant present potential for a fall in the Index in excess of the Buffer before the end of the Term.

**Net Option Price for Buffer with Participation Rate Strategy** 

For an Indexed Strategy with a Buffer and an Upside Participation Rate, two option prices are included in the calculation of the Net Option Price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ATM Call Option Price, which represents the possible rise in the Index and is multiplied by the Upside
Participation Rate in order to reflect your share in any such rise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• OTM Put Option Price, which represents the possible fall in the Index and is limited by the Buffer in order to
reflect your share in any such fall.

The Net Option Price as of a Market Close is a percentage equal to: (1) the ATM Call Option Price at the Market Close multiplied by the Upside Participation Rate; minus (2) the OTM Put Option Price at the Market Close.

**Net Option Price for Participation Rate Strategy (Strategy with Upside Participation Rate and Downside Participation Rate)** 

For an Indexed Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate and a Downside Participation Rate, two option prices are included in the calculation of the Net Option Price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ATM Call Option Price, which represents the possible rise in the Index and is multiplied by the Upside
Participation Rate in order to reflect your share in any such rise

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ATM Put Option Price, which represents the possible fall in the Index and is multiplied by the Downside
Participation Rate in order to reflect your share in any such fall.

The Net Option Price as of a Market Close is a percentage equal to: (1) the ATM Call Option Price at the Market Close multiplied by the Upside Participation Rate; minus (2) the ATM Put Option Price at the Market Close multiplied by the Downside Participation Rate

It is important to note that the Net Option Price will almost always be less than any rise in the Index because, when we calculate the Net Option Price, we subtract the ATM Put Option Price, and the ATM Put Option Price is always above zero due to the constant present potential for a fall in the Index before the end of the Term.

It is important to note that the Net Option Price will almost always be less than any rise in the Index because, when we calculate the Net Option Price, we subtract the OTM Put Option Price, and the OTM Put Option Price is always above zero due to the constant present potential for a fall in the Index before the end of the Term.

**Amortized Option Cost** 

The Amortized Option Cost is one part of the Daily Value Percentage. The Amortized Option Cost starts with the Net Option Price at the beginning of a Term, which is calculated using the formulas set out above. That Net Option Price is then multiplied by the time remaining in the Term as a percentage of the length of the Term.

The Amortized Option Cost as of a Market Close is a percentage equal to: (1) the Net Option Price for the Strategy at the beginning of the Term; multiplied by (2) the number of days remaining until the final Market Close of the Term divided by 365 for a one-year Term or by 2,192 days for a six-year Term.

**Trading Cost** 

The Trading Cost is one part of the Daily Value Percentage. The Trading Cost as of a Market Close is the estimated cost of selling the hypothetical options before the end of a Term. It is a percentage that reflects the average market difference between option average bid-ask prices and option bid prices.

**Daily Value Percentage Examples** 

*Examples*. Here are examples that show how the Daily Value Percentage formula works for Indexed Strategies.

**Assumptions for Examples 1 – 3** 

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| *Option Price Assumptions* | Price at Start<br>of Term | Price at Current<br>Market Close |
|  ATM Call Option Price | 6.00% | 7.47% |
|  OTM Call Option Price | 1.15% | 1.81% |
|  ATM Put Option Price | 5.40% | 3.36% |
|  OTM Put Option Price | 4.50% | 2.80% |

---

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| *Strategy Assumptions* |  |
|  Investment Base for each Strategy | $100000 |
|  Cap for one-year Term | 11% |
|  Upside Participation Rate for one-year Term | 75% |
|  Days remaining to last Market Day of one-year Term | 275 |

---

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  *Trading Cost Assumption* | 0.15 | % |

---

**Example 1: -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy** 

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  Current ATM Call Option Price – Current OTM Call Option Price | 5.66% | (7.47% – 1.81%) |
|  Current ATM Put Option Price – Current OTM Put Option Price  | -0.56% | -(3.36% – 2.80%) |
|  ***Net Option Price*** | = 5.10% |  |
|  Initial ATM Call Option Price – Initial OTM Call Option Price | 4.85% | (6.00% – 1.15%) |

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  Initial ATM Put Option Price – Initial OTM Put Option Price | – 0.90% |  | - (5.40% - 4.50%) |
|  Net Option Cost | = 3.95% |  |  |
|  Amortization Factor for days remaining to final Market Day of Term | x 75.34% |  | x (275 / 365) |
|  ***Amortized Option Cost*** | = 2.98% |  |  |
|  Net Option Price | 5.10% |  |  |
|  Amortized Option Cost | –2.98% |  |  |
|  Assumed Trading Cost | –0.15% |  |  |
|  ***Daily Value Percentage*** | = 1.97% |  |  |
|  Dollar amount of increase | $1970 | ($| 100,000 x 1.970%) |
|  Value of -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy | $101970 | ($| 100,000 + $1,970) |

---

**Example 2: 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy** 

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  Current ATM Call Option Price – Current OTM Call Option Price | 5.66% |  | (7.47%-1.81%) |
|  Current OTM Put Option Price | –2.80% |  |  |
|  ***Net Option Price*** | = 2.86% |  |  |
|  Initial ATM Call Option Price – Initial OTM Call Option Price | 4.85% |  | (6.00%-1.15%) |
|  Initial OTM Put Option Price | –4.50% |  |  |
|  Net Option Cost | = 0.35% |  |  |
|  Amortization Factor for days remaining to final Market Day of Term | x 75.34% |  | x (275 / 365) |
|  ***Amortized Option Cost*** | 0.26% |  |  |
|  Net Option Price | 2.86% |  |  |
|  Amortized Option Cost | –0.26% |  |  |
|  Assumed Trading Cost | –0.15% |  |  |
|  ***Daily Value Percentage*** | = 2.45% |  |  |
|  Increase as a dollar amount | $2450 | ($| 100,000 x 2.45%) |
|  Value of 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy | $102450 | ($| 100,000 + $2,450) |

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**Example 3: 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy** 

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  Current ATM Call Option Price x Upside Participation Rate | 5.60% |  | (75% of 7.47%) |
|  Current ATM Put Option Price x Downside Participation Rate | –1.68% |  | –(50% of 3.36%) |
|  ***Net Option Price*** | = 3.92% |  |  |
|  Initial ATM Call Option Price x Upside Participation Rate | 4.50% |  | (75% of 6.00%) |
|  Initial ATM Put Option Price x Downside Participation Rate | –2.70% |  | –(50% of 5.40%) |
|  Net Option Cost | = 1.80% |  |  |
|  Amortization Factor for days remaining to final Market Day of Term | x 75.34% |  | x (275 / 365) |
|  ***Amortized Option Cost*** | 1.36% |  |  |
|  Net Option Price | 3.92% |  |  |
|  Amortized Option Cost | –1.36% |  |  |
|  Assumed Trading Cost | –0.15% |  |  |
|  ***Daily Value Percentage*** | = 2.41% |  |  |
|  Increase as a dollar amount | $2410 | ($| 100,000 x 2.41%) |
|  Value of 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy | $102410 | ($| 100,000 + $2,410) |

---

*Examples*. Here is an example that shows how the Daily Value Percentage formula works with a six-year Buffer Strategy. In this example, we calculate the Daily Value Percentage at the Market Close on day 2010 of a six-year Term.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Assumptions for Example 4** 

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| *Option Price Assumptions* | *Price at Start*<br> *of Term* | *Price at Current*<br> *Market Close* |  |
|  ATM Call Option Price | 20.59% | 18.04% |  |
|  OTM Put Option Price | 15.47% | 16.35% |  |
|  Strategy Assumptions |  |  |  |
|  Investment Base for each Strategy |  |  | $100000 |
|  Upside Participation Rate for six-year Term |  |  | 110% |
|  Days remaining to last Market Day of six-year Term |  |  | 182 |
|  Trading Cost Assumption | 2.03% |  |  |

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**Example 4: 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy** 

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  Current ATM Call Option Price x Upside Participation Rate | 19.84% |  | (110% of 18.04%) |
|  Current OTM Put Option Price | –16.35% |  |  |
|  ***Net Option Price*** | = 3.49% |  |  |
|  Initial ATM Call Option Price x Upside Participation Rate | 22.65% |  | (110% of 20.59%) |
|  Initial OTM Put Option Price | –15.47% |  |  |
|  Net Option Cost | = 7.18% |  |  |
|  Amortization Factor for days remaining to final Market Day of Term | x 8.30% |  | x (182 / 2192) |
|  ***Amortized Option Cost*** | 0.60% |  |  |
|  Net Option Price | 3.49% |  |  |
|  Amortized Option Cost | –0.60% |  |  |
|  Assumed Trading Cost | –2.03% |  |  |
|  ***Daily Value Percentage*** | = 0.87% |  |  |
|  Increase as a dollar amount | $870 | ($| 100,000 x 0.87%) |
|  Value of 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy | $100870 | ($| 100,000 + $870) |

---

**Maximum Loss Before the End of a Term** 

If you Surrender your Contract or take a withdrawal before the end of a Term, there is no set maximum loss because the Indexed Strategy value is determined using the Daily Value Percentage. The loss on a Floor Strategy may exceed the -10% Floor, the loss on a Participation Rate Strategy may exceed the 50% Downside Participation Rate, and a Buffer Strategy may not receive the benefit of the 10% Buffer, because the use of the Daily Value Percentage means that the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost are subtracted from the Strategy value. The Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost are determined each time the Daily Value Percentage is calculated. As a result, in extreme circumstances, the total loss for an Indexed Strategy could be 100%, meaning that you would suffer a complete loss of your principal and any prior earnings.

**INDEXED STRATEGY VALUE AFTER PERFORMANCE LOCK ELECTION** 

For an S&P 500 Strategy or a First Trust Barclays Edge Strategy, you may make a Performance Lock election for a Term that starts after the date of this prospectus, If you do so, then the normal rules described in the Indexed Strategy Value at End of Term section and the Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term section do not apply. Instead, beginning on the second Market Close following the receipt of the Performance Lock election, the Daily Value Percentage used to calculate the Strategy value through the end of the Term is locked in.

If you make a Performance Lock election, here are the formulas that we use to calculate the Strategy value through the end of the Term.

Strategy value before or at end of Term = Investment Base + dollar amount of increase or decrease

Dollar amount of increase or decrease = Investment Base x locked Daily Value Percentage

Locked Daily Value Percentage = Net Option Price – Amortized Option Cost – Trading Cost, all as determined at the second Market Close following receipt of the Performance Lock election

**Performance Lock Examples** 

*Examples.* Here are examples that show how the Performance Lock election works for S&P 500 or First Trust Barclays Edge Strategies.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Assumptions for Examples 1-3** 

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| *Option Price Assumptions* | Price at Start<br>of Term | Price on Lock<br>Effective Date |
|  ATM Call Option Price | 6.00% | 7.47% |
|  OTM Call Option Price | 1.15% | 1.81% |
|  ATM Put Option Price | 5.40% | 3.36% |
|  OTM Put Option Price | 4.50% | 2.80% |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| *Strategy Assumptions* |  |
|  Investment Base for each Strategy | $100000 |
|  Cap for one-year Term | 11% |
|  Upside Participation Rate for one-year Term | 75% |
|  Days remaining to last Market Day of one-year Term on Lock Effective Date | 275 |
|  *Trading Cost Assumption* | 0.15% |

---

**Example 1: Floor Strategy (Strategy with Cap and -10% Floor)** 

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  Lock effective date ATM Call Option Price – OTM Call Option Price | 5.66% |  | (7.47% – 1.81%) |
|  Lock effective date ATM Put Option Price – OTM Put Option Price | –0.56% |  | –(3.36% – 2.80%) |
|  ***Net Option Price on Lock effective date*** | = 5.10% |  |  |
|  Initial ATM Call Option Price – Initial OTM Call Option Price | 4.85% |  | (6.00% – 1.15%) |
|  Initial ATM Put Option Price – Initial OTM Put Option Price | –0.90% |  | –(5.40% – 4.50%) |
|  Net Option Cost | = 3.95% |  |  |
|  Amortization Factor for days remaining from Lock effective date to final Market Day of Term | x 75.34% |  | x (275 / 365) |
|  ***Amortized Option Cost on Lock effective date*** | = 2.98% |  |  |
|  Net Option Price | 5.10% |  |  |
|  Amortized Option Cost | –2.98% |  |  |
|  Assumed Trading Cost | –0.15% |  |  |
|  ***Locked Daily Value Percentage*** | = 1.97% |  |  |
|  Dollar amount of increase | $1970 | ($| 100,000 x 1.970%) |
|  Value of -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy | $101970 | ($| 100,000 + $1,970) |

---

**Example 2: 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy** 

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---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  Lock effective date ATM Call Option Price – OTM Call Option Price | 5.66% |  | (7.47%-1.81%) |
|  Lock effective date OTM Put Option Price | –2.80% |  |  |
|  ***Net Option Price on Lock effective date*** | = 2.86% |  |  |
|  Initial ATM Call Option Price – Initial OTM Call Option Price | 4.85% |  | (6.00%-1.15%) |
|  Initial OTM Put Option Price | –4.50% |  |  |
|  Net Option Cost | = 0.35% |  |  |
|  Amortization Factor for days remaining from Lock effective date to final Market Day of Term | x 75.34% |  | x (275 / 365) |
|  ***Amortized Option Cost on Lock effective date*** | 0.26% |  |  |
|  Net Option Price | 2.86% |  |  |
|  Amortized Option Cost | –0.26% |  |  |
|  Assumed Trading Cost | –0.15% |  |  |
|  ***Locked Daily Value Percentage*** | = 2.45% |  |  |
|  Dollar amount of increase | $2450 | ($| 100,000 x 2.45%) |
|  Value of 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy | $102450 | ($| 100,000 + $2,450) |

---

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Example 3: 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy** 

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  Lock effective date ATM Call Option Price x Upside Participation Rate | 5.60% |  | (75% of 7.47%) |
|  Lock effective date Current ATM Put Option Price x Downside Participation Rate | –1.68% |  | –(50% of 3.36%) |
|  ***Net Option Price on Lock Effective Date*** | = 3.92% |  |  |
|  Initial ATM Call Option Price x Upside Participation Rate | 4.50% |  | (75% of 6.00%) |
|  Initial ATM Put Option Price x Downside Participation Rate | –2.70% |  | –(50% of 5.40%) |
|  Net Option Cost | = 1.80% |  |  |
|  Amortization Factor for days remaining to final Market Day of Term | x 75.34% |  | x (275 / 365) |
|  ***Amortized Option Cost on Lock effective date*** | 1.36% |  |  |
|  Net Option Price | 3.92% |  |  |
|  Amortized Option Cost | –1.36% |  |  |
|  Assumed Trading Cost | –0.15% |  |  |
|  ***Locked Daily Value Percentage*** | = 2.41% |  |  |
|  Increase as a dollar amount | $2410 | ($| 100,000 x 2.41%) |
|  Value of 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy | $102410 | ($| 100,000 + $2,410) |

---

**Assumptions for Example 4** 

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---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| *Option Price Assumptions* | *Price at Start*<br>*of Term* | *Price on Lock<br>Effective Date* |  |
|  ATM Call Option Price | 20.59% | 18.04% |  |
|  OTM Put Option Price | 15.47% | 16.35% |  |
|  Strategy Assumptions |  |  |  |
|  Investment Base for each Strategy |  |  | $100000 |
|  Upside Participation Rate for six-year Term |  |  | 110% |
|  Days remaining to last Market Day of six-year Term |  |  | 182 |
|  Trading Cost Assumption | 2.03% |  |  |

---

**Example 4: 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy** 

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---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  Lock Effective Date ATM Call Option Price x Upside Participation Rate | 19.84% |  | (110% of 18.04%) |
|  Lock Effective Date OTM Put Option Price | –16.35% |  |  |
|  ***Net Option Price on Lock effective date*** | = 3.49% |  |  |
|  Initial ATM Call Option Price x Upside Participation Rate | 22.65% |  | (110% of 20.59%) |
|  Initial OTM Put Option Price | –15.47% |  |  |
|  Net Option Cost | = 7.18% |  |  |
|  Amortization Factor for days remaining from Lock effective date to final Market Day of Term | x 8.30% |  | (182 / 2192) |
|  ***Amortized Option Cost on Lock effective date*** | 0.60% |  |  |
|  Net Option Price | 3.49% |  |  |
|  Amortized Option Cost | –0.60% |  |  |
|  Assumed Trading Cost | –2.03% |  |  |
|  ***Locked Daily Value Percentage*** | = 0.87% |  |  |
|  Increase as a dollar amount | $870 | ($| 100,000 x 0.87%) |
|  Value of 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy | $100870 | ($| 100,000 + $870) |

---

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**DECLARED RATE STRATEGY** 

The Declared Rate Strategy earns interest at a fixed rate with annual compounding. Interest will be credited daily to amounts held under the Declared Rate Strategy. Note: The Declared Rate Strategy is not available for Contracts issued in Missouri. For Contracts issued in Missouri, see the State Variations section below for more information about the Temporary Holding Account, which has many of the same features as the Declared Rate Strategy.

**Declared Rates** 

We will set the Declared Rate for a Term before that Term starts. It will be guaranteed for the entire Term.

At least 10 days before the initial Term starts, we will post the Declared Rate that will apply to the Declared Rate Strategy for that Term on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

If you are not satisfied with the Declared Rate offered for your initial Term, you may rescind your Contract by returning it and giving written notice of your decision to rescind. You will have 20 days in which to rescind your Contract. The rescission period will end at midnight of the 20<sup>th</sup> day after the date you receive your Contract. The amount to be refunded upon rescission depends on the state where your Contract was issued. Please refer to the "Right to Cancel (Free Look)" section on page [ ].

At least 10 days before the next Term starts, we will post the Declared Rate that will apply to the Declared Rate Strategy for that next Term on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

We may set a different Declared Rate for each subsequent Term. For a Term, different rates may apply with respect to amounts attributable to Purchase Payments received on different dates.

In any event, the Declared Rate for a Term will never be less than the guaranteed minimum interest rate set out in the Declared Rate Strategy endorsement included in your Contract. The guaranteed minimum interest rate will be at least equal to the minimum interest rate required for fixed annuity contracts by state Standard Nonforfeiture Law that is in effect on the date that the Contract is issued.

**Term** 

Each Term of the Declared Rate Strategy is one year long and will start and end on a Strategy Application Date. A new Term will start at the end of the preceding Term.

If you make only one Purchase Payment or you make all of your Purchase Payments before the initial Strategy Application Date, then each Term of the Declared Rate Strategy will end on the same date in any given year. If you make a Purchase Payment after the initial Strategy Application Date, then your Purchase Payments will be applied to the Crediting Strategies on different Strategy Application Dates. In this case, the Declared Rate Strategy will have Terms that end on different dates in any given year.

**Declared Rate Strategy Value** 

The value of the Declared Rate Strategy is equal to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the amounts applied to the Strategy at the start of the current Term; minus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• each withdrawal taken from the Strategy during the current Term; plus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• interest that we have credited on the balances in the Strategy for the current Term.

The rise or fall of an Index does not affect the value of the Declared Rate Strategy. A withdrawal from the Declared Rate Strategy reduces the Declared Rate Strategy value by an amount equal to the withdrawal.

**Allocation Limit** 

When a Purchase Payment is applied to Crediting Strategies, the percentage of the Purchase Payment Account applied to the Declared Rate Strategy cannot exceed the Allocation Limit of 12%. When ending values are reallocated to Crediting Strategies at the end of a Term, the percentage of the Account Value to be applied to the Declared Rate Strategy cannot exceed the Allocation Limit. If you do not make a request to reallocate the ending values of your Crediting Strategies for a given Term, the ending value of the Declared Rate Strategy may be applied to a new Term of that same Strategy even if it exceeds the Allocation Limit for the Declared Rate Strategy.

**PURCHASE** 

You may purchase a Contract only through a registered representative of a broker-dealer that has a selling agreement with our affiliated underwriter, MM Ascend Life Investor Services, LLC.

Any Owner or Annuitant must be age 80 or younger on the Contract Effective Date. To determine eligibility, we will use the person's age on his/her last birthday. We may make exceptions with respect to the maximum issue age in our discretion.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
The Contract is not available in all states. To find out if it is available in the state where you live, ask your registered representative. The Contract may not be available for purchase during certain periods. There are a number of reasons why the Contract periodically may not be available, including that we want to limit the volume of sales of the Contract. You may wish to speak to your registered representative about how this may affect your purchase. For example, in order to purchase the Contract, you may be required to submit your application prior to a specific date. In that case, if there is a delay because your application is incomplete or otherwise not in good order, you might not be able to purchase the Contract. Your broker-dealer may impose conditions on the purchase of the Contract, such as a lower maximum issue age, than we or other selling firms impose. We reserve the right to reject any application at our discretion. We also reserve the right to discontinue the sale of the Contracts at any time.

**Purchase Payments** 

The Contract is a modified single premium annuity contract. This means you may make one or more Purchase Payments during the purchase payment period. The purchase payment period begins on the Contract Effective Date. It will end two months after the Contract Effective Date.

We must receive your initial Purchase Payment on or before the Contract Effective Date. We must receive each additional Purchase Payment on or before the last day of the purchase payment period. We will not accept any Purchase Payment that we receive after the date that the Contract is cancelled or Surrendered or after a death for which a Death Benefit is payable.

The initial Purchase Payment must be at least $25,000. Each additional Purchase Payment must be at least $10,000. You will need our prior approval if you want to make a Purchase Payment(s) of more than $1,500,000.

We reserve the right to refuse a Purchase Payment made in the form of a personal check in excess of $100,000. We may accept a Purchase Payment over $100,000 made in other forms, such as EFT/wire transfers, or certified checks or other checks written by financial institutions. We will not accept a Purchase Payment(s) made with cash, money orders, or traveler's checks.

**Exchanges, Transfers, or Rollovers** 

If you own an annuity or tax-qualified account, you may be able to exchange it for an Index Achiever Advisory annuity, directly transfer it to an Index Achiever Advisory annuity, or roll it over to an Index Achiever Advisory annuity without paying taxes. Before you do, compare the benefits, features, and costs of each annuity or account. You may pay an early withdrawal charge under the old annuity or account. You may pay a Market Value Adjustment if you later take withdrawals from your Index Achiever Advisory annuity in excess of the amount in the Declared Rate Strategy. Please note that some financial professionals may have a financial incentive to offer this Contract in place of the one the investor already owns. Ask your registered representative whether an exchange, transfer, or rollover would be advantageous, based on the features, benefits, and charges of the Index Achiever Advisory annuity.

If you purchase your Contract with an exchange, transfer, or rollover, a delay in processing the exchange, transfer, or rollover may delay the issuance of your new Contract or prevent the application of additional Purchase Payments to your existing Contract.

You should only exchange your existing contract for this Contract if you determine after comparing the features, fees, and risks of both contracts that it is preferable for you to purchase this Contract rather than continuing to own your existing contract.

**Application of Purchase Payments** 

Each Purchase Payment will be held in the Purchase Payment Account until it is applied to a Crediting Strategy on a Strategy Application Date. On each Strategy Application Date, we will apply the then current balance of the Purchase Payment Account to the Crediting Strategies you selected.

We will credit interest daily on amounts held in the Purchase Payment Account at the annual effective rate set out in your Contract. This rate will be at least 1%.

In certain states, we are required to give back your Purchase Payment(s) if you decide to cancel your Contract during the free look period. If we are required by law to refund your Purchase Payment(s), we reserve the right to hold your Purchase Payment(s) in the Purchase Payment Account until the first Strategy Application Date on or after the end of the free look period. If we do so and you cancel your Contract before that Strategy Application Date, we will refund your Purchase Payment(s) but you will forfeit any interest credited to the Purchase Payment Account or other increase in the Account Value.

**Purchase Payment Account Value** 

On any day, the value of the Purchase Payment Account is equal to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Purchase Payments received by us plus interest earned daily; minus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the premium tax or other tax that may apply to the Purchase Payments; and minus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• each withdrawal taken from the Purchase Payment Account since the last Strategy Application Date.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Unforeseen Processing Delays** 

We are exposed to risks related to natural and man-made disasters and catastrophes, such as (but not limited to) storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, public health crises, malicious acts, and terrorist acts, any of which could adversely affect our ability to conduct business. A natural or man-made disaster or catastrophe, including a pandemic (such as COVID-19), could affect the ability or willingness of our employees or the employees of our service providers to perform their job responsibilities. While many of our employees and the employees of our service providers are able to work remotely, those remote work arrangements may result in our business operations being less efficient than under normal circumstances and could lead to delays in our processing of contract-related transactions, including orders from contract owners. Catastrophic events may negatively affect the computer and other systems on which we rely, impact our ability to calculate values under your Contract, or have other possible negative impacts. There can be no assurance that our service providers will be able to successfully avoid negative impacts associated with natural and man-made disasters and catastrophes.

A processing delay will not affect the effective date as of which we process transactions, including orders from contract owners, the date that a Term begins or ends, or the values used to process the transaction.

**INITIAL STRATEGY SELECTIONS** 

You make your initial selection of Crediting Strategies in your purchase application. Your initial selection is set out on your Contract Specifications Page.

Your initial selection will also apply to each subsequent Purchase Payment. If you wish to change your selection for a specific Purchase Payment, we must receive a Request in Good Order that identifies the Crediting Strategies you are selecting for that Purchase Payment before the Strategy Application Date that applies to that Purchase Payment.

When you select a Crediting Strategy, you must also indicate the percentage of the Purchase Payment that you wish to allocate to that Crediting Strategy. All allocations must be in whole percentages that total 100%. We reserve the right to round amounts up or down to make whole percentages, and to reduce or increase amounts proportionally in order to total 100%.

Currently there are no limitations on the amounts that may be applied to an Indexed Strategy. When allocating or reallocating, the amount applied to the Declared Rate Strategy cannot exceed the Allocation Limit of 12%.

The S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Indexed Strategy is only available for Terms that begin in the first Contract Year.

We may establish minimum and maximum amounts or percentages that may be applied to a given Crediting Strategy for any future Term in our discretion. We will notify you of any such minimum or maximum. We may limit the availability of a Strategy for a Term that would extend beyond the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. All Strategies may not be available in all states.

**STRATEGY SELECTIONS AT TERM END** 

At the end of a Term, you may choose to reallocate your money among the Indexed Strategies or you may choose to take no action. If you do not send us a reallocation request, your current allocations will automatically continue in the new Term as long as the same Indexed Strategies are available.

**Reallocations** 

At the end of a Term, you may reallocate the ending values of the Crediting Strategies for that Term among the available Strategies. You can only reallocate amounts from one Crediting Strategy to another at the end of the Term for which such amount is being held. You cannot make a reallocation at any other time.

We will send you written notice at least 30 days before the end of a Term to provide you with the opportunity to make a reallocation. We must receive your Request in Good Order for a reallocation on or before the last day of the Term. For example, if the end of a Term falls on a weekend, we must receive your request on the last Market Day before that weekend.

**Continuing Allocations** 

You do not need to take any action if you want to continue your current allocations and all of your strategies are available for the next Term. If you do not send us a reallocation request, then we will automatically apply the ending value of each Indexed Strategy to a new Term of that same Strategy.

**Unavailable Strategies** 

A Crediting Strategy may be unavailable for the next Term because we are no longer offering that Strategy or we have set a minimum or maximum for that Strategy. The S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy will not be available for Terms that begin after the first Contract Year.

When an Indexed Strategy is unavailable for the next Term, you may choose to reallocate the funds held in that Strategy.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
If funds are allocated to the S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy and you take no action and do not send us a reallocation request at the end of the six-year Term, then we will apply the ending value of that Strategy to a new Term of the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy. For any other Crediting Strategy, if you take no action and do not send us a reallocation request, then any amount that cannot be applied to that Crediting Strategy for the next Term will be applied as follows:

1) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and that has the same or most comparable positive return factors and negative return factors; or

2) To another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the largest Buffer; or

3) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the lowest percentage Downside Participation Rate; or 

4) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the least negative Floor; or

5) to the Declared Rate Strategy to the extent it does not cause the allocation to exceed the Allocation Limit; or

6) to the extent that it cannot be allocated to the Declared Rate Strategy, then to the S&P 500 –10% Floor Strategy. 

**Surrender or Withdrawal at Term End** 

At the end of a Term, you may choose to Surrender your Contract or to take a withdrawal from your Contract. You may do so for any reason, including dissatisfaction with the available Crediting Strategies. A Market Value Adjustment may apply on Surrender or to a withdrawal that exceeds the balance in the Declared Rate Strategy. In addition, there may be tax consequences if you Surrender your Contract or take a withdrawal. You should seek advice on tax questions based on your particular circumstances from a tax advisor.

Contract values calculated at the end of a Term will reflect the applicable Strategy values and any Market Value Adjustment that would apply upon a Surrender. The value of an Indexed Strategy at the end of the Term will not reflect any Daily Value Percentage because it is calculated based on the rise or fall of the applicable Index for the Term.

**Limitations** 

Reallocations must be in whole percentages that total 100%. We reserve the right to round amounts up or down to make whole percentages, and to reduce or increase amounts proportionally in order to total 100%.

Any reallocation or continuing allocation will be subject to Strategy availability, minimums and maximums. Currently there are no limitations on the amounts that may be applied to any single Indexed Strategy. We may establish minimum and maximum amounts or percentages that may be applied to a given Crediting Strategy for any future Term in our discretion. We will notify you of any such minimum or maximum.

The new Term of each Strategy is subject to the Declared Rate, Cap or Upside Participation Rate in effect for that Strategy for that new Term. For example, the Upside Participation Rate for an Indexed Strategy for a new Term may be different than the Upside Participation Rate for that Indexed Strategy for the Term that is ending. The Downside Participation Rate, Floor, or Buffer will not change from Term to Term.

**Availability of Strategies** 

We will send you a written notice at least 30 days before the end of each Term with information about the Strategies that will be available for the next Term. At least 10 days before the next Term starts, we will post the Declared Rate, Caps, and Upside Participation Rates that will apply for the next Term on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

The S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy and a Declared Rate Strategy will always be available. We are not obligated to offer any one particular Declared Rate Strategy or any other particular Indexed Strategy. At the end of a Term, we can add or stop offering any Crediting Strategy at our discretion other than the S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy. We reserve the right to limit the availability of a Strategy for a Term that would extend beyond the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. All Crediting Strategies may not be available in all states.

If we intend to add or stop offering a Crediting Strategy at the end of a Term, we will send you a notification at least 30 days before the end of the Term to provide you with the opportunity to make a reallocation. If funds are held in a Crediting Strategy that will no longer be available after the end of a Term, the funds will remain in that Strategy until the end of that Term.

**Default Strategy** 

At the end of a Term, to the extent any amount cannot be applied to a given Crediting Strategy for the next Term because that Strategy is no longer available or the amount is under the minimum or over the maximum for that Strategy for the new Term, unless you send us a request to reallocate that amount we will apply the amount as follows:

1) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and that has the same or most comparable positive return factors and negative return factors; or

2) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the largest Buffer; or

3) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the lowest percentage Downside Participation Rate; or 

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4) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the least negative Floor; or

5) to the Declared Rate Strategy to the extent it does not cause the allocation to exceed the Allocation Limit; or

6) to the extent that it cannot be allocated to the Declared Rate Strategy, then to the S&P 500 –10% Floor Strategy. 

For example, if you allocate only to a SPDR Gold Shares 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy and that Strategy is no longer available and you do not send us a request to reallocate, then we will apply the amount allocated to that Strategy to another SPDR Gold Shares 1-Year Indexed Strategy for the next Term if there is one. If there is more than one, we would use the priorities set out above to determine where the amount will be allocated. Under these priorities, we would apply it to any other SPDR Gold Shares 1-Year Indexed Strategy that has both an upside participation rate and a downside participation rate. If none, then we would apply it to a SPDR Gold Shares 1-Year Buffer Indexed Strategy, or if none, then to a SPDR Gold Shares 1-Year Floor Indexed Strategy. If no other SPDR Gold Shares 1-Year Indexed Strategy exists, we will apply up to 12% of the Strategy value to the Declared Rate Strategy and the remainder to the S&P 500 1-Year –10% Floor Indexed Strategy.

If the amount to be applied exceeds the maximum, then only the excess amount will be applied using those rules. For example, if the maximum amount for a Crediting Strategy is $50,000 and the amount to be applied is $54,000, then we will apply the excess $4,000 to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy and has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy. If there is more than one Indexed Strategy that uses the same index and has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, then we will use the priorities set out above to determine where the excess will be applied. If no other Indexed Strategy uses the same index, then as much of the $4,000 will be allocated to the Declared Rate Strategy without exceeding the Allocation Limit, and any remainder will be allocated to the S&P 500 –10% Floor Strategy.

We must receive your Request in Good Order for a reallocation on or before the last day of the Term. For example, if the end of a Term falls on a weekend, we must receive your request on the last Market Day before that weekend.

Note: For Contracts issued in Missouri where the Declared Rate Strategy is not available, the same rules will apply except the Temporary Holding Account will be used instead of the Declared Rate Strategy.

**CASH BENEFIT** 

**Surrender** 

You may Surrender your Contract at any time before the earlier of: (1) the Annuity Payout Initiation Date; or (2) a death for which a Death Benefit is payable. The right to Surrender may be restricted if your Contract is purchased under an employer plan subject to IRC Section 401 (pension, profit sharing, and 401(k) plans), IRC Section 403(b) (tax-sheltered annuity plans), or IRC Section 457(b) (governmental deferred compensation plans).

A Surrender must be made by a Request in Good Order. The amount paid upon Surrender is the Surrender Value. If you Surrender your Contract, the Contract terminates.

**Withdrawals** 

You may take a withdrawal, including a withdrawal to pay advisory fees, from your Contract at any time before the earliest of: (1) the Annuity Payout Initiation Date; (2) a death for which a Death Benefit is payable; or (3) the date that this Contract is Surrendered. The right to withdraw may be restricted if your Contract is purchased under an employer plan subject to IRC Section 401 (pension, profit sharing, and 401(k) plans), IRC Section 403(b) (tax-sheltered annuity plans), or IRC Section 457(b) (governmental deferred compensation plans).

A withdrawal must be made by a Request in Good Order. The amount of any withdrawal must be at least $500. If the withdrawal would reduce the Account Value to less than the minimum value of $5,000, we will treat the withdrawal request as a request to withdraw the maximum amount that may be taken without reducing your Account Value to less than $5,000.

We will withdraw funds from your Account Value as of the date on which we receive your Request in Good Order or any later specified effective date. You may designate the Crediting Strategy or Strategies from which a withdrawal will be taken by a Request in Good Order prior to the date of the withdrawal. If you do not make a designation, we will take the withdrawal from the Crediting Strategies in the following order:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• first from the Purchase Payment Account;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• then from the Declared Rate Strategy; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• then proportionally from the Indexed Strategies having the shortest Term.

**Effect of Withdrawals** 

A withdrawal (including any withdrawals to pay advisory fees) reduces the Account Value on a dollar-for-dollar basis, which in turn reduces the amount payable upon Surrender, applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit, or payable as the Death Benefit. In addition, a withdrawal will proportionally reduce the Return of Premium Guarantee for the Death Benefit. Please see the example on page 43.

A withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy during the first six Contract Years (other than to pay advisory fees) will be subject to a Market Value Adjustment. If a Market Value Adjustment applies to your withdrawal and you do not request otherwise, you will receive the amount that you requested, and your Account Value will be adjusted by the amount you receive plus the amount needed to pay a negative Market Value Adjustment.

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If a withdrawal and any related Market Value Adjustment is taken from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, the reduction in the Strategy value is determined by the Daily Value Percentage on the date of the withdrawal. The Investment Base used to calculate the Strategy value through the end of that Term will also be reduced. The reduction in the Investment Base for a withdrawal and any related Market Value Adjustment is proportional to the reduction in the Strategy value. A reduction in the Investment Base will limit the effect of any rise or fall in the Index for the remainder of the Term.

**Automated Withdrawals** 

You may elect to withdraw money from your Contract under any automated withdrawal program that we offer. Your Account Value must be at least $10,000 in order to make an automated withdrawal election. The minimum amount of each automated withdrawal payment is $100. Automated withdrawals will be taken from the Purchase Payment Account and Crediting Strategies of your Contract in the same order as any other withdrawal.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the automated withdrawal program, you may begin or discontinue automated withdrawals at any time. You must give us at least 30 days' notice to change any automated withdrawal instructions that are currently in place. Any request to begin, discontinue or change automated withdrawals must be a Request in Good Order. We reserve the right to discontinue offering automated withdrawals at any time.

Currently, we do not charge a fee to participate in an automated withdrawal program. However, we reserve the right to impose an annual fee in such amount as we may then determine to be reasonable for participation in the automated withdrawal program. If imposed, the fee will not exceed $30 annually.

Before electing an automated withdrawal, you should consult with your registered investment advisor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Automated withdrawals are similar to starting Annuity Payout Benefit payments, but will result in different
taxation of payments and potentially a different amount of total payments over the life of your Contract.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Unless taken from the Declared Rate Strategy, an automated withdrawal may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment
during the first six Contract Years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If taken from an Indexed Strategy, an automated withdrawal during a Term will reduce the Investment Base, which
will reduce any subsequent increase in the Strategy value due to a positive Daily Value Percentage during that Term or a rise in the applicable Index at the end of that Term. Such reductions could be significant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If taken from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, the value of an Indexed Strategy on an automated
withdrawal date will reflect the Daily Value Percentage on that date.

**Withdrawals to Pay Advisory Fees** 

You may authorize withdrawals from your Contract to pay advisory fees to a registered investment advisor with respect to the management of your Contract. Those fees cannot exceed 1.5% of the Account Value per year. The fees must relate only to investment advice rendered in connection with the Contract.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Based on a private letter ruling issued by the IRS to the Company and similar private letter rulings issued to
other annuity providers, we will not report a withdrawal to pay advisory fees as taxable income to you if the conditions of the rulings are satisfied. However, tax laws are subject to change, and it is possible that in the future a withdrawal to pay
fees could be subject to federal and state income taxes, and to a 10% federal penalty tax if made before age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>. Please see the information provided on page 54.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the conditions of the rulings are not satisfied, we will report a withdrawal to pay advisory fees as taxable
income to you, and your withdrawal may be subject to federal and state income taxes and if you are under age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>, a 10% federal penalty tax.

Withdrawals to pay advisory fees are treated like other withdrawals from the Contract, except that withdrawals to pay advisory fees are not subject to a Market Value Adjustment even if taken from an Indexed Strategy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Withdrawals to pay advisory fees will be taken from the Purchase Payment Account, then from the Declared Rate
Strategy, and then from the Indexed Strategies of your Contract in the same order as any other withdrawal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Withdrawals to pay advisory fees reduce the Account Value on a dollar-for-dollar basis, which in turn reduces the
amount payable upon Surrender, applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit, or payable as the Death Benefit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Withdrawals to pay advisory fees will proportionally reduce the Return of Premium Guarantee for the Death
Benefit. Please see the example on page 43.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If taken from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, the reduction in the value of an Indexed Strategy due
to a withdrawal to pay advisory fees will be determined by the Daily Value Percentage on the date of the withdrawal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If taken from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, a withdrawal to pay advisory fees will proportionally
reduce the Investment Base used to calculate changes in the value of the Indexed Strategy through the end of that Term, which may limit the effect of a further rise or fall in the Index.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Prior to authorizing the payment of advisory fees from your Contract values, please consult with your financial
adviser about whether there are sufficient funds in the Declared Rate Strategy to pay those fees, and whether you should pay such fees from other assets.

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**Exchanges, Transfers, and Rollovers** 

An amount paid on a withdrawal or Surrender may be paid to or for another annuity or tax-qualified account in a tax-free exchange, transfer, or rollover to the extent allowed by federal tax law.

**FEES AND CHARGES** 

**AMORTIZED OPTION COST AND TRADING COST USED TO CALCULATE DAILY VALUE PERCENTAGE** 

The Daily Value Percentage is used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, and a locked Daily Value Percentage is used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy for the balance of a Term if you have made a Performance Lock election. The Daily Value Percentage is calculated by subtracting the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost from the Net Option Price. The Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost are charges for unwinding the investment before the end of a Term. These charges reduce the Indexed Strategy value. When the Contract is Surrendered or a withdrawal is taken before the end of a Term, or when you make a Performance Lock election, the reduction in Indexed Strategy value due to the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost may cause a loss to exceed the -10% Floor or 50% Downside Participation Rate, and may eliminate the benefit of the 10% Buffer. The Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost are determined each time the Daily Value Percentage is calculated or when a Performance Lock election is made. As a result, in extreme circumstances, the total loss for an Indexed Strategy could be 100%, meaning that you would suffer a complete loss of your principal and any prior earnings. For more information on the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost, please see the Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term section beginning on page [ ].

**MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT** 

We impose a Market Value Adjustment to protect us against interest rate fluctuations and to allow us to invest assets for a longer duration, which supports higher declared interest rates, Caps, and Upside Participation Rates. A negative Market Value Adjustment may also reimburse us for contract sales expenses, including distribution, promotion, and acquisition expenses.

The Market Value Adjustment applies if, during the first six Contract Years, you take a withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy of your Contract or Surrender it. After that, the Market Value Adjustment does not apply.

During the first six Contract Years, the Market Value Adjustment applies to each withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy, including withdrawals under an automated withdrawal program and withdrawals taken to satisfy a required distribution, but not including withdrawals to pay advisory fees. The Market Value Adjustment does not apply to Death Benefit payments or Annuity Payout Benefit payments. The Market Value Adjustment does not apply to any amount withdrawn from the Purchase Payment Account or Declared Rate Strategy.

A Market Value Adjustment may reduce your Account Value.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **If you take a withdrawal from your Contract, the amount subject to the charge is the amount you withdraw from an Indexed Strategy, which includes any amount needed to pay the Market Value Adjustment.** This means that at your direction either we will adjust the amount paid to you to reflect the Market Value Adjustment or we will increase the amount
withdrawn as needed to cover the Market Value Adjustment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you Surrender your Contract, the amount subject to the Market Value Adjustment is the sum of your Indexed
Strategy values.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you Surrender your Contract, the amount subject to the Market Value Adjustment will not include the amount, if
any, that qualifies for a waiver as described below.

A Market Value Adjustment may be positive or negative. The Market Value Adjustment equals the MVA factor multiplied by the amount subject to the adjustment. A MVA factor and the resulting Market Value Adjustment are not subject to a maximum or limit.

The MVA factor is equal to:

(A – (B + K)) x N

Where:

A = the MVA Index Interest Rate on the Contract Effective Date;

B = the MVA Index Interest Rate for the date of the withdrawal or Surrender;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| K = | the spread factor of 0.25% (see State Variations section below for exceptions); and  |

---

N = the number of whole and partial years remaining to the sixth Contract Anniversary.

For Contracts issued in certain states, the spread factor does not apply. See the State Variations section below for any special rule relating to the spread factor in your state.

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*Examples.* 

Negative MVA: On the fifth Contract Anniversary your Account Value is $100,000 and is all held under the Indexed Strategies. The MVA Index Interest Rate on the Contract Effective Date was 3%, the MVA Index Interest Rate is now 4%, and a spread factor of 0.25% applies. No Market Value Adjustment exception applies. The MVA Factor equals -1.25% (3% - (4% + 0.25%)) X 1 = -1.25%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You take a withdrawal of $12,000. A negative Market Value Adjustment of $150 ($12,000 x -1.25%) is applied and
you receive $11,850.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You request to receive $12,000 after application of the negative Market Value Adjustment. The total amount
withdrawn, grossed up to cover the Market Value Adjustment, is $12,000 / (1 – 0.0125) = $12,152.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You Surrender your Contract. A negative Market Value Adjustment of $1,250 ($100,000 x -1.25%) is applied and you
receive $98,750.

Positive MVA: On the fifth Contract Anniversary, your Account Value is $100,000 and is all held under the Indexed Strategies. The MVA Index Interest Rate on the Contract Effective Date was 4%, the MVA Index Interest Rate is now 3%, and a spread factor of 0.25% applies. No Market Value Adjustment exception applies. The MVA Factor equals 0.75% (4% - (3% + 0.25%)) X 1 = 0.75%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You take a withdrawal of $12,000. A positive Market Value Adjustment of $90 ($12,000 x 0.75%) is applied and you
receive $12,090.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You request to receive $12,000 after application of the positive Market Value Adjustment. The total amount needed
to be withdrawn is $12,000 / (1 +.0075) = $11,911.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You Surrender your Contract. A positive Market Value Adjustment of $750 ($100,000 x -0.75%) is applied and you
receive $100,750.

**Market Value Adjustment Waivers** 

***Extended Care Waiver*.** (Rider form ICC22-R1843722NW -Waiver of Market Value Adjustments for Extended Care Rider). We will waive any negative Market Value Adjustments that would otherwise apply on a Surrender of your Contract if you make a Request in Good Order and:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• your Contract is modified by the Extended Care Waiver Rider;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you are confined in a long-term care facility or hospital and the confinement is prescribed by a physician and is
medically necessary;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the first day of the confinement is at least one year after the Contract Effective Date; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the confinement has continued for a period of at least 90 consecutive days.

You must provide us with satisfactory proof that you meet these conditions before the date of the Surrender. There is no charge for this rider, but it may not be available in all states. (See the State Variations section below for information about availability in your state.) You do not need to take any action to add this waiver rider. Before you request a waiver, carefully review the rider to ensure that you understand how it works. This waiver does not apply to a withdrawal of less than your full Surrender Value.

***Terminal Illness Waiver*.** (Rider form ICC22-R1843822NW -Waiver of Market Value Adjustment Upon Terminal Illness Rider). We will waive any negative Market Value Adjustment that would otherwise apply on a Surrender of your Contract if you make a Request in Good Order and:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• your Contract is modified by the Waiver of Market Value Adjustment upon Terminal Illness Rider;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you are diagnosed with a terminal illness by a physician and, as a result of the terminal illness, you have a
life expectancy of less than 12 months from the date of diagnosis; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the diagnosis is rendered by a physician more than one year after the Contract Effective Date.

You must provide us with satisfactory proof that you meet these conditions before the date of the Surrender. There is no charge for this rider, but it may not be available in all states. (See the State Variations section below for information about availability in your state.) You do not need to take any action to add this waiver rider. Before you request a waiver, carefully review the rider to ensure that you understand how it works. This waiver does not apply to a withdrawal of less than your full Surrender Value.

**MVA Index** 

The Market Value Adjustment depends on changes in the MVA Index Interest Rate since the Contract Effective Date and the amount of time remaining until the sixth Contract Anniversary. The MVA Index is the BofA Merrill Lynch 5-10 Year US Corporate Bond Index.

The BofA Merrill Lynch 5-10 Year US Corporate Bond Index measures market performance of USD-denominated investment grade corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market with a remaining term to final maturity between 5 and 10 years.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and its affiliates ("BofA Merrill Lynch") indices and related information, the name "Bank of America Merrill Lynch", and related trademarks, are intellectual property licensed from BofA Merrill Lynch, and may not be copied, used, or distributed without BofA Merrill Lynch's prior written approval. The licensee's products have not been passed on as to their legality or suitability, and are not regulated, issued, endorsed, sold, guaranteed, or promoted by BofA Merrill Lynch. BofA Merrill Lynch makes no warranties and bears no liability with respect to the indices, and any related information, its trademarks, or the product(s) (including without limitation, their quality, accuracy, suitability and/or completeness).

We may replace the MVA Index if it is discontinued, or we are no longer able to use it, or its calculation changes substantially. We may do so at the end of a Term or during a Term. We will notify you in writing at least 30 days before we replace an Index.

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**Automated Withdrawal Program Charges** 

Currently, we do not charge a fee to participate in an automated withdrawal program. However, we reserve the right to impose an annual fee in such amount as we may then determine to be reasonable for participation in the automated withdrawal program. If imposed, the fee will not exceed $30 annually.

**State Limitations.** In some states, our ability to waive fees or charges may be limited by applicable laws, regulations or administrative positions.

**ANNUITY PAYOUT BENEFIT** 

Under the Contract you may receive regular Annuity Payout Benefit payments for the duration of the period that you select. Once Annuity Payout Benefit payments start, you can no longer Surrender the Contract or take a withdrawal, no Death Benefit will be payable under your Contract, and your Beneficiary designations will no longer apply. The amount payable after death, if any, is governed by the Payout Option you select.

The Annuity Payout Benefit is payable if the Annuity Payout Initiation Date is reached before the earlier of: (1) a death for which a Death Benefit is payable; or (2) the date that this Contract is Surrendered.

**Annuity Payout Initiation Date** 

The Annuity Payout Initiation Date is the first day of the first payment interval for which payment of the Annuity Payout Benefit is to be made. Annuity Payout Benefit payments are made at the end of each payment interval. This means that for annual payments, the first payment will be made one year after the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

You may select the Annuity Payout Initiation Date by a Request in Good Order. We must receive your request before the last Market Close on or before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date you selected and at least 30 days before the first Annuity Payout Benefit payment is to be made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The earliest Annuity Payout Initiation you may select is the first Contract Anniversary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Unless we agree to a later date, the latest Annuity Payout Initiation Date you may select is the Contract
Anniversary following your 95<sup>th</sup> birthday or the 95<sup>th</sup> birthday, of a joint owner, if earlier. If the Owner is not a human being such as a trust
or a corporation, then the Annuity Payout Initiation Date may not be later than the Contract Anniversary following the 95<sup>th</sup> birthday of the eldest Annuitant, unless we agree to a later date.

The earliest permitted date and the latest permitted date for the Annuity Payout Initiation Date are set out on your Contract Specifications Page. The latest permitted date may change if an Owner changes.

If you do not select an Annuity Payout Initiation Date by the latest permitted date, we may select it for you. We will notify you in writing at least 45 days before the date we select. We will give you an opportunity to select an earlier date.

**Annuity Payout Amount** 

The amount of each payment under the Annuity Payout Benefit is determined on the Annuity Payout Initiation Date based on the Annuity Payout value on that date, the Payout Option that applies, and the payment interval.

The Annuity Payout value is the amount that can be applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit is equal to: (1) the Account Value on the Annuity Payout Initiation Date; minus (2) premium tax or other taxes not previously deducted. If the Annuity Payout value is determined on a date other than the end of the Term, the Annuity Payout value will be based on the Daily Value Percentage or the locked Daily Value Percentage if you have made a Performance Lock election. Please see the Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term section on page [ ] or the Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election on page [ ] for more information.

**Form of Annuity Payout Benefit** 

The Annuity Payout Benefit is paid in the form of annual payments as a Life Payout with Payments for at Least a Fixed Period. That fixed period will be 10 years or, if fewer, the maximum number of whole years permitted by any tax qualification endorsement.

In place of that, you may elect to have the Annuity Payout Benefit paid in any form of Payout Option that is available under your Contract. The available Payout Options are described in the Payout Options section on page [ ]. You may elect a Payout Option by a Request in Good Order. We must receive your request before the last Market Close on or before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and at least 30 days before the first Annuity Payout Benefit payment is to be made.

**Payee for Annuity Payout Benefit** 

Payment of the Annuity Payout Benefit generally is made to the surviving Owner(s) as the payee(s). In place of that, the surviving Owner(s) may elect for payment to be made as a tax-free exchange, transfer, or rollover, or for payment to be made to the Annuitant. That election must be made by a Request in Good Order that we receive at least 30 days before the payment date.

Payments that become due after the death of the payee are made to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the surviving Owner(s); or if none

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• then to the surviving contingent payee(s) designated by the surviving Owner(s); or if none;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the estate of the last payee who received payments.

The portion of any Annuity Payout Benefit remaining after the death of an Owner or Annuitant must be paid at least as rapidly as payments were being made at the time of such death.

You may designate a contingent payee by a Request in Good Order. If you designate your spouse as a contingent payee and your marriage ends before your death, then we will treat your former spouse as having predeceased you except in the following situations: (1) if a court order provides that the former spouse's rights as a contingent payee are to continue; or (2) if the former spouse remains or becomes an Owner.

**DEATH BENEFIT** 

A Death Benefit is payable under your Contract if you die before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and before the Contract is Surrendered. If your spouse becomes a successor owner of the Contract, no Death Benefit will be payable on account of your death.

When the Owner is a non-natural person, a Death Benefit is payable under the Contract if the Annuitant dies before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and before the Contract is Surrendered. For this purpose, a non-natural person is a trust, custodial account, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity.

Only one Death Benefit will be paid under the Contract. If a Death Benefit becomes payable, it will be in place of all other benefits under the Contract, and all other rights under this Contract will terminate except for rights related to the Death Benefit.

**Death Benefit Payout Date** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Death Benefit is to be paid as a lump sum, then it will be paid as soon as practicable after receipt of
proof of death and a Request in Good Order for a lump sum payment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Death Benefit is to be paid under a Payout Option, then we will apply the Death Benefit value to a Payout
Option as soon as practicable after receipt of proof of death and a Request in Good Order. That application date will be the first day of the first payment interval for which a payment is to be made. Death Benefit payments under a Payout Option are
made at the end of each payment interval. This means that, for annual payments, the first payment will be made one year after that application date.

**Death Benefit Amount** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Death Benefit is paid in a lump sum, then it is equal to the Death Benefit value, increased by any
additional post- death interest as required by law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Death Benefit will be paid as a series of periodic payments under a Payout Option, then the amount of each
payment under the Death Benefit is determined on the date that the Death Benefit value is applied to the Payout Option. The amount or each payment will be based on the Death Benefit value (increased by any additional post-death interest as required
by law to the date it is applied to the Payout Option), the Payout Option that applies, and the payment interval.

**Death Benefit Value** 

The Death Benefit value is the greater of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Account Value determined as of the date that the Death Benefit value is determined; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Return of Premium Guarantee.

In either case, the Death Benefit value is reduced by premium tax or other taxes not previously deducted.

The Account Value will reflect the applicable Strategy values as calculated on the date the Death Benefit is determined. If the Death Benefit value is determined on a date other than the end of the Term, the Death Benefit value will be based on the Daily Value Percentage, or on the locked Daily Value Percentage if you have made a Performance Lock election. Please see the Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term section on page [ ] or the Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election on page [ ] for more information.

**Return of Premium Guarantee** 

The Return of Premium Guarantee is equal to your Purchase Payments (the "Purchase Payment base"), reduced proportionally for all withdrawals (including withdrawals to pay advisory fees), but not including amounts applied to pay negative Market Value Adjustments.

The reduction in your Purchase Payment base for withdrawals will be in the same proportion that your Account Value was reduced on the date of the withdrawal. A proportional reduction in your Purchase Payment base could be larger than the dollar amount of your withdrawal.

*Example.* Here is an example of how we calculate a proportional reduction of your Purchase Payment base. In this example, we assume you take an $8,000 withdrawal and the Purchase Payment base is larger than the Account Value at the time of the withdrawal. To simplify the example, we also assume no Market Value Adjustment, no premium tax is deducted, and no additional post-death interest is added.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Before**<br> Withdrawal | **After**<br> Withdrawal | Explanation |
|  Account Value | $100000 | $92000 | Your withdrawal reduces your Account Value by $8,000 (which is an 8% reduction in<br> your Account Value).$8,000 / $100,000 = 8% |
|  Purchase Payment base for Death Benefit | $120000 | $110400 | After the withdrawal, the Purchase Payment base for the Death Benefit is also reduced<br> by 8% or $9,600.$120,000 x 8% = $9,600 |

---

**Determination Date** 

The date that the Death Benefit value is determined is the date that we have received both proof of death and Requests in Good Order with instructions as to the form of Death Benefit from all Beneficiaries. Until then, the Contract values remain in the Crediting Strategies and will renew into new Terms of the same Strategies if the end of a Term is reached, and the Indexed Strategy values may fluctuate. This risk is borne by the Beneficiaries.

***Proof of Death****.* Before making payment of a Death Benefit, or any other payment or transfer of ownership rights that depends on the death of a specified person, we will require proof of death. We may delay making any payment until it is received. For this purpose, proof of death is:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a certified copy of a death certificate showing the cause and manner of death;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a certified copy of a decree that is made by a court of competent jurisdiction as to the finding of death; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• other proof that is satisfactory to us.

**Form of Death Benefit** 

The Death Benefit is paid in the form of annual payments for a fixed period of two years.

In place of that, you may elect to have the Death Benefit paid in one lump sum or in any form of Payout Option that is available under your Contract. The available Payout Options are described in the Payout Options section below. There is no additional charge associated with this election. Any election is subject to the Death Benefit Distribution Rules described below.

You may make an election by a Request in Good Order. We must receive your request on or before the date of death for which a Death Benefit is payable. If you do not make such an election, the Beneficiary may make that election after the date of death. The Beneficiary's election must be made by a Request in Good Order that is received by us no later than the date that the Death Benefit value is applied to a Payout Option and at least 30 days before the date of the first payment to be made.

***Additional Rules for Payout Options****.* A Payout Option that is contingent on life is based on the life of the Beneficiary or, in some cases, the life of a person to whom the Beneficiary is obligated. We will pay the Death Benefit as a lump sum rather than as payments under a Payout Option if: (1) the Death Benefit is less than $2,000; or (2) as of the date that the Death Benefit value is to be applied to a Payout Option, the Death Benefit Distribution Rules do not allow a two-year payout.

**Payee of Death Benefit Payments** 

Death Benefit payments generally are made to the Beneficiary as the payee.

In place of that, the Beneficiary may elect to have payments made:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• as a tax-free exchange, transfer, or rollover to or for an annuity or tax-qualified account as permitted by
federal tax law; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• in cases where the Beneficiary is an estate, trust, custodial account, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, or other entity, to a person to whom the Beneficiary is obligated to make corresponding payments.

Payments that become due after the death of the Beneficiary are made to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the contingent payee designated as part of a Death Benefit Payout Option elected by you; or if none

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• then to a contingent payee designated by the Beneficiary; or if none

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the estate of the last payee who received payments.

Such payments are subject to the Death Benefit Distribution Rules described below.

You may designate a contingent payee by a Request in Good Order. A Beneficiary may make or change a payee or contingent payee, except a Beneficiary may not change a designation made as part of a Payout Option election made by you for the Death Benefit. If the Beneficiary designates his or her spouse as a contingent payee and their marriage ends before the Beneficiary's death, then we will treat the former spouse as having predeceased the Beneficiary except to the extent a court order provides that the former spouse's rights as a contingent payee are to continue.

**Death Benefit Distribution Rules** 

The Death Benefit Distribution Rules are summarized below.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For a Tax Qualified Contract. The Death Benefit must be paid in accordance with the tax qualification
endorsement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For a Nonqualified Contract. The Death Benefit must be paid either: (1) in full within five years of the
date of death; or (2) over the life of the Beneficiary or over a period certain not exceeding the Beneficiary's life expectancy, with payments at least annually, and with the first payment made within one year of the date of death.

**PAYOUT OPTIONS** 

The standard Payout Options are described below. We will make payments in any other form of Payout Option that is acceptable to us at the time of any election. More than one Payout Option may be elected if the requirements for each Payout Option elected are satisfied. All elected Payout Options must comply with pertinent laws and regulations.

Payments under each standard Payout Option are made at the end of a payment interval. For example, if the Annuity Payout Initiation Date is October 31, 2028 and you select annual payments, then the first payment will be paid as of October 31, 2029.

**Fixed Period Payout** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***•***  ***For the Annuity Payout Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to you, or to the Annuitant, if you direct, for the fixed period of time that you select. For a nonqualified contract, fixed periods shorter than 10 years are not available. For a Tax-Qualified Contract, the only fixed period available is 10 years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the payee dies before the end of the fixed period, then we will make periodic payments to the surviving
owner(s), or if none, then to the surviving contingent payee(s), or if none, then to the estate of the last payee who received payments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• In all cases, payments will stop at the end of the fixed period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***•***  ***For the Death Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to the Beneficiary for the fixed period of time that you or the Beneficiary selects. The fixed period cannot exceed the life expectancy of the Beneficiary. For a Tax-Qualified Contract, the fixed period also cannot exceed 10 years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Beneficiary dies before the end of the fixed period, then we will make periodic payments to the contingent
payee designated as part of any Death Benefit Payout Option that you have elected. If no such contingent payee is surviving, then such payments will be made to a contingent payee designated by the Beneficiary. If there is no contingent payee
surviving, then such payments will be made to the estate of the last payee who received payments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• In all cases, payments will stop at the end of the fixed period.

**Life Payout** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***•***  ***For the Annuity Payout Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to you, or to the Annuitant, if you direct, for as long as the Annuitant lives. Payments will stop on the death of the Annuitant. This means that, even if we have made only one payment when the Annuitant dies, payments will stop.

If the Annuitant dies after the Annuity Payout Initiation Date but before the first payment, a Life Payout will not provide any benefit at all. In that case, we will reverse the Annuity Benefit Payout election and treat the Contract as if the Annuity Payout Initiation Date had not yet been reached.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Owner is living, this treatment will generally allow the Owner to choose between continuing the Contract
as a deferred annuity or electing a new Annuity Payout Initiation Date and another Payout Option.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Annuitant's death before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date would give rise to a Death Benefit, then
the Death Benefit will be available.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***•***  ***For the Death Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to the Beneficiary for as long as the Beneficiary lives. Payments will stop on the death of the Beneficiary. This means that, even if we have made only one payment when the Beneficiary dies, payments will stop. For a Tax-Qualified Contract, a Life Payout is not available to all Beneficiaries.

If the Beneficiary dies after the Death Benefit is applied to the Payout Option but before the first payment, a Life Payout will not provide any benefit at all. In that case, we will reverse the Payout Option election and allow the Beneficiary's estate to choose a new Payout Option or to take the Death Benefit as a lump sum.

**Life Payout with Payments for at Least a Fixed Period** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***•***  ***For the Annuity Payout Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to you, or to the Annuitant, if you direct, for as long as the Annuitant lives. For a Tax-Qualified Contract, fixed periods longer than 10 years are not available.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Annuitant dies after the end of the fixed period you selected, then payments will stop on the death of the
Annuitant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Annuitant dies before the end of the fixed period you selected, then we will make periodic payments to the
surviving owner(s), or if none, then to the surviving contingent payee(s), or if none, then to the estate of the last payee who received payments. In this case, payments will stop at the end of the fixed period you selected.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***•***  ***For the Death Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to the Beneficiary for as long as the Beneficiary lives. The fixed period cannot exceed the life expectancy of the Beneficiary. For a Tax-Qualified Contract, a Life Payout with Payments for at Least a Fixed Period is not available to all Beneficiaries, and the fixed period also cannot exceed 10 years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Beneficiary dies after the end of the fixed period selected, then payments will stop on the death of the
Beneficiary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Beneficiary dies before the end of the fixed period you or the Beneficiary selected, then we will make
periodic payments to the contingent payee designated as part of any Death Benefit Payout Option that you have elected. If no such contingent payee is surviving, then such payments will be made to a contingent payee designated by the Beneficiary. If
there is no contingent payee surviving, then such payments will be made to the estate of the last payee who received payments. In this case, payments will stop at the end of the fixed period you or the Beneficiary selected.

**Joint and One-Half Survivor Payout** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***•***  ***For the Annuity Payout Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to you, or to the primary Annuitant, if you direct, for as long as the primary Annuitant lives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the primary Annuitant dies and the secondary Annuitant does **not** survive the primary Annuitant, then
payments will stop on the death of the primary Annuitant. This means that, even if we have made only one payment when the primary Annuitant dies, payments will stop unless the secondary Annuitant survives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the primary Annuitant dies and the secondary Annuitant is surviving, then we will make one-half of the
periodic payment to you, or the secondary Annuitant, if you direct, for the rest of the secondary Annuitant's life. In this case, payments will stop on the death of the secondary Annuitant.

If the Annuitant dies after the Annuity Payout Initiation Date but before the first payment, a Joint and One-Half Survivor Payout will never provide the full payment amount. In that case, if the secondary Annuitant agrees, we will reverse the Annuity Benefit Payout election and treat the Contract as if the Annuity Payout Initiation Date had not been reached.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Owner is living, this treatment will generally allow the Owner to choose between continuing the Contract
as a deferred annuity or electing a new Annuity Payout Initiation Date and another Payout Option.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Annuitant's death before the Annuity Benefit Payout Initiation Date would give rise to a Death
Benefit, then the Death Benefit will be available.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***•***  ***For the Death Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to the Beneficiary for as long as the Beneficiary lives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Beneficiary dies and the contingent payee does not survive the Beneficiary, then payments will stop on the
death of the Beneficiary. This means that, even if we have made only one payment when the Beneficiary dies, payments will stop unless the contingent payee survives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Beneficiary dies and the contingent payee designated as part of the Death Benefit Payout Option election
is surviving, then we will make one-half of the periodic payment to the contingent payee for the rest of the contingent payee's life. In this case, payments will stop on the death of the contingent payee.

If the Beneficiary dies after the Death Benefit is applied to the Payout Option but before the first payment, a Joint and One-Half Survivor Payout will never provide the full payment amount. In that case, if the contingent payee agrees, we will reverse the Payout Option election and allow the Beneficiary's estate to choose a new Payout Option or to take the Death Benefit as a lump sum.

For a Tax-Qualified Contract, a Joint and One-Half Survivor Payout is only available in certain cases where the Beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the owner.

**Payments under a Payout Option** 

Payments under a Payout Option are calculated and paid as fixed dollar payments. The stream of payments is an obligation of the general account of MassMutual Ascend Life. Fixed dollar payments will remain level for the duration of the payment period. Once payments begin under a Payout Option, the Payout Option may not be changed. Once the Contract value is applied to a Payout Option, the periodic payments cannot be accelerated or converted into a lump sum payment unless we agree.

We will use the 2012 Individual Annuity Reserving Table with projection scale G2 for blended lives (60% female/40% male) with interest at 1% per year, compounded annually, to compute all guaranteed Payout Option factors, values, and benefits under the Contract. For purposes of calculating payments based on the age of a person, we will use his or her age as of his or her last birthday.

**Considerations in Selecting a Payout Option** 

Payments under a Payout Option are affected by various factors, including the length of the payment period, the life expectancy of the person on whose life payments are based, and the frequency of the payment interval (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Generally, the longer the period over which payments are made or the more frequently the payments are made, the
lower the amount of each payment because more payments will be made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For Life Payout Options, the longer the life expectancy of the Annuitant or Beneficiary, the lower the amount of
each payment because more payments are expected to be paid.

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**Non-Human Payees under a Payout Option** 

Except as stated below, the primary payee under a Payout Option must be a human being. All payments during his or her life must be made by check payable to the primary payee or by electronic transfer to a bank account owned by the primary payee.

*Exceptions*.** Below are some exceptions to the general rule that the primary payee must be a human being. We may make other exceptions in our discretion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A nonhuman that is the Owner of the Contract may be the primary payee. For example, if the Owner is a trust, that
trust may be the primary payee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Payments may be made payable to another insurance company or financial institution as a tax-free exchange,
transfer, or rollover to or for another annuity or tax-qualified account as allowed by federal tax law.

**PROCESSING PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND REQUESTS** 

**Processing Purchase Payments** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If we receive a Purchase Payment on a Market Day before the Market Close, we will apply it to your Contract on
that Market Day.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If we receive a Purchase Payment on a Market Day after the Market Close or on a day that is not a Market Day,
then we will apply it to your Contract on the next Market Day.

An amount applied to a Contract will be held in the Purchase Payment Account until it is applied to a Crediting Strategy or Strategies on a Strategy Application Date pursuant to your instructions. We cannot apply an amount held in the Purchase Payment Account to a Crediting Strategy or Strategies if we do not have complete instructions from you.

If you have any questions, you should contact us or your registered representative before sending a Purchase Payment.

**Processing Requests** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Requests may be made by mail at P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati OH 45201-5423.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Requests by fax may be made at 800-807-9777.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Requests for reallocations among Crediting Strategies may be made by telephone at 1-800-789-6771 between 8:00 AM
and 4:00 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday. We may also permit reallocation requests to be made at our website (www.massmutualascend.com). Some selling firms may restrict the ability of their registered representatives to convey reallocation
requests by telephone or Internet on your behalf.

To obtain one of our forms (for example, a Strategy Selection form or a Withdrawal Request form) or to obtain more information about how to make a request, call us at 1-800-789-6771 or send us a fax at 800-807-9777. You can also request forms or information by mail at MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company, P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati OH 45201-5423. You may also obtain forms on our website, (www.massmutualascend.com).

We cannot process a request unless it is a Request in Good Order. A request may be rejected or delayed if it is not a Request in Good Order.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If we receive a Request in Good Order on a Market Day before the Market Close, we will process it using values
determined at the Market Close on that Market Day.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If we receive a Request in Good Order after the Market Close or on a day that is not a Market Day, then we will
treat that request as received at the start of the next Market Day.

If you have any questions, you should contact us or your registered representative before submitting the request.

*Exception*. If a withdrawal under an automated withdrawal program is scheduled for a date that is not a Market Day, then we will process the withdrawal on the scheduled date using values at the most recent Market Close. For example, if the automated withdrawal is scheduled for a date that falls on Sunday and there was a Market Close at 4:00 PM on the previous Friday, then we will process the withdrawal on Sunday using values determined at 4:00 PM on that Friday.

**Market Days and Market Close** 

A Market Day is each day that all markets that are used to measure available Indexed Strategies are open for regular trading.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and any other day that the New York Stock Exchange and the NYSE Arca are closed are
not Market Days.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The NYSE and the NYSE Arca observe the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

A Market Close is the close of the regular or core trading session on the market used to measure a given Indexed Strategy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Regular trading hours on the NYSE and core trading sessions on the NYSE Arca usually end at 4:00 PM Eastern Time

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Trading hours on the NYSE and core trading sessions on the NYSE Arca end at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on the day
before the Fourth of July and the Friday after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

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Regular trading or a core trading session may end at a different time on a Market Day under certain circumstances when and as permitted under applicable rules. Such circumstances generally cannot be predicted in advance.

Specific information about NYSE and NYSE Arca holidays and trading hours in any given calendar year is available at <u>https://www.nyse.com/markets/hours-calendars</u>.

**Receipt of Purchase Payments, Applications, and Requests** 

For purposes of processing, we deem Purchase Payments and applications, Requests in Good Order, and other instructions (paperwork) mailed to our post office box as received by us at our administrative office when the Purchase Payment or the paperwork reaches the applicable processing department located at 191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati OH 45202.

**Risks and Limitations Related to Requests by Telephone or Internet** 

We will use reasonable procedures such as requiring certain identifying information, tape recording the telephone instructions, and providing written confirmation of the transaction, in order to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone, fax, Internet or other means are genuine. Any telephone, fax or Internet instructions reasonably believed by us to be genuine will be your responsibility, including losses arising from any errors in the communication of instructions. As a result of this policy, you will bear the risk of loss. We are not responsible for the validity of any request or action.

Telephone and computer systems may not always be available. Any telephone or computer system, whether it is yours, your service provider's, your agent's, or ours, can experience outages or slowdowns for a variety of reasons. These outages or slowdowns may delay or prevent our processing of your request. Although we have taken precautions to help our systems handle heavy use, we cannot promise complete reliability under all circumstances. If you experience technical difficulties or problems, you should consider making your request by mail.

**Suspension of Payments or Transfers** 

We may be required to suspend or delay payments, withdrawals and reallocations when we cannot obtain an Index value because:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the New York Stock Exchange or NYSE Arca is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• trading on the New York Stock Exchange or NYSE Arca is restricted; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• an emergency exists such that it is not reasonably practicable to determine fairly the value of the Index.

In this case, we will make payments and process withdrawals and reallocations as soon as practicable after we are able to obtain the Index value.

We may suspend or delay payments, withdrawals and reallocations when we are permitted to do so under a regulatory order. In this case, we will make payments and process withdrawals and reallocations when the order is no longer in effect.

**Restrictions on Financial Transactions** 

Federal laws designed to counter terrorism and prevent money laundering might, in certain circumstances, require us to block an Owner's ability to make certain transactions. This means that we may be required to refuse to accept any request for withdrawals, Surrenders, Annuity Payout Benefit payments or Death Benefit payments, until instructions are received from the appropriate regulator. We may also be required to provide additional information about you and your Contract to government regulators.

**RIGHT TO CANCEL (FREE LOOK)** 

If you change your mind about owning the Contract, you may cancel it within 20 days after you receive it. If you purchase this Contract to replace an existing annuity contract or life insurance policy, you have 30 days after you receive it. This is known as a "free look." The right to cancel period may be longer in some states.

To cancel your Contract, you must submit your request to cancel to the producer who sold it or send it to us at P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5423. If sent to us by mail, it is effective on the date postmarked with proper address and postage paid. Your request to cancel must be in writing and signed by you.

If you cancel your Contract, you will receive a refund. The amount of the refund will depend on where you live. When you cancel the Contract within this free look period, we will not assess a Market Value Adjustment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you live in a state where we are required to refund your Purchase Payment(s), you will receive a refund equal
to your Purchase Payment(s), but you will forfeit any interest credited to the Purchase Payment Account or other increase in the Account Value. We reserve the right to hold your Purchase Payment(s) in the Purchase Payment Account until the first
Strategy Application Date on or after the end of the free look period.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you live in a state where we are required to refund the Account Value of your Contract, you will receive the
Account Value on the day that we receive your cancellation Request in Good Order. If the Account Value includes the value of an Indexed Strategy, that Strategy value will reflect the applicable Daily Value Percentage. The amount you receive may be
more or less than your Purchase Payment(s) depending upon any interest earned by your Contract and the value of your Indexed Strategies. This means that you bear the risk of any decline in the Account Value of your Contract before we receive your
cancellation request. No Market Value Adjustments will apply to the amount refunded. Unless required by state law, we do not refund any Market Value Adjustments assessed during the free look period that relate to a withdrawal taken before you cancel
the Contract.

The State Variations section of this prospectus contains a summary of the state law provisions related to the free look period and the required refund amount.

There may be tax consequences if you cancel the Contract. You should seek advice on tax questions based on your particular circumstances from a tax advisor.

**ANNUAL STATEMENT AND CONFIRMATIONS** 

At least once each calendar year, we will send you a statement that will show: (1) your Account Value; (2) all transactions regarding your Contract during the year; and (3) any interest credited to your Contract and/or any other changes in Strategy value credited to your Contract.

We will also send you written confirmations of Purchase Payments, Crediting Strategy allocations and renewals, withdrawals, and other financial transactions under your Contract. Statements and confirmations will be sent to your last known address on our records.

You should promptly report any inaccuracy or discrepancy in a statement or confirmation. To report an inaccuracy or discrepancy, contact us at P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5423, or call us at 1-800-789-6771. To protect your rights, you should consider reconfirming any oral communications by sending a written statement to P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5423.

**ELECTRONIC DELIVERY** 

You may elect to receive electronic delivery of the Contract prospectus and other Contract related documents. Contact us at our website at www.massmutualascend.com for more information and to enroll.

**ABANDONED PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS** 

Every state has unclaimed property laws. These laws generally declare annuity contracts to be abandoned after a period of inactivity of three to five years from: (1) the latest permitted Annuity Payout Initiation Date; or (2) the date of death for which a Death Benefit is due and payable. For example, if the payment of a Death Benefit has been triggered, but the beneficiary does not come forward to claim the Death Benefit in a timely manner, the unclaimed property laws will apply.

If a Death Benefit, Annuity Payout Benefit payments or other contract proceeds are unclaimed, we will pay them to the abandoned property division or unclaimed property office of the applicable state. (Escheatment is the formal, legal name for this process.) For example, on an unclaimed Death Benefit, depending on the circumstances, the proceeds are paid: (1) to the state where the beneficiary last resided, as shown on our books and records; (2) to the state where the contract owner last resided, as shown on our books and records; or (3) to Ohio, which is our state of domicile. The state will hold the proceeds without interest until a valid claim is made by the person entitled to the proceeds.

To prevent escheatment of the Death Benefit, Annuity Payout Benefit payments, or other proceeds from your Contract, it is important:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• to update your contact information, such as your address, phone number, and email address, if and as it changes;
and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• to update your Beneficiary and other designations, including complete names, complete addresses, phone numbers,
and social security numbers, if and as they change.

Please contact us at P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5423, or call us at 1-800-789-6771, to make such updates.

State unclaimed property laws do not apply to annuity contracts that are held under an employer retirement plan that is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

**OWNER** 

The Owner on the Contract Effective Date is set out on your Contract Specifications Page. The Owner possesses all of the ownership rights under a Contract, such as making allocations among the Crediting Strategies, electing a Payout Option, and designating a Beneficiary.

If an Owner is a trust, custodial account, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity, then the age of the eldest Annuitant is treated as the age of the Owner for all purposes of this Contract.

**Joint Owners** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Nonqualified Contract*** . Two persons may jointly own the Contract. In this case, the term
"Owner" includes the joint Owner and you must exercise all rights of ownership by joint action.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Tax Qualified Contract*** . No joint owner is permitted.

**Change of Owner** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Nonqualified Contract.*** You may change the Owner only with our written consent. A change of
Owner cancels all prior Beneficiary designations. It does not cancel a designation of an Annuitant or a Payout Option election.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Tax Qualified Contract*** . You cannot change the Owner except to the limited extent permitted by
the tax qualification endorsement.

A change of Owner must be made by a Request in Good Order. A change of Owner may have adverse tax consequences.

**Assignment** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Nonqualified Contract*** . You may pledge, charge, encumber or assign you interest in this
Contract only with our written consent. If we grant our consent, you may assign all or any part of your rights under this Contract except your rights to designate or change a Beneficiary or an Annuitant, to change Owners, or to elect a Payout
Option.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Tax Qualified Contract*** . You cannot pledge, charge, encumber or in any way assign your
interest in this Contract except to the limited extent permitted by the tax qualification endorsement.

An assignment must be requested by a Request in Good Order. We are not responsible for the validity of any assignment. An assignment may have adverse tax consequences.

If we have consented to an assignment, the rights of a person holding the assignment, including the right to any payment under this Contract, come before the rights of an Owner, Annuitant, Beneficiary, or other payee. An assignment may be ended only by the person holding it or as provided by law.

**Successor Owner** 

Your spouse becomes the successor owner of the Contract and succeeds to all rights of ownership if all of the following requirements are met:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a Death Benefit is payable on account of your death;

spouse;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• either you make that election by a Request in Good Order before your death or your spouse makes that election by
a Request in Good Order before the Death Benefit Payment Date; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you were not a successor owner of the Contract.

A successor owner election cancels all prior Beneficiary designations. It does not cancel a designation of an Annuitant or a Payout Option election.

In some states, state law extends this successor owner right to a civil union partner or other person who is not your spouse as defined by federal tax law. In that case, distributions after your death must be made as required by the Death Benefit Distributions Rules described in the Death Benefit section on page [ ].

**Community Property** 

If you live in a community property state and have a spouse at any time while you own this Contract, the laws of that state may vary your ownership rights.

**ANNUITANT** 

The Annuitant is the natural person on whose life Annuity Payout Benefit payments are based. The Annuitant on the Contract Effective Date is set out on your Contract Specifications Page.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Nonqualified Contract*** . The Annuitant cannot be changed at any time that the Contract is owned
by a trust, custodial account, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity. Otherwise, you may change a designation of Annuitant at any time before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Tax Qualified Contract*** . The Annuitant must be the natural person covered under the retirement
arrangement for whose benefit the Contract is held.

A change of Annuitant must be made by a Request in Good Order. A change of Annuitant does not cancel a designation of a Beneficiary or a Payout Option election.

If an Annuitant dies before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and no Death Benefit is payable, then in the absence of a new designation, the Annuitant will be:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the surviving joint Annuitant(s); or if none

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Owner(s).

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**BENEFICIARY** 

A Beneficiary is a person entitled to receive all or part of a Death Benefit that is to be paid under this Contract on account of a death before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If a Death Benefit becomes payable on account of your death or the death of a joint Owner, then the surviving
Owner is the Beneficiary no matter what other designation you may have made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• In all other cases, you may designate a person or person who will be the Beneficiaries as provided in the
Designation of Beneficiary provision of the Contract.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If no designated Beneficiary is surviving, then the Beneficiary is your estate.

your spouse and all other requirements for successor ownership are met, then your spouse may become the successor owner of the Contract in lieu of receiving the Death Benefit.

A designation of Beneficiary must be made by a Request in Good Order. We must receive the request on or before the date of death for which a Death Benefit is payable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You may designate two or more persons jointly as the Beneficiaries. Unless you state otherwise, joint
Beneficiaries that are surviving are entitled to equal shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You may designate one or more persons as contingent Beneficiary. Unless you state otherwise, a contingent
Beneficiary is entitled to a benefit only if there is no primary Beneficiary that is surviving.

**Survivorship Required** 

In order to be entitled to receive a Death Benefit, a Beneficiary must survive for at least 30 days after the death for which the Death Benefit is payable.

If you designate your spouse as a Beneficiary and your marriage ends before your death, we will treat your former spouse as having predeceased you unless:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a court order provides that the former spouse's rights as a beneficiary are to continue; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the former spouse remains or becomes an Owner.

**OTHER CONTRACT PROVISIONS** 

**Amendment of the Contract** 

We reserve the right to amend the Contract to comply with applicable Federal or state laws or regulations. We will notify you in writing of any such amendments.

**Misstatement** 

We may require proof of the age of the Annuitant, Owner and/or the Beneficiary before making any payments under the Contract that are measured by such person's life. If the age of the measuring life has been misstated, the amount payable will be the amount that would have been provided at the correct age. If payments based on the correct age would have been higher, we will pay the underpaid amount with interest. If payments would be lower, we may deduct the overpaid amount, with interest, from succeeding payments.

**Involuntary Termination** 

If the Account Value on any anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date is less than the minimum required value of $5,000 due to poor market performance or withdrawals from the Contract (including any withdrawals to pay advisory fees), we may terminate your Contract on that anniversary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you make only one Purchase Payment, each Term will end on an anniversary of the initial Strategy Application
Date. In this case, any involuntary termination will occur on a date that is the end of a Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you make multiple Purchase Payments, Terms may end on different dates. In this case, any involuntary
termination will occur on a date that is the end of a Term, but it will occur before the end of other Terms. In this case, the Surrender Value payable upon termination of your Contract will reflect the Daily Value Percentages used to calculate the
value of Indexed Strategies with Terms that are not ending on the termination date.

The examples below show the relationship between the date of an involuntary termination and the end of a Term.

*Example A*. You make one Purchase Payment that is applied to the Crediting Strategies on June 20, 2023. Terms will start and end on June 20 and the anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date will be June 20. If your Account Value is less than $5,000 on June 20, 2026, we may terminate your Contract on that anniversary date.

*Example B*. You make two Purchase Payments. One Purchase Payment is applied to the Crediting Strategies on May 6, 2023 and the other Purchase Payment is applied to the Crediting Strategies on June 20, 2023. Terms will start and end on May 6 and on June 20. The anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date will be May 6.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If your Account Value is less than $5,000 on June 20, 2026, we may not terminate your Contract because
June 20 is not an anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If your Account Value is less than $5,000 on May 6, 2027, we may terminate your Contract on that anniversary
date even though the other Term will not end until June 20, 2027.

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If we terminate your Contract, we will pay you the Surrender Value determined as of the date that we terminate your Contract. The Surrender Value will reflect the applicable Indexed Strategy values as calculated on the day that we terminate your Contract.

**Loans** 

Loans are not available under the Contract.

**FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS** 

This section provides a general description of federal income tax considerations relating to the Contracts. The purchase, holding and transfer of a Contract may have federal estate and gift tax consequences in addition to income tax consequences. Estate and gift taxation is not discussed in this prospectus. State taxation will vary, depending on the state in which you reside, and is not discussed in this prospectus.

The tax information provided in this prospectus is not intended or written to be used as legal or tax advice. It is written solely to provide general information related to the sale and holding of the Contracts. You should seek advice on legal or tax questions based on your particular circumstances from an attorney or tax advisor.

**Tax Deferral on Annuities** 

Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 72 governs taxation of annuities in general. The income earned on a Contract is generally not included in income until it is withdrawn from the Contract. In other words, a Contract is a tax-deferred investment. Tax deferral is not available for a Contract when an Owner is not a natural person unless the Contract is part of a tax-qualified retirement plan or the Owner is a mere agent for a natural person. For a nonqualified deferred compensation plan, this rule means that the employer as Owner of the Contract will generally be taxed currently on any increase in the Surrender Value, although the plan itself may provide a tax deferral to the participating employee.

Under certain circumstances, based on a rule known as the "Investor Control Doctrine," the IRS has stated that the holder of an annuity contract could be treated as the owner (for tax purposes) of the assets of a separate account that supports the annuity contract. If you were treated as the owner of an interest in the separate account, then you would be taxed on the income, gain, and loss arising out of your interest in the separate account. Although the IRS has not provided definitive guidance on the application of this rule to indexed annuity contracts, we do not believe that this rule applies to the Contract because you have no specific, fractional, or unitized interest in the separate account assets, we are not obligated to invest the separate account in any particular assets, the investment return and market value of the separate account assets is not allocated in an identical manner to any Contract, the Contract values are determined based on gains and losses regardless of the performance of the separate account assets, and the derivatives that we may hold in the separate account are not publicly traded.

**Tax-Qualified Retirement Plans** 

Annuities may also qualify for tax-deferred treatment, or serve as a funding vehicle, under tax-qualified retirement plans that are governed by other IRC provisions. These provisions include IRC Section 401 (pension, profit sharing, and 401(k) plans), IRC Section 403(b) (tax-sheltered annuities), IRC Sections 408 and 408A (individual retirement annuities), and IRC Section 457(b) (governmental deferred compensation plans). Tax-deferral is generally also available under these tax-qualified retirement plans through the use of a trust or custodial account without the use of an annuity.

The tax law rules governing tax-qualified retirement plans and the treatment of amounts held and distributed under such plans are complex. If the Contract is to be used in connection with a tax-qualified retirement plan, including an individual retirement annuity ("IRA") under a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Plan, you should seek competent legal and tax advice regarding the suitability of the Contract for your particular situation.

Contributions to a Tax-Qualified Contract are typically made with pre-tax dollars, while contributions to other Contracts are typically made from after-tax dollars, though there are exceptions in either case. Tax-Qualified Contracts may also be subject to restrictions on withdrawals that do not apply to other Contracts. These restrictions may be imposed to meet the requirements of the IRC or of an employer plan.

Following is a brief description of the types of tax-qualified retirement plans for which the Contracts are available.

**Individual Retirement Annuities.** IRC Sections 219 and 408 permit certain individuals or their employers to contribute to an individual retirement arrangement known as an "Individual Retirement Annuity" or "IRA". Under applicable limitations, an individual may claim a tax deduction for certain contributions to an IRA. Contributions made to an IRA for an employee under a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Plan or Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) established by an employer are not includable in the gross income of the employee until distributed from the IRA. Distributions from an IRA are taxable to the extent that they represent contributions for which a tax deduction was claimed, contributions made under a SEP plan or SIMPLE, or income earned within the IRA.

**Roth IRAs.** IRC Section 408A permits certain individuals to contribute to a Roth IRA. Contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax deductible. Tax-free distributions of contributions may be made at any time. Distributions of earnings are tax-free following the five-year period beginning with the first year for which a Roth IRA contribution was made if the Owner has attained age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>, become disabled, or died, or for qualified first-time homebuyer expenses.

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**Tax-Sheltered Annuities.** IRC Section 403(b) of permits public schools and charitable, religious, educational, and scientific organizations described in IRC Section 501(c)(3) to establish "tax-sheltered annuity" or "TSA" plans for their employees. TSA contributions and Contract earnings are generally not included in the gross income of the employee until distributed from the TSA. Amounts attributable to contributions made under a salary reduction agreement cannot be distributed until the employee attains age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>, severs employment, becomes disabled, incurs a hardship, is eligible for a qualified reservist distribution, or dies. The IRC and the plan may impose additional restrictions on distributions.

**Pension, Profit-Sharing, and 401(k) Plans.** IRC Section 401 permits employers to establish various types of retirement plans for employees, and permits self-employed individuals to establish such plans for themselves and their employees. These plans may use annuity contracts to fund plan benefits. Generally, contributions are deductible to the employer in the year made, and contributions and earnings are generally not included in the gross income of the employee until distributed from the plan. The IRC and the plan may impose restrictions on distributions. Purchasers of a Contract for use with such plans should seek competent advice regarding the suitability of the Contract under the particular plan.

**Governmental Eligible Deferred Compensation Plans.** State and local government employers may purchase annuity contracts to fund eligible deferred compensation plans for their employees, as described in IRC Section 457(b). Contributions and earnings are generally not included in the gross income of the employee until the employee receives distributions from the plan. Amounts cannot be distributed until the employee attains age 70 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>, severs employment, becomes disabled, incurs an unforeseeable emergency, or dies. The plan may impose additional restrictions on distributions.

**Roth TSAs, Roth 401(k)s, and Roth 457(b)s.** IRC Section 402A permits TSA plans, 401(k) plans, and governmental 457(b) plans to allow participating employees to designate some part or all of their future elective contributions as Roth contributions. Roth contributions to a TSA plan, 401(k) plan, or governmental 457(b) plan are included in the employee's taxable income as earned. Amounts attributable to Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) contributions must be held in a separate account from amounts attributable to traditional pre-tax TSA, 401(k), or 457(b) contributions. Distributions from a Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) account are considered to come proportionally from contributions and earnings. Distributions attributable to Roth account contributions are tax-free. Distributions attributable to Roth account earnings are tax-free following the five-year period beginning with the first year for which Roth contributions are made to the plan if the employee has attained age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>, become disabled, or died. A Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) account is subject to the same distribution restrictions that apply to amounts attributable to traditional pre-tax TSA, 401(k), or 457(b) contributions made under a salary reduction agreement. The plan may impose additional restrictions on distributions.

**Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans** 

Employers may invest in annuity contracts in connection with unfunded deferred compensation plans for their employees. Such plans may include eligible deferred compensation plans of non-governmental tax-exempt employers, as described in IRC Section 457(b); deferred compensation plans of both governmental and nongovernmental tax-exempt employers that are taxed under IRC Section 457(f) and subject to Section 409A; and nonqualified deferred compensation plans of for-profit employers subject to Section 409A. In most cases, these plans are designed so that amounts credited under the plan will not be includable in the employees' gross income until paid under the plan. In these situations, the annuity contracts are not plan assets and are subject to the claims of the employer's general creditors. Whether or not made from the Contract, plan benefit payments are subject to restrictions imposed by the IRC and the plan.

**Summary of Income Tax Rules** 

The following chart summarizes the basic income tax rules governing tax-qualified retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, and other non-tax-qualified Contracts.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Tax-Qualified Contracts and Plans** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Nonqualified Deferred**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Compensation Plans** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Other Non-Tax-Qualified Contracts** |
| Plan Types | • IRC §408 (IRA, SEP, SIMPLE IRA)<br>• IRC §408A (Roth IRA)<br>• IRC §403(b) (Tax-Sheltered Annuity)<br>• IRC §401 (Pension, Profit–Sharing, 401(k))<br>• Governmental IRC §457(b)<br>• IRC §402A (Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b)) | • IRC §409A<br>• Nongovernmental IRC §457(b)<br>• IRC §457(f) | • IRC §72 only |
| Who May Purchase a Contract | Eligible employee, employer, or employer plan. | Employer on behalf of eligible employee. Employer generally loses tax-deferred status of Contract itself. | Anyone. Non-natural person will generally lose tax-deferred status. |
| Contribution Limits | Contributions are limited by IRC and/or plan requirements. | Contributions are limited by IRC and/or plan requirements. | None. |
| Distribution Restrictions | Distributions from Contract and/or plan may be restricted to meet IRC and/or plan requirements. | Distributions from Contract and/or plan may be restricted to meet IRC and/or plan requirements. | None. |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Taxation of Withdrawals, Surrenders, and<br> Lump Sum Death Benefit | Generally, 100% of distributions must be included in taxable income. However, the portion that represents an after-tax investment is not taxable. Distributions from Roth IRA are deemed to come first from after- tax contributions. Distributions from other plans are generally deemed to come from income and after-tax investment (if any) on a pro-rata basis. Distributions from §408A Roth IRA or §402A Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) are completely tax free if certain requirements are met.<br>For tax purposes, all IRAs and SEP IRAs of an owner are treated as a single IRA, and all Roth IRAs of an owner are treated as a single Roth IRA. | Generally, 100% of distributions must be included in taxable income. However, the portion that represents an after-tax investment is not taxable. Distributions from Roth IRA are deemed to come first from after- tax contributions. Distributions from other plans are generally deemed to come from income and after-tax investment (if any) on a pro-rata basis. Distributions from §408A Roth IRA or §402A Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) are completely tax free if certain requirements are met.<br>For tax purposes, all IRAs and SEP IRAs of an owner are treated as a single IRA, and all Roth IRAs of an owner are treated as a single Roth IRA. | Generally, distributions must be included in taxable income until all accumulated earnings are paid out. Thereafter, distributions are tax-free return of the original investment. However, distributions are tax-free until any investment made before August 14, 1982 is returned.<br>For tax purposes, all non-tax-qualified annuity contracts issued to the same owner by the same insurer in the same calendar year are treated as one contract. |
| Taxation of Payout Option Payments (Annuity Benefit or Death Benefit) | A percentage of each payment is tax free equal to the ratio of after-tax investment (if any) to the total expected payments, and the balance is included in taxable income. Once the after-tax investment has been recovered, the full amount of each benefit payment is included in taxable income. Distributions from a Roth IRA, Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) are completely tax free if certain requirements are met. | A percentage of each payment is tax free equal to the ratio of after-tax investment (if any) to the total expected payments, and the balance is included in taxable income. Once the after-tax investment has been recovered, the full amount of each benefit payment is included in taxable income. Distributions from a Roth IRA, Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) are completely tax free if certain requirements are met. | A percentage of each payment is tax free equal to the ratio of after-tax investment (if any) to the total expected payments, and the balance is included in taxable income. Once the after-tax investment has been recovered, the full amount of each benefit payment is included in taxable income. Distributions from a Roth IRA, Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) are completely tax free if certain requirements are met. |
| Possible Penalty Taxes for Distributions Before Age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub> | Taxable portion of payments made before age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub> may be subject to 10% penalty tax (or 25% for a SIMPLE IRA during the first two years of participation). Penalty taxes do not apply to payments after the participant's death, or to §457 plans. Other exceptions may apply. | None. | Taxable portion of payments made before age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub> may be subject to a 10% penalty tax. Penalty taxes do not apply to payments after the Owner's death. Other exceptions may apply. |
| Assignment/ Transfer of Contract | Assignment and transfer of Ownership generally not permitted. | Assignment and transfer of Ownership generally not permitted. | Generally, deferred earnings taxable to transferor upon transfer or assignment. Gift tax consequences are not discussed herein. |
| Federal Income Tax Withholding | Eligible rollover distributions from §401, §403(b), and governmental §457(b) plans are subject to 20% mandatory withholding on taxable portion unless direct rollover. For other payments, Payee may generally elect to have taxes withheld or not. | Generally subject to wage withholding. | Generally, Payee may elect to have taxes withheld or not. |

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**Rollovers, Transfers, and Exchanges** 

Amounts from a Tax-Qualified Contract may be rolled over, transferred, or exchanged into another tax-qualified account or retirement plan as permitted by the IRC and plan(s). Amounts may be rolled over, transferred, or exchanged into a Tax-Qualified Contract from another tax-qualified account or retirement plan as permitted by the IRC and plan(s). In most cases, such a rollover, transfer, or exchange is not taxable, unless the rollover of pre-tax amounts is made into a Roth IRA, a Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b). Rollovers, transfers, and exchanges are not subject to normal contribution limits. The IRC or plan may require that rollovers be held in a separate Contract from other plan funds.

Amounts from a non-tax-qualified Contract may be transferred to another non-tax-qualified annuity or to a qualified long-term care policy as a tax-free exchange as permitted by the IRC Section 1035. Amounts from another non-tax-qualified annuity or from a life insurance or endowment policy may be transferred to a Contract as a tax-free exchange under IRC Section 1035.

**Required Distributions** 

The Contracts are subject to the required distribution rules of federal tax law. These rules vary based on the tax qualification of the Contract or the plan under which it is issued.

For a Tax-Qualified Contract other than a Roth IRA, required minimum distributions must generally begin by April 1 following the year the participant attains age 73 (age 72 if born after June 30, 1949, but before January 1, 1951 or age 70 1/2 if born before July 1, 1949). However, for a 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plan, a 401 Pension, Profit-Sharing, or 401(k) Plan, or a 457(b) Governmental Deferred Compensation Plan, a participant who is not a 5% owner of the employer may delay required minimum distributions until April 1 following the year in which the participant retires from that employer. The required minimum distributions during life are calculated based on standard life expectancy tables adopted under federal tax law.

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For a Roth IRA or for a Contract that is not tax-qualified, there are no required distributions during life.

A Tax-Qualified Contract must make required distributions after death. The required distributions vary depending on the type of beneficiary. Some beneficiaries may take payments over life or life expectancy, and others must receive all benefits within five or ten years after death. A non-tax-qualified Contract that has begun making payments under a payout option during the Owner's life must make any remaining payments at least as rapidly after death. If payments from a non-tax-qualified Contract have not begun, then the Death Benefit must be paid out in full within five years after death, or must be paid out in substantially equal payments beginning within one year of death over a period not exceeding the life expectancy of the designated beneficiary.

For a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA, or a Contract that is not tax-qualified, a beneficiary who is a surviving spouse may elect out of these requirements, and apply the required distribution rules as if the Contract were his or her own. For this purpose, federal tax law recognizes as married any two people whose marriage is valid in the state in which it was celebrated. A civil union or domestic partnership is not considered a marriage.

**Withdrawals to Pay Advisory Fees** 

You may request in writing to us that advisory fees be withdrawn from your contract and paid directly to your registered investment advisor. You may terminate this request in writing to us at any time. The request to pay advisory fees cannot exceed 1.5% of the Account Value on an annual basis.

A series of IRS private letter rulings to various providers of tax-qualified contracts and accounts have concluded that if advisory fees are withdrawn from a tax-qualified contract or account and paid directly to the registered investment advisor, and if the fees are paid under an agreement between you, the investment advisor, and the contract or account provider, and those advisory fees are solely for investment advice related to the tax-qualified contract or account, then the payment of the advisory fees is not treated as a distribution from the tax-qualified contract or account. The Company is not a party to these private letter rulings, and they are not binding precedent on the IRS. However, these private letter rulings indicate a long-standing position of the IRS. As long as the conditions of these rulings are satisfied and the IRS does not issue guidance to the contrary, the Company will not report the payment of fees from Tax-Qualified Contracts as income to you.

An IRS private letter ruling issued to the Company in 2019 concluded that if advisory fees are withdrawn from a non-tax-qualified index-linked deferred annuity contract issued by the Company, the annuity contract is designed for use with a registered investment advisor, the advisory fees are paid under an agreement with you, the advisory fees are paid directly to the registered investment advisor, the fees on an annual basis do not exceed 1.5% of the Account Value of the annuity contract, those advisory fees are solely for investment advice related to the annuity contract, and the investment adviser has not received a commission on the sale of the annuity contract, then the payment of the advisory fees is not treated as a distribution from the annuity contract. Unless withdrawn, this private letter ruling is binding on the IRS with respect to the Company and its tax reporting obligations. As long as the conditions of this ruling are satisfied, the Company will not report the payment of fees from a non-tax-qualified Contract as income to you.

If the conditions of these rulings are not satisfied, the Company will report a withdrawal from your Contract to pay advisory fees as a distribution to you. That distribution may be subject to federal and state income taxes. If you are under age 59<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub>, it may also be subject to an additional 10% penalty tax.

Tax laws, and the position of the IRS in private letter rulings, are subject to change. It is possible that in the future a withdrawal to pay fees could be subject to federal and state income taxes, and to a 10% federal penalty tax if made before age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>.

**PREMIUM AND OTHER TAXES** 

We reserve the right to deduct from the Purchase Payment or Account Value any taxes relating to the Contract paid by us to any government entity (including, but not limited to, premium taxes, additional taxes, and maintenance taxes on insurers, Federal, state and local withholding of income, estate, inheritance, or other taxes required by law from annuity purchase payments, and any new or increased taxes on insurers or annuity purchase payments that may be enacted into law).

Currently some state governments impose premium taxes, additional taxes, and maintenance taxes on insurers based on annuity purchase payments received or applied to an annuity payout benefit. These taxes currently range from zero to 3.5% depending upon the jurisdiction and the tax qualification of the Contract. A federal premium tax has been proposed but not enacted. We may deduct any such premium or other taxes from the Purchase Payments or the Account Value at the time that the tax is imposed. We may also deduct any such tax not previously deducted from the Annuity Payout value or Death Benefit value.

We reserve the right to deduct from the Contract for any income taxes that we incur because of the Contract. At the present time, however, we are not incurring any such income tax or making any such deductions.

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**DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS** 

MassMutual Ascend Life Investor Services, LLC ("MMALIS") is the principal underwriter and distributor of the securities offered through this prospectus. MMALIC and MMALIS are affiliated because MMALIS is a subsidiary of MMALIC. MMALIS also acts as the principal underwriter and distributor of the variable annuity contracts that are issued by one of our subsidiaries.

MMALIS's principal executive offices are located at 191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. MMALIS is registered as a broker- dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as the securities regulators in the states in which it operates and registration is required. MMALIS is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA").

Contracts are sold by licensed insurance agents (the "Selling Agents") in those states where the Contract may be lawfully sold. Such Selling Agents will be appointed agents of MMALIC and will be registered representatives of broker-dealer firms (the "Selling Broker-Dealers") that have entered into selling agreements with us and MMALIS. Selling Broker-Dealers will be registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and will be members of FINRA.

FINRA provides background information about broker-dealers and their registered representatives through FINRA BrokerCheck. You may contact the FINRA BrokerCheck Hotline at 1-800-289-9999, or log on to www.finra.org to learn more about MMALIS, your Selling Agent, and his or her Selling Broker Dealer.

MMALIS receives no compensation for acting as underwriter of the Contracts; however, MMALIC pays for some of MMALIS's operating and other expenses, including overhead and legal and accounting fees. MMALIC may reimburse MMALIS for certain sales expenses, such as marketing materials and advertising expenses, and other expenses of distributing the Contracts.

MMALIC or MMALIS do not pay compensation for the promotion and sale of the Contract to the Selling Broker-Dealers or to the Selling Agents who solicit sales of the Contract. Instead, the registered investment adviser providing services to you is compensated by advisory fees based on your agreement with your adviser. With your agreement, the advisory fees with respect to this Contract may be taken as withdrawals from this Contract. You should ask your registered investment adviser about the advisory fees to be charged in connection with the investment adviser services to be provided, including the amount and timing of those fees, and whether it expects fees to be taken from this Contract or from other assets under management.

MMALIC may pay compensation, in certain circumstances referred to as "override" compensations, or reimbursements to wholesaling broker-dealers or other firms or intermediaries in return for wholesaling services such as providing marketing and sales support, transaction processing, product training, and administrative services to the Selling Agents or Selling Broker-Dealers. These allowances may be based on a percentage of a Purchase Payment or as a percentage of actual or expected aggregate sales, and/or a fixed dollar amount. These payments are not offered to all wholesaling broker-dealers, other firms, or intermediaries, and the terms of any particular agreement governing the payments may vary depending on, among other things, the level and type of marketing and distribution support provided.

There is no front-end sales load deducted from the Purchase Payment(s) to pay compensation. Any compensation paid by MMALIC and MMALIS in connection with the Contract is not charged directly to you. We intend to recoup any such compensation through the spread between the earnings and losses credited to or deducted from Contract values and the earnings and losses on the assets in our general account and the non-unitized separate account.

**MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE'S GENERAL ACCOUNT** 

Our general account (the "General Account") holds all our assets other than assets in our insulated separate accounts. We own our General Account assets, and, subject to applicable law, have sole investment discretion over them. The assets are subject to our general business operation liabilities and claims of our creditors and may lose value. Our General Account assets fund the guarantees provided in the Contracts.

We must invest our assets according to applicable state laws regarding the nature, quality and diversification of investments that may be made by life insurance companies. In general, these laws permit investments, within specified limits and subject to certain qualifications, in Federal, state and municipal obligations, corporate bonds, preferred and common stocks, real estate mortgages, real estate and certain other investments.

We place a majority of the Purchase Payments made under the Contract in our General Account where we primarily invest the assets in a variety of fixed income securities.

We place a portion of the Purchase Payments made under the Contract in a non-unitized separate account (the "Separate Account") that is not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We established and maintain the Separate Account pursuant to the laws of our domiciliary state for the purpose of supporting our obligation to adjust the Indexed Strategy values based on the Daily Value Percentage or rise or fall of the Index. The assets of the Separate Account are held in our name on behalf of the Separate Account and legally belong to us. The assets in the Separate Account are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business that we conduct. We may invest these assets in hedging instruments, including derivative contracts as well as other assets permitted under state law. To support our obligations to adjust the Indexed Strategy values, we may move money between the Separate Account and our General Account. We are not obligated to invest the assets of the Separate Account according to any particular plan except as we may be required to by state insurance laws. Regardless of your Strategy allocations, we do not intend to invest the assets of the Separate Account in the SPDR Gold Share exchange traded fund, iShares MSCI EAFE exchange traded fund or iShares U.S. Real Estate exchange traded fund. We may or may not hold the hypothetical options described in this prospectus in the Separate Account.

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Contract owners do not have any interest in or claim on the assets in the Separate Account nor do Contract owners participate in any way in the performance of assets held in the Separate Account.

**LEGAL MATTERS** 

**Reliance on Rule 12h-7** 

MassMutual Ascend Life relies on the exemption provided by Rule 12h-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of the 1934 Act from the requirement to file reports pursuant to Section 15(d) of that Act.

**Legal Proceedings** 

MassMutual Ascend Life and its subsidiaries are involved in litigation from time to time, generally arising in the ordinary course of business. This litigation may include, but is not limited to, general commercial disputes, lawsuits brought by contract owners and policyholders, employment matters, reinsurance collection matters and actions challenging certain business practices of insurance subsidiaries. Also, from time to time, state and federal regulators or other officials conduct formal and informal examinations or undertake other actions dealing with various aspects of the financial services and insurance industries. It is not possible to predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of any pending legal proceeding or regulatory action. However, MassMutual Ascend Life does not believe any such action or proceeding will have a material adverse effect upon its ability to meet its obligations under the Contracts.

**Legal Opinion on Contracts** 

Legal matters in connection with federal laws and regulations affecting the issue and sale of the Contracts described in this prospectus and the organization of MassMutual Ascend Life, its authority to issue such Contracts under Ohio law, and the validity of the forms of the Contracts under Ohio law have been passed on by John P. Gruber, General Counsel of MassMutual Ascend Life.

**Securities and Exchange Commission Position on Indemnification** 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling MassMutual Ascend Life pursuant to its articles of incorporation or its code of regulations or pursuant to any insurance coverage or otherwise, MassMutual Ascend Life has been informed that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is therefore unenforceable.

**EXPERTS** 

The statutory financial statements and financial statement schedules of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 2022, and for the year then ended, have been included herein in reliance upon the report of [ ], independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The [ ] report dated [ ], 2023 of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company includes explanatory language that states that the financial statements are prepared by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company using statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance, which is a basis of accounting other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, the [ ] audit report states that the financial statements are not presented fairly in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and further states that those statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance.

The statutory-basis financial statements of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 2020 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020, appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by [ ], independent auditors, as set forth in their report included thereon. These statutory-basis financial statements are included in this registration statement in reliance on the report of [ ] given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The [ ] report dated May 14, 2021 of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company includes explanatory language that states that the financial statements are prepared by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company using statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance, which is a basis of accounting other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, the [ ] audit report states that the financial statements are not presented fairly in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and further states that those statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance.

**THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT** 

We filed a Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 relating to the Contracts offered by this prospectus. This prospectus was filed as a part of the Registration Statement, but it does not constitute the complete Registration Statement.

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The Registration Statement contains further information relating to the Company and the Contracts. The Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto may be inspected and copied at the office of the Securities and Exchange Commission, located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C., and may also be accessed at www.sec.gov. The Securities and Exchange Commission file number for the Contract is 333-[ ].

Statements in this prospectus discussing the content of the Contracts and other legal instruments are summaries. The actual documents are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement. For a complete statement of the terms of the Contracts or any other legal document, refer to the appropriate exhibit to the Registration Statement.

**OPTION PRICES** 

In order to calculate the Daily Value Percentage of an Indexed Strategy, we determine the prices of the hypothetical options using a valuation model. The price of each option is stated as a percentage of the Index at the last Market Close on or before the first day of the Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **ATM Call Option Price (at-the-money call option)** 

The ATM Call Option Price is the calculated price of a hypothetical call option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage rise, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **ATM Put Option Price (at-the-money put option)** 

The ATM Put Option Price is the calculated price of a hypothetical put option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage fall, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **OTM Call Option Price (out-of-the-money call option)** 

The OTM Call Option Price is the calculated price of a hypothetical call option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage rise, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term, but only to the extent it exceeds the Cap for the Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **OTM Put Option Price (out-of-the-money put option)** 

The OTM Put Option Price is the calculated price of a hypothetical put option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage fall, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term, but only to the extent it exceeds the Buffer or Floor for the Term.

**Valuation Model** 

We use a mathematical model to calculate the price of the hypothetical options in our formulas because direct prices of comparable options are generally not available. Options in the marketplace do not directly align with (1) the time remaining in a Term and (2) the strike prices for any of the hypothetical options used in the calculation of the Daily Value Percentage.

Valuation models are widely used for option pricing and the model we use is based on standard methods for valuing derivatives. The methodology used to value these options is determined solely by us and the results of our valuation model may vary, higher or lower, from other estimated valuations or the actual selling price of identical derivatives. Any variance between our valuations and other estimated or actual prices may be different from Indexed Strategy to Indexed Strategy and may also change from day to day. Our valuation model calculates the theoretical price of options using the following inputs: initial and current Index levels or prices, expected dividend yield, option strike prices, expected interest rates, time, and implied volatility of option prices. Below is a brief explanation of the components of the model, which we receive from third party vendors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **Index Levels or Prices** 

The initial Index level or price for a Term is the Index provided to us for the last Market Close on or before the first day of the Term. The current Index level or price is the Index provided to us for the most recent Market Close. We rely on third parties, such as Index providers and financial reporting vendors, to provide us with the Index level or price for each Market Close.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **Dividend Yield (Div)** 

Dividend Yield is the dividend yield to the end of the Term as of a calculation date where the dividend yield is (1) interpolated from yields or (2) implied from market data as reported by Bloomberg or another market source.

For the S&P 500 Index, the dividend yield will reduce the Index level and the applicable call option prices.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **Strike Price (K)** 

Strike Price is a value that varies for each type of option.

ATM call option strike price = Index at the start of the Term

ATM put option strike price = Index at the start of the Term

OTM call option strike price = Index at the start of the Term multiplied by (1 + Cap). [For example, if the Cap is 8%, the OTM call option strike price is equal to the Index at the start of the Term multiplied by 1 + .08, or 1.08].

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OTM put option strike price = Index at the start of the Term multiplied by (1- Buffer) for a Buffer Strategy or (1 + Floor) for a Floor Strategy. [For example, for a 10% Buffer Strategy, the OTM put option strike price is equal to the Index at the start of the Term multiplied by 1- .10, or .90; for a -10% Floor Strategy, the OTM put option strike price is equal to the Index at the start of the Term multiplied by 1 + -.10, or 0.90]

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **Interest Rate (Rate)** 

Interest Rate is a rate based on key derivative interest rates obtained from information provided by Bloomberg or another market source. These interest rates are obtained for maturities adjacent to the actual time remaining in the Term on the calculation date. We use interpolation to derive the rate used as our input for the model.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **Time (T)** 

Time is the portion of the Term that remains as measured by the following formula.

Time = number of calendar days from calculation date to end of Term / number of calendar days in Term

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **Implied Volatility (Vol)** 

Volatility is the implied volatility of option prices. It is approximated daily using observed option prices as reported by Bloomberg or another market source. For each hypothetical option included in the calculation, we approximate the volatility of option prices by interpolating between (1) implied volatilities for similar options with the closest available time remaining and (2) strike prices.

Implied volatility varies with (1) how much time remains until the end of a Term, which is determined by using an expiration date for the designated option that corresponds to that time remaining and (2) the relationship between the strike price of that option and the value of the Index at the time of the calculation. This relationship is referred to as the "moneyness" of the option described above, and is calculated as the ratio of current price to strike price.

Direct market data for these inputs is generally not available because options on an Index that actually trade in the market have (1) specific maturity dates that are unlikely to precisely match the end date of a Term and (2) moneyness values that are unlikely to precisely match the moneyness of the designated option that we use in our calculations. Accordingly, we interpolate between the implied volatility quotes that are based on the actual maturities and moneyness values.

**EXAMPLES: IMPACT OF WITHDRAWALS ON CONTRACT VALUES AND AMOUNTS REALIZED** 

Examples A through D below are intended to show you how a withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy before the end of the Term affects the Indexed Strategy values and amounts realized at the end of the Term.

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**Example A: Withdrawal When Index Rising Steadily** 

This example assumes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you allocate $50,000 to the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy and $50,000 to the S&P
500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Cap for the initial Term of the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy is 10%;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Participation Rate for the initial Term of the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside
Participation Rate Indexed Strategy is 75%;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the S&P 500 is 1000 on the Term start date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you request a $10,000 withdrawal on Day 146 when the Daily Value Percentage is 2.15% for the S&P 500 1-Year
10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy and 2.33% for the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• advisory fees are taken from other assets under management, or only at the end of the Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you do not take any other withdrawals during the initial Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the MVA Interest Rate has fallen by an amount equal to the spread factor and therefore no Market Value
Adjustments apply (If Market Value Adjustments did apply, the amounts realized at the end of the Term would be reduced by the withdrawal and reduced or increased by the amount of the Market Value Adjustment);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the S&P 500 is 1130 on the Term end date; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you have not made a Performance Lock election.

Please note that even with a rising Index, the Daily Value Percentage may be negative or lower than the Index rise because the Net Option Price is not equal to the current Index price, and because the Daily Value Percentage calculation subtracts the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost from the Net Option Price.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Impact of $10,000 Withdrawal from**<br> **Each Strategy on Day 146 of Term** | **S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer<br>with Cap** | **S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside<br>Participation Rate with Upside**<br>**Participation Rate** |
|  Investment Base at Term Start | $50000 | $50000 |
|  Daily Value Percentage on Withdrawal Date | 2.15% | 2.33% |
|  Dollar Amount of Increase on Withdrawal Date | $50,000 x .0215 = $1,075 | $50,000 x .0233 = $1,165 |
|  Strategy Value before Withdrawal | $50,000 + $1,075 = $51,075 | $50,000 + $1,165 = $51,165 |
|  Amount Withdrawn\* | $4996 | $5004 |
|  Withdrawal as Percentage of Strategy Value | $4,996 / $51,075 = 9.78% | $5,004 / $51,165 = 9.78% |
|  Proportional Reduction in Investment Base | $50,000 x .0978 = $4,890 | $50,000 x .0978 = $4,890 |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $50,000 - $4,890 = $45,110 | $50,000 - $4,890 = $45,110 |
|  Value at End of Term |  |  |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $45110 | $45110 |
|  Index at Term Start | 1000 | 1000 |
|  Index at Term End | 1130 | 1130 |
|  Rise in Index | 13% | 13% |
|  Cap | 10% | n/a |
|  Upside Participation Rate | n/a | 75% |
|  Increase as a Percentage | Min (13%, 10%) = 10 | 13% x 75% = 9.75 |
|  Dollar Amount of Increase | $45,110 x .10 = $4,511 | $45,110 x .0975 = $4,398 |
|  Strategy Value at Term End | $45,110 + $4,511 = $49,621 | $45,110 + $4,398 = $49,508 |

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\* Note: The withdrawal is taken proportionally from each Indexed Strategy, based on the ratio of that Strategy's value to the total value of all Indexed Strategies immediately before the withdrawal. In this example, the total value of all Indexed Strategies immediately before the withdrawal was $102,240 ($51,075 + $51,165). The S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy value was 49.96% of that total value ($51,075 / $102,240 = 49.96%), so 49.96% of the $10,000 withdrawal ($4996) was taken from it. The S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy value was 50.04% of that total value ($51,165 / $102,240 = 50.04%), so 50.04% of the $10,000 withdrawal ($5004) was taken from it. 

In this example, you invested $50,000 in the Cap Strategy and $50,000 in the Upside Participation Rate Strategy, and at the end of the Term you realized $109,129 ($10,000 withdrawal plus the Strategy values of $49,621 and $49,508 at the end of the Term). Had no withdrawal occurred, your Strategy values at the end of the Term would have totaled $109,875 ($50,000 plus 10% increase for the Cap Strategy, and $50,000 plus 9.75% increase for the Upside Participation Rate Strategy).

This hypothetical combined Strategy values of $109,875 exceeds the amount realized of $109,129 because the portion of the Investment Base withdrawn from each Strategy did not earn the increases (10% and 9.75% respectively) it would have earned if it had been left in the respective Strategy for the entire Term.

In this example, the Cap Strategy performed better than the Upside Participation Rate Strategy because the Upside Participation Rate limited the increase more than the Cap did.

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**Example B: Withdrawal When Index Falling Steadily** 

This example assumes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you allocate $50,000 to an S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate
Indexed Strategy, $50,000 to the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy, and $50,000 to the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the S&P 500 is 1000 on the Term start date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you request a $10,000 withdrawal on Day 146 when the Daily Value Percentage is -2% for the S&P 500 1-Year 50%
Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy, -2.1% for the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy, and -2.4% for the S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• advisory fees are taken from other assets under management, or only at the end of the Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you do not take any other withdrawals during the initial Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the MVA Interest Rate has fallen by an amount equal to the spread factor and therefore no Market Value
Adjustments apply (If Market Value Adjustments did apply, the amounts realized at the end of the Term would be reduced by the withdrawal and reduced or increased by the amount of the Market Value Adjustment); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the S&P 500 is 750 on the Term end date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you have not made a Performance Lock election

Please note that the Daily Value Percentage may be more negative than the fall in the Index because the Net Option Price is not equal to the current Index price, and because the Daily Value Percentage calculation subtracts the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost from the Net Option Price.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Impact of $10,000 Withdrawal from**<br> **Each Strategy on Day 146 of Term** | **S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer**<br>**with Cap** | **S&P 500 1-Year**<br>**-10% Floor with Cap** | **S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside<br>Participation Rate with Upside<br>Participation Rate** |
|  Investment Base at Term Start | $50000 | $50000 | $50000 |
|  Daily Value Percentage on Withdrawal Date | -2.1% | -2.4% | -2.0% |
|  Dollar Amount of Decrease on Withdrawal Date | $50,000 x -.021 = - $1,050 | $50,000 x -.024 = - $1,200 | $50,000 x -.020 = -$1,000 |
|  Strategy Value before Withdrawal | $50,000 - $1,050 = $48,950 | $50,000 - $1,200 = $48,800 | $50,000 - $1,000 = $49,000 |
|  Amount Withdrawn\* | $3336 | $3325 | $3339 |
|  Withdrawal as Percentage of Strategy Value | $3,336 / $48,950 = 6.81% | $3,325 / $48,800 = 6.81% | $3.339 / $49,000 = 6.81% |
|  Proportional Reduction in Investment Base | $50,000 x .0681 = $3,407 | $50,000 x .0681 = $3,407 | $50,000 x .0681 = $3,407 |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $50,000 - $3,407 = $46,593 | $50,000 - $3,407 = $46,593 | $50,000 - $3,407 = $46,593 |
|  Value at End of Term |  |  |  |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $46593 | $46593 | $46593 |
|  Index at Term Start | 1000 | 1000 | 1000 |
|  Index at Term End | 750 | 750 | 750 |
|  Fall in Index | -25% | -25% | -25% |
|  Downside Participation Rate | n/a | n/a | 50% |
|  Buffer | 10% | n/a | n/a |
|  Floor | n/a | 10% | n/a |
|  Decrease as a Percentage | 25% - (-10%) = -15 | Max (-25%, -10%) = -10 | -25% x 50% = -12.5 |
|  Dollar Amount of Decrease | $46,593 x .15 = $6,989 | $46,593 x .10 = $4,659 | $46,593 x .125 = $5,824 |
|  Strategy Value at Term End | $46,593 - $6,989 = $39,604 | $46,593 - $4,659 = $41,934 | $46,593 - $5,824 = $40,769 |

---

\* Note: The withdrawal is taken proportionally from each Indexed Strategy, based on the ratio of that Strategy's value to the total value of all Indexed Strategies immediately before the withdrawal. In this example, the total value of all Indexed Strategies immediately before the withdrawal was $146,750 ($48,950 + $48,800 + $49,000). The S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy value was 33.36% of that total value ($48,950 / $146,750 = 33.36%), so 33.36% of the $10,000 withdrawal ($3336) was taken from it. The S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Strategy value was 33.25% of that total value ($48,800 / $146,750 = 33.25%), so 33.25% of the $10,000 withdrawal ($3325) was taken from it. The S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy value was 33.39% of that total value ($49,000 / $146,750 = 33.39%), so 33.39% of the $10,000 withdrawal ($3339) was taken from it. 

In this example, you invested $50,000 in the Buffer Strategy, $50,000 in the Floor Strategy and $50,000 in the Downside Participation Rate Strategy, and at the end of the Term you realized $132,307 ($10,000 withdrawal plus the Strategy values of $39,604, $41,934 and $40,769 at the end of the Term). Had no withdrawal occurred, your Strategy values at the end of the Term would have totaled $131,250 ($50,000 minus 15% decrease for the Buffer Strategy, $50,000 minus 10% decrease for the Floor Strategy and $50,000 minus 12.5% decrease for the Downside Participation Rate Strategy).

The amount realized of $132,037 exceeds this hypothetical combined Strategy value of $131,250 because the portion of the Investment Base withdrawn from each Strategy was not subject to the 10%-15% decrease it would have suffered if it had been left in the respective Strategies for the entire Term.

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
The Strategy value at Term end is highest for the Floor Strategy ($41,934) and lowest for the Buffer Strategy ($39,604). Though the proportionality rules relating to withdrawals keep each Strategy's Investment Base equal to the others after the withdrawals, the different decreases that result from the 25% drop in the Index value (-10% for the Floor Strategy, -12.5% for the Downside Participation Rate Strategy, and -15.0% for the Buffer Strategy) lead to different Strategy values at Term end.

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Example C: Withdrawal When Index Rises** 

This example assumes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you allocate your entire $50,000 Purchase Payment to the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy
when the S&P 500 is 1900;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Contract Effective Date and the Term start date are both April 6, 2024;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Cap for the initial Term of that Strategy is 12%;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you request a $10,000 withdrawal on August 1, 2024 when the Daily Value Percentage is 1% and the MVA factor
is -4.17%;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• advisory fees are taken from other assets under management, or only at the end of the Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you do not take any other withdrawals during the initial Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the S&P 500 is 2033 on the Term end date of April 6, 2025; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you have not made a Performance Lock election.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Term Start Date** | **April 6, 2024** | |
|  Strategy Value | $50000 | See Footnote 1 below. |
|  Investment Base | $50000 | See Footnote 1 below. |
|  Cap for Term | 12% | See Footnote 2 below. |
|  Index | 1900 |  |
| **Withdrawal Date**  | **August 1, 2024** |  |
|  Daily Value Percentage on Withdrawal Date | 1% |  |
|  Dollar Amount of Increase on Withdrawal Date | $500 | See Footnote 3 below. |
|  Strategy Value before Withdrawal | $50500 | See Footnote 4 below. |
|  Amount of Withdrawal Requested (Net After MVA) | $10000 |  |
|  Negative Market Value Adjustment | $435 | See Footnote 5 below. |
|  Total Amount Withdrawn | $10435 | See Footnote 5 below. |
|  Withdrawal as Percentage of Strategy Value | 20.66% | See Footnote 6 below. |
|  Proportional Reduction in Investment Base | $10330 | See Footnote 6 below. |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $39670 | See Footnote 7 below. |
|  Strategy Value after Withdrawal | $40065 | See Footnote 8 below. |
| **Term End Date** | **April 6, 2025** |  |
|  Index | 2033 |  |
|  Rise in Index | 7% | See Footnote 9 below. |
|  Increase as a Percentage | 7% | See Footnote 10 below. |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $39670 | See Footnote 7 below. |
|  Dollar Amount of Increase | $2777 | See Footnote 10 below. |
|  Strategy Value at Term End | $42447 | See Footnote 11 below. |

---

***Footnote 1.*** On the Term start date, the Strategy value is equal to the amount applied to the Strategy on the Term start date. The amount applied on the Term start date is also the beginning Investment Base.

***Footnote 2.*** The Cap is the largest rise in the Index for the Term taken into account to determine any increase at the end of a Term. In this example, the Cap is 12%, which means it will not affect the calculation of any increase unless the Index rises by more than 12%.

***Footnote 3.*** When the Daily Value Percentage is positive, we use the following formula in calculating the Strategy value before the end of the Term.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of increase |
| Calculation | $50,000 x 1% = $500 |

---

***Footnote 4.*** In this example, the Daily Value Percentage is positive on the withdrawal date and you have not taken any withdrawals before that date. This means the Strategy value on the withdrawal date is the Investment Base plus the increase for the Daily Value Percentage on that date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base + dollar amount of increase = Strategy value |
| Calculation | $50,000 + $500 = $50,500 |

---

***Footnote 5.*** The Market Value Adjustment that would apply to your withdrawal is equal to the amount subject to the charge multiplied by the MVA factor. The amount subject to the charge includes the charge itself. In this example, the withdrawal occurs when the MVA factor is -4.17%. There is no Market Value Adjustment after Contract Year 6.

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
In this example you requested a specific withdrawal amount, so you will receive the amount you requested. If a Market Value Adjustment applies, we also increase or decrease the amount withdrawn from your Contract by an amount equal to the Market Value Adjustment.

To determine the amount of the Market Value Adjustment, the total amount withdrawn can be determined first by dividing the requested withdrawal by the sum of 1 and the MVA factor.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Requested withdrawal / (1.00 + MVA factor) = total amount withdrawn |
| Calculation | $10,000 / (1.00 + -0.0417) = $10,000 / 0.9583 = $10,435 |

---

The Market Value Adjustment can then be calculated by multiplying the total amount withdrawn by the MVA factor.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Total amount withdrawn x MVA factor = Market Value Adjustment |
| Calculation | $10,435 x -0.0417 = -$435, or a negative Market Value Adjustment of $435 |

---

***Footnote 6.*** When you take a withdrawal, the deduction from the Investment Base taken is proportional to the reduction in the value of the Indexed Strategy due to the withdrawal. If the Strategy value on the withdrawal date is higher than the Investment Base, the proportional reduction in the Investment Base will be less than the total amount withdrawn.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Total amount withdrawn / Strategy value before withdrawal = withdrawal as percentage of Strategy value |
| Calculation | $10,435 / $50,500 = 20.66% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base before withdrawal x withdrawal as percentage of Strategy value = proportional reduction in Investment Base |
| Calculation | $50,000 x 20.66% = $10,330 |

---

***Footnote 7.*** On the withdrawal date after the withdrawal, the Investment Base is equal to the Investment Base before the withdrawal minus the proportional reduction in the Investment Base for the withdrawal.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base before withdrawal - proportional reduction in Investment Base for withdrawal = Investment Base after withdrawal |
| Calculation | $50,000 - $10,330 = $39,670 |

---

***Footnote 8*.** On the withdrawal date, the Strategy value after the withdrawal is equal to Strategy value before the withdrawal minus the total amount withdrawn.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Strategy value before withdrawal - total amount withdrawn = Strategy value after withdrawal |
| Calculation | $50,500 - $10,435 = $40,065 |

---

***Footnote 9.*** The rise in the Index on the Term end date is equal to the percentage change in the Index measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index on Term end date - Index on Term start date) / Index on Term start date = rise in Index |
| Calculation | (2033 - 1900) / 1900 = 7% |

---

***Footnote 10***. When the Index has risen for the Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the increase for a Cap Strategy.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the rise in Index is less than Cap, then rise in Index = increase percentage based on rise in Index |
| Calculation | 7% rise in Index < 12% cap, so increase percentage = 7% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base x increase percentage based on rise in Index = dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index |
| Calculation | $39,670 x 7% = $2,777 |

---

***Footnote 11.*** In this example, there has been a rise in the Index for the Term and you have taken a $10,000 withdrawal during the Term. This means the Strategy value at the end of the Term is the Investment Base on the Term end date plus the increase for the rise in the Index for the Term.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base on Term end date + dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index = Strategy value on Term end date |
| Calculation | $39,670 + $2,777 = $42,447 |

---

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Example D: Withdrawal When Index Falls** 

This example assumes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you allocate your entire $50,000 Purchase Payment to the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with
Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy when the S&P 500 is 1900;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Contract Effective Date and the Term Start Date are both April 6, 2024;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you request a $10,000 withdrawal on August 1, 2024when the Daily Value Percentage is -6% and the MVA factor
is -4.17%;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• advisory fees are taken from other assets under management, or only at the end of the Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you do not take any other withdrawals during the initial Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the S&P 500 is 1748 on the Term end date of April 6, 2025; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you have not made a Performance Lock election.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Term Start Date** | **April 6, 2024** | |
|  Strategy Value | $50000 | See Footnote 1 below. |
|  Investment Base | $50000 | See Footnote 1 below. |
|  Downside Participation Rate | 50% | See Footnote 2 below. |
|  Index | 1900 |  |
| **Withdrawal Date**  | **August 1, 2024** |  |
|  Daily Value Percentage on Withdrawal Date | -6% |  |
|  Dollar Amount of Decrease on Withdrawal Date | $3000 | See Footnote 3 below. |
|  Strategy Value before Withdrawal | $47000 | See Footnote 4 below. |
|  Amount of Withdrawal Requested (Net After MVA) | $10000 |  |
|  Negative Market Value Adjustment | $435 | See Footnote 5 below. |
|  Total Amount Withdrawn | $10435 | See Footnote 5 below. |
|  Withdrawal as Percentage of Strategy Value | 22.2% | See Footnote 6 below. |
|  Proportional Reduction in Investment Base | $11100 | See Footnote 6 below. |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $38900 | See Footnote 7 below. |
|  Strategy Value after Withdrawal | $36565 | See Footnote 8 below. |
| **Term End Date**  | **April 6, 2025** |  |
|  Index | 1748 |  |
|  Change in Index | -8% | See Footnote 9 below. |
|  Change as a Percentage | -4% | See Footnote 10 below. |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $38900 | See Footnote 7 below. |
|  Dollar Amount of Decrease | 1556 | See Footnote 10 below. |
|  Strategy Value at Term End | $37344 | See Footnote 11 below. |

---

***Footnote 1.*** On the Term start date, the Strategy value is equal to the amount applied to the Strategy on the Term start date. The amount applied on the Term start date is also the beginning Investment Base.

***Footnote 2.*** The Downside Participation Rate is your share of any fall in the Index for the Term taken into account to determine any decrease at the end of the Term. For each Term of each Indexed Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Downside Participation Rate is 50%. The Downside Participation Rate will not change from Term to Term.

***Footnote 3.*** When the Daily Value Percentage is negative, we use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value before the end of the Term.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of decrease |
| Calculation | $50,000 x -6% = -$3,000 |

---

***Footnote 4.*** In this example, the Daily Value Percentage is negative on the withdrawal date and you have not taken any withdrawals before that date. This means the Strategy value on the withdrawal date is the Investment Base, minus the decrease for the Daily Value Percentage on that date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base – dollar amount of decrease = Strategy value |
| Calculation | $50,000 - $3,000 = $47,000 |

---

***Footnote 5.*** The Market Value Adjustment that would apply to your withdrawal is equal to the amount subject to the charge multiplied by the MVA factor. The amount subject to the charge includes the charge itself. In this example, the withdrawal occurs when the MVA factor is -4.17%. There is no Market Value Adjustment after Contract Year 6.

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
In this example you requested a specific withdrawal amount, so you will receive the amount you requested. If a Market Value Adjustment applies, we also increase or decrease the amount withdrawn from your Contract by an amount equal to the Market Value Adjustment.

To determine the amount of the Market Value Adjustment, the total amount withdrawn can be determined first by dividing the requested withdrawal by the sum of 1 and the MVA factor.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Requested withdrawal / (1.00 + MVA factor) = total amount withdrawn |
| Calculation | $10,000 / (1.00 + -0.0417) = $10,000 / 0.9583 = $10,435 |

---

The Market Value Adjustment can then be calculated by multiplying the total amount withdrawn by the MVA factor.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Total amount withdrawn x MVA factor = Market Value Adjustment |
| Calculation | $10,435 x -0.0417 = -$435, or a negative Market Value Adjustment of $435 |

---

***Footnote 6.*** When you take a withdrawal, the deduction from the Investment Base taken is proportional to the reduction in the value of the Indexed Strategy due to the withdrawal. If the Strategy value on the withdrawal date is less than the Investment Base, the proportional reduction in the Investment Base will be more than the total amount withdrawn.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | total amount withdrawn / Strategy value before withdrawal = withdrawal as percentage of Strategy value |
| Calculation | $10,435 / $47,000 = 22.2% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base before withdrawal x withdrawal as percentage of Strategy value = proportional reduction in Investment Base |
| Calculation | $50,000 x 22.2% = $11,100 |

---

***Footnote 7.*** On the withdrawal date, the Investment Based after the withdrawal is equal to the Investment Base before the withdrawal minus the proportional reduction in the Investment Base for the withdrawal.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base before withdrawal - proportional reduction in Investment Base for withdrawal = Investment Base after withdrawal |
| Calculation | $50,000 - $11,100 = $38,900 |

---

***Footnote 8*.** On the withdrawal date, the Strategy value after the withdrawal is equal to the Strategy value before the withdrawal minus the total amount withdrawn.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Strategy value before withdrawal - total amount withdrawn = Strategy value after withdrawal |
| Calculation | $47,000 - $10,435 = $36,565 |

---

***Footnote 9.*** The fall in the Index on the Term end date is equal to the percentage change in the Index measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index on Term end date - Index on Term start date) / Index on Term start date |
| Calculation | (1748 - 1900) / 1900 = -8% |

---

***Footnote 10****.* When the Index has fallen for the Term, we use the following formula to calculate the decrease.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Fall in Index x Downside Participation Rate = decrease as a percentage based on fall in Index |
| Calculation | -8% x 50% = -4% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base x decrease percentage based on fall in Index = dollar amount of decrease based on fall in Index |
| Calculation | $38,900 x -4% = -$1,556 |

---

***Footnote 11.*** In this example, there has been a fall in the Index for the Term and you have taken a $10,000 withdrawal during the Term. This means the Strategy value at the end of the Term is the Investment Base on the Term end date minus the decrease for the fall in the Index for the Term.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base on Term end date – dollar amount of decrease based on fall in Index = Strategy value on Term end date |
| Calculation | $38,900 - $1,556 = $37,344 |

---

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**EXAMPLES: IMPACT OF TERM LENGTH ON CONTRACT VALUES** 

Examples E and F are intended to help you understand the changes in Indexed Strategy values over different Term lengths after a six-year period when the Index rises or falls at a steady rate and Caps and Upside Participation Rates remain constant. These assumptions are unlikely to be true in actual experience. Even with these level assumptions, over a six-year period, an Indexed Strategy with a six-year Term will perform differently than Indexed Strategies with shorter Terms that use the same Index.

**Example E: Contract Values After 6 Years When Index Rises Steadily** 

This example assumes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you allocate a $50,000 Purchase Payment to the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy when the
S&P 500 is 1000;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you allocate a $50,000 Purchase Payment to the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside
Participation Rate Indexed Strategy when the S&P 500 is 1000;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you allocate a $50,000 Purchase Payment to the S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate
Indexed Strategy when the S&P 500 is 1000;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Contract Effective Date and the Term Start Date are both April 6, 2024;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• to simplify this example, we assume that advisory fees are taken from other assets under management and that you
do not take any other withdrawals during the first six Contract Years;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you do not reallocate strategy values at the end of each 1-year term; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• on April 6, 2025, the S&P 500 is at 1040 and the 6-year Strategy Daily Value Percentage is -2.30%; on
April 6, 2026, the S&P 500 is at 1081.60 and the 6-year Strategy Daily Value Percentage is 4.60%; on April 6, 2027, the S&P 500 is at 1124.86 and the 6-year Strategy Daily Value Percentage is 11.70%; on April 6, 2028, the
S&P 500 is at 1169.86 and the 6-year Strategy Daily Value Percentage is 19.10%; on April 6, 2029, the S&P 500 is at 1216.65 and the 6-year Strategy Daily Value Percentage is 26.70%; and on April 6, 20230, the S&P 500 is at
1265.32 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you do not make a Performance Lock election

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **S&P 500 1-year<br>10% Buffer with<br>Cap** | **S&P 500 1-year<br>50% Downside**<br>**Participation Rate**<br>**with Upside<br>Participation Rate<br>Strategy** | **S&P 500 6-year<br>10% Buffer with<br>Upside<br>Participation<br>Rate** | |
|  **Year 1** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Strategy Value - April 6, 2024 | $50000 | $50000 | $50000 | See Footnote 1 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Base - April 6, 2024 | $50000 | $50000 | $50000 | See Footnote 1 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remaining Investment Base - April 6, 2025 | $50000 | $50000 | $50000 | See Footnote 2 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rise in Index for Period | 4.00% | 4.00% | n/a | See Footnote 3 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap for Period | 10% | n/a | n/a | See Footnote 4 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Participation Rate for Period | n/a | 75% | n/a | See Footnote 5 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Increase as a Percentage | 4.00% | 3.00% | -2.30% | See Footnote 6 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dollar Amount of Increase | $2000 | $1500 | 1150 | See Footnote 7 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Strategy Value – April 6, 2025 | $52000 | $51500 | $48850 | See Footnote 8 below. |
|  **Year 2** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Base – April 6, 2025 | $52000 | $51500 | $50000 | See Footnote 8 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remaining Investment Base – April 6, 2026 | $52000 | $51500 | $50000 | See Footnote 9 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rise in Index for Period | 4.00% | 4.00% | n/a | See Footnote 10 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap for Period | 10% | n/a | n/a | See Footnote 11 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Participation Rate for Period | n/a | 75% | n/a | See Footnote 12 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Increase as a Percentage | 4.00% | 3.00% | 4.60% | See Footnote 13 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dollar Amount of Increase | $2080 | $1545 | $2300 | See Footnote 14 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Strategy Value - April 6, 2026 | $54080 | $53045 | $52300 | See Footnote 15 below. |
|  **Year 3** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Base - April 6, 2026 | $54080 | $53045 | $50000 | See Footnote 15 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remaining Investment Base - April 6, 2027 | $54080 | $53045 | $50000 | See Footnote 16 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rise in Index for Period | 4.00% | 4.00% | n/a | See Footnote 17 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap for Period | 10% | n/a | n/a | See Footnote 18 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Participation Rate for Period | n/a | 75% | n/a | See Footnote 19 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Increase as a Percentage | 4.00% | 3.00% | 11.70% | See Footnote 20 below. |

---

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dollar Amount of Increase | $2163 | $1591 | $5850 | See Footnote 21 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Strategy Value – April 6, 2027 | $56243 | $54636 | $55850 | See Footnote 22 below. |
|  **Year 4** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Base – April 6, 2027 | $56243 | $54636 | $50000 | See Footnote 22 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remaining Investment Base – April 6, 2028 | $56243 | $54636 | $50000 | See Footnote 23 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rise in Index for Period | 4.00% | 4.00% | n/a | See Footnote 24 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap for Period | 10% | n/a | n/a | See Footnote 25 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Participation Rate for Period | n/a | 75% | n/a | See Footnote 26 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Increase as a Percentage | 4.00% | 3.00% | 19.10% | See Footnote 27 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dollar Amount of Increase | $2250 | $1639 | $9550 | See Footnote 28 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Strategy Value – April 6, 2028 | $58493 | $56275 | $59550 | See Footnote 29 below. |
|  **Year 5** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Base – April 6, 2028 | $58493 | $56275 | $50000 | See Footnote 29 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remaining Investment Base – April 6, 2029 | $58493 | $56275 | $50000 | See Footnote 30 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rise in Index for Period | 4.00% | 4.00% | n/a | See Footnote 31 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap for Period | 10% | n/a | n/a | See Footnote 32 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Participation Rate for Period | n/a | 75% | n/a | See Footnote 33 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Increase as a Percentage | 4.00% | 3.00% | 26.70% | See Footnote 34 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dollar Amount of Increase | $2340 | $1688 | $13350 | See Footnote 35 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Strategy Value – April 6, 2029 | $60833 | $57963 | $63350 | See Footnote 36 below. |
|  **Year 6** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Base – April 6, 2029 | $60833 | $57963 | $50000 | See Footnote 36 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remaining Investment Base – April 6, 2030 | $60833 | $57963 | $50000 | See Footnote 37 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rise in Index for Period | 4.00% | 4.00% | 26.53% | See Footnote 38 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cap for Period | 10% | n/a | n/a | See Footnote 39 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Participation Rate for Period | n/a | 75% | 130% | See Footnote 40 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Increase as a Percentage | 4.00% | 3.00% | 34.49% | See Footnote 41 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dollar Amount of Increase | $2433 | $1739 | $17245 | See Footnote 42 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Strategy Value - April 6, 2030 | $63266 | $59702 | $67245 | See Footnote 43 below. |

---

***Footnote 1.*** At the beginning of the first Term, the Strategy value is equal to the amount applied to the Strategy on the Term start date. The amount applied on the Term start date is also the beginning Investment Base.

***Footnote 2.*** The remaining Investment Base is equal to the beginning Investment Base minus the proportional reduction for any prior withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Beginning Investment Base – proportional reduction for any prior Withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments = remaining Investment Base |
| Calculation | $50,000 - $0 = $50,000 for all Indexed Strategies |

---

***Footnote 3.*** For a 1-year Strategy, the value at the first Term is based on the rise or fall of the Index for the Term. The rise or fall in the Index for the Term is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index Value on Term end date - Index Value on Term start date) / Index Value on Term start date |
| Calculation | (1040 - 1000) / 1000 = 4.00% |

---

For the 6-year Strategy, the value at the end of Year 1 is based on the Daily Value Percentage, and not the rise or fall in the Index.

***Footnote 4.*** The Cap is the largest rise in the Index over a Term taken into account to determine any increase at the end of the Term. In this example, the 1-year Cap Strategy has a Cap of 10% for the first Term, which means it will not affect the calculation of any increase unless the Index rises by more than 10% for the Term. The 1-year Upside Participation Rate Strategy and the 6-year Buffer with upside Participation Rate Strategy do not have a Cap.

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Footnote 5.*** The Upside Participation Rate is your share of any rise in the Index over a Term taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. In this example, the 1-year Upside Participation Rate Strategy has an Upside Participation Rate of 75% for the first Term, which means the calculation of any increase will include 75% of any Index rise for the Term. The 6-year Strategy did not complete a Term in Year 1, so no Upside Participation Rate will be applied when determining the Strategy value at the end of Year 1. The 1-year Cap Strategy does not have an Upside Participation Rate.

***Footnote 6.***

When the Index has risen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the increase for the 1-year Strategy with a Cap.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the rise in Index is less than Cap, then rise in Index = increase percentage based on rise in Index |
| Calculation | 4.0% rise in Index < 10% cap, so increase percentage = 4.0% |

---

When the Index has risen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the increase for the 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Rise in Index for Term x Upside Participation Rate for Term = Increase as a Percentage |
| Calculation | 4.0% x 75% = 3.0% |

---

For the 6-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate, the Upside Participation Rate only applies at the end of the 6-year Term. At the end of Year 1, the Strategy value is determined based on the Daily Value Percentage. The Daily Value Percentage may be more or less than the cumulative rise or fall of the Index since the Term start date, and it may be negative even when the Index has risen. In our example, the daily Value Percentage at the end of Year 1 is -2.30%.

***Footnote 7***.

For a 1-year Strategy, when the Index has risen for the Term, we use the following formula to calculate the increase.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x increase percentage based on rise in Index = dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index |
| Calculation |  |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $50,000 x 4.0% = $2,000 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $50,000 x 3.0% = $1,500 |

---

For the 6-year Strategy, when the Daily Value Percentage is negative, we use the following formula to calculate the amount of the decrease.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of decrease based on Daily Value Percentage |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 6-year Strategy with a Buffer: | $50,000 x -2.3% = -$1,150 |

---

***Footnote 8.*** In this example, for the 1-year Strategies, there has been a rise in the Index over the first Term. We use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value at the end of Year 1.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on Term end date + dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index = Strategy value on Term end date |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $50,000 + $2,000 = $52,000 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $50,000 + $1,500 = $51,500 |

---

For the 6-year Strategy, the Daily Value Percentage is negative at the end of Year 1. We use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on valuation date - dollar amount of decrease based on Daily Value Percentage = current Strategy value |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 6-year Strategy with a Buffer: | $50,000 - $1,150 = $48,850 |

---

For the 1-year Strategies, the Strategy value at the end of the first Term is also the Investment Base at the beginning of the second Term. For the 6-year Strategy, the existing Investment Base is carried forward because it is not the end of a Term.

***Footnote 9.*** The remaining Investment Base is equal to the beginning Investment Base minus the proportional reduction for any prior withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments.

Formula Beginning Investment Base – proportional reduction for any prior Withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments = remaining Investment Base

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $52,000 - $0 = $52,000 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $51,500 - $0 = $51,500 |
| 6-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $50,000 - $0 = $50,000 |

---

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Footnote 10.*** For a 1-year Strategy, the value at the end of the second Term is based on the rise or fall in the index for the Term. The rise or fall in Index for the Term is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index Value on Term end date - Index Value on Term start date) / Index Value on Term start date |
| Calculation | (1081.60 - 1040) / 1040 = 4.00% |

---

For the 6-year Strategy, the value at the end of Year 2 is based on the Daily Value Percentage, and not the rise or fall in the Index.

***Footnote 11.*** The Cap is the largest rise in the Index over a Term taken into account to determine any increase at the end of the Term. In this example, the 1-year Cap Strategy has a Cap of 10% for the second Term, which means it will not affect the calculation of any increase unless the Index rises by more than 10% for the Term. The 1-year Upside Participation Rate Strategy and the 6-year Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy do not have a Cap.

***Footnote 12.*** The Upside Participation Rate is your share of any rise in the Index over a Term taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. In this example, the 1-year Upside Participation Rate Strategy has an Upside Participation Rate of 75% for the second Term, which means the calculation of any increase will include 75% of any Index rise for the Term. The 6-year Strategy did not complete a Term in Year 2, so no Upside Participation Rate will be applied when determining the Strategy value at the end of Year 2. The 1-year Cap Strategy does not have an Upside Participation Rate.

***Footnote 13.***

When the Index has risen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the increase for the 1-year Strategy with a Cap.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the rise in Index is less than Cap, then rise in Index = increase percentage based on rise in Index |
| Calculation | 4.0% rise in Index < 10% cap, so increase percentage = 4.0% |

---

When the Index has risen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the increase for the 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Rise in Index for Term x Upside Participation Rate for Term = Increase as a Percentage |
| Calculation | 4.0% x 75% = 3.0% |

---

For the 6-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate, the Upside Participation Rate only applies at the end of the 6-year Term. At the end of Year 2, the Strategy value is determined based on the Daily Value Percentage. The Daily Value Percentage may be more or less than the cumulative rise or fall of the Index since the Term start date, and it may be negative even when the Index has risen. In our example, the daily Value Percentage at the end of Year 1 is 4.60%.

***Footnote 14***.

For a 1-year Strategy, when the Index has risen for the Term, we use the following formula to calculate the increase.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x increase percentage based on rise in Index = dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $52,000 x 4.0% = $2,080 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $51,500 x 3.0% = $1,545 |

---

For the 6-year Strategy, when the Daily Value Percentage is positive, we use the following formula to calculate the amount of the increase.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of increase based on Daily Value Percentage |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 6-year Strategy with a Buffer: | $50,000 x 4.6% = $2,300 |

---

***Footnote 15.*** In this example, for the 1-year Strategies, there has been a rise in the Index over the second Term. We use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value at the end of Year 2.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on Term end date + dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index = Strategy value on Term end date |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $52,000 + $2,080 = $54,080 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $51,500 + $1,545 = $53,045 |

---

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
For the 6-year Strategy, the Daily Value Percentage is positive at the end of Year 2. We use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on valuation date + dollar amount of increase based on Daily Value Percentage = current Strategy value |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 6-year Strategy with a Buffer: | $50,000 + $2,300 = $52,300 |

---

For the 1-year Strategies, the Strategy value at the end of the second Term is also the Investment Base at the beginning of the third Term. For the 6-year Strategy, the existing Investment Base is carried forward because it is not the end of a Term.

***Footnote 16.*** The remaining Investment Base is equal to the beginning Investment Base minus the proportional reduction for any prior withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments.

Formula Beginning Investment Base – proportional reduction for any prior Withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments = remaining Investment Base

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $54,080 - $0 = $54,080 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $53,045 - $0 = $53,045 |
| 6-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $50,000 - $0 = $50,000 |

---

***Footnote 17.*** For a 1-year Strategy, the value at the end of the third Term is based on the rise or fall in the index for the Term. The rise or fall in Index for the Term is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index Value on Term end date - Index Value on Term start date) / Index Value on Term start date |
| Calculation | (1124.86 - 1081.60) / 1081.60 = 4.00% |

---

For the 6-year Strategy, the value at the end of Year 3 is based on the Daily Value Percentage, and not the rise or fall in the Index.

***Footnote 18.*** The Cap is the largest rise in the Index over a Term taken into account to determine any increase at the end of the Term. In this example, the 1-year Cap Strategy has a Cap of 10% for the third Term, which means it will not affect the calculation of any increase unless the Index rises by more than 10% for the Term. The 1-year Upside Participation Rate Strategy and the 6-year Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy do not have a Cap.

***Footnote 19.*** The Upside Participation Rate is your share of any rise in the Index over a Term taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. In this example, the 1-year Upside Participation Rate Strategy has an Upside Participation Rate of 75% for the third Term, which means the calculation of any increase will include 75% of any Index rise for the Term. The 6-year Strategy did not complete a Term in Year 3, so no Upside Participation Rate will be applied when determining the Strategy value at the end of Year 3. The 1-year Cap Strategy does not have an Upside Participation Rate.

***Footnote 20.***

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the rise in Index is less than Cap, then rise in Index = increase percentage based on rise in Index |
| Calculation | 4.0% rise in Index < 10% cap, so increase percentage = 4.0% |

---

When the Index has risen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the increase for the 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Rise in Index for Term x Upside Participation Rate for Term = Increase as a Percentage |
| Calculation | 4.0% x 75% = 3.0% |

---

For the 6-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate, the Upside Participation Rate only applies at the end of the 6-year Term. At the end of Year 3, the Strategy value is determined based on the Daily Value Percentage. The Daily Value Percentage may be more or less than the cumulative rise or fall of the Index since the Term start date, and it may be negative even when the Index has risen. In our example, the Daily Value Percentage at the end of Year 1 is 11.70%.

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Footnote 21***.  ****

For a 1-year Strategy, when the Index has risen for the Term, we use the following formula to calculate the increase.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x increase percentage based on rise in Index = dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $54,080 x 4.0% = $2,163 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $53,045 x 3.0% = $1,591 |

---

For the 6-year Strategy, when the Daily Value Percentage is positive, we use the following formula to calculate the amount of the increase.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of increase based on Daily Value Percentage |
| Calculation |  |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 6-year Strategy with a Buffer: | $50,000 x 11.7% = $5,850 |

---

***Footnote 22.*** In this example, for the 1-year Strategies, there has been a rise in the Index over the second Term. We use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value at the end of Year 3.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on Term end date + dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index = Strategy value on Term end date |
| Calculation |  |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $54,080 + $2,163 = $56,243 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $53,045 + $1,591 = $54,636 |

---

For the 6-year Strategy, the Daily Value Percentage is positive at the end of Year 3. We use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on valuation date + dollar amount of increase based on Daily Value Percentage = current Strategy value |
| Calculation |  |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 6-year Strategy with a Buffer: | $50,000 + $5,850 = $55,850 |

---

For the 1-year Strategies, the Strategy value at the end of the third Term is also the Investment Base at the beginning of the fourth Term. For the 6-year Strategy, the existing Investment Base is carried forward because it is not the end of a Term.

***Footnote 23.*** The remaining Investment Base is equal to the beginning Investment Base minus the proportional reduction for any prior withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments.

Formula Beginning Investment Base – proportional reduction for any prior Withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments = remaining Investment Base

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $56,243 - $0 = $56,243 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $54,636 - $0 = $54,636 |
| 6-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $50,000 - $0 = $50,000 |

---

***Footnote 24.*** For a 1-year Strategy, the value at the end of the fourth Term is based on the rise or fall in the index for the Term. The rise or fall in Index for the Term is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index Value on Term end date - Index Value on Term start date) / Index Value on Term start date |
| Calculation | (1169.86 - 1125) / 1124.86 = 4.00% |

---

For the 6-year Strategy, the value at the end of Year 4 is based on the Daily Value Percentage, and not the rise or fall in the Index.

***Footnote 25.*** The Cap is the largest rise in the Index over a Term taken into account to determine any increase at the end of the Term. In this example, the 1-year Cap Strategy has a Cap of 10% for the fourth Term, which means it will not affect the calculation of any increase unless the Index rises by more than 10% for the Term. The 1-year Upside Participation Rate Strategy and the 6-year Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy do not have a Cap.

***Footnote 26.*** The Upside Participation Rate is your share of any rise in the Index over a Term taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. In this example, the 1-year Upside Participation Rate Strategy has an Upside Participation Rate of 75% for the fourth Term, which means the calculation of any increase will include 75% of any Index rise for the Term. The 6-year Strategy did not complete a Term in Year 4, so no Upside Participation Rate will be applied when determining the Strategy value at the end of Year 4. The 1-year Cap Strategy does not have an Upside Participation Rate.

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Footnote 27.***

When the Index has risen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the increase for the 1-year Strategy with a Cap.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the rise in Index is less than Cap, then rise in Index = increase percentage based on rise in Index |
| Calculation | 4.0% rise in Index < 10% cap, so increase percentage = 4.0% |

---

When the Index has risen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the increase for the 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Rise in Index for Term x Upside Participation Rate for Term = Increase as a Percentage |
| Calculation | 4.0% x 75% = 3.0% |

---

For the 6-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate, the Upside Participation Rate only applies at the end of the 6-year Term. At the end of Year 4, the Strategy value is determined based on the Daily Value Percentage. The Daily Value Percentage may be more or less than the cumulative rise or fall of the Index since the Term start date, and it may be negative even when the Index has risen. In our example, the Daily Value Percentage at the end of Year 1 is 19.10%.

***Footnote 28***.

For a 1-year Strategy, when the Index has risen for the Term, we use the following formula to calculate the increase.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x increase percentage based on rise in Index = dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $56,243 x 4.0% = $2,250 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $54,636 x 3.0% = $1,639 |

---

For the 6-year Strategy, when the Daily Value Percentage is positive, we use the following formula to calculate the amount of the increase.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of increase based on Daily Value Percentage |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 6-year Strategy with a Buffer: | $50,000 x 19.1% = $9,550 |

---

***Footnote 29.*** In this example, for the 1-year Strategies, there has been a rise in the Index over the fourth Term. We use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value at the end of Year 4.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on Term end date + dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index = Strategy value on Term end date |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $56,243 + $2,250 = $58,493 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $54,636 + $1,639 = $56,275 |

---

For the 6-year Strategy, the Daily Value Percentage is positive at the end of Year 4. We use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on valuation date + dollar amount of increase based on Daily Value Percentage = current Strategy value |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 6-year Strategy with a Buffer: | $50,000 + $9,550 = $59,550 |

---

For the 1-year Strategies, the Strategy value at the end of the fourth Term is also the Investment Base at the beginning of the fifth Term. For the 6-year Strategy, the existing Investment Base is carried forward because it is not the end of a Term.

***Footnote 30.*** The remaining Investment Base is equal to the beginning Investment Base minus the proportional reduction for any prior withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments.

Formula Beginning Investment Base – proportional reduction for any prior Withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments = remaining Investment Base

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $58,493 - $0 = $58,493 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $56,275 - $0 = $56,275 |
| 6-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $50,000 - $0 = $50,000 |

---

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Footnote 31.*** For a 1-year Strategy, the value at the end of the fifth Term is based on the rise or fall in the index for the Term. The rise or fall in Index for the Term is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index Value on Term end date - Index Value on Term start date) / Index Value on Term start date |
| Calculation | (1216.65 – 1169.86) / 1169.86 = 4.00% |

---

For the 6-year Strategy, the value at the end of Year 5 is based on the Daily Value Percentage, and not the rise or fall in the Index.

***Footnote 32.*** The Cap is the largest rise in the Index over a Term taken into account to determine any increase at the end of the Term. In this example, the 1-year Cap Strategy has a Cap of 10% for the fifth Term, which means it will not affect the calculation of any increase unless the Index rises by more than 10% for the Term. The 1-year Upside Participation Rate Strategy and the 6-year Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy do not have a Cap.

***Footnote 33.*** The Upside Participation Rate is your share of any rise in the Index over a Term taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. In this example, the 1-year Upside Participation Rate Strategy has an Upside Participation Rate of 75% for the fifth Term, which means the calculation of any increase will include 75% of any Index rise for the Term. The 6-year Strategy did not complete a Term in Year 5, so no Upside Participation Rate will be applied when determining the Strategy value at the end of Year 5. The 1-year Cap Strategy does not have an Upside Participation Rate.

***Footnote 34.***

When the Index has risen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the increase for the 1-year Strategy with a Cap.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the rise in Index is less than Cap, then rise in Index = increase percentage based on rise in Index |
| Calculation | 4.0% rise in Index < 10% cap, so increase percentage = 4.0% |

---

When the Index has risen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the increase for the 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Rise in Index for Term x Upside Participation Rate for Term = Increase as a Percentage |
| Calculation | 4.0% x 75% = 3.0% |

---

For the 6-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate, the Upside Participation Rate only applies at the end of the 6-year Term. At the end of Year 5, the Strategy value is determined based on the Daily Value Percentage. The Daily Value Percentage may be more or less than the cumulative rise or fall of the Index since the Term start date, and it may be negative even when the Index has risen. In our example, the Daily Value Percentage at the end of Year 1 is 26.70%.

***Footnote 35***.

For a 1-year Strategy, when the Index has risen for the Term, we use the following formula to calculate the increase.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x increase percentage based on rise in Index = dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $58,493 x 4.0% = $2,340 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $56,275 x 3.0% = $1,688 |

---

For the 6-year Strategy, when the Daily Value Percentage is positive, we use the following formula to calculate the amount of the increase.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of increase based on Daily Value Percentage |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 6-year Strategy with a Buffer: | $50,000 x 26.7% = $13,350 |

---

***Footnote 36.*** In this example, for the 1-year Strategies, there has been a rise in the Index over the fifth Term. We use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value at the end of Year 5.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on Term end date + dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index = Strategy value on Term end date |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $58,493 + $2,340 = $60,833 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $56,275 + $1,688 = $57,963 |

---

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
For the 6-year Strategy, the Daily Value Percentage is positive at the end of Year 5. We use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on valuation date + dollar amount of increase based on Daily Value Percentage = current Strategy value |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Calculation |  |
| 6-year Strategy with a Buffer: | $50,000 + $13,350 = $63,350 |

---

For the 1-year Strategies, the Strategy value at the end of the fifth Term is also the Investment Base at the beginning of the sixth Term. For the 6-year Strategy, the existing Investment Base is carried forward because it is not the end of a Term.

***Footnote 37.*** The remaining Investment Base is equal to the beginning Investment Base minus the proportional reduction for any prior withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Beginning Investment Base – proportional reduction for any prior Withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments = remaining Investment Base |
| Calculation |  |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $60,833 - $0 = $60,833 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $57,963 - $0 = $57,963 |
| 6-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $50,000 - $0 = $50,000 |

---

***Footnote 38.*** For a 1-year Strategy, the value at the end of the sixth Term is based on the rise or fall in the index for the Term. The rise or fall in Index for the Term is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index Value on Term end date - Index Value on Term start date) / Index Value on Term start date |
| Calculation | (1265.32 – 1216.65) / 1216.65 = 4.00% |

---

For the 6-year Strategy, the value at the end of the Term is based on the rise or fall in the index over the entire 6-year Term. The rise or fall in the Index for the Term is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index Value on Term end date - Index Value on Term start date) / Index Value on Term start date |
| Calculation | (1265.32 - 1000) / 1000 = 26.53% |

---

***Footnote 39.*** The Cap is the largest rise in the Index over a Term taken into account to determine any increase at the end of the Term. In this example, the 1-year Cap Strategy has a Cap of 10% for the sixth Term, which means it will not affect the calculation of any increase unless the Index rises by more than 10% for the Term. The 1-year Upside Participation Rate Strategy and the 6-year Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy do not have a Cap.

***Footnote 40.*** The Upside Participation Rate is your share of any rise in the Index over a Term taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. In this example, the 1-year Upside Participation Rate Strategy has an Upside Participation Rate of 75% for the sixth Term, which means the calculation of any increase will include 75% of any Index rise for the Term. The 6-year Strategy has an Upside Participation Rate of 130% for the 6-year Term, which means the calculation of any increase will include 130% of any Index rise for the term. The 1-year Cap Strategy does not have an Upside Participation Rate.

***Footnote 41.***

When the Index has risen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the increase for the 1-year Strategy with a Cap.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the rise in Index is less than Cap, then rise in Index = increase percentage based on rise in Index |
| Calculation | 4.0% rise in Index < 10% cap, so increase percentage = 4.0% |

---

When the Index has risen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the increase for the 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Rise in Index for Term x Upside Participation Rate for Term = Increase as a Percentage |
| Calculation | 4.0% x 75% = 3.0% |

---

When the Index has risen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the increase for the 6-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Rise in Index for Term x Upside Participation Rate for Term = Increase as a Percentage |
| Calculation | 26.53% x 130% = 34.49% |

---

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Footnote 42***.  ****

When the Index has risen for the Term, we use the following formula to calculate the increase.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x increase percentage based on rise in Index = dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index |
| Calculation |  |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $60,833 x 4.0% = $2,433 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $57,964 x 3.0% = $1,739 |
| 6-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $50,000 x 34.49% = $17,245 |

---

***Footnote 43.*** In this example, for the 1-year Strategies, there has been a rise in the Index over the sixth Term. For the 6-year Strategy, there has also been a rise in the index over its 6-year Term. This means that both for a 1-year Strategy and the 6-year Strategy, the Strategy value at the end of Year 6 is the Remaining Investment Base on the Term end date plus the increase for the rise in the Index for the Term.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on Term end date + dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index = Strategy value on Term end date |
| Calculation |  |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1-year Strategy with a Cap: | $60,833 + $2,433 = $63,266 |
| 1-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $57,963 + $1,739 = $59,702 |
| 6-year Strategy with an Upside Participation Rate: | $50,000 + $17,245 = $67,245 |

---

**Example F: Contract Values After 6 Years When Index Falls Steadily** 

This example assumes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you allocate a $50,000 Purchase Payment to the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy when the
S&P 500 is 1000;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you allocate a $50,000 Purchase Payment to the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside
Participation Rate Strategy when the S&P 500 is 1000;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you allocate a $50,000 Purchase Payment to the S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate
Indexed Strategy when the S&P 500 is 1000;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Contract Effective Date and the Term Start Date are both April 6, 2024;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• to simplify this example, we assume that advisory fees are taken from other assets under management and that you
do not take any other withdrawals during the first six Contract Years

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you do not reallocate strategy values at the end of each 1-year term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the S&P 500 is at 960 on the 1-Year Term end date of April 6, 2025 and the 6-year Strategy Daily Value
Percentage is -4.50%; the S&P 500 is at 921.60 on the 1-Year Term end date of April 6, 2026 and the 6-year Strategy Daily Value Percentage is -4.90%, the S&P 500 is at 884.74 on the 1-Year Term end date of April 6, 2027 and the
6-year Strategy Daily Value Percentage is -6.00%; the S&P 500 is at 849.35 on the 1-Year Term end date of April 6, 2028 and the 6-year Strategy Daily Value Percentage is -8.10%, the S&P 500 is at 815.37 on the 1-Year Term end date of
April 6, 2029 and the 6-year Strategy Daily Value Percentage is -10.00%; and the S&P 500 is at 782.76 on the Term end date of April 6, 2030; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you have not made a Performance Lock election.

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **S&P 500 1-Year<br>10% Buffer with<br>Cap** | **S&P 500 1-Year<br>50% Downside<br>Participation Rate<br>with Upside<br>Participation Rate** | **S&P 500 6-Year<br>10% Buffer with<br>Upside<br>Participation<br>Rate** |  |
|  **Year 1** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Strategy Value - April 6, 2024 | $50000 | $50000 | $50000 | See Footnote 1 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Base - April 6, 2024 | $50000 | $50000 | $50000 | See Footnote 1 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remaining Investment Base - April 6, 2025 | $50000 | $50000 | $50000 | See Footnote 2 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Change in Index for Period | -4.00% | -4.00% | n/a | See Footnote 3 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buffer for Period | 10% | n/a | n/a | See Footnote 4 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Downside Participation Rate for Period | n/a | 50% | n/a | See Footnote 5 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Decrease as a Percentage | 0.00% | -2.00% | -4.50% | See Footnote 6 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dollar Amount of Decrease | $0 | 1000 | 2250 | See Footnote 7 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Strategy Value - April 6, 2025 | $50000 | $49000 | $47750 | See Footnote 8 below. |

---

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Year 2** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Base - April 6, 2025 | $50000 | $49000 | $50000 | See Footnote 8 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remaining Investment Base - April 6, 2026 | $50000 | $49000 | $50000 | See Footnote 9 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Change in Index for Period | -4.00% | -4.00% | n/a | See Footnote 10 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buffer for Period | 10% | n/a | n/a | See Footnote 11 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Downside Participation Rate For Period | n/a | 50% | n/a | See Footnote 12 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Decrease as a Percentage | 0.00% | -2.00% | -4.90% | See Footnote 13 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dollar Amount of Decrease | $0 | 980 | 2450 | See Footnote 14 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Strategy Value - April 6, 2026 | $50000 | $48020 | $47550 | See Footnote 15 below. |
|  **Year 3** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Base - April 6, 2026 | $50000 | $48020 | $50000 | See Footnote 15 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remaining Investment Base - April 6, 2027 | $50000 | $48020 | $50000 | See Footnote 16 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Change in Index for Period | -4.00% | -4.00% | n/a | See Footnote 17 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buffer for Period | 10% | n/a | n/a | See Footnote 18 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Downside Participation Rate For Period | n/a | 50% | n/a | See Footnote 19 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Decrease as a Percentage | 0.00% | -2.00% | -6.00% | See Footnote 20 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dollar Amount of Decrease | $0 | 960 | 3000 | See Footnote 21 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Strategy Value - April 6, 2027 | $50000 | $47060 | $47000 | See Footnote 22 below. |
|  **Year 4** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Base - April 6, 2027 | $50000 | $47060 | $50000 | See Footnote 22 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remaining Investment Base - April 6, 2028 | $50000 | $47060 | $50000 | See Footnote 23 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Change in Index for Period | -4.00% | -4.00% | n/a | See Footnote 24 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buffer for Period | 10% | n/a | n/a | See Footnote 25 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Downside Participation Rate For Period | n/a | 50% | n/a | See Footnote 26 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Decrease as a Percentage | 0.00% | -2.00% | -8.10% | See Footnote 27 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dollar Amount of Decrease | $0 | 941 | 4050 | See Footnote 28 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Strategy Value - April 6, 2028 | $50000 | $46119 | $45950 | See Footnote 29 below. |
|  **Year 5** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Base - April 6, 2028 | $50000 | $46119 | $50000 | See Footnote 29 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remaining Investment Base - April 6, 2029 | $50000 | $46119 | $50000 | See Footnote 30 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Change in Index for Period | -4.00% | -4.00% | n/a | See Footnote 31 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buffer for Period | 10% | n/a | n/a | See Footnote 32 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Downside Participation Rate For Period | n/a | 50% | n/a | See Footnote 33 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Decrease as a Percentage | 0.00% | -2.00% | -10.00% | See Footnote 34 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dollar Amount of Decrease | $0 | 922 | 5000 | See Footnote 35 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Strategy Value - April 6, 2029 | $50000 | $45197 | $45000 | See Footnote 36 below. |
|  **Year 6** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Base - April 6, 2029 | $50000 | $45197 | $50000 | See Footnote 36 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remaining Investment Base - April 6, 2030 | $50000 | $45197 | $50000 | See Footnote 37 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Change in Index for Period | -4.00% | -4.00% | -21.72% | See Footnote 38 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buffer for Period | 10% | n/a | 10% | See Footnote 39 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Downside Participation Rate For Period | n/a | 50% | n/a | See Footnote 40 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Decrease as a Percentage | 0.00% | -2.00% | -11.72% | See Footnote 41 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dollar Amount of Decrease | $0 | 904 | 5860 | See Footnote 42 below. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Strategy Value - April 6, 2030 | $50000 | $44292 | $44140 | See Footnote 43 below. |

---

***Footnote 1.*** At the beginning of the first Term, the Strategy value is equal to the amount applied to the Strategy on the Term start date. The amount applied on the Term start date is also the beginning Investment Base.

***Footnote 2.*** The remaining Investment Base is equal to the beginning Investment Base minus the proportional reduction for any prior withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Beginning Investment Base – proportional reduction for any prior Withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments = remaining Investment Base |
| Calculation | $50,000 - $0 = $50,000 for all Indexed Strategies |

---

***Footnote 3.*** For a 1-year Strategy, the value at the end of the first Term is based on the rise or fall in the Index for the Term. The change in Index for the Term is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index Value on Term end date - Index Value on Term start date) / Index Value on Term start date |
| Calculation | (960 - 1000) / 1000 = -4.00% |

---

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
Thus, the Index has fallen 4.00%.

For the 6-year Strategy, the value at the end of Year 1 is based on the Daily Value Percentage, and not the rise or fall in the Index.

***Footnote 4.*** The Buffer is the decrease in the value of an Index for a Term that is disregarded when determining the Loss for the Term. In this example, the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy completed a Term in Year 1 and has a Buffer of 10%. Since the fall in the Index for the Term was only 4.00%, which is less than a fall of 10%, the entire decrease in the value of the Index is disregarded, and there is no Loss for the Term. The S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy did not complete a Term in Year 1, so no Buffer will be applied when determining the Strategy value at the end of Year 1. The S&P 500 1-year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Indexed Strategy does not have a Buffer.

***Footnote 5.*** The Downside Participation Rate is your share of any fall in the Index over a Term that is considered in determining the Strategy value at the end of the Term. In this example, the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy completed a Term in Year 1 and has a Downside Participation Rate of 50%, which means the calculation of any decrease will include 50% of any Index fall. Neither the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy nor the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy have a Downside Participation Rate, so no Downside Participation Rate will be applied to those Strategies in Year 1.

***Footnote 6.***

The Index has fallen 4% in Year 1

When the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the decrease for the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the fall in Index is greater than the Buffer, then Fall in Index – Buffer = Decrease as a Percentage<br> If the fall in Index is not greater than the Buffer, then Decrease as a Percentage = 0 |
| Calculation | -4.00% fall in Index < 10% Buffer, so Decrease as a Percentage = 0.0% |

---

When the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formula to calculate the decrease for the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Fall in Index for Term x Downside Participation Rate for Term = Decrease as a Percentage |
| Calculation | 4.00% x 50% = 2.00% |

---

For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy, the Buffer only applies at the end of the 6-year Term. The percentage of any change at the end of Year 1 is equal to the Daily Value Percentage on that date. The Daily Value Percentage may be more or less than the cumulative rise or fall of the Index since the Term start date, and it may be negative even when the Index has risen. The Strategy value may decline even when the fall in the Index has not exceeded the Buffer. In our example, the Daily Value Percentage at the end of Year 1 is -4.50%, so there is a decrease of 4.50%.

***Footnote 7***.  ****

The Index has fallen 4% in Year 1

For 1-year Strategies, when the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formula to calculate the dollar amount of the decrease:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Decrease as a Percentage based on fall in Index = dollar amount of decrease based on fall in Index |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 x 0.0% = $0<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $50,000 x 2.0% = $1,000 |

---

For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Strategy, when the Daily Value Percentage is negative, we use the following formula to calculate the amount of the decrease:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of change based on Daily Value Percentage |
| Calculation | $50,000 x -4.50% = -$2,250 |

---

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
Thus, the dollar amount of decrease is $2,250.

***Footnote 8.*** In this example, for the 1-year Strategies, there has been a fall in the Index over the first Term. We use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value at the end of Year 1:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on Term end date – dollar amount of decrease based on fall in the Index = Strategy value on Term end date |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $50,000 - $1,000 = $49,000 |

---

Year 1 does not mark the end of a Term for the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Strategy, so the value for that Strategy at the end of Year 1 is calculated using the same formula used on any other day before the end of a Term:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on valuation date – dollar amount of decrease based on Daily Value Percentage = current Strategy value |
| Calculation | $50,000 - $2,250 = $47,750 |

---

For the 1-Year Strategies, the Strategy value at the end of Year 1 is also the Investment Base for the new Term at the beginning of Year 2. For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Strategy, the existing Investment Base is carried forward because the Term has not ended.

***Footnote 9.*** The remaining Investment Base is equal to the beginning Investment Base minus the proportional reduction for any prior withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Beginning Investment Base – proportional reduction for any prior Withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments = remaining Investment Base |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $49,000 - $0 = $49,000<br> S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000 |

---

***Footnote 10.*** For a 1-year Strategy, the value at the end of the second Term is based on the rise or fall in the Index for the Term. The change in the Index for the Term is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index Value on Term end date - Index Value on Term start date) / Index Value on Term start date |
| Calculation | (921.60 - 960) / 960 = -4.00% |

---

Thus, the Index has fallen 4.00%.

For the 6-year Strategy, the value at the end of Year 2 is based on the Daily Value Percentage, and not the rise or fall in the Index.

***Footnote 11.*** The Buffer is the decrease in the value of an Index for a Term that is disregarded when determining the Loss for the Term. In this example, the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy completed a Term in Year 2 and has a Buffer of 10%. Since the fall in the Index for the Term was only -4.00%, which is less than a fall of -10%, the entire decrease in the value of the Index is disregarded, and there is no Loss for the Term. The S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Strategy did not complete a Term in Year 2, so no Buffer will be applied when determining the Strategy value at the end of Year 2. The S&P 500 1-year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy does not have a Buffer.

***Footnote 12.*** The Downside Participation Rate is your share of any fall in the Index over a Term that is considered in determining the Strategy value at the end of the Term. In this example, the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy completed a Term in Year 2 and has a Downside Participation Rate of 50%, which means the calculation of any decrease will include 50% of any Index fall. Neither the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy nor the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy have a Downside Participation Rate, so no Downside Participation Rate will be applied to those Strategies in Year 2.

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Footnote 13.***

The Index has fallen 4% in Year 2

When the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the decrease for the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the fall in Index is greater than the Buffer, then Fall in Index – Buffer = Decrease as a Percentage<br> If the fall in Index is not greater than the Buffer, then Decrease as a Percentage = 0 |
| Calculation | 4.00% fall in Index < 10% Buffer, so Decrease as a Percentage = 0.0% |

---

When the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formula to calculate the decrease for the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Fall in Index for Term x Downside Participation Rate for Term = Decrease as a Percentage |
| Calculation | 4.00% x 50% = 2.00% |

---

For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Strategy, the Buffer only applies at the end of the 6-year Term. The percentage of any change at the end of Year 2 is equal to the Daily Value Percentage on that date. The Daily Value Percentage may be more or less than the cumulative rise or fall of the Index since the Term start date, and it may be negative even when the Index has risen. The Strategy value may decline even when the fall in the Index has not exceeded the Buffer. In our example, the Daily Value Percentage at the end of Year 2 is -4.90%, so there is a decrease of 4.90%.

***Footnote 14***.  ****

The Index has fallen 4% in Year 2

For 1-year Strategies, when the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formula to calculate the dollar amount of the decrease:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Decrease as a Percentage based on fall in Index = dollar amount of decrease based on fall in Index |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 x 0.0% = $0<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $49,000 x 2.0% = $980 |

---

For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy, when the Daily Value Percentage is negative, we use the following formula to calculate the amount of the decrease:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of change based on Daily Value Percentage |
| Calculation | $50,000 x -4.90% = -$2,450 |

---

Thus, the dollar amount of decrease is $2,450.

***Footnote 15.*** In this example, for the 1-year Strategies, there has been a fall in the Index over the second Term. We use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value at the end of Year 2:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on Term end date – dollar amount of decrease based on fall in the Index = Strategy value on Term end date |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $49,000 - $980 = $48,020 |

---

Year 2 does not mark the end of a Term for the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Strategy, so the value for that Strategy at the end of Year 2 is calculated using the same formula used on any other day before the end of a Term:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on valuation date – dollar amount of decrease based on Daily Value Percentage = current Strategy value |
| Calculation | $50,000 - $2,450 = $47,550 |

---

For the 1-Year Strategies, the Strategy value at the end of Year 2 is also the Investment Base for the new Term at the beginning of Year 3. For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Strategy, the existing Investment Base is carried forward because the Term has not ended.

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Footnote 16.*** The remaining Investment Base is equal to the beginning Investment Base minus the proportional reduction for any prior withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Beginning Investment Base – proportional reduction for any prior Withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments = remaining Investment Base |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $48,020 - $0 = $48,020<br> S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000 |

---

***Footnote 17.*** For a 1-year Strategy, the value at the end of the third Term is based on the change in the Index for the Term. The rise or fall in the Index for the Term is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index Value on Term end date – Index Value on Term start date) / Index Value on Term start date |
| Calculation | (884.74 – 921.60) / 921.60 = -4.00% |

---

Thus, the Index has fallen 4.00%.

For the 6-year Strategy, the value at the end of Year 3 is based on the Daily Value Percentage, and not the rise or fall in the Index.

***Footnote 18.*** The Buffer is the decrease in the value of an Index for a Term that is disregarded when determining the Loss for the Term. In this example, the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy completed a Term in Year 3 and has a Buffer of 10%. Since the fall in the Index for the Term was only -4.00%, which is less than a fall of -10%, the entire decrease in the value of the index is disregarded, and there is no Loss for the Term. The S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Strategy did not complete a Term in Year 3, so no Buffer will be applied when determining the Strategy value at the end of Year 3. The S&P 500 1-year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy does not have a Buffer.

***Footnote 19.*** The Downside Participation Rate is your share of any fall in the Index over a Term that is considered in determining the Strategy value at the end of the Term. In this example, the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy completed a Term in Year 3 and has a Downside Participation Rate of 50%, which means the calculation of any decrease will include 50% of any Index fall. Neither the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy nor the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy have a Downside Participation Rate, so no Downside Participation Rate will be applied to those Strategies in Year 3.

***Footnote 20.***

The Index has fallen 4% in Year 3

When the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the decrease for the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the fall in Index is greater than the Buffer, then Fall in Index – Buffer = Decrease as a Percentage<br> If the fall in Index is not greater than the Buffer, then Decrease as a Percentage = 0 |
| Calculation | 4.00% fall in Index < 10% Buffer, so Decrease as a Percentage = 0.0% |

---

When the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formula to calculate the decrease for the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Fall in Index for Term x Downside Participation Rate for Term = Decrease as a Percentage |
| Calculation | 4.00% x 50% = 2.00% |

---

For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy, the Buffer only applies at the end of the 6-year Term. The percentage of any change at the end of Year 3 is equal to the Daily Value Percentage on that date. The Daily Value Percentage may be more or less than the cumulative rise or fall of the Index since the Term start date, and it may be negative even when the Index has risen. The Strategy value may decline even when the fall in the Index has not exceeded the Buffer. In our example, the Daily Value Percentage at the end of Year 3 is -6.00%, so there is a decrease of 6.00%.

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Footnote 21***.  ****

The Index has fallen 4% in Year 3

For 1-year Strategies, when the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formula to calculate the dollar amount of the decrease:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Decrease as a Percentage based on fall in Index = dollar amount of decrease based on fall in Index |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 x 0.0% = $0<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $48,020 x 2.0% = $960 |

---

For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy, when the Daily Value Percentage is negative, we use the following formula to calculate the amount of the decrease:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of change based on Daily Value Percentage |
| Calculation | $50,000 x -6.00% = -$3,000 |

---

Thus, the dollar amount of decrease is $3,000.

***Footnote 22.*** In this example, for the 1-year Strategies, there has been a fall in the Index over the third Term. We use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value at the end of Year 3:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on Term end date – dollar amount of decrease based on fall in the Index = Strategy value on Term end date |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $48,020 - $960 = $47,060 |

---

Year 3 does not mark the end of a Term for the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy, so the value for that Strategy at the end of Year 3 is calculated using the same formula used on any other day before the end of a Term:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on valuation date – dollar amount of decrease based on Daily Value Percentage = current Strategy value |
| Calculation | $50,000 - $3,000 = $47,000 |

---

For the 1-Year Strategies, the Strategy value at the end of Year 3 is also the Investment Base for the new Term at the beginning of Year 4. For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy, the existing Investment Base is carried forward because the Term has not ended.

***Footnote 23.*** The remaining Investment Base is equal to the beginning Investment Base minus the proportional reduction for any prior withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Beginning Investment Base – proportional reduction for any prior Withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments = remaining Investment Base |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $47,060 - $0 = $47,060<br> S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000 |

---

***Footnote 24.*** For a 1-year Strategy, the value at the end of the fourth Term is based on the rise or fall in the Index for the Term. The change in

Index for the Term is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index Value on Term end date - Index Value on Term start date) / Index Value on Term start date |
| Calculation | (849.35 – 884.74) / 884.74 = -4.00% |

---

Thus, the Index has fallen 4.00%.

For the 6-year Strategy, the value at the end of Year 4 is based on the Daily Value Percentage, and not the rise or fall in the Index.

***Footnote 25.*** The Buffer is the decrease in the value of an Index for a Term that is disregarded when determining the Loss for the Term. In this example, the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy completed a Term in Year 4 and has a Buffer of 10%. Since the fall in the Index for the Term was only -4.00%, which is less than a fall of -10%, the entire decrease in the value of the Index is disregarded, and there is no Loss for the Term. The S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy did not complete a Term in Year 4, so no Buffer will be applied when determining the Strategy value at the end of Year 4. The S&P 500 1-year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy does not have a Buffer.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Footnote 26.*** The Downside Participation Rate is your share of any fall in the Index over a Term that is considered in determining the Strategy value at the end of the Term. In this example, the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy completed a Term in Year 4 and has a Downside Participation Rate of 50%, which means the calculation of any decrease will include 50% of any Index fall. Neither the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy nor the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy have a Downside Participation Rate, so no Downside Participation Rate will be applied to those Strategies in Year 4.

***Footnote 27.***

The Index has fallen 4% in Year 4

When the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the decrease for the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the fall in Index is greater than the Buffer, then Fall in Index – Buffer = Decrease as a Percentage<br> If the fall in Index is not greater than the Buffer, then Decrease as a Percentage = 0 |
| Calculation | 4.00% fall in Index < 10% Buffer, so Decrease as a Percentage = 0.0% |

---

When the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formula to calculate the decrease for the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Fall in Index for Term x Downside Participation Rate for Term = Decrease as a Percentage |
| Calculation | 4.00% x 50% = 2.00% |

---

For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy, the Buffer only applies at the end of the 6-year Term. The percentage of any change at the end of Year 4 is equal to the Daily Value Percentage on that date. The Daily Value Percentage may be more or less than the cumulative rise or fall of the Index since the Term start date, and it may be negative even when the Index has risen. The Strategy value may decline even when the fall in the Index has not exceeded the Buffer. In our example, the Daily Value Percentage at the end of Year 4 is -8.10%, so there is a decrease of 8.10%.

***Footnote 28***.  ****

The Index has fallen 4% in Year 4

For 1-year Strategies, when the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formula to calculate the dollar amount of the decrease:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Decrease as a Percentage based on fall in Index = dollar amount of decrease based on fall in Index |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 x 0.0% = $0<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $47,060 x 2.0% = $941 |

---

For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy, when the Daily Value Percentage is negative, we use the following formula to calculate the amount of the decrease:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of change based on Daily Value Percentage |
| Calculation | $50,000 x -8.10% = -$4,050 |

---

Thus, the dollar amount of decrease is $4,050.

***Footnote 29.*** In this example, for the 1-year Strategies, there has been a fall in the Index over the fourth Term. We use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value at the end of Year 4:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on Term end date – dollar amount of decrease based on fall in the Index = Strategy value on Term end date |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $47,060 - $941 = $46,119 |

---

Year 4 does not mark the end of a Term for the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy, so the value for that Strategy at the end of Year 4 is calculated using the same formula used on any other day before the end of a Term:

------

##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on valuation date – dollar amount of decrease based on Daily Value Percentage = current Strategy value |
| Calculation | $50,000 - $4,050 = $45,950 |

---

For the 1-Year Strategies, the Strategy value at the end of Year 4 is also the Investment Base for the new Term at the beginning of Year 5. For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy, the existing Investment Base is carried forward because the Term has not ended.

***Footnote 30.*** The remaining Investment Base is equal to the beginning Investment Base minus the proportional reduction for any prior withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Beginning Investment Base – proportional reduction for any prior Withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments = remaining Investment Base |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $46,119 - $0 = $46,119<br> S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000 |

---

***Footnote 31.*** For a 1-year Strategy, the value at the end of the fifth Term is based on the rise or fall in the Index for the Term. The change in

Index for the Term is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index Value on Term end date - Index Value on Term start date) / Index Value on Term start date |
| Calculation | (815.37 – 849.35) / 849.35 = -4.00% |

---

Thus, the Index has fallen 4.00%.

For the 6-year Strategy, the value at the end of Year 5 is based on the Daily Value Percentage, and not the rise or fall in the Index.

***Footnote 32.*** The Buffer is the decrease in the value of an Index for a Term that is disregarded when determining the Loss for the Term. In this example, the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy completed a Term in Year 5 and has a Buffer of 10%. Since the fall in the Index for the Term was only -4.00%, which is less than a fall of -10%, the entire decrease in the value of the Index is disregarded, and there is no Loss for the Term. The S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy did not complete a Term in Year 5, so no Buffer will be applied when determining the Strategy value at the end of Year 5. The S&P 500 1-year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy does not have a Buffer.

***Footnote 33.*** The Downside Participation Rate is your share of any fall in the Index over a Term that is considered in determining the Strategy value at the end of the Term. In this example, the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy completed a Term in Year 5 and has a Downside Participation Rate of 50%, which means the calculation of any decrease will include 50% of any Index fall. Neither the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy nor the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy have a Downside Participation Rate, so no Downside Participation Rate will be applied to those Strategies in Year 5.

***Footnote 34.***

The Index has fallen 4% in Year 5

When the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the decrease for the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the fall in Index is greater than the Buffer, then Fall in Index – Buffer = Decrease as a Percentage<br> If the fall in Index is not greater than the Buffer, then Decrease as a Percentage = 0 |
| Calculation | 4.00% fall in Index < 10% Buffer, so Decrease as a Percentage = 0.0% |

---

When the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formula to calculate the decrease for the S&P 500 1-Year Participation Rate Strategy:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Fall in Index for Term x Downside Participation Rate for Term = Decrease as a Percentage |
| Calculation | 4.00% x 50% = 2.00% |

---

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy, the Buffer only applies at the end of the 6-year Term. The percentage of any change at the end of Year 5 is equal to the Daily Value Percentage on that date. The Daily Value Percentage may be more or less than the cumulative rise or fall of the Index since the Term start date, and it may be negative even when the Index has risen. The Strategy value may decline even when the fall in the Index has not exceeded the Buffer. In our example, the Daily Value Percentage at the end of Year 5 is -10.00%, so there is a decrease of 10.00%.

***Footnote 35***.  ****

The Index has fallen 4% in Year 5

For 1-year Strategies, when the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formula to calculate the dollar amount of the decrease:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Decrease as a Percentage based on fall in Index = dollar amount of decrease based on fall in Index |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 x 0.0% = $0<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $46,119 x 2.0% = $922 |

---

For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy, when the Daily Value Percentage is negative, we use the following formula to calculate the amount of the decrease:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of change based on Daily Value Percentage |
| Calculation | $50,000 x -10.00% = -$5,000 |

---

Thus, the dollar amount of decrease is $5,000.

Since the end of Year 5 does not mark the end of a Term for the 6-Year Strategy, the Strategy value for that Strategy at the end of Year 5 is calculated using the same formula used on any other day before the end of a Term: Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage.

For the 1-Year Strategies, the Strategy value at the end of Year 5 is also the Investment Base for the new Term at the beginning of Year 6. For the 6-Year Strategy, there is no change to the Investment Base because the Term has not ended.

***Footnote 36.*** In this example, for the 1-year Strategies, there has been a fall in the Index over the fifth Term. We use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value at the end of Year 5:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on Term end date – dollar amount of decrease based on fall in the Index = Strategy value on Term end date |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $46,119 - $922 = $45,197 |

---

Year 5 does not mark the end of a Term for the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy, so the value for that Strategy at the end of Year 5 is calculated using the same formula used on any other day before the end of a Term:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on valuation date – dollar amount of decrease based on Daily Value Percentage = current Strategy value |
| Calculation | $50,000 - $5,000 = $45,000 |

---

For the 1-Year Strategies, the Strategy value at the end of Year 5 is also the Investment Base for the new Term at the beginning of Year 6. For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Strategy, the existing Investment Base is carried forward because the Term has not ended.

***Footnote 37.*** The remaining Investment Base is equal to the beginning Investment Base minus the proportional reduction for any prior withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Beginning Investment Base – proportional reduction for any prior Withdrawals and related Market Value Adjustments = remaining Investment Base |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $45,197 - $0 = $45,197<br> S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000 |

---

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Footnote 38.*** For a 1-year Strategy, the value at the end of the sixth Term is based on the rise or fall in the Index for the Term. The changel in

Index for the Term is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index Value on Term end date - Index Value on Term start date) / Index Value on Term start date |
| Calculation | (782.76 - 815.37) / 815.37 = -4.00% |

---

Thus, the Index has fallen 4.00%.

For the 6-Year Strategy, the value at the end of the Term is based on the rise and fall of the Index over the entire 6-year Term. The rise or fall of the Index for the Term is equal to the percentage change in the Index Value measured from the Year 1 Start Date to the Year 6 End Date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index Value on Term End Date - Index Value on Term Start Date) / Index Value on Term Start Date |
| Calculation | (782.76 - 1000) / 1000 = -21.72% |

---

Thus, the Index has fallen 21.72%.

***Footnote 39.*** The Buffer is the decrease in the value of an Index for a Term that is disregarded when determining the Loss for the Term. In this example, the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy completed a Term in Year 6 and has a Buffer of 10%. Since the fall in the Index for the Term was only -4.00%, which is less than a fall of -10%, the entire decrease in the value of the Index is disregarded, and there is no Loss for the Term. The S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy completes a Term in Year 6, so the Buffer will be applied when determining the Strategy value at the end of Year 6. The S&P 500 1-year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy does not have a Buffer.

***Footnote 40.*** The Downside Participation Rate is your share of any fall in the Index over a Term that is considered in determining the Strategy value at the end of the Term. In this example, the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy completed a Term in Year 6 and has a Downside Participation Rate of 50%, which means the calculation of any decrease will include 50% of any Index fall. Neither the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy nor the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy have a Downside Participation Rate, so no Downside Participation Rate will be applied to those Strategies in Year 6.

***Footnote 41.***

The Index has fallen 4% in Year 6 and has fallen 21.72% from the start of Year 1 to the end of Year 6.

When the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the decrease for the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the fall in Index is greater than the Buffer, then Fall in Index – Buffer = Decrease as a Percentage<br> If the fall in Index is not greater than the Buffer, then Decrease as a Percentage = 0 |
| Calculation | 4.00% fall in Index < 10% Buffer, so Decrease as a Percentage = 0.0% |

---

When the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formula to calculate the decrease for the S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Fall in Index for Term x Downside Participation Rate for Term = Decrease as a Percentage |
| Calculation | 4.00% x 50% = 2.00% |

---

For the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy, the Buffer now applies as it is the end of the 6-year Term. We use the following formulas to calculate the decrease for the Strategy:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the fall in Index is greater than the Buffer, then Fall in Index – Buffer = Decrease as a Percentage<br> If the fall in Index is not greater than the Buffer, then Decrease as a Percentage = 0 |
| Calculation | 21.72% fall in Index is greater than the 10% Buffer, so Decrease as a Percentage = 21.72% - 10% = 11.72% |

---

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Footnote 42***.  ****

The Index has fallen 4% in Year 6. The end of Year 6 marks the end of a Term for the 6-Year Strategy, and has fallen 21.72% from the start of Year 1 to the end of Year 6

For 1-year Strategies and 6-year strategies, when the Index has fallen over a Term, we use the following formula to calculate the dollar amount of the decrease:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base x Decrease as a Percentage based on fall in Index = dollar amount of decrease based on fall in Index |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 x 0.0% = $0<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $45,197 x 2.0% = $904<br> S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $50,000 x 11.7 = $5,860 |

---

For both the 1-Year Strategies and 6-year Strategies, the Strategy value at the end of Year 6 is also the Investment Base for the new Term at the beginning of Year 7.

***Footnote 43.*** In this example, for the 1-year Strategies, there has been a fall in the Index over the sixth Term. Year 6 also marks the end of a Term for the S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy. We now use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value at the end of Year 6 for both the 1-year Strategies and 6-year Strategies:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Remaining Investment Base on Term end date – dollar amount of decrease based on fall in the Index = Strategy value on Term end date |
| Calculation | S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy: $50,000 - $0 = $50,000<br> S&P 500 1-Year 50% Downside Participation Rate with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $45,196 - $904 = $44,292<br> S&P 500 6-year 10% Buffer with Upside Participation Rate Strategy: $50,000 - $5,860 = $44,140 |

---

For both the 1-Year Strategies and 6-year Strategies, the Strategy value at the end of Year 6 is also the Investment Base for the new Term at the beginning of Year 7.

**STATE VARIATIONS** 

This prospectus describes the material features of the Contract. Contracts issued in your state may provide different features and benefits from, and impose different costs than, those described in this prospectus because of state law variations. However, please note that the maximum charge is set forth in this prospectus. If you would like to review a copy of the Contract and any endorsements, contact us at P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5423, visit our website at www.massmutualascends.com or call us at 1-800-789-6771.

The following information is a summary of material state variations as of the date of this prospectus.

***Temporary Holding Account***

*For Contracts Issued in Missouri* 

For Contracts issued in Missouri, there is no Declared Rate Strategy. Amounts can be allocated or reallocated to a Temporary Holding Account. The value of the Temporary Holding Account is equal to: (1) the amounts applied to the Temporary Holding Account at the start of the current Term; minus (2) each withdrawal taken from the Temporary Holding Account during the current Term; minus (3) each rider charge taken from the Temporary Holding Account during the current Term; and plus (4) interest that we have credited on the balances in the Temporary Holding Account for the current Term.

The Temporary Holding Account earns interest daily at an annual effective rate equal to the interest rate used to calculate the minimum value under Missouri standard nonforfeiture law for a fixed annuity contract on the Contract issue date.

Allocations and reallocations to the Temporary Holding Account are subject to the Allocation Limit.

At the end of a Term, to the extent any amount cannot be applied to a Temporary Holding Account for the next Term because the amount is over the Allocation Limit, unless you send us a request to reallocate that amount we will apply the amount to the S&P 500 –10% Floor Strategy.

Amounts taken from the Temporary Holding Account on a withdrawal or a Surrender are not subject to a Market Value Adjustment.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Market Value Adjustment***

*For Contracts Issued in Connecticut, Indiana, and Maryland* 

The MVA formula does not include a spread factor. The MVA factor is equal to:

(A – B) x N

Where:

A = the MVA Index Interest Rate on the Contract Effective Date;

B = the MVA Index Interest Rate for the date of the withdrawal or Surrender; and

N = the number of whole and partial years remaining to the sixth Contract Anniversary.

***General***

*For Contracts Issued in Illinois* 

References to "spouse" have been changed to "spouse or civil union partner."

*For Contracts Issued in New Jersey* 

References to "spouse" have been changed to "spouse or civil union partner."

***Extended Care Waiver Rider***

*For Contracts Issued in California* 

The Waiver of Market Value Adjustments for Facility Care or Home Care or Community-Based Services Rider (CA Rider) provides a waiver under an expanded set of circumstances. The waiver will apply if, at the time of a Surrender, or within the immediately preceding 90 days, the following conditions are met: (1) the insured is confined in a facility or is receiving, as prescribed by a physician, registered nurse or licensed social worker, home care or community-based services; (2) the insured's confinement in a facility, the insured's receipt of home care or community-based services, or any combination thereof has continued for a period of at least 90 consecutive days; and (3) the first day of such 90-day period was at least one year after the contract effective date. Facility includes a skilled nursing facility, a convalescent nursing home, or an extended care facility or a residential care facility or a residential care facility for the elderly. Home care or community-based services includes home health care, adult day care, personal care, homemaker services, hospice services and respite care as defined in the rider. Additional conforming changes have been made including revised and new definitions, and inclusion of a description of circumstances under which the waiver does not apply. The termination provision has been modified to reflect that the rider will not terminate if you transfer or assign an interest in the contract to a person or entity other than the insured.

*For Contracts Issued in Connecticut* 

The conditions under which the waiver applies have been modified. The waiver will apply if at the time of a Surrender or within the immediately preceding 90 days all of the following conditions are met: (1) an insured is confined in a long-term care facility or hospital; and (2) the confinement has continued for a period of at least 90 consecutive days.

*For Contracts Issued in Kansas* 

The conditions under which the waiver applies have been modified. The first day of confinement must be at least 90 days after the contract effective date, rather than one year after the contract effective date.

*For Contracts Issued in Massachusetts* 

This waiver rider is not available in Massachusetts.

*For Contracts Issued in Missouri* 

This waiver rider is not available in Missouri.

*For Contracts Issued in Montana* 

The definition of medically necessary has been modified and refers to the Insured's physician.

*For Contracts Issued in Nebraska* 

The definition of skilled nursing facility has been modified by adding a licensed practical nurse to the list of persons who may provide nursing services or supervise the provision of nursing services.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
*For Contracts Issued in New Hampshire* 

The definition of skilled nursing facility has been modified by changing the phrase "licensed and operated as a skilled nursing facility" to "operated as a skilled nursing facility."

*For Contracts Issued in Pennsylvania* 

The conditions under which the waiver is available have been modified. The waiver will apply if at the time of a Surrender or within the immediately preceding 90 days all of the following conditions are met: (1) an insured is confined in one or more long-term care facilities, hospital, or a combination of such; (2) the confinement is prescribed by a physician and is medically necessary; (3) the first day of the confinement is at least one year after the contract effective date; and (4) the confinement has continued for a period of at least 90 consecutive days, or has continued for a total of at least 90 days if each successive confinement occurs within six months of the previous confinement and is for the same related medical cause.

The definition of long-term care facility has been modified. The following facilities have been deleted from the list of facilities excluded from that definition: a facility that primarily treats drug addicts and a facility that is a home for the mentally ill. An exclusion provision has been added to clarify that the waiver will not apply if the insured is confined in a long-term care facility or hospital for the treatment of certain types of drug addiction or mental illnesses.

The definition of hospital has been modified by changing the phrase "it maintains, or has access to, medical, diagnostic, and major surgical facilities" to "it maintains, or has access to, medical and diagnostic facilities."

*For Contracts Issued in Vermont* 

The definition of long-term care facility has been modified. The following facilities have been deleted from the list of excluded facilities: a facility that primarily treats drug addicts, a facility that primarily treats alcoholics, and a facility that is a home for the mentally ill. In addition, the definition of physician has been modified by changing the phrase "a person who is licensed in the United States as a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathy and who is practicing within the scope of his or her license" to "a person who is licensed in the United States who is providing medical care and treatment when such services are provided within the scope of his or her license and provided pursuant to applicable law."

*For Contracts Issued in Washington* 

The waiver is based on confinement to an extended care facility or hospital rather than a long-term care facility or hospital. Definitions are modified to reflect the new terminology, references to "skilled nursing facility" are changed to "nursing facility" and the related definition is modified. In the definition of nursing facility and hospital, a licensed practical nurse is added to the list of persons who may provide nursing services or supervise the provision of nursing services.

***Terminal Illness Waiver Rider***

*For Contracts Issued in Illinois* 

As a result of the terminal illness, your life expectancy must be 24 months from the date of death, rather than 12 months.

*For Contracts Issued in Kansas* 

As a result of the terminal illness, your life expectancy must be 24 months from the date of death, rather than 12 months. The diagnosis must be rendered 90 days after the contract effective date, rather than one year after the contract effective date.

*For Contracts Issued in New Jersey* 

The requirement related to the timing of the diagnosis does not apply. But the waiver will not be available until at least one year after the contract effective date.

*For Contracts Issued in Massachusetts* 

This waiver rider is not available in Massachusetts.

*For Contracts Issued in Pennsylvania* 

The diagnosis must be rendered after the contract effective date, rather than one year after the contract effective date. But the waiver will not be available until at least one year after the contract effective date. In addition, the waiver is based on a terminal condition as defined in the rider, rather than a terminal illness.

*For Contracts Issued in Texas* 

The diagnosis must be rendered on or after the contract effective date, rather than one year after the contract effective date.

*For Contracts Issued in Washington* 

As a result of the terminal illness, your life expectancy must be 24 months from the date of death, rather than 12 months.

***Form of Annuity Payout Benefit***

*For Contracts Issued in Texas:* 

Payments under a Payout Option are subject to a $50 minimum.

***Right to Cancel (Free Look)***

State law governs the length of the free look period and the amount of the refund that you will receive. The period and amount may differ if you are replacing a life insurance policy or annuity contract. The table below summarizes the state law provisions.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **For Contracts**<br> **Issued in:** | **Free Look<br>Period** | **Refund** | **Replacement<br>Free Look<br>Period** | **Replacement**<br> **Refund** |
| Alabama | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Alaska | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Arizona | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Arkansas | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value |
| California | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges<br> **Note**: If owner is age 60 or older,<br> refund amount is Purchase Payments. | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges<br> **Note**: If owner is age 60 or older,<br> refund amount is Purchase Payments. |
| Colorado | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Connecticut | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Delaware | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| District of Columbia | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value |
| Florida | 21 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Georgia | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Hawaii | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Idaho | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Illinois | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Indiana | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Iowa | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Kansas | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Kentucky | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Louisiana | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Maine | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Maryland | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Massachusetts | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Michigan | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Minnesota | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Mississippi | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Missouri | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Montana | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Nebraska | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Nevada | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| New Hampshire | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| New Jersey | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| New Mexico | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| North Carolina | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| North Dakota | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Ohio | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Oklahoma | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Oregon | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Pennsylvania | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value |
| Rhode Island | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| South Carolina | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| South Dakota | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Tennessee | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Texas | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Utah | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Vermont | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Virginia | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Washington | 20 days | Greater of: (1) Purchase Payments or<br> (2) Account Value minus taxes | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| West Virginia | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Wisconsin | 30 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Wyoming | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Greater of: (1) Purchase Payments or<br> (2) Account Value + Fees/Charges |

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
***Assignment***

*For Contracts Issued in Ohio:* 

Subject to the tax qualifications endorsement, if any, you may assign your rights to designate or change a Beneficiary or an Annuitant, to change Owners, or to elect a Payout Option if you make a specific Request in Good Order.

***Amendment of the Contract***

*For Contracts Issued in Florida:* 

You have the right to reject an endorsement that changes the provisions of this Contract to obtain or retain the intended tax treatment under federal tax law, or to take into account other pertinent laws and governmental regulations and rulings. We will not be responsible for the tax or other consequences of your rejection.

*For Contracts Issued in Texas:* 

You have the right to reject an endorsement that changes the provisions of this Contract to obtain or retain the intended tax treatment under federal tax law, or to take into account other pertinent laws and governmental regulations and rulings. We will not be responsible for the tax or other consequences of your rejection.

***Involuntary Termination***

*For Contracts Issued in Texas:* 

Our right to terminate this Contract is not tied to the minimum required value. We have the right to terminate this Contract if the Account Value would provide a benefit of less than $20 each month at age 70 under a life payout with payments for at least a fixed period of 10 years.

**\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** 

Our form number for the Contract is P1841622NW. Our form numbers for the Crediting Strategy endorsements to the Contract are E1825318NW, E1841922NW, E1841822NW, E1842022NW, E1843222NW, E1842422NW, E1842622NW, E1842122NW, E1842322NW, E1842722NW, E1842922NW E1849122NW, and E1849222NW. The form numbers may vary by state. The Securities and Exchange Commission file number for the Contract is 333-[ ].

**SECTION II** 

**MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INFORMATION** 

[to be added by amendment]

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY** 

Administrative Office: P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati OH 45201-5423

Street Address: 191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati OH 45202

Policy Administration: 1-800-789-6771

**INDEX ACHIEVER ANNUITY** 

**With Return of Premium Guarantee** 

**PROSPECTUS DATED [ ], 2023** 

The Index Achiever<sup>SM</sup> annuity is an Individual Index-linked Modified Single Premium Deferred Annuity contract issued by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company . It provides that we will pay the Annuity Payout Benefit to you in exchange for your Purchase Payments. It also provides a Death Benefit that will never be less than the return of premium guarantee.

**The Contract is a modified single premium deferred annuity. This means we will accept Purchase Payments only during the purchase payment period, which ends two months after the Contract Effective Date.** 

A glossary of defined terms used herein can be found in the Special Terms section starting on page [5] of this prospectus.

The Contract offers you the opportunity to allocate funds to Crediting Strategies for one-year Terms. The Crediting Strategies include Indexed Strategies and a Declared Rate Strategy.

**Indexed Strategies**. Indexed Strategies provide price returns based, in part, on the rise or fall of an Index, which may be a market index, such as the S&P 500 Index, or the share price of an exchange-traded fund, such as an iShares ETF or a SPDR ETF. The returns of an Index do not reflect the payment of dividends by stocks that make up the S&P 500 or by the ETF that is used as an Index.

For this Contract, we currently offer five Indexed Strategies that are shown in the table on Page [ ]. Each of these Indexed Strategies uses one of four Indexes: S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index, iShares<sup>®</sup> MSCI EAFE ETF, SPDR<sup>®</sup> Gold Shares ETF, and iShares<sup>®</sup> U.S. Real Estate ETF. When an Index rises over a Term, Indexed Strategy values are determined using a Cap. When an Index falls over a Term, Indexed Strategy values are determined using one of two negative return factors: a -10% Floor or a 10% Buffer.

The S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy will always be available. At the end of a Term, we may stop offering any other Indexed Strategy. Consequently, any other Indexed Strategy in this prospectus may not be available after the end of the initial Term. We have the right to replace the Index associated with an Indexed Strategy under certain circumstances. Indexed Strategies that may be available in the future may earn a return that is lower than the return your investments would have earned if they had been invested in the other Indexed Strategies listed in this prospectus. In addition, any reduction in the available number of Indexed Strategies may reduce your opportunity to increase your Account Value.

The value of an Indexed Strategy changes from day to day throughout each Term. The value of an Indexed Strategy is calculated using the Investment Base.

The Investment Base is the amount applied to the Indexed Strategy at the beginning of the current Term, adjusted proportionally for any withdrawals taken during the current Term and any related Market Value Adjustment. During the Term, the Investment Base remains unchanged except for any proportional adjustments for withdrawals.

The method used to calculate the Strategy value depends on whether the value is being calculated at the end of a Term or during a Term and on whether you have made a Performance Lock election.

At the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is the remaining Investment Base increased for any rise in the applicable Index for the Term or decreased for any fall in the applicable Index for the Term. For each Indexed Strategy, any increase for the Term is subject to a limit called the Cap (a "Cap Strategy"). For Indexed Strategies with a Buffer (a "Buffer Strategy"), any decrease for the Term resulting from Index performance is reduced by an amount called the Buffer. For the Indexed Strategy with a Floor (a "Floor Strategy"), any decrease for the Term resulting from Index performance is subject to a limit called the Floor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For each Indexed Strategy, the Cap for a Term is the largest rise in the Index for the Term taken into account to
determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. We can change the Cap for each new Term of an Indexed Strategy. It will never be less than 1%. At least 10 days before the start of any Term, we will post the Caps for that Term on our website
(www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index rises by more than the Cap, the increase in the Strategy value for the Term will equal the Cap and
will be less than the rise in the Index.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index rises by a percentage equal to the Cap, the increase in the Strategy value for the Term will equal
both the Cap and the rise in the Index.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index rises by less than the Cap, the increase in the Strategy value for the Term will be less than the
Cap and will equal the rise in the Index.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For the Indexed Strategy with a Floor Strategy, the Floor is the most negative portion of any fall in the Index
for the Term that is taken into account to determine the Strategy value for a Floor Strategy at the end of the Term. For each Term of the Floor Strategy, the Floor is -10%.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index falls by more than 10%, the decrease in the Strategy value for the Term will be 10%, meaning that
the change in the Strategy value will be -10%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index falls by 10%, the decrease in the Strategy Value for the Term will equal both the -10% Floor and the fall in the Index, meaning that the change in the Strategy value will be -10%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index falls by less than 10%, the decrease in the Strategy value for the Term will be less than the -10% Floor and will equal the fall in the Index.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For an Indexed Strategy with a Buffer Strategy, the Buffer provides a buffer against the first 10% of any fall in
the Index for the Term to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. For each Term of a Buffer Strategy, the Buffer is 10%. The decrease for the Term will equal the amount, if any, by which the fall in the Index exceeds 10%. If the Index
for the Term falls by 50%, the Buffer limits the change in Strategy value for the Term to -40%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index falls by more than 10%, the decrease in the Strategy value for the Term will be equal to the fall in
the Index minus 10%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index falls by 10%, there will be no decrease in the Strategy value for the Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index falls by less than 10%, there will be no decrease in the Strategy value for the Term.

Unless you have made a Performance Lock election, any increase in the value of an Indexed Strategy at the end of a Term is based on the value of the underlying Index on the final Market Day of the Term. This means that you may experience negative or flat performance for the Term even though the underlying Index rose throughout some or most of the Term.

Before the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is the remaining Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage. The Daily Value Percentage is based on hypothetical options that represent the projected change in the Index over the full Term, and is equal to the Net Option Price, reduced by the Amortized Option Cost and the Trading Cost. **The Daily Value Percentage is applied to determine Strategy values when you withdraw funds allocated to an Indexed Strategy or Surrender your Contract before the end of a Term. The Daily Value Percentage is also applied if the Death Benefit or Annuity Payout value are determined before the end of a Term.**

You may make a Performance Lock election for an S&P 500 Indexed Strategy. Indexed Strategy for a Term that starts after the date of this prospectus. If you make a Performance Lock election, the Strategy value is determined based on the Daily Value Percentage locked at the second Market Close following receipt of your election. Thereafter, that locked Daily Value Percentage will apply to determine the Strategy value on each subsequent day of the Term, including the value at the end of the Term. After a Performance Lock election, the Strategy value continues to be subject to a Market Value Adjustment that may apply on a withdrawal or Surrender, and the Market Value Adjustment that may apply on any given day will continue to vary.

**An Indexed Strategy includes a risk of potential loss, which may include both your original principal and prior earnings.** This potential loss may exceed any decrease resulting from a fall in an Index because (i) the decline in the Daily Value Percentage during a Term may exceed the fall in the Index, and (ii) a withdrawal or Surrender may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment. For withdrawals before the end of a Term or if a Performance Lock election is made, the potential loss may exceed the Floor or may not receive the full protection of the Buffer, because the Daily Value Percentage during a Term is not directly limited by the Floor or Buffer. These same factors could cause you to realize losses even when the Index rises. For example, you will lose value if the amount of increase attributable to an Index rise is smaller than the amount needed to offset a negative Market Value Adjustment.

**Declared Rate Strategy**. The Declared Rate Strategy earns interest during a Term at a fixed rate we set before that Term begins. The fixed interest rate varies from Term to Term, but will never be less than the guaranteed minimum interest rate set out in the Declared Rate Strategy endorsement included in your Contract. The guaranteed minimum interest will be at least equal to the minimum interest rate required for fixed annuity contracts by state Standard Nonforfeiture Law that is in effect on the date that the Contract is issued. Each Term of the Declared Rate Strategy is one-year long. Amounts allocated or reallocated to the Declared Rate Strategy are subject to an Allocation Limit of 12%. Note: The Declared Rate Strategy is not available for Contracts issued in Missouri. For Contracts issued in Missouri, see the State Variations section below for more information about the Temporary Holding Account, which has many of the same features as the Declared Rate Strategy.

**Market Value Adjustment**. If you Surrender your Contract during the first six Contract Years, a Market Value Adjustment applies to amounts held under the Indexed Strategies. It also applies to withdrawals from an Indexed Strategy, including automated withdrawals and withdrawals taken to satisfy a required distribution, but not including withdrawals taken to pay advisory fees. It does not apply to withdrawals taken from the Declared Rate Strategy. For Contracts issued in Missouri, it does not apply to withdrawals taken from the Temporary Holding Account.

The Market Value Adjustment depends on changes in the BofA Merrill Lynch 5-10 Year US Corporate Bond Index ("MVA Index Interest Rate") since the Contract Effective Date and the amount of time remaining until the sixth Contract Anniversary. The Market Value Adjustment will be negative and will decrease the value of the Indexed Strategies if the MVA Index Interest Rate has gone up since the Contract Effective Date, or has fallen by the amount of a spread factor or less. The Market Value Adjustment will be positive and will increase the value of the Indexed Strategies if the MVA Index Interest Rate has fallen by more than the amount of a spread factor. Except as provided in the State Variations section, the spread factor is 0.25%.

Withdrawals and Surrenders may also be subject to income tax, and withdrawals and Surrenders before age 59<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> may also be subject to an additional 10% penalty tax.

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**Advisory Fees.** The Contract is sold by broker-dealers who are also registered as, affiliated with, or in a contractual relationship with a registered investment advisor, through their registered representatives/investment advisor representatives. The Contract is intended to be used by investors who have engaged these investment advisors and investment advisor representatives to manage their Contract for a fee. If an investor elects to pay the advisory fee from his or her Account Value, then this deduction, like all other withdrawals, will reduce the Death Benefit and Account Value. The reduction in the Death Benefit could be significant and more than the dollar amount of the withdrawal. Based on current guidance, most withdrawals from the Contract to pay advisory fees should not be subject to income tax. However, tax laws are subject to change, and it is possible that a withdrawal to pay fees could be subject to federal and state income taxes, and to a 10% federal penalty tax if made before age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>. For more information on the tax treatment of withdrawals used to pay advisory fees, please see the discussion on page 50. **Given the adverse consequences of withdrawing advisory fees from Indexed Strategies before the end of a Term, an investor should consider paying advisory fees from some other source, such as amounts in the Declared Rate Strategy or other assets.**

**The Contract is intended for long-term investment purposes and the Indexed Strategies may not be appropriate for investors who plan to take withdrawals (including automated withdrawals and required minimum distributions) during the first six Contract Years.** 

**Risk Factors for this Contract appear on pages [ ] and pages [ ].** Indexed annuity contracts are complex insurance and investment vehicles. You should speak with your registered investment advisor about the Index Achiever annuity and its features, benefits, risks, and charges, and whether the Contract is appropriate for you based upon your financial situation and objectives.

Please read this prospectus before investing and keep it for future reference. It contains important information about your Contract and MassMutual Ascend Life that you ought to know before investing. It describes all material rights and obligations under the Contract. The provisions of the Contract may vary from state to state. All material state variations are identified in the State Variations section of this prospectus.

**All guarantees under the Contract are the obligations of MassMutual Ascend Life and are subject to the credit worthiness and claims-paying ability of MassMutual Ascend Life.** 

**\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** 

**NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **The Contract is not insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) or the NCUSIF (National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund).** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **Although the Contract may be sold through relationships with banks or other financial institutions, the Contract is not a deposit or obligation of, or guaranteed by, such institutions or any federal regulatory agency.** 

The Contract doesn't invest in any equity, debt, or other investments.

**\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** 

The principal underwriter of the Contract is MM Ascend Life Investor Services, LLC. The offering of the Contract is intended to be continuous. The underwriter will use its best efforts to sell the Contract. We offer other registered index-linked annuity contracts with different product features, benefits, and charges.

This prospectus is not an offering in any state, country, or jurisdiction in which we are not authorized to sell the Contract.

**If you purchase a Contract, you may cancel it within 20 days after you receive it. If you purchase a Contract to replace an existing annuity contract or insurance policy, you have 30 days to cancel the Contract. The right to cancel period may be longer in some states. In most states, you will bear the risk of any decreases in Indexed Strategy values before cancellation. The right to cancel is described more fully in the Right to Cancel section of this prospectus.** 

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**Table of Contents** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [SECTION I INDEX ACHIEVER ANNUITY INFORMATION](#txb459546_1) | 5.0 |
| [Special Terms](#txb459546_2) | 5.0 |
| [Special Terms Related to Daily Value Percentage](#txb459546_3) | 8.0 |
| [Summary](#txb459546_4) | 9.0 |
| [Risk Factors](#txb459546_5) | 14.0 |
| [Indexed Strategies](#txb459546_6) | 19.0 |
| [Indexes](#txb459546_7) | 24.0 |
| [Caps, Buffers, and Floors](#txb459546_8) | 27.0 |
| [Indexed Strategy Value at End of Term](#txb459546_9) | 29.0 |
| [Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term](#txb459546_10) | 30.0 |
| [Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election](#txb459546_11) | 32.0 |
| [Declared Rate Strategy](#txb459546_12) | 33.0 |
| [Purchase](#txb459546_13) | 34.0 |
| [Initial Strategy Selections](#txb459546_14) | 36.0 |
| [Strategy Selections at Term End](#txb459546_15) | 36.0 |
| [Cash Benefit](#txb459546_16) | 38.0 |
| [Fees and Charges](#txb459546_17) | 40.0 |
| [Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost Used to Calculate Daily Value Percentage](#txb459546_18) | 40.0 |
| [Market Value Adjustment](#txb459546_19) | 40.0 |
| [Annuity Payout Benefit](#txb459546_20) | 42.0 |
| [Death Benefit](#txb459546_21) | 43.0 |
| [Payout Options](#txb459546_22) | 45.0 |
| [Processing Purchase Payments and Requests](#txb459546_23) | 47.0 |
| [Right to Cancel (Free Look)](#txb459546_24) | 48.0 |
| [Annual Statement and Confirmations](#txb459546_25) | 49.0 |
| [Electronic Delivery](#txb459546_26) | 49.0 |
| [Abandoned Property Requirements](#txb459546_27) | 49.0 |
| [Owner](#txb459546_28) | 50.0 |
| [Annuitant](#txb459546_29) | 50.0 |
| [Beneficiary](#txb459546_30) | 51.0 |
| [Other Contract Provisions](#txb459546_31) | 51.0 |
| [Federal Tax Considerations](#txb459546_32) | 52.0 |
| [Premium and Other Taxes](#txb459546_33) | 56.0 |
| [Distribution of the Contracts](#txb459546_34) | 56.0 |
| [MassMutual Ascend Life's General Account](#txb459546_35) | 57.0 |
| [Legal Matters](#txb459546_36) | 57.0 |
| [Experts](#txb459546_37) | 58.0 |
| [The Registration Statement](#txb459546_38) | 58.0 |
| [Option Prices](#txb459546_39) | 58.0 |
| [Examples: Impact of Withdrawals on Contract Values and Amounts Realized](#txb459546_40) | 59.0 |
| [State Variations](#txb459546_41) | 66.0 |
| [SECTION II MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INFORMATION](#txb459546_42) | 69.0 |

---

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**SECTION I** 

**INDEX ACHIEVER ANNUITY INFORMATION** 

**SPECIAL TERMS** 

In this prospectus, the following capitalized terms have the meanings set out below.

ACCOUNT VALUE. For each day, the Account Value is the sum of the current values of each Crediting Strategy, plus the current value of the Purchase Payment Account, if any.

ALLOCATION LIMIT. The limit for allocations and reallocations to the Declared Rate Strategy. The Allocation Limit is 12%. The Allocation Limit also applies to the Temporary Holding Account for Contracts issued in Missouri.

ANNUITANT. The natural person or persons on whose life the Annuity Payout Benefit is based.

ANNUITY PAYOUT BENEFIT. A series of periodic payments made under a Payout Option. The terms and conditions are described in the Annuity Payout Benefit section of this prospectus.

ANNUITY PAYOUT INITIATION DATE. The first day of the first payment interval for which payment of an Annuity Payout Benefit is to be made. This is the date we apply your Account Value to the Annuity Payout Benefit and calculate the payment amount.

BENEFICIARY. A person entitled to receive all or part of a Death Benefit that is to be paid under the Contract on account of a death before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

BUFFER. For each Buffer Strategy, the Buffer provides a buffer against the first 10% of any fall in the Index for the Term when determining the Loss for the Term. The Buffer is also used in the calculation of the Daily Value Percentage before the end of the Term. For each Term of each Buffer Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Buffer is 10%. In the future, we may offer a new Strategy with a Buffer that is more than 10%, but we will not offer a new Strategy with a Buffer thaT is less than 10%.

CAP. For each Indexed Strategy, the Cap is the largest rise in the Index for the Term that is taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. The Cap is also used in the calculation of the Daily Value Percentage for that Strategy before the end of the Term. We post on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates) the Cap for each Term of an Indexed Strategy at least 10 days before the next Term starts. For a given Term, we may set a different Cap for amounts attributable to Purchase Payments received on different dates. The Cap for a Term will never be less than 1%.

CONTRACT. The annuity contract that is a legally binding agreement between you and MassMutual Ascend Life, including applicable endorsements and riders.

CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY. The date in each year that is the annual anniversary of the Contract Effective Date. That date is set out on your Contract Specifications Page.

CONTRACT EFFECTIVE DATE. The date as of which the initial Purchase Payment is applied to the Contract. That date is set out on your Contract Specifications Page.

CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS PAGE. The pages in your Contract that contain details unique to your Contract.

CONTRACT YEAR. A 12-month period that starts on the Contract Effective Date or on a Contract Anniversary.

CREDITING STRATEGY (STRATEGY). A specified method by which declared interest is set or values are calculated. The Crediting Strategies that are currently available are set out on page 9 of this prospectus.

DAILY VALUE PERCENTAGE. The Daily Value Percentage is used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term. For each day of a Term of an Indexed Strategy before the final Market Day of the Term, the Daily Value Percentage is equal to: (1) the Net Option Price for that day; minus (2) the Amortized Option Cost for that day; and minus (3) the Trading Cost for that day.

See the next section (Special Terms Related to Daily Value Percentage) for the definitions of Amortized Option Cost, Net Option Price, and Trading Cost.

DEATH BENEFIT. An amount that becomes payable if you die before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and before the date that the Contract is Surrendered. The terms and conditions are described in the Death Benefit section of this prospectus.

DECLARED RATE. A fixed interest rate set by us for a Term of the Declared Rate Strategy.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
DECLARED RATE STRATEGY. A Crediting Strategy that credits interest at a Declared Rate. Note: The Declared Rate Strategy is not available for Contracts issued in Missouri. (For Contracts issued in Missouri, see the State Variations section below for more information about the Temporary Holding Account, which has many of the same features as the Declared Rate Strategy.)

FLOOR. For a Floor Strategy, the Floor is the decrease in the value of an Index for a Term that is taken into account when determining the Loss for the Term. The Floor is also used in the calculation of the Daily Value Percentage before the end of the Term. For each Term of the Floor Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Floor is -10%. In the future, we may offer a new Strategy with a Floor that is less negative than -10%, but we will not offer a new Strategy with a Floor that is more negative than -10%.

INDEX. A stock market index or an exchange-traded fund (ETF) used to calculate the value of an Indexed Strategy. The Index at the start of a Term is its level or price at the last Market Close on or before the first day of that Term. The Index at the end of a Term is its level or price at the final Market Close of that Term.

INDEXED STRATEGY. A Crediting Strategy that provides a return based, in part, on changes in the level or price of an Index over a Term.

INVESTMENT BASE. The base amount used to calculate the value of an Indexed Strategy. The Investment Base is the amount applied to an Indexed Strategy at the start of a current Term, adjusted proportionally for any withdrawal during the Term and any related Market Value Adjustment. An Investment Base is not used to calculate the value of a Declared Rate Strategy.

MARKET CLOSE. The close of the regular or core trading session on the market used to measure a given Index.

MARKET DAY. Each day that all markets that are used to measure the available Indexes are open for regular trading.

MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT. An adjustment made to the value of an Indexed Strategy if this Contract is surrendered or a withdrawal is taken from the Indexed Strategy (including automated withdrawals, required minimum distributions, but not including withdrawals to pay advisory fees) before the sixth Contract Anniversary. The Market Value Adjustment does not apply to a withdrawal from the Declared Rate Strategy, the portion of the Account Value held in the Declared Rate Strategy on a Surrender, a Surrender that qualifies for a waiver, an Annuity Payout Benefit, or a Death Benefit.

MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE ("WE," "US," "OUR," "GALIC"). MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company.

OWNER ("YOU," "YOURS"). The person(s) who possesses the ownership rights under the Contract. If there is more than one Owner, each Owner will be a joint owner of the Contract and each reference to Owner means joint owners.

PAYOUT OPTION. The form in which an Annuity Payout Benefit or a Death Benefit may be paid. Standard options are described in the Payout Options section of this prospectus.

PERFORMANCE LOCK. An election to lock in the Daily Value Percentage for the remainder of a Term of an Indexed Strategy. A Performance Lock election for a Term is effective on the second Market Close following our receipt of your Request in Good Order. After the second Market Close, the Indexed Strategy value before the end of the Term and the Indexed Strategy value at the end of the Term is based on the Daily Value Percentage as determined for that second Market Close. This means that the Net Option Value, Amortized Option Cost, and Trading Cost as of that second Market Close will apply from that date on through the end of the Term.

PURCHASE PAYMENT. An amount received by us for the Contract. This amount is determined after deducting any taxes withheld from the payment and after deducting any fee charged by the person remitting payment.

PURCHASE PAYMENT ACCOUNT. An account where a Purchase Payment is held until it is applied to a Crediting Strategy on a Strategy Application Date.

REQUEST IN GOOD ORDER. An election or a request that is:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• complete and satisfactory to us;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• sent to us on our form or in a manner satisfactory to us, which may, at our discretion, be by telephone or
electronic means; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• received at our administrative office.

An election or a request is complete and satisfactory when we have received: (1) all the information and legal documentation that we require to process the election or the request; and (2) instructions that are sufficiently clear that we do not need to exercise any discretion to process the election or the request. If you have any questions, you should contact us or your registered representative before submitting your election or your request.

STRATEGY APPLICATION DATE. The 6th and 20th days of each month.

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SURRENDER. The termination of your Contract in exchange for its Surrender Value.

SURRENDER VALUE. For each day, the Surrender Value is the Account Value on that day plus or minus the Market Value Adjustment that would apply on a Surrender of the Contract. The Account Value will reflect the applicable Strategy values as calculated on that day, which will reflect the Daily Value Percentage whenever Surrender Value is measured before the end of a Term.

TAX-QUALIFIED CONTRACT. An annuity contract that is intended to qualify for special tax treatment for retirement savings. If your Contract is a Tax-Qualified Contract, the cover page of your Contract includes information about its tax qualification. If your Contract is not a Tax-Qualified Contract, the cover page of your Contract will identify it as a "Nonqualified Annuity."

TERM. The period for which Contract values are allocated to a given Crediting Strategy, and over which interest or values are calculated. Terms are one year long. Each Term will start and end on a Strategy Application Date. A new Term will start on the date that the preceding Term ends.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**SPECIAL TERMS RELATED TO DAILY VALUE PERCENTAGE** 

AMORTIZED OPTION COST. The Amortized Option Cost is one part of the Daily Value Percentage used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy each day before the final Market Day of a Term. The Amortized Cost for a day is calculated for the last Market Close on or before that day. The Amortized Option Cost is a percentage equal to: (1) the initial Net Option Price for an Indexed Strategy for the Term; multiplied by (2) the number of days remaining until the final Market Close of that Term divided by 365 days. The initial Net Option Price is the Net Option Price calculated for the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term.

NET OPTION PRICE. The Net Option Price is one part of the Daily Value Percentage used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy before the final Market Day of a Term. The Net Option Price for a day is calculated as of the last Market Close on or before that day.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For strategies with a Floor and a Cap, the Net Option Price as of a Market Close is equal to: (1) the ATM
Call Option Price calculated for that Market Close; minus (2) the OTM Call Option Price calculated for that Market Close; minus (3) the ATM Put Option Price calculated for that Market Close; and plus (4) the the OTM Put Option
calculated for the Market Close.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For strategies with a Buffer and a Cap, the Net Option Price as of a Market Close is equal to: (1) the ATM
Call Option Price calculated for that Market Close; minus (2) the OTM Call Option Price calculated for that Market Close; and minus (3) the OTM Put Option Price calculated for that Market Close.

The option prices in these formulas reflect the possible future change in the Index over the remainder of the Term. The formulas take into account the Cap for the Term and the Buffer or the Floor.

Each option price is stated as a percentage of the Index calculated for the last Market Close on or before the first day of the Term. The option price is an average of the bid-ask prices calculated for the hypothetical option.

ATM CALL OPTION PRICE. The calculated price of a hypothetical at-the-money call option. The hypothetical at-the-money call option is one that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage rise, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of a Term to the final Market Close of that Term.

ATM PUT OPTION PRICE. The calculated price of a hypothetical at-the-money put option. The hypothetical at-the-money put option is one that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage fall, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of a Term to the final Market Close of that Term.

OTM CALL OPTION PRICE. The calculated price of a hypothetical out-of-the-money call option. The hypothetical out-of-the-money call option is one that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage rise, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of a Term to the final Market Close of that Term, but only if and to the extent that rise exceeds the Cap for that Term.

OTM PUT OPTION PRICE. The calculated price of a hypothetical out-of-the-money put option. The hypothetical out-of-the-money put option is one that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage decrease, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term, but only to the extent the percentage decrease exceeds the Buffer or Floor for the Term.

TRADING COST. The Trading Cost is one part of the Daily Value Percentage used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy each day before the final Market Day of a Term. The Trading Cost is the estimated cost of selling the hypothetical options before the end of a Term. The Trading Cost for a day is a percentage set by us by the last Market Close on or before that day. The Trading Cost reflects the average market difference between option bid-ask average prices and option bid prices.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**SUMMARY** 

The MassMutual Acend Life Index Achiever annuity is an individual deferred indexed annuity contract that may help you accumulate retirement savings. The Contract is intended for long-term investment purposes. The Contract is a legal agreement between you as the Owner and MassMutual Ascend Life as the issuing insurance company. In the Contract, we agree to pay the Annuity Payout Benefit to you in exchange for one or more Purchase Payments. If you die before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date, we also agree to provide a Death Benefit that will never be less than the return of premium guarantee.

Like all deferred annuities, the Contract has two periods. During the period prior to the Annuity Payout Initiation Date, your Contract may accumulate earnings on a tax-deferred basis. During the period that begins on the Annuity Payout Initiation Date, we will make payments under the selected Payout Option.

The key features of the Contract are described in this Summary. Read this entire prospectus for more detailed information about the Contract.

**Benefits** *(See "Cash Benefit", "Annuity Payout Benefit", and "Death Benefit" sections on page [ ] and [ ] for more details)*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The **Annuity Payout Benefit** is a series of periodic payments made under a Payout Option. This benefit can
provide you with income for a fixed period of time or for life. It is based on the Account Value on the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The **Cash Benefit** lets you take out all of your Account Value (Surrender) or take out part of it
(withdrawal). A Market Value Adjustment generally applies if you take out money during the first six Contract Years. You can Surrender your Contract or take a withdrawal before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The **Death Benefit** is payable if you die before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. This benefit is paid to
your beneficiaries. It is based on the Death Benefit value. It will never be less than the Return of Premium Guarantee, which will be equal to your Purchase Payments, reduced proportionally for withdrawals (not including amounts applied to pay for
negative Market Value Adjustments).

**Purchase Payments and Issue Age** *(See "Purchase" section on page[ ] for more details)*

<u>The Contract is a modified single premium annuity. This means we will accept Purchase Payments only during the purchase payment period, which ends two months after the Contract Effective Date.</u> 

The initial Purchase Payment must be at least $25,000. Each additional Purchase Payment must be at least $10,000. You will need our prior approval if you want to make a Purchase Payment(s) of more than $1,000,000.

Each Owner must be age 80 or younger on the Contract Effective Date.

**Indexed Strategies** *(See "Indexed Strategies" section on page [ ] for more details)*

For this Contract, we currently offer five Indexed Strategies. Each of these Indexed Strategies uses one of four Indexes: S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index, iShares<sup>®</sup> MSCI EAFE ETF, SPDR Gold Shares ETF, and iShares<sup>®</sup> U.S. Real Estate ETF. Each of these Indexed Strategies have one-year Terms.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Strategy | Index | Term | Positive Return Factor | Negative Return Factor |
|  S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy | S&P 500<sup>®</sup> | 1-year | Cap | -10% Floor |
|  S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy | S&P 500<sup>®</sup> | 1-year | Cap | 10% Buffer |
|  iShares MSCI EAFE ETF 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy | MSCI EAFE ETF | 1-year | Cap | 10% Buffer |
|  SPDR Gold Shares ETF 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy | Gold Shares ETF | 1-year | Cap | 10% Buffer |
|  iShares US Real Estate ETF 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy | U.S. Real Estate<br>ETF | 1-year | Cap | 10% Buffer |

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For each Indexed Strategy, the Cap will never be lower than 1%.

The Contract doesn't invest in any equity, debt, or other investments. If you buy this Contract, you aren't investing directly in an Index, in the stocks included in S&P 500 Index, in the securities or other assets held by an iShares ETF or SPDR ETF, in any underlying index tracked by an iShares ETF or SPDR ETF, or in the securities or other assets held by such underlying index. **All benefits and guarantees under the Contract are the obligations of MassMutual Ascend Life and are subject to the credit worthiness and claims-paying ability of MassMutual Ascend Life.**

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Indexed Strategy Value** *(See "Indexed Strategy Value at End of Term" and "Indexed Strategy Value before End of Term" sections below for more details)*

The value of an Indexed Strategy changes from day to day throughout each Term. The method used to calculate the Strategy value depends on whether the value is being calculated at the end of a Term or during a Term and whether a Performance Lock election has been made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Once the last Market Day of the Term has been reached, unless a Performance Lock election has been made, the
value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to the remaining Investment Base increased for any rise in the applicable Index over that Term or decreased for any fall in the applicable Index over that Term. Any increase for the Term is limited by the Cap
for the Term. Any decrease for the Term is limited by the Floor or Buffer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• On each day before the last Market Day of the Term, unless a Performance Lock election has been made, the value
of an Indexed Strategy is equal to the remaining Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage as of the most recent Market Close.

If a Performance Lock election has been made, then starting with the second Market Close following receipt of the election and continuing through the end of the Term, the value of the Indexed Strategy is equal to the remaining Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage locked as of that second Market Close.

A withdrawal, including any withdrawal to pay advisory fees, reduces the Strategy value by the amount of the withdrawal plus or minus any related Market Value Adjustment.

**Investment Base** *(See "Indexed Strategies" section on page [ ] for more details)*

The value of an Indexed Strategy is calculated using the Investment Base. The Investment Base is not your Strategy Value, Account Value, Surrender Value, Annuity Payout value, or Death Benefit value, but it is used to calculate those values.

At the start of a Term, the Investment Base of an Indexed Strategy is equal to the amount applied to that Strategy for that Term. The Investment Base will not change during a Term unless there is a withdrawal. For example, if $60,000 is applied to a given Indexed Strategy at the beginning of a Term, and there are no withdrawals, then the Investment Base throughout that Term will be $60,000.

In addition, a withdrawal reduces the Investment Base by the amount that is proportional to the reduction in the Strategy value on account of the withdrawal and any related Market Value Adjustment. For example, if a withdrawal and the related Market Value Adjustment are equal to 35% of the Strategy value, then the Investment Base for that Strategy will be reduced by 35%.

This means the dollar amount of the proportional reduction in the Investment Base will not be the same as the dollar amount of the withdrawal and the Market Value Adjustment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Strategy value immediately before the withdrawal is greater than the Investment Base, then the
proportional reduction in the Investment Base will be less than the withdrawal and the related Market Value Adjustment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Strategy value immediately before the withdrawal is less than the Investment Base, then the proportional
reduction in the Investment Base will be greater than the withdrawal and the related Market Value Adjustment.

**Indexed Strategy Value at End of Term** *(See "Indexed Strategy Value at End of Term" section on page [ ] for more details)*

At the end of a Term, unless a Performance Lock election has been made, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to the remaining Investment Base increased for any rise in the Index or decreased for any fall in the Index for the Term. If you have made a Performance Lock election, then the normal rules set out here do not apply, and the value at the end of a Term is determined as described under Performance Lock below.

Any increase for the Term is potentially limited by a Cap.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For each Strategy, the Cap for a Term is the largest rise in the Index for the Term taken into account to
determine the Strategy value at the end of the Term. For example, if the Cap is 10% and the Index increases for the Term by 16%, the Cap limits the increase in Strategy value for the Term to 10%.

Any decrease for a Term is limited by a Floor or a Buffer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For a Floor Strategy, the Floor is the portion of any fall in the Index for the Term that is taken into account
to determine the Strategy value for a Strategy at the end of the Term. For example, if the Floor is -10% and the Index decreases for the Term by 15%, the Floor limits the change in Strategy value for the Term
to -10%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For a Buffer Strategy, the Buffer provides a buffer against the first 10% of any fall in the Index for the Term
to determine the Strategy value for a Strategy at the end of the Term. For example, if the Buffer is 10% and the Index decreases for the Term by 15%, the Buffer limits the change in Strategy value for the Term to -5%.

We set the Caps for each Indexed Strategy prior to the start of each Term. This means Caps may change for each Term. A Cap will never be lower than 1%. At least 10 days before the next Term starts, we will post the Caps that will apply to the Indexed Strategies for that next Term on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

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For each Term of the Floor Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Floor is -10%. The Floor for a Floor Strategy will not change. In a hypothetical worst case scenario where the Index falls by 100% for the Term and the Floor is -10%, then the Strategy value at the end of the Term will be equal to the Investment Base decreased by 10%.

For each Term of each Buffer Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Buffer is 10%. The Buffer for these Indexed Strategies will not change. In a hypothetical worst case scenario where the Index falls by 100% for the Term and the Buffer is 10%, then the Strategy value at the end of the Term will be equal to the Investment Base decreased by 90%.

Any increase or decrease in the value of an Indexed Strategy at the end of a Term is based on the value of the underlying Index on the final Market Day of the Term. This means that you may experience negative or flat performance for the Term even though the underlying Index rose throughout some or most of the Term.

**Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term** *(See "Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term" section on page [ ] for more details)*

Before the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to the Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage. If you have made a Performance Lock election, then the normal rules set out here do not apply, and the value before the end of a Term is determined as described under Performance Lock below.

The Daily Value Percentage is intended to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy prior to the end of a Term using option values related to the positive and negative return factors of the Indexed Strategy. The Daily Value Percentage is equal to the Net Option Price, reduced by the Amortized Option Cost and the Trading Cost.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Net Option Price is the calculated price of hypothetical options that represent the projected change in the
applicable Index over the full Term. The calculated price takes into account the applicable Cap and the Buffer or Floor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Amortized Option Cost is the calculated price of those options at the start of the Term amortized over the
Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Trading Cost is the estimated cost of selling those options. It is a percentage set by us by the last Market
Close on or before that day.

For example, if the Investment Base for a Strategy is $100,000 and the Daily Value Percentage is 8%, then the value of your Strategy on that day is equal to $108,000 ($100,000 Investment Base, increased by $100,000 x 8%). If the Investment Base for a Strategy is $100,000 and the Daily Value Percentage is -4%, then the value of your Strategy on that day is equal to $96,000 ($100,000 Investment Base, decreased by $100,000 x -4%).

Each part of the Daily Value Percentage is described in greater detail on pages [ ] to [ ].

**Performance Lock** *(See "Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock" section on page [ ] for more details)*

A Performance Lock is an election to lock in the Daily Value Percentage for the remainder of a Term. You may make a Performance Lock election for a Term that starts after the date of this prospectus by a Request in Good Order. Once we receive your Request in Good Order, a Performance Lock election for a Term cannot be changed or revoked.

A Performance Lock election for a Term is effective on the second Market Close following our receipt of your Request in Good Order. After the second Market Close, the Indexed Strategy value before the end of the Term and the Indexed Strategy value at the end of the Term is based on the Daily Value Percentage and Trading Cost as determined for that second Market Close. This means that the Net Option Value, Amortized Option Cost, and Trading Cost as of that second Market Close will apply from that date on through the end of the Term.

Performance Lock is only available for an S&P 500 Indexed Strategy.

A Performance Lock does not lock the Market Value Adjustment. After a Performance Lock election, the Strategy value continues to be subject to the Market Value Adjustment that may apply on a withdrawal or Surrender, and the Market Value Adjustment that may apply on any given day will continue to vary.

**You are responsible for deciding whether to elect a Performance Lock and we are not responsible for any losses incurred as a result of your decision whether or not to elect a Performance Lock.** 

**Declared Rate Strategy** *(See "Declared Rate Strategy" section on page [ ] for more details)*

Amounts held under the Declared Rate Strategy are credited with interest daily throughout a Term at a rate we set before that Term begins. This means the interest rate for the Declared Rate Strategy may change for each Term. Each Term of the Declared Rate Strategy is one year long. A Declared Rate will never be less than the guaranteed minimum interest rate set out in the Declared Rate Strategy endorsement included in your Contract. The guaranteed minimum interest rate will be at least equal to the minimum interest rate required for fixed annuity contracts by state Standard Nonforfeiture Law that is in effect on the date that the Contract is issued. At least 10 days before the next Term starts, we will post the Declared Rate that will apply to the Declared Rate Strategy for that next Term on our website. Note: The Declared Rate Strategy is not available for Contracts issued in Missouri. For Contracts issued in Missouri, see the State Variations section below for more information about the Temporary Holding Account, which has many of the same features as the Declared Rate Strategy.

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**Allocation Limit** *(See "Declared Rate Strategy – Allocation Limit" section on page [ ] for more details)*

When a Purchase Payment is applied to Crediting Strategies, the percentage of the Purchase Payment Account applied to the Declared Rate Strategy cannot exceed the Allocation Limit of 12%. When ending values are reallocated to Crediting Strategies at the end of a Term, the percentage of the Account Value to be applied to the Declared Rate Strategy cannot exceed the Allocation Limit. If you do not make a request to reallocate the ending values of your Crediting Strategies for a given Term, the ending value of the Declared Rate Strategy may be applied to a new Term of that same Strategy even if it exceeds the Allocation Limit for the Declared Rate Strategy. This limit also applies to the Temporary Holding Account for Contracts issued in Missouri.

**Strategy Renewals and Reallocations** *(See "Strategy Selections at Term End" section on page [ ] for more details)*

At the end of each Term, you may reallocate the ending values of the Crediting Strategies for that Term among the Strategies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you reallocate, then we will apply the ending values of the Crediting Strategies to a new Term of the
Crediting Strategies that you select.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you do not reallocate, then we will apply the ending value of each Crediting Strategy to a new Term of that
same Strategy, as long as the same Strategy is available for a new Term.

If funds are allocated to any other Indexed Strategy that will not be available for the next Term and you do not request a reallocation of those funds, we will apply the ending value of that Indexed Strategy as follows:

1) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and that has the same or most comparable positive return factors and negative return factors; or

2) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the largest Buffer; or

3) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the least negative Floor; or

4) to the Declared Rate Strategy to the extent it does not cause the allocation to exceed the Allocation Limit; or

5) to the extent that it cannot be allocated to the Declared Rate Strategy, then to the S&P 500 –10% Floor Strategy. 

**You cannot reallocate your value among Crediting Strategies during a Term. If you elect a Performance Lock, you will not be able to reallocate the locked value until the end of a Term. We will send you written notice at least 30 days before the end of a Term to provide you with the opportunity to make a reallocation. However, you will not know the Caps applicable to a new Term until 10 days before the end of the current Term. You should consider this information before finalizing your renewal or reallocation decision.** 

**Access to Your Money through Withdrawals** *(See "Cash Benefit" section on page [ ] for more details)*

You may take a withdrawal from your Contract at any time prior to the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. During the first six Contract Years, a Market Value Adjustment will apply unless your withdrawal comes from the Declared Rate Strategy. A withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy will reduce the Account Value by the amount of the withdrawal, including any taxes and any applicable Market Value Adjustment. A withdrawal during a Term will reduce the Investment Base, which is used to calculate subsequent Strategy values for that Term, by an amount that is proportional to the reduction in the Indexed Strategy value due to the withdrawal.

**Withdrawals to Pay Advisory Fees** *(See "Cash Benefit – Withdrawals to Pay Advisory Fees" section on page [ ] for more details)*

You may authorize withdrawals from your Contract to pay advisory fees to a registered investment advisor with respect to the management of your Contract. Withdrawals to pay advisory fees are treated like other withdrawals from the Contract, except that a Market Value Adjustment will not apply. Withdrawals to pay advisory fees will reduce the amount payable upon Surrender, applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit, or payable as the Death Benefit. Like other withdrawals, they may reduce the Death Benefit by more than the amount withdrawn. Such withdrawals may also limit any growth in Contract values. Please refer to additional information on page 34.

**Market Value Adjustment** *(See "Market Value Adjustment" section on page [ ] for more details)*

A Market Value Adjustment applies during the first six Contract Years if you Surrender your Contract or withdraw from an Indexed Strategy (other than to pay advisory fees). The Market Value Adjustment equals the MVA factor multiplied by the amount subject to the adjustment.

The MVA factor is equal to:

(A – (B + K)) x N

Where:

A = the MVA Index Interest Rate on the Contract Effective Date;

B = the MVA Index Interest Rate for the date of the withdrawal or surrender;

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| K = the | spread factor of 0.25% (see State Variations section below for exceptions); and  |

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N = the number of whole and partial years remaining to the sixth Contract Anniversary.

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For Contracts issued in certain states, the spread factor does not apply. See the State Variations section below for any special rule relating to the spread factor in your state.

For example, if a withdrawal was made on the second Contract Anniversary, the MVA Index Interest Rate on the Contract Effective Date was 3%, and the MVA Index Interest Rate for the date of the withdrawal or surrender was 4%, the MVA factor would be equal to -5% (3% - (4% + 0.25%)) X 4 = -5%).

If you take a withdrawal from your Contract, the amount subject to the charge is the amount taken from Indexed Strategies plus any amount needed to pay a negative Market Value Adjustment. If you Surrender your Contract, the amount subject to the charge is your Account Value minus the value of the Declared Rate Strategy.

When you request a withdrawal, we will reduce the amount we pay you by the amount of a negative Market Value Adjustment, or we will increase the amount we pay you by the amount of a positive Market Value Adjustment. If you instruct us to pay you the specific withdrawal amount, we will instead reduce your Account Value by both the requested specific withdrawal amount plus the amount of needed to pay a negative Market Value Adjustment or minus the amount provided by a positive Market Value Adjustment. In this case, since you opted not to pay the Market Value Adjustment out of your withdrawal proceeds, we treat a negative Market Value Adjustment as an additional requested withdrawal or a positive Market Value Adjustment as a credit that need not be withdrawn from the Indexed Strategy values. We will apply the Market Value Adjustment to both the specified withdrawal amount, as well as any amounts we withdraw to cover a negative Market Value Adjustment.

For example, if a contract owner requested that $10,000 be withdrawn when they have no funds in the Declared Rate Strategy and a -5% MVA factor was in effect, a $500 Market Value Adjustment would apply (5% of $10,000 withdrawn). The contract owner would receive $9,500 ($10,000 - $500), minus any income tax withholding.

Similarly, if a contract owner instead requested that they receive a net amount of $10,000 from their account in the same circumstances, we would treat the Market Value Adjustment amount as an additional requested withdrawal subject to a negative Market Value Adjustment. This means that we will "gross up" your requested withdrawal to cover applicable Market Value Adjustments (and any income tax withholding). If we assume that no income tax withholding applies, the withdrawal would be grossed up to $10,526, calculated by dividing the net amount requested by 1 minus the MVA factor ($10,000 / (1 – 0.05)). The Market Value Adjustment would be $526 (5% of the $10,526 withdrawal), and the contract owner would receive $10,000 ($10,526 - $526).

**MVA Index** *(See "MVA Index" section on page [ ] for more details)*

The Market Value Adjustment depends on changes in the MVA Index Interest Rate since the Contract Effective Date and the amount of time remaining until the sixth Contract Anniversary. The MVA Index is the BofA Merrill Lynch 5-10 Year US Corporate Bond Index. We may replace the MVA Index if it is discontinued or we are no longer able to use it or its calculation changes substantially. We may do so at the end of a Term or during a Term. We will notify you in writing at least 30 days before we replace an Index.

**Payout Options** *(See "Payout Options" section on page [ ] for more details)*

Like all annuity contracts, the Contract offers a range of Payout Options, which provide payments for your lifetime or for a fixed period. After payments begin, you cannot change the Payout Option or any fixed period you selected. The standard Payout Options are listed below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Fixed Period Payout

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Life Payout

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Life Payout with Payments for at Least a Fixed Period

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Joint and One-Half Survivor Payout

**Death Benefit** *(See "Death Benefit" section on page [ ] for more details)*

A Death Benefit is payable under the Contract if you die before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. If the Owner is a non-natural person, such as a trust or a corporation, then a Death Benefit is payable under the Contract if an Annuitant dies before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

The Death Benefit value is the greater of: (1) the Account Value as of the applicable date; or (2) the Return of Premium Guarantee, which will be equal to your Purchase Payment(s) reduced proportionally for all withdrawals (including withdrawals to pay advisory fees), but not including amounts applied to pay negative Market Value Adjustments.

**Tax Deferral** *(See "Federal Tax Considerations" section on page [ ] for more details)*

The Contract is generally tax deferred, which means that you are not taxed on the earnings in your Contract until the money is paid to you. If a non-tax-qualified Contract is owned by a non-natural owner, such as a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, it is subject to special rules and generally will not qualify for tax deferral. These special rules may also apply to a non-tax-qualified Contract owned by certain irrevocable trusts that have charitable or other non-natural beneficiaries.

A tax-qualified retirement plan such as an IRA also provides tax deferral. Buying the Contract within a tax-qualified retirement plan does not give you any extra tax benefits. There should be reasons other than tax deferral for buying the Contract within a tax-qualified retirement plan.

**Right to Cancel** *(See "Right to Cancel (Free Look)" section on page [ ] for more details)*

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If you purchase a Contract, you may cancel it within 20 days after you receive it. If you purchase a Contract to replace an existing annuity contract or insurance policy, you have 30 days to cancel the Contract. The right to cancel period may be longer in some states. If you cancel your Contract, you will receive a refund. The amount of the refund will depend on where you live. In some states, the refund amount is equal to the Purchase Payments. In that case, no adjustment will be made for the Daily Value Percentage and no Market Value Adjustment will apply to the amount refunded. In other states, the refund amount is equal to the Account Value on the day that we receive a cancellation request. In this case, an owner bears the risk of changes in Indexed Strategy values before cancellation, but no Market Value Adjustments will apply to the amount refunded. Unless required by state law, we do not refund any negative Market Value Adjustments assessed during the free look period that relate to a withdrawal taken before you cancel the Contract. See the Right to Cancel (Free Look) section for more information about your cancellation rights and the State Variations section of this prospectus for more information about state variations that apply to cancellation rights.

There may be tax consequences if you cancel the Contract. You should seek advice on tax questions based on your particular circumstances from a tax advisor.

**RISK FACTORS** 

The Contract involves certain risks that you should understand before purchasing it. You should carefully consider your income needs and risk tolerance to determine whether the Contract or a particular Indexed Strategy is appropriate for you. The level of risk you bear and your potential investment performance will differ depending on the Crediting Strategies you choose.

**Loss of Principal Related to Indexed Strategies** 

There is a significant risk of loss of principal and prior earnings due to the fall of an Index if you allocate your Purchase Payment(s) to an Indexed Strategy. Such a loss may be substantial. This risk exists because, at the end of that Term, you can lose up to 90% of the money allocated to a Buffer Strategy, or 10% of the money allocated to a Floor Strategy. In addition, before the end of a Term, the value of a Strategy may be even less than 10% for money allocated to a Buffer Strategy, or even less than 90% for money allocated to the Floor Strategy, because the loss will include a reduction for the Amortized Option Cost and the Trading Cost. If you allocate money to one or more Strategies over multiple Terms, you may lose money each Term, which may result in a cumulative loss of your Purchase Payment(s) that is greater than 90% for a Buffer Strategy, or greater than 10% for the Floor Strategy.

The S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy will always be available. At the end of a Term, we may stop offering any other Indexed Strategy. Consequently, any other Indexed Strategy listed in this prospectus may not be available after the end of the initial Term. We have the right to replace the Index associated with an Indexed Strategy under certain circumstances.

In the future, we may offer new Indexed Strategies. Indexed Strategies that may be available in the future may earn a return that is lower than the return your investments would have earned if they had been invested in the other Indexed Strategies that are currently available. In addition, any reduction in the available number of Indexed Strategies may reduce your opportunity to increase your Account Value.

**Loss of Principal Related to Market Value Adjustment** 

There is also a risk of loss of principal and prior earnings if you take a withdrawal from your Contract or Surrender it during the first six Contract Years and a Market Value Adjustment applies. This risk exists for each Indexed Strategy, but not the Declared Rate Strategy. A Market Value Adjustment may reduce the value of the Indexed Strategy even when the Index has risen. This reduction may exceed any prior earnings.

**Long-Term Nature of Contract** 

The Contract is a deferred annuity, which means the Annuity Payout Benefit will begin on a future date. We designed the Contract to be a long-term investment that you can use to help build a retirement nest egg and provide income for retirement. The limitations, adjustments and charges included in the Contract reflect its long-term nature.

**Limits on Strategy Value at End of Term** 

If the Index rises for the Term and a Cap applies, then the Strategy value at the end of the Term can never be more than the Investment Base increased by the Cap for that Term even if the Index has risen by more than the Cap. Due to these limitations, in many cases the return on money allocated to an Indexed Strategy will not fully reflect the corresponding rise in the Index for the Term.

**Index Changes Over the Course of Term** 

At the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, we measure the Index change by comparing the Index value on the first day of the Term to the Index value on the last day of the Term. This means that if the Index value is lower on the last day of the Term, you may experience negative or flat performance even if the Index rose through some, or most, of the Term.

The Contract offers you the opportunity to allocate funds to Indexed Strategies for one-year Terms.

**Limits on Strategy Value before End of Term** 

Before the end of a Term, we calculate the value of an Indexed Strategy using a Daily Value Percentage that is not tied directly to the underlying Index. The Daily Value Percentage includes the prices of hypothetical options. Such option prices will vary from day to day. You will bear the risk that the Daily Value Percentage may decrease the Strategy value before the end of a Term.

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The Daily Value Percentage includes deductions for the Amortized Option Cost and the Trading Cost, which means that any Strategy value before the end of a Term will almost always be less than the value suggested by the rise or fall of the Index. Because the Amortized Option Cost is a decreasing value, its negative impact on Strategy values will be more pronounced at the start of a Term than at the end of that Term. In addition, even if the Index rises, the Strategy value may be less than the Investment Base due to these deductions.

Strategy values are used to calculate the amount payable upon Surrender, applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit, or payable as the Death Benefit. Accordingly, the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost will have a negative effect on such benefits taken before the end of a Term.

For more information on how we determine the prices of hypothetical options, see the Option Prices section of this Prospectus.

**No Increases in Value After Performance Lock** 

If you make a Performance Lock election, the Daily Value Percentage will be locked for the balance of the Term. This means that you will experience flat performance through the balance of the Term even if the Net Option Value increases, you will not benefit from the continued decline in the Amortized Option Cost, and your ending Strategy value will not be based on the ending Index value on the last day of the Term.

**Limits on Reallocations** 

You cannot reallocate money among the Crediting Strategies prior to the end of a Term. If you want to take money out of a Crediting Strategy during a Term, you must take a withdrawal or Surrender your Contract.

**Effect of Surrenders** 

If you Surrender your Contract at any time during the first six Contract Years and a Market Value Adjustment applies, the amount payable may reflect a deduction for the Market Value Adjustment. If you Surrender your Contract at the end of a Term, the amount payable will reflect any rise or fall of the applicable Indexes for the Term, applicable Caps, Floors, and Buffers. If you Surrender your Contract before the end of a Term, the amount payable will reflect the applicable Daily Value Percentage.

**Effect of All Withdrawals** 

If you take a withdrawal at any time, including any withdrawals to pay advisory fees, we will reduce your Account Value by an amount equal to your withdrawal. A reduction in the Account Value will reduce the amount payable upon Surrender, applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit, or payable as the Death Benefit. In addition, a withdrawal will proportionally reduce the Return of Premium Guarantee for the Death Benefit.

If you take a withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy during the first six Contract Years and a Market Value Adjustment applies, we will also adjust the amount of your withdrawal by the amount of the Market Value Adjustment.

Each withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy, including any negative Market Value Adjustment, withdrawals under an automated withdrawal program, withdrawals to satisfy a required distribution, or withdrawals to pay advisory fees, will reduce the Strategy value. If taken from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, the reduction in Strategy value is determined by the Daily Value Percentage on the date of the withdrawal, or on the locked Daily Value Percentage if you have made a Performance Lock election. The reduction in Strategy value may be higher or lower than the Investment Base. Unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the reduction in Strategy value may be higher or lower than the end-of-Term value. The Investment Base used to calculate the Strategy value through the end of that Term will also be reduced. The reduction in the Investment Base for a withdrawal and any related Market Value Adjustment is proportional to the reduction in the Strategy value. A reduction in the Investment Base will limit the effect of any rise or fall in the Index for the remainder of the Term.

All or some portion of a withdrawal may be subject to federal and state income taxes and, if taken before age 59<sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>, may be subject to a 10% federal penalty tax. For a further discussion of the tax treatment of withdrawals and surrenders, please see page [ ].

**Timing and Effect of Withdrawals Before End of Term** 

You should take into consideration the dates on which the Term(s) of your Indexed Strategies end relative to the timing of a withdrawal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you take a withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, we will immediately reduce the
Investment Base for that Indexed Strategy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The reduction will be proportional to the reduction in the Account Value, which means that the proportional
reduction in the Investment Base could be larger than the dollar amount of the withdrawal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Reductions to the Investment Base will have a negative effect on any increases in the Indexed Strategy value for
the remainder of that Term, but will also reduce any decreases in the Indexed Strategy value for the remainder of that Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Once the Investment Base for an Indexed Strategy is reduced due to a withdrawal before the end of a Term, it will
not increase at any time during the remainder of that Term.

Each withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, including withdrawals to pay advisory fees, withdrawals under an automated withdrawal program and withdrawals to satisfy a required distribution, will proportionally reduce the Investment Base.

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**No Ability to Determine Contract Values in Advance** 

We will process any withdrawal request at the first Market Close after receipt of your Request in Good Order. This means you will not be able to determine in advance the amount of the proportional reduction in the Investment Base due to the withdrawal.

A Performance Lock election is effective on the second Market Close after receipt of your Request in Good Order. This means you will not be able to determine in advance the locked Daily Value Percentage that will be applicable to the Indexed Strategy at the time you make a Performance Lock election. The Daily Value Percentage may be higher or lower at the time the Performance Lock election goes effective than it was when you submitted your Request in Good Order.

Likewise, you will not be able to determine in advance the amount payable upon Surrender, to be applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit or payable as the Death Benefit.

**Changes in Caps and Trading Cost** 

We set a Cap for each new Term of an Indexed Strategy. The Cap for a new Term of an Indexed Strategy may be lower than its Cap for the current Term. A Cap may be as low as 1%. You risk the possibility that the Cap for a new Term may be lower than you would find acceptable.

We may change the Trading Cost at any time due to changes in option prices. You bear the risk of any negative effect on the Daily Value Percentage and Indexed Strategy values of an increase in the Trading Cost.

**Changes in Declared Rates** 

We set a Declared Rate for each new one-year Term of the Declared Rate Strategy. The Declared Rate will never be less than the guaranteed minimum interest rate set out in the Declared Rate Strategy endorsement included in your Contract. The guaranteed minimum interest rate will be at least equal to the minimum interest rate required for fixed annuity contracts by state Standard Nonforfeiture Law that is in effect on the date that the Contract is issued. You risk the possibility that the Declared Rate for a new Term may be lower than you would find acceptable.

**Unavailable Indexed Strategies** 

At the end of a Term, we may stop offering any Indexed Strategy other than the S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy. Consequently, any other Indexed Strategy you selected may not be available after the end of a Term. In such an event, the Company will amend the prospectus. At least 30 days before the end of each Term, we will send you a written notice with information about the Indexed Strategies that will be available for the next Term.

If funds are allocated to any Indexed Strategy that will not be available for the next Term and you do not request a reallocation of those funds, we will apply the ending value of that Indexed Strategy as follows:

1) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and that has the same or most comparable positive return factors and negative return factors; or

2) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the largest Buffer; or

3) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the least negative Floor; or

4) to the Declared Rate Strategy to the extent it does not cause the allocation to exceed the Allocation Limit; or

5) to the extent that it cannot be allocated to the Declared Rate Strategy, then to the S&P 500 1-Year –10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy. 

We may establish minimum and maximum amounts or percentages that may be applied to a given Indexed Strategy. This means that an Indexed Strategy you selected may not be available after the end of a Term because the amount to be applied to that Strategy is less than the minimum we set for the new Term. Likewise, the amount to be applied to an Indexed Strategy may be limited by the maximum we set for the new Term. At least 30 days before the end of each Term, we will send you a written notice with information about any maximum or minimum that will apply for the next Term. If funds cannot be applied to a Strategy due to the minimum or maximum we set for the next Term and you do not request a reallocation of those funds, we will apply the funds to the Declared Rate Strategy. To the extent those funds cannot be allocated to the Declared Rate Strategy, we will apply the funds to the S&P 500 1-Year –10% Floor with Cap Strategy.

In these cases, the funds that we allocate to the Declared Rate Strategy may earn a return that is lower than the return those funds would have earned if they had been applied to the Indexed Strategy you selected.

If you choose to Surrender your Contract because a certain Indexed Strategy is no longer available, you may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment. There may be tax consequences if you Surrender your Contract. You should seek advice on tax questions based on your particular circumstances from a tax advisor.

**Replacement of an Index** 

We have the right to replace an Index, including the MVA Index, if: it is discontinued, we are no longer able to use it, its calculation changes substantially, or we determine that hedging instruments are difficult to acquire or the cost of hedging becomes excessive. We may do so at the end of a Term or during a Term. If we replace an Index, notice will be provided to contract owners and the Company will amend the prospectus. If we

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replace an Index connected to an Indexed Strategy during a Term, we will calculate any rise or fall in the Index using the old Index up until the replacement date. After the replacement date, we will calculate any rise or fall in the Index using the new Index. The performance of the new Index may not be as good as the performance of the old Index. As a result, funds allocated to an Indexed Strategy may earn a return that is lower than the return they would have earned if there had been no replacement.

**Involuntary Termination of Contract** 

If your Account Value on any anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date is below the minimum value of $5,000 for any reason, we may terminate your Contract on that anniversary. If your Contract has Terms that end on the same date because you made only one Purchase Payment, any involuntary termination will occur on that date. If your Contract has Terms that end on different dates because you made more than one Purchase Payment, any involuntary termination will occur on one of those dates, which will be the end of one Term but not the end of the other Terms. In this case, the Surrender Value payable upon termination of your Contract will reflect the Daily Value Percentages used to calculate the values of Indexed Strategies with Terms that are not ending on the termination date.

**No Direct Investment in S&P 500 Index** 

When you allocate money to an Indexed Strategy that uses the S&P 500 Index, you will not be investing in that Index, or in any stock included in that Index. The S&P 500 Index is calculated without taking into account dividends paid on stocks that make up the S&P 500 Index. In addition, because the performance of an S&P 500 Indexed Strategy is linked to the performance of the S&P 500 Index and not the performance of the stocks included in the Index, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in such stocks. In addition, due to the same limitations, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in a fund that tracks the S&P 500 Index.

**No Direct Investment in SPDR Gold Shares ETF** 

When you allocate money to an Indexed Strategy that uses the SPDR Gold Shares ETF, you will not be investing in that exchange-traded fund or the securities or other assets held by the fund. In addition, because the performance of SPDR Gold Shares ETF is linked to the performance of the share price of the ETF, which is determined by trading on the exchange, and not the performance of its investment portfolio, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in the securities or other assets held by the fund. In addition, due to the same limitations, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in the fund.

**No Direct Investment in an iShares ETF** 

When you allocate money to an Indexed Strategy that uses the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF or iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF, you will not be investing in that exchange-traded fund, the securities or other assets held by the fund, in any underlying index tracked by the fund, or in the securities or other assets held by such underlying index. In addition, because the performance of an iShares ETF is linked to the performance of the share price of the ETF, which is determined by trading on the exchange, and not the performance of its investment portfolio, its underlying index or the components of that index, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in the securities or other assets held by the fund or a direct investment in the components of the fund's underlying index. In addition, due to the same limitations, your return may be less than that of a direct investment in the fund.

**Divergence of Performance** 

The performance of an Indexed Strategy will diverge from the performance of the underlying Index because changes in the value of an Indexed Strategy at the end of a Term are subject to Caps and the Floor or Buffer, and because changes in the value of an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term are based on the Daily Value Percentage.

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**Market Risk Related to Indexes** 

Money allocated to an Indexed Strategy that uses the S&P 500 Index is subject to the risk that the market value of the underlying securities that comprise the S&P 500 Index may decline over a Term. Likewise, money allocated to an Indexed Strategy that uses the SPDR Gold Shares ETF, iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, or the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is subject to the risk that the fund's share price may decline over a Term. The level of the S&P 500 Index and the share prices of the SPDR Gold Shares ETF, iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, and the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF may be volatile. Any such market loss in an amount limited by the Buffer or Floor will be reflected in the Indexed Strategy value. For an Indexed Strategy with a Buffer, the Indexed Strategy value will be reduced by any amount by which the fall in the Index at the end of the Term exceeds the 10% Buffer. For the Indexed Strategy with a Floor, the Indexed Strategy value will be reduced by the fall in the Index, not to exceed -10%. For each type of Indexed Strategy, this risk applies even if you do not take a withdrawal before the end of a Term.

[The outbreak of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine and has been subjected to wide-ranging sanctions. As of the date of this prospectus, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia invasion of Ukraine have led to significant volatility in the financial markets. These market conditions have impacted the performance of the Indexes to which the Indexed Strategies are linked. If these market conditions continue, and depending on your individual circumstances (e.g., your selected Crediting Strategies and the timing of any Purchase Payments, transfers, or withdrawals), you may experience (perhaps significant) negative returns under the Contract. The duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the future impact that the pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine may have on the financial markets and global economy, cannot be foreseen, however. You should consult with a Financial Professional about how the COVID-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine, and the recent market conditions may impact your future investment decisions related to the Contract, such as purchasing the Contract or making Purchase Payments, transfers, or withdrawals, based on your individual circumstances.]

The historical performance of an Index does not guarantee future results.

***S&P 500 Index***. The S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index is designed to reflect the large-cap sector of the U.S. equity market and, due to its composition, it also represents the U.S. equity market in general. Any positive change in the S&P 500 Index over a Term will be lower than the total return on an investment in the stocks that comprise the S&P 500 Index because such total return will reflect dividend payments on those stocks and the S&P 500 Index will not reflect those dividend payments. More information about the S&P 500 Index is set out in the Indexes section of this prospectus.

***SPDR Gold Shares ETF***. The SPDR Gold Shares represent units of beneficial interest in, and ownership of, the SPDR Gold Trust, an exchange traded fund that holds gold bullion. The investment objective of the trust is for the shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the trust's expenses. The shares are designed to mirror as closely as possible the price of gold, and the value of the shares relates directly to the value of the gold held by the trust, less its liabilities. The price of gold has fluctuated widely over the past several years and the shares have experienced significant price fluctuations. The value of the gold held by the trust is determined using the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Gold Price PM. The Gold Shares trade on the NYSE Arca under the symbol GLD. For more information, visit www.spdrgoldshares.com.

***iShares MSCI EAFE ETF***. The iShares MSCI EAFE ETF is an exchange traded fund that seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization developed market equities, excluding the U.S. and Canada (MSCI EAFE Index). This underlying index includes stocks from Europe, Australasia and the Far East. It may include large- or mid-capitalization companies. The share price of the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF is tied to the performance of large- and mid-capitalization developed market equites, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The share price may not replicate the performance of the fund, its underlying index, or the components of that index. More information about the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF is set out in the Indexes section of this prospectus. To learn more about the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, visit iShares.com and search ticker symbol EFA.

***iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF****.* The iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is an exchange traded fund that seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the real estate sector (Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index). This underlying index may include large-, mid- or small-capitalization companies. A significant portion of the underlying index is represented by real estate investment trusts (REITs), but the components are likely to change over time. The share price of the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is tied to the performance of the real estate sector. The share price may not replicate the performance of the fund, its underlying index, or the components of that index. More information about the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is set out in the Indexes section of this prospectus. To learn more about the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF, visit iShares.com and search ticker symbol IYR.

**Performance Lock Risk** 

If you make a Performance Lock election, you will no longer participate in the positive or negative performance of the Index over the remainder of the Term. This means the value of the Indexed Strategy cannot increase for the remainder of the Term, even if the Index rises over the remainder of the Term.

A Performance Lock does not lock the Market Value Adjustment. After a Performance Lock election, the Strategy value continues to be subject to the Market Value Adjustment that may apply on a withdrawal or Surrender, and the Market Value Adjustment that may apply on any given day will continue to vary. A Performance Lock election may mean that a subsequent rise in the Index will help offset a negative Market Value Adjustment.

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A Performance Lock election is effective on the second Market Close after receipt of your Request in Good Order. This means you will not be able to determine in advance the Gain or Loss applicable to the Indexed Strategy when electing a Performance Lock. The Gain or Loss may be higher or lower at the time the Performance Lock election goes effective than it was when you submitted your Request in Good Order.

**Market Risk Related to Option Prices** 

Before the end of a Term, money allocated to an Indexed Strategy is subject to the risk that changes in the related option prices may have a negative effect on the value of the Indexed Strategy. This risk applies only if you take a withdrawal (including withdrawals to pay advisory fees) before the end of a Term.

**Regulatory Risk** 

MassMutual Ascend Life is not an investment company. Neither MassMutual Ascend Life nor the separate account that we established in connection with the Contracts is registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The protections provided to investors by that Act are not applicable to the Contract.

**Reliance on Our Claims-Paying Ability** 

No company other than MassMutual Ascend Life has any legal responsibility to pay amounts owed under the Contract. You should look to the financial strength of MassMutual Ascend Life for its claims-paying ability.

Our general account assets fund the guarantees provided in the Contracts. The assets are subject to our general business operation liabilities and claims of our creditors and may lose value. We established a non-unitized separate account for the purpose of supporting our obligation to adjust the Indexed Strategy values based on the Daily Value Percentage or rise or fall of the Index. The assets in the non-unitized separate account are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business that we conduct but may lose value. The non-unitized separate account differs from the unitized separate accounts that support our variable annuity contracts. As a result, unlike the owner of a traditional variable annuity who has a beneficial interest in, and participates in the performance of, the assets of the related unitized separate account, you do not have any interest in or claim on the assets in the non-unitized separate account and you will not participate in any way in the performance of assets held in that account.

Various factors, such as those listed below, could materially affect our business, financial condition, cash flows, or future results and, in turn, our financial strength and claims-paying ability. A more complete discussion of these factors appears on pages [].

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Financial losses including those resulting from the following events:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Adverse developments in financial markets and deterioration in global economic conditions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Unfavorable interest rate environments

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Losses on our investment portfolio

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Loss of market share due to intense competition

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Ineffectiveness of risk management policies

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Changes in applicable law and regulations

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Inability to obtain or collect on reinsurance

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A downgrade or potential downgrade in our financial strength ratings

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Variations from actual experience and management's estimates and assumptions that could result in inadequate
reserves

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Significant variations in the amount of capital we must hold to meet statutory capital requirements

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Legal actions and regulatory proceedings

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Difficulties with technology or data security

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Failure to protect confidentiality of customer information

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Failure to maintain effective and efficient information systems

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Occurrence of catastrophic events, terrorism, or military actions

[The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine may negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine impact financial markets, the global economy, and our financial strength and claims-paying ability will depend on future developments that cannot be predicted with certainty. We continue to be subject to significant state solvency regulations that require us to reserve amounts to pay our contractual guarantees. Please see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Risk Factors Related to MMALIC's Business," and "Financial Statements", and "Regulation" for additional financial information about the company and the state solvency regulations to which we are subject.]

**INDEXED STRATEGIES** 

The Indexed Strategies provide returns that are based, in part, upon changes in an Index. The Indexed Strategies do not earn interest at a fixed rate. Unlike a traditional variable annuity, the values of the Indexed Strategies are not based on the investment performance of underlying portfolios.

At the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, any increase in the value of an Indexed Strategy is determined based on the rise in the applicable Index since the start of that Term and the Cap for that Term. At the end of a Term, any decrease in the value of an Indexed Strategy is determined based on the fall in the applicable Index since the start of that Term and the Floor or Buffer.

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Before the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, any increase or decrease in the value of an Indexed Strategy is based on the calculated price of hypothetical options related to the possible future change in the applicable Index for the Term, the initial cost of those options, and the trading cost related to those options. The calculated price of those options takes into account the Cap for the Term and the Buffer or Floor.

If you have made a Performance Lock election, then beginning at the second Market Close following receipt of your election and continuing through the end of the Term, any increase or decrease in the value of an Indexed Strategy is locked in based on the calculated price of hypothetical options related to the possible future change in the applicable Index over the Term, the initial cost of those options, and the trading cost related to those options, all as determined at that second Market Close.

Each Indexed Strategy has a Cap for each Term. We will set a new Cap for each Indexed Strategy prior to the start of each Term.

The Floor or Buffer for a Strategy will not change from Term to Term. For each Term of a Buffer Strategy that we currently offer, the Buffer is 10%. For each Term of a Floor Strategy that we currently offer, the Floor is -10%.

**This means that each Term it is possible for you to lose a portion of the money you allocated to any Indexed Strategy.** 

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**Available Indexed Strategies** 

For this Contract, we currently offer five Indexed Strategies. Each of these Indexed Strategies uses one of four Indexes: S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index, SPDR Gold Shares ETF, iShares<sup>®</sup> MSCI EAFE ETF, and iShares<sup>®</sup> U.S. Real Estate ETF. Each of these Indexed Strategies have one-year Terms.

S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap

S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap

SPDR Gold Shares ETF 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap

iShares US Real Estate ETF 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap

**Possible Changes in Indexed Strategies** 

The S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy will always be available. At the end of a Term, we may stop offering any other Indexed Strategy. Consequently, any other Indexed Strategy listed above may not be available after the end of the initial Term. We have the right to replace the Index associated with an Indexed Strategy under certain circumstances.

In the future, we may offer new Indexed Strategies. Any new Indexed Strategy with a Buffer will not have a Buffer that is less than 10%. Any new Indexed Strategy with a Floor will not have a Floor that is more negative than -10%.

Indexed Strategies that may be available in the future may earn a return that is lower than the return your investments would have earned if they had been invested in the other Indexed Strategies that are currently available. In addition, any reduction in the available number of Indexed Strategies may reduce your opportunity to increase your Account Value.

**Considerations in Choosing an Indexed Strategy** 

When choosing among Indexed Strategies, you should consider the characteristics and risk profiles of the Indexes, which are discussed in the Indexes section of this prospectus. You cannot reallocate funds among Strategies before the end of a Term, and the only way to exit a Strategy before the end of a Term is to take a withdrawal or Surrender your Contract.

When choosing among Indexed Strategies that use the same Index, you should also consider how the Caps may affect the potential return.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• An Indexed Strategy provides you with the opportunity to participate fully in any rise in the Index up to the
Cap, but you will not participate in any rise in the Index in excess of the Cap.

When choosing among Indexed Strategies that use the same Index, you should also consider how the Buffers and Floors may affect your potential risk of loss.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A Buffer Strategy protects you against losses up to the Buffer amount, but you are subject to any loss in excess
of the Buffer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A Floor Strategy limits your loss to the Floor amount, and you will be protected against any loss beyond the
Floor.

**Term** 

Each Term of an Indexed Strategy will start and end on a Strategy Application Date. Each Term is one year long. A new Term will start at the end of the preceding Term.

If you make only one Purchase Payment or you make all of your Purchase Payments before the initial Strategy Application Date, then each Term of each Indexed Strategy will end on the same date in any given year. If you make a Purchase Payment after the initial Strategy Application Date, then your Purchase Payments will be applied to the Indexed Strategies on different Strategy Application Dates. In this case, an Indexed Strategy may have Terms that end on different dates in any given year.

*Examples.* These examples show how a Contract with multiple Purchase Payments may have Terms that end on different dates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You make your initial Purchase Payment on March 10 and another Purchase Payment on March 17. You allocate
both payments to the same Indexed Strategy and both payments are applied on March 20. Each Term of that Indexed Strategy will start and end on March 20.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You make your initial Purchase Payment on May 2 and another Purchase Payment on June 14. You allocate both
payments to the same Indexed Strategy. Your initial Purchase Payment is applied on May 6 and the other Purchase Payment is applied on June 20. That Indexed Strategy will have Terms that start and end on May 6 and other Terms that start and
end on June 20.

**Investment Base** 

The value of an Indexed Strategy is calculated using the Investment Base. The Investment Base is not your Account Value, Surrender Value, Annuity Payout value, or Death Benefit value, but it is used to calculate those values.

The Investment Base is the amount applied to the Strategy at the start of the current Term, reduced proportionally for each withdrawal (including any withdrawals to pay advisory fees), and adjusted for each related Market Value Adjustment during the current Term.

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A withdrawal and the related Market Value Adjustment reduce the Investment Base by an amount that is proportional to the reduction in the value of the Indexed Strategy due to the withdrawal and the Market Value Adjustment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Strategy value immediately before the withdrawal is greater than the Investment Base, then the reduction
in the Investment Base will be less than the withdrawal and the related Market Value Adjustment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Strategy value immediately before the withdrawal is less than the Investment Base, then the reduction in
the Investment Base will be more than the withdrawal and the related Market Value Adjustment.

Here are the formulas that we use to calculate a reduction in the Investment Base for a withdrawal.

Withdrawal as a percentage of Strategy value = withdrawal and related Market Value Adjustment / Strategy value before withdrawal

Reduction in Investment Base = Investment Base before withdrawal x withdrawal as a percentage of Strategy value

Investment Base after withdrawal = Investment Base before withdrawal – reduction in Investment Base

**Indexed Strategy Value** 

At the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Investment Base at the end of the Term; plus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any increase for a rise in the Index for the Term; or minus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any decrease for a fall in the Index for the Term.

In this formula, the Investment Base at the end of the Term is equal to the amount applied to the Strategy at the start of that Term, reduced proportionally for each withdrawal and adjusted by any related Market Value Adjustment that you took during that Term. After we calculate the Investment Base at the end of the Term, we calculate any increase for a rise in the Index over that Term or any decrease for a fall in the Index over that Term. Any increase for the Term is subject to the Cap for that Term. Any decrease for the Term is subject to the Floor or Buffer.

*Examples*. At the end of a Term, the Investment Base in an Indexed Strategy is $5,000. You take a $1,000 withdrawal and no Market Value Adjustment applies to the withdrawal.

*Assume that the Index had increased by 20% at the end of the Term, and a Cap of 10% was in place:* 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **At Final Market Close of Term** |
|  Rise in Index | +20% |
|  Increase as a Percentage | +10% (10% Cap) |
|  Dollar Amount of Increase | +$500 ($5,000 x 10%) |
|  Strategy Value before Withdrawal | $5,500 ($5,000 + $500) |
|  Withdrawal Amount | $1000 |
|  Strategy Value at Term End | $4500 ($5500 - $1000) |

---

If in this example a Market Value Adjustment of 5% applied to the entire withdrawal amount and you requested a net amount of $1,000, your withdrawal amount would have been $1,053 ($1,000 / (1 – 0.05)), resulting in a Strategy Value at Term End of $4,447 ($5,500 - $1,053).

*Assume that the Index had decreased by 20% at the end of the Term, and a Buffer of 10% or a Floor of -10% was in place:* 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **At Final Market Close of Term** |
|  Fall in Index | -20% |
|  Decrease as a Percentage | -10% (20% fall minus 10% Buffer, or -10% Floor) |
|  Dollar Amount of Decrease | -$500 ($5,000 x -10%) |
|  Strategy Value before Withdrawal | $4500 ($5000 - $500) |
|  Withdrawal Amount | $1000 |
|  Strategy Value at Term End | $3500 ($4500 - $1000) |

---

If in this example a Market Value Adjustment of 5% applied to the entire withdrawal amount and you requested a net amount of $1,000, your withdrawal amount would have been $1,053 ($1,000 / (1 – 0.05)), resulting in a Strategy Value at Term End of $3,447 ($4,500 - $1,053).

On each day before the end of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Investment Base on that day; plus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any increase for a positive Daily Value Percentage; or minus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any decrease for a negative Daily Value Percentage.

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In this formula, the Investment Base on each day before the end of the Term is equal to the amount applied to the Strategy at the start of that Term, reduced proportionally for each withdrawal and adjusted for any related Market Value Adjustment that you took on or before that day. After we calculate the Investment Base on that day, we calculate any increase for a positive Daily Value Percentage or any decrease for a negative Daily Value Percentage.

A withdrawal and the related Market Value Adjustment reduce the value of an Indexed Strategy by an amount equal to the withdrawal and the Market Value Adjustment.

*Examples*. You allocate $5,000 to an Indexed Strategy at the start of a Term. This means the Investment Base at the start of the Term is $5,000. You take a $1,000 withdrawal.

*Assume that the Daily Value Percentage is 5% on the withdrawal date and no Market Value Adjustment applies.* 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The increase for the Daily Value Percentage is equal to $250 ($5,000 x 5%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value on the withdrawal date is $5,250 ($5,000 + $250).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value after the withdrawal is $4,250 ($5,250 - $1,000).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The withdrawal as a percentage of the Strategy value is 19.05% ($1,000 / $5,250).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The reduction in the Investment Base is $952 ($5,000 x 19.05%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Investment Base after the withdrawal is $4,048 ($5,000 - $952).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Because the Strategy value on the withdrawal date was more than the Investment Base, the reduction in the
Investment Base is only $952, which is less than the $1000 withdrawal.

*Assume that the Daily Value Percentage is 5% and a Market Value Adjustment of -5% applies, and you requested a net amount of $1,000*:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The increase for the Daily Value Percentage is equal to $250 ($5,000 x 5%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value on the withdrawal date is $5,250 ($5,000 + $250).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The total amount withdrawn, grossed up to cover the Market Value Adjustment, is $1,053 ($1,000 / (1 –
0.05)).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value after the withdrawal is $4,197 ($5,250 - $1,053).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The withdrawal as a percentage of the Strategy value is 20.05% ($1,053 / $5,250).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The reduction in the Investment Base is $1,003 ($5,000 x 20.05%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Investment Base after the withdrawal is $3,997 ($5,000 - $1,003).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Because the Strategy value on the withdrawal date was more than the Investment Base, the reduction in the
Investment Base was $1,003, which is less than the $1,053 withdrawal but greater than the $1,000 you receive.

*Assume that the Daily Value Percentage is -10% on the withdrawal date and no Market Value Adjustment applies.* 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The reduction for the Daily Value Percentage is equal to $500 ($5,000 x -10%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value on the withdrawal date is $4,500 ($5,000 - $500).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value after the withdrawal is $3,500 ($4,500 - $1,000).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The withdrawal as a percentage of the Strategy value is 22.22% ($1,000 / $4,500).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The reduction in the Investment Base is $1,111 ($5,000 x 22.22%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Investment Base after the withdrawal is $3,889 ($5,000 - $1,111).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Because the Strategy value on the withdrawal date was less than the Investment Base, the reduction in the
Investment Base was $1,111, which is greater than the $1,000 withdrawal.

*Assume that the Daily Value Percentage is -10% and a Market Value Adjustment of -5% applies, and you requested a net amount of $1,000*:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The reduction for the Daily Value Percentage is equal to $500 ($5,000 x 10%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value on the withdrawal date is $4,500 ($5,000 - $500).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value after the withdrawal is $3,447 ($4,500 - $1,053).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The total amount withdrawn is $1,053 ($1,000 / (1 – 0.05)).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The withdrawal as a percentage of the Strategy value is 23.39% ($1,053 / $4,500).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The reduction in the Investment Base is $1,170 ($5,000 x 23.39%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Investment Base after the withdrawal is $3,830 ($5,000 - $1,170).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Because the Strategy value on the withdrawal date was less than the Investment Base, the reduction in the
Investment Base was $1,170, which is greater than the $1,053 withdrawal and the $1,000 you receive.

**Performance Lock** 

Performance Lock is an election to lock in the Daily Value Percentage for the remainder of a Term of an Indexed Strategy. You can make a Performance Lock election for each Term of a S&P 500 Strategy that starts after the date of this prospectus. Only one Performance Lock election may be made for a given Term of a Strategy.

You may make a Performance Lock election by a Request in Good Order. Once we receive your Request in Good Order, a Performance Lock election for a Term cannot be changed or revoked.

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A Performance Lock election for a Term is effective on the second Market Close following our receipt of your Request in Good Order. After the second Market Close, the Strategy value before the end of the Term and the Strategy value at the end of the Term is based on the Daily Value Percentage as locked at that second Market Close. This means that the Net Option Value, Amortized Option Cost, and Trading Cost as of that second Market Close will apply from that date on through the end of the Term.

Beginning on that second Market Close and continuing through the end of the Term, the value of an Indexed Strategy is equal to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Investment Base on that day; plus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any increase for a positive Daily Value Percentage, as locked on that second Market Close; or minus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any decrease for a negative Daily Value Percentage, as locked on that second Market Close.

After a Performance Lock election is effective, except for withdrawals and Market value Adjustments, the value of a locked Strategy will not change until the start of the next Term.

A Performance Lock election does not affect the Investment Base, so the Indexed Strategy value will still change if the Investment Base is reduced by a withdrawal.

A Performance Lock election does not affect the application of the Market Value Adjustment, so a Market Value Adjustment may still apply to the Indexed Strategy value if you take a withdrawal or Surrender.

*Examples*. You allocate $5,000 to an Indexed Strategy at the start of a 1-year Term. This means the Investment Base at the start of the Term is $5,000. You make a Performance Lock election, and on the second Market Close following receipt of that election the Daily Value Percentage is 5%.

*Assume that you take no withdrawals.* 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The increase for the locked Daily Value Percentage is equal to $250 ($5,000 x 5%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• On the second Market Close following receipt of the Performance Lock election, the Strategy value is $5,250
($5,000 + $250).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Strategy value on each following day of the Term remains $5,250 because the Daily Value Percentage is locked.
No further changes in the Net Option Value, Amortized Option Cost, or Trading Cost are taken into account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ending Strategy value is $5,250. The normal calculation based on the percentage change in the Index over the 1-year Term does not apply.

*Assume you take a $1,000 withdrawal after the Performance Lock election is effective, and no Market Value Adjustment applies to the withdrawal*:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The increase for the locked Daily Value Percentage is equal to $250 ($5,000 x 5%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• On the second Market Close following receipt of the Performance Lock election, the Strategy value is $5,250
($5,000 + $250).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Until the withdrawal, the Strategy value on each following day of the Term remains $5,250 because the Daily Value
Percentage is locked. No further changes in the net option value, amortized option cost, or trading cost are taken into account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Immediately after the $1,000 withdrawal, the Strategy value is $4,250 ($5,250 - $1,000).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The withdrawal as a percentage of the Strategy value is 19.05% ($1,000 / $5,250)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The proportionate reduction in the Investment Base is $952 ($5,000 x 19.05%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Investment Base after the withdrawal is $4,048 ($5,000 - $952).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Because the Strategy value on the withdrawal date was more than the Investment Base, the reduction in the
Investment Base was $952, which is less than the $1,000 withdrawal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• After the withdrawal, on each following day of the Term, the increase for the locked Daily Value Percentage is
equal to $202 ($4,048 x5%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• After the withdrawal, on each day of the Term, the Strategy value is $4,250 ($4,048 + $202). The reduction in the
Strategy value is equal to the $1,000 withdrawal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ending Strategy value is $4,250. The normal calculation based on the percentage change in the Index over the 1-year Term does not apply.

**INDEXES** 

**S&P 500 Index** 

The S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index is designed to reflect the large-cap sector of the U.S. equity market and, due to its composition, it also represents the U.S. equity market in general. It includes 500 leading companies and captures approximately 80% coverage of available market capitalization. The S&P 500 Index does not include dividends declared by any of the companies in this index. Consequently, any positive change in the Index over a Term will be lower than the total return on a direct investment in the stocks that comprise the S&P 500 Index.

The S&P 500 Index is subject to multiple principal investment risks, such as those related to its investments in large-capitalization companies. The S&P 500 Index tracks a subset of the U.S. stock market, which could cause the S&P 500 Index to perform differently from the overall stock market. In general, large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, and may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies. In addition, the S&P 500 Index may, at times, become focused in stocks of a particular market sector, which would subject the S&P 500 Index to proportionately higher exposure to the risks of that sector.

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The S&P 500 Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates ("SPDJI"), and has been licensed for use by MassMutual Ascend Life. Standard & Poor's<sup>®</sup>, S&P<sup>®</sup>, S&P 500<sup>®</sup>, US 500, The 500, iBoxx<sup>®</sup>, iTraxx<sup>®</sup> and CDX<sup>®</sup> are trademarks of S&P Global, Inc. or its affiliates ("S&P"); Dow Jones<sup>®</sup> is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC ("Dow Jones"). MassMutual Ascend Life products are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P or their respective affiliates, and none of such parties makes any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such products nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruption of the S&P 500 Index.

For more information, visit www.US.SPIndices.com.

**SPDR Gold Shares ETF** 

The SPDR Gold Shares represent units of beneficial interest in, and ownership of, the SPDR Gold Trust, an exchange traded fund that holds gold bullion. The investment objective of the trust is for the shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the trust's expenses. The shares are designed to mirror as closely as possible the price of gold, and the value of the shares relates directly to the value of the gold held by the trust, less its liabilities. The value of the gold held by the trust is determined using the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Gold Price PM.

The fund is subject to several principal investment risks related to the price of gold. The price of gold has fluctuated widely over the past several years and the shares have experienced significant price fluctuations. Several factors may affect the price of gold, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Global gold supply and demand, which is influenced by such factors as gold's uses in jewelry, technology and
industrial applications, purchases made by investors in the form of bars, coins and other gold products, forward selling by gold producers, purchases made by gold producers to unwind gold hedge positions, central bank purchases and sales, and
production and cost levels in major gold producing countries such as China, the United States and Australia;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Global or regional political, economic or financial events and situations, especially those unexpected in nature;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Investors' expectations with respect to the rate of inflation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Currency exchange rates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Interest rates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Investment and trading activities of hedge funds and commodity funds; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Other economic variables such as income growth, economic output, and monetary policies.

The principal investment risks of the fund are described in the fund's prospectus, including the following risks: price risk, passive investment risk, trading market risk, and risk of loss, damage, theft, or restriction on access.

The Gold Shares trade on the NYSE Arca under the symbol GLD. For more information, visit www.spdrgoldshares.com.

**iShares MSCI EAFE ETF** 

The iShares MSCI EAFE ETF is an exchange traded fund that seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large- and mid-capitalization developed market equities, excluding the U.S. and Canada (MSCI EAFE Index). This underlying index includes stocks from Europe, Australasia and the Far East. It may include large- or mid-capitalization companies. The components of the underlying index, and the degree to which these components represent certain industries and/or countries, are likely to change over time. The fund's adviser uses an indexing strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively has an investment profile similar to that of the underlying index. The fund's performance will be reduced by its expenses and fees.

The fund is subject to several principal investment risks, such as those related to its investments in large- and mid-capitalization foreign companies. In general, large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, and may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies. Generally, the securities of mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile and may involve more risk than the securities of larger companies. Mid-capitalization companies are also more likely to fail than larger companies. Securities issued by non-U.S. companies are subject to the risks related to investments in foreign markets (*e.g.*, increased price volatility; changing currency exchange rates; and greater political, regulatory and economic uncertainty). Because the fund is an ETF, it is also exposed to the risks associated with the operation of any ETF. The value of its shares, which are valued based on their trading prices in the secondary market, may change rapidly and unpredictably and may trade at premiums or discounts to the fund's net asset value.

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The principal investment risks of the fund are described in the fund's prospectus, including the following risks: asset class risk, authorized participant concentration risk, concentration risk, currency risk, cyber security risk, equity securities risk, financials sector risk, geographic risk, index-related risk, issuer risk, large-capitalization companies risk, management risk, market risk, market trading risk, mid-capitalization companies risk, national closed market trading risk, non-U.S. securities risk, operational risk, passive investment risk, reliance on trading partners risk, risk of investing in developed countries, risk of investing in Japan, securities lending risk, structural risk, tracking error risk and valuation risk.

The fund's shares trade on the NYSE Arca under the symbol EFA.

The iShares MSCI EAFE ETF is distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC. iShares<sup>®</sup>, BLACKROCK<sup>®</sup>, and the corresponding logos are registered and unregistered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates ("BlackRock"), and these trademarks have been licensed for certain purposes by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company. MassMutual Ascend Life annuity products are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by BlackRock, and purchasers of an annuity from MassMutual Ascend Life do not acquire any interest in the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF nor enter into any relationship of any kind with BlackRock. BlackRock makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of any MassMutual Ascend Life annuity product or any member of the public regarding the advisability of purchasing an annuity, nor does it have any liability for any errors, omissions, interruptions or use of the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF or any data related thereto.

**iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF** 

The iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is an exchange traded fund that seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the real estate sector (Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index). This underlying index may include large-, mid- or small-capitalization companies. A significant portion of the underlying index is represented by real estate investment trusts (REITs), but the components are likely to change over time. The fund's adviser uses an indexing strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively has an investment profile similar to that of the underlying index. The fund's performance will be reduced by its expenses and fees.

The fund is subject to several principal investment risks, such as those related to its investments in large-, mid- and small-capitalization U.S. companies in the real estate sector. In general, large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, and may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies. Generally, the securities of smaller companies (including mid- and small-capitalization companies) may be more volatile and may involve more risk than the securities of larger companies. Smaller companies are also more likely to fail than larger companies. Companies that invest in real estate are highly sensitive to the risks of owning real estate, to general and local economic conditions and developments in the real estate market, and to changes in interest rates. Many companies that invest in real estate utilize leverage (and some may be highly leveraged), which increases investment risk, and could potentially magnify the fund's losses. Because the fund is an ETF, it is also exposed to the risks associated with the operation of any ETF. The value of its shares, which are valued based on their trading prices in the secondary market, may change rapidly and unpredictably and may trade at premiums or discounts to the fund's net asset value.

The principal investment risks of the fund are described in the fund's prospectus, including the following risks: asset class risk, authorized participant concentration risk, concentration risk, cyber security risk, dividend risk, equity securities risk, index-related risk, issuer risk, large-capitalization companies risk, management risk, market risk, market trading risk, mid-capitalization companies risk, operational risk, passive investment risk, real estate investment risk, risk of investing in the United States, securities lending risk and tracking error risk.

The fund's shares trade on the NYSE Arca under the symbol IYR.

The iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF is distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC. iShares<sup>®</sup>, BLACKROCK<sup>®</sup>, and the corresponding logos are registered and unregistered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates ("BlackRock"), and these trademarks have been licensed for certain purposes by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company. MassMutual Ascend Life annuity products are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by BlackRock, and purchasers of an annuity from MassMutual Ascend Life do not acquire any interest in the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF nor enter into any relationship of any kind with BlackRock. BlackRock makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of any MassMutual Ascend Life annuity product or any member of the public regarding the advisability of purchasing an annuity, nor does it have any liability for any errors, omissions, interruptions or use of the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF or any data related thereto.

**Index Values** 

For Indexed Strategies that use the S&P 500 Index, the Index is the level of the S&P 500 Index at the applicable Market Close. For Indexed Strategies that use the SPDR Gold Shares ETF, iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, or the iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF, the Index is the applicable exchange-traded fund's share price on the NYSE Arca at the applicable Market Close.

We will use consistent sources to obtain the values of an Index. We currently obtain the values for the S&P 500 Index and the SPDR Gold Shares ETF from S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and the values for the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF and iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF from BlackRock, Inc. If those sources are no longer available, we will select an alternative published source(s) to obtain such values.

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**Index Replacement** 

We may replace an Index, including the MVA Index, if it is discontinued or we are no longer able to use it, its calculation changes substantially, or we determine that hedging instruments are difficult to acquire or the cost of hedging becomes excessive. We may do so at the end of a Term or during a Term. We will notify you in writing at least 30 days before we replace an Index.

We would attempt to choose a replacement Index that is similar to the old Index. To determine if a new Index is similar, we will consider factors such as asset class, index composition, strategy or methodology inherent to the index and index liquidity.

If we replace an Index connected to an Indexed Strategy during a Term, we will calculate the rise and fall in the Index using the old Index up until the replacement date. After the replacement date, we will calculate the rise and fall in the Index using the new Index, but with a modified start of Term value for the new Index. The modified start of Term value for the new index will reflect the rise or fall in the Index for the old Index from the start of the Term to the replacement date.

If we replace an Index, the Caps for the Term and the Floor or Buffer will not change.

*Example.* This example is intended to show how we would calculate the Strategy value on any day during a Term if we have replaced an Index during the Term. This example assumes: (1) you allocate $50,000 to an Indexed Strategy; (2) the replacement is made on day 90 of the Term; and (3) no Performance Lock election has been made. To simplify the example, we assume that you take no withdrawals during the Term.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  **Rise or Fall of Index on Replacement Date for Old Index** | **Rise or Fall of Index on Replacement Date for Old Index** |
|  Old Index at Term start | 1000 |
|  Old Index on replacement date | 1050 |
|  Rise or fall of old Index on replacement date | (1050 – 1000) / 1,000 = 5% |

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The 5% rise in the old Index on the replacement date is then used to calculate the modified start of Term value for the new Index.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  **Modified Start of Term Value for New Index** | **Modified Start of Term Value for New Index** |
|  Rise in old Index on replacement date | 5% |
|  New Index on replacement date | 1785 |
|  Modified start of Term value for new Index | 1785 / (100% + 5%) = 1700 |

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The modified start of Term value for the new Index is then used to calculate the Indexed Strategy value on any date after the replacement date, including the value at the Term end.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  **Indexed Strategy Value at Term End** | **Indexed Strategy Value at Term End** |
|  Investment Base at Term start | $50000 |
|  Modified start of Term value for new Index | 1700 |
|  Value of new Index at Term end | 1853 |
|  Rise in new Index | (1853 -1,700) / 1700) = 9% |
|  Cap | 8% |
|  Rise in new Index limited by Cap | 8% |
|  Increase as a percentage | 8% x 100% = 8% |
|  Dollar amount of increase | $50,000 x 8% = $4,000 |
|  Strategy value at Term end | $50,000 + $4,000 = $54,000 |

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**CAPS, BUFFERS, AND FLOORS** 

We set limits for the increase and reduction in the value of an Indexed Strategy over a Term. We limit increases with a Cap. We limit reductions with a Floor or a Buffer. For information about the current Caps offered for new Contracts, please contact your registered representative or refer to our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

***Cap****.* The Cap for an Indexed Strategy is the largest rise in the Index over a Term that is taken into account to determine the Strategy value at the end of that Term. Before the end of a Term, the Cap is reflected in the formulas that we use to calculate the Net Option Price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **The Cap will vary among Indexed Strategies.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **The Cap for a given Indexed Strategy will vary from Term to Term.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **We guarantee that the Cap for a Term of an Indexed Strategy will never be less than 1%.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **For each Term, your return on an Indexed Strategy may be less than any rise in the Index over that Term.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **For each Term, your return on an Indexed Strategy may be less than the Cap for that Term.** 

We set Caps based on the length of the Term, the cost of hedging, interest rates, and other market factors. On a non-discriminatory basis, we may also take into account the amount of the Purchase Payments received for a Contract. The Caps for Contracts with larger Purchase Payments may be higher than the Caps for Contracts with smaller Purchase Payments.

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*Caps for Initial Terms*. Each Purchase Payment that you allocate to an Indexed Strategy is applied to an initial Term of that Indexed Strategy on the first Strategy Application Date on or after the date that the payment is received. The Caps for each Strategy Application Date may vary. We will publish the Caps for the next Strategy Application Date on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates) by the close of the prior Strategy Application Date. If we receive the application for the Contract within eight days after the date you sign it, we will guarantee the Caps in effect on the date you signed the application for all Purchase Payments received by us on or before the third Strategy Application Date that occurs on or after the date of the application.

If we receive the signed application within eight days after the date you sign it, then for any Strategy:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For Purchase Payments applied to an initial Term starting on the first Strategy Application Date on or after the
application date, the Cap will be the Cap in effect on the date you signed the application.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For Purchase Payments applied to an initial Term starting on one of the next two Strategy Application Dates, the
Cap will be the higher of the Cap in effect on the date you signed the application or the Cap otherwise in effect for that Strategy Application Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For Purchase Payments applied to an initial Term starting on a later Strategy Application Date, the Cap will be
the Cap in effect for that Strategy Application Date.

If we receive the signed application more than eight days after the date you sign it, then the guarantee does not apply and the Cap for each Purchase Payment applied to an Initial Term will be the Cap in effect for that Strategy Application Date.

*Example*: You sign an application for a Contract on May 1 and allocate all of your Purchase Payments to the S&P 500 1-year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy. On the date of the application, the Cap for the first Strategy Application Date (May 6) is 10%. We receive the application and the first Purchase Payment from you on May 8 and the second Purchase Payment from you on May 23. The Cap for the second Strategy Application Date (May 20) is 11% and the Cap for the third Strategy Application Date (June 6) is 9%.

In this case, the initial 1-year Term for the first Purchase Payment would begin on May 20 and would have an 11% Cap (the higher of the May 6 rate or the May 20 rate). The initial 1-year Term for the second Purchase Payment would begin on June 6 and would have a 10% Cap (the higher of the May 6 rate or the June 6 rate).

If we had not received your signed application until May 10 (more than eight days after the date you signed the application), then you would not qualify for the rate guarantee, and the initial 1-year Term for the first Purchase Payment received on May 8 would have an 11% Cap (the May 20 rate effective for Purchase Payments received between May 7 and May 20), and the initial 1-year Term for the second Purchase Payment received on May 23 would have a 9% Cap (the June 6 rate effective for Purchase Payments received between May 21 and June 6).

*Caps for Subsequent Terms*. At least 30 days before the end of each Term, we will send you a written notice with information about the Indexed Strategies that will be available for the next Term, and will indicate the date by which the Caps will be posted on our website. The Caps for the next Term will be available on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates) at least 10 days before the start of the Term. You should consider this information before finalizing your renewal or reallocation decision.

***Buffer****.* The Buffer for an Indexed Strategy provides a buffer against the first 10% of any fall in the Index for the Term when determining the Strategy value at the end of that Term. Before the end of a Term, the Buffer is reflected in the formulas that we use to calculate the Net Option Price.

For each Term of each Buffer Strategy that we currently offer for this Contract, the Buffer is 10%. The Buffer for an Indexed Strategy that is available on the Contract Effective Date will not change.

In the future, we may offer a new Strategy with a Buffer that is more than 10%, but we will not offer a new Strategy with a Buffer that is less than 10%.

***Floor***. The Floor for an Indexed Strategy is the portion of any fall in the Index for the Term that is taken into account when determining the Strategy value at the end of that Term. Before the end of a Term, the Floor is reflected in the formulas that we use to calculate the Net Option Price.

For each Term of the Floor Strategy that we currently offer for this Contract, the Floor is -10%. The Floor for an Indexed Strategy that is available on the Contract Effective Date will not change.

In the future, we may offer a new Strategy with a Floor that is less negative than -10%, but we will not offer a new Strategy with a Floor that is more negative than -10%.

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**INDEXED STRATEGY VALUE AT END OF TERM** 

On or after the final Market Day of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is the Investment Base increased for any rise in the applicable Index or decreased for any fall in the applicable Index over that Term. If you have made a Performance Lock election, then the normal rules set out in this section do not apply, and the value at the end of a Term is determined as described under Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election section on page [ ].

Any increase or decrease is based on the rise or fall in the applicable Index since the start of that Term. This rise or fall is expressed as a percentage of the Index at the start of the Term. It is measured from the Index at the last Market Close on or before the first day of that Term to the Index at the final Market Close of the Term.

*Example.* The Index was 1000 at the last Market Close on or before for first day of a Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index at the final Market Close of the Term is 1065, then the Index has risen by 6.5% ((1065 – 1000)
/ 1000).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Index at the final Market Close of the Term is 925, then the Index has fallen by 7.5% ((925 – 1000) /
1000).

**Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy** 

In the absence of a Performance Lock election, here are the formulas that we use to calculate the Strategy value at the end of a Term of a Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy.

Strategy value at end of Term = Investment Base + dollar amount of increase or decrease

Dollar amount of increase or decrease = Investment Base x increase or decrease percentage

Increase percentage = any rise in the Index for the Term, but never more than the Cap

Decrease percentage = any fall in the Index for the Term but never more than the Floor

*Example.* At the beginning of a Term, you allocate $100,000 to an Indexed Strategy with a -10% Floor and a 14% Cap. To simplify the example, we assume that you do not take any withdrawals during that Term, which means your Investment Base at the end of that Term is $100,000. You have not made a Performance Lock election.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **At Final Market<br>Close of Term** | **At Final Market<br>Close of Term** |
|  Rise or fall in Index | +16% | –16% |
|  Increase or decrease percentage | +14% (16% > 14% Cap) | –10% (-10% Floor) |
|  Dollar amount of increase or decrease | +14,000 ($100,000 x 14%) | –10,000 ($100,000 x –10%) |
|  Strategy value at end of Term | $114,000 ($100,000 + $14,000) | $90000 ($100000 - $10000) |

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**Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy** 

In the absence of a Performance Lock election, here are the formulas that we use to calculate the Strategy value at the end of a Term of Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy.

Strategy value at end of Term = Investment Base + dollar amount of increase or decrease

Dollar amount of increase or decrease = Investment Base x increase or decrease percentage

Increase percentage = any rise in the Index for the Term, but never more than the Cap

Decrease percentage = any fall in the Index for the Term that is greater than the Buffer

*Example.* At the beginning of a Term, you allocate $100,000 to an Indexed Strategy with a 10% Buffer and a 14% Cap. To simplify the example, we assume that you do not take any withdrawals during that Term, which means your Investment Base at the end of that Term is $100,000. You have not made a Performance Lock election.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **At Final Market<br>Close of Term** | **At Final Market<br>Close of Term** |
|  Rise or fall in Index | +16% | –16% |
|  Increase or decrease percentage | +14% (16% > 14% Cap) | –6% (-16% - (-10%)) |
|  Dollar amount of increase or decrease | +14,000 ($100,000 x 14%) | –6,000 ($100,000 x –6%) |
|  Strategy value at end of Term | $114,000 ($100,000 + $14,000) | $94000 ($100000 - $6000) |

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**INDEXED STRATEGY VALUE BEFORE END OF TERM** 

Before the final Market Day of a Term, unless you have made a Performance Lock election, the value of an Indexed Strategy is the Investment Base increased or decreased by the Daily Value Percentage. If you have made a Performance Lock election, then the normal rules set out in this section do not apply, and the value after the effective date of the Performance Lock election through the end of the Term is determined as described under Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election section below.

In the absence of a Performance Lock election, here are the formulas that we use to calculate the Strategy value before the end of a Term.

Strategy value before end of Term = Investment Base + dollar amount of increase or decrease

Dollar amount of increase or decrease = Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage

Daily Value Percentage = Net Option Price – Amortized Option Cost – Trading Cost

**Net Option Price** 

The Net Option Price is one part of the Daily Value Percentage. The Net Option Price is based on the calculated prices of hypothetical options that represent the projected changes in the Index over the full Term. The mathematical model we use to price those options is described in the Option Prices section of this prospectus.

**Net Option Price for Floor with Cap Strategy** 

For an Indexed Strategy with a Floor and a Cap, four option prices are included in the calculation of the Net Option Price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ATM Call Option Price, which represents the possible rise in the Index

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• OTM Call Option Price, which is subtracted in order to limit any rise in the Index by the Cap

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ATM Put Option Price, which is subtracted and represents the possible fall in the Index

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• OTM Put Option Price, which is added in order to limit any fall in the Index and is limited to the Floor in
order.

The Net Option Price as of a Market Close is a percentage equal to: (1) the ATM Call Option Price at the Market Close; minus (2) the OTM Call Option Price at the Market Close; (3) minus the ATM Put Option Price at the Market Close; and (4) plus the OTM Put Option at the Market Close.

It is important to note that the Net Option Price will almost always be less than any rise in the Index because, when we calculate the Net Option Price, we subtract the amount by which the ATM Put Option Price exceeds the OTM Put Option Price, and the ATM Put Option Price always exceeds the OTM Put Option Price because the ATM Put Option Price represents the constant present potential for a fall in the Index before the end of the Term, while the OTM Put Option Price represents the lesser/included potential for a fall in the Index of more than the -10% Floor.

**Net Option Price for Buffer with Cap Strategy** 

For an Indexed Strategy with a Buffer and a Cap, three option prices are included in the calculation of the Net Option Price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ATM Call Option Price, which represents the possible rise in the Index

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• OTM Call Option Price, which is subtracted in order to limit any rise in the Index by the Cap

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• OTM Put Option Price, which represents the possible fall in the Index and is limited by the Buffer in order to
reflect your share in any such fall.

The Net Option Price as of a Market Close is a percentage equal to: (1) the ATM Call Option Price at the Market Close; minus (2) the OTM Call Option Price at the Market Close; and (3) minus the OTM Put Option at the Market Close.

It is important to note that the Net Option Price will almost always be less than any rise in the Index because, when we calculate the Net Option Price, we subtract the OTM Put Option Price, and the OTM Put Option Price is always above zero due to the constant present potential for a fall in the Index in excess of the Buffer before the end of the Term.

**Amortized Option Cost** 

The Amortized Option Cost is one part of the Daily Value Percentage. The Amortized Option Cost starts with the Net Option Price at the beginning of a Term, which is calculated using the formulas set out above. That Net Option Price is then multiplied by the time remaining in the Term as a percentage of the length of the Term.

The Amortized Option Cost as of a Market Close is a percentage equal to: (1) the Net Option Price for the Strategy at the beginning of the Term; multiplied by (2) the number of days remaining until the final Market Close of the Term divided by 365.

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**Trading Cost** 

The Trading Cost is one part of the Daily Value Percentage. The Trading Cost as of a Market Close is the estimated cost of selling the hypothetical options before the end of a Term. It is a percentage that reflects the average market difference between option average bid-ask prices and option bid prices.

**Daily Value Percentage Examples** 

*Examples*. Here are examples that show how the Daily Value Percentage formula works for Indexed Strategies.

**Assumptions for Examples 1 – 2** 

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| *Option Price Assumptions* | Price at Start<br>of Term | Price at Current<br>Market Close |
|  ATM Call Option Price | 6.00% | 7.47% |
|  OTM Call Option Price | 1.15% | 1.81% |
|  ATM Put Option Price | 5.40% | 3.36% |
|  OTM Put Option Price | 4.50% | 2.80% |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  *Strategy Assumptions* |  |
|  Investment Base for each Strategy | $100000.0 |
|  Cap for one-year Term | 11.0% |
|  Days remaining to last Market Day of one-year Term | 275.0 |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  *Trading Cost Assumption* | 0.15 | % |

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**Example 1: -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy** 

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  Current ATM Call Option Price – Current OTM Call Option Price | 5.66% |  | (7.47% – 1.81%) |
|  Current ATM Put Option Price – Current OTM Put Option Price  | -0.56%% |  | – (3.36% - 2.80%) |
|  ***Net Option Price*** | = 5.10% |  |  |
|  Initial ATM Call Option Price – Initial OTM Call Option Price | 4.85% |  | (6.00% – 1.15%) |
|  Initial ATM Put Option Price – Initial OTM Put Option Price | – 0.90% |  | – (5.40% - 4.50%) |
|  Net Option Cost | = 3.95% |  |  |
|  Amortization Factor for days remaining to final Market Day of Term | x 75.34% |  | x (275 / 365) |
|  ***Amortized Option Cost*** | = 2.98% |  |  |
|  Net Option Price | 5.10% |  |  |
|  Amortized Option Cost | – 2.98% |  |  |
|  Assumed Trading Cost | – 0.15% |  |  |
|  ***Daily Value Percentage*** | = 1.97% |  |  |
|  Dollar amount of increase | $1970 | ($| 100,000 x 1.970%) |
|  Value of -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy | $101970 | ($| 100,000 + $1,970) |

---

**Example 2: 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy** 

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  Current ATM Call Option Price – Current OTM Call Option Price | 5.66% |  | (7.47%-1.81%) |
|  Current OTM Put Option Price | –2.80% |  |  |
|  ***Net Option Price*** | = 2.86% |  |  |
|  Initial ATM Call Option Price – Initial OTM Call Option Price | 4.85% |  | (6.00%-1.15%) |
|  Initial OTM Put Option Price | – 4.50% |  |  |
|  Net Option Cost | = 0.35% |  |  |
|  Amortization Factor for days remaining to final Market Day of Term | x 75.34% |  | x (275 / 365) |
|  ***Amortized Option Cost*** | 0.26% |  |  |
|  Net Option Price | 2.86% |  |  |
|  Amortized Option Cost | –0.26% |  |  |
|  Assumed Trading Cost | – 0.15% |  |  |
|  ***Daily Value Percentage*** | = 2.45% |  |  |
|  Increase as a dollar amount | $2450 | ($| 100,000 x 2.45%) |
|  Value of 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy | $102450 | ($| 100,000 + $2,450) |

---

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Maximum Loss Before the End of a Term** 

If you Surrender your Contract or take a withdrawal before the end of a Term, there is no set maximum loss because the Indexed Strategy value is determined using the Daily Value Percentage. The loss on a Floor Strategy may exceed the -10% Floor, and a Buffer Strategy may not receive the benefit of the 10% Buffer, because the use of the Daily Value Percentage means that the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost are subtracted from the Strategy value. The Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost are determined each time the Daily Value Percentage is calculated. As a result, in extreme circumstances, the total loss for an Indexed Strategy could be 100%, meaning that you would suffer a complete loss of your principal and any prior earnings.

**INDEXED STRATEGY VALUE AFTER PERFORMANCE LOCK ELECTION** 

For an S&P 500 Strategy, you may make a Performance Lock election for a Term that starts after the date of this prospectus, If you do so, then the normal rules described in the Indexed Strategy Value at End of Term section and the Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term section do not apply. Instead, beginning on the second Market Close following the receipt of the Performance Lock election, the Daily Value Percentage used to calculate the Strategy value through the end of the Term is locked in.

If you make a Performance Lock election, here are the formulas that we use to calculate the Strategy value through the end of the Term.

Strategy value before or at end of Term = Investment Base + dollar amount of increase or decrease

Dollar amount of increase or decrease = Investment Base x locked Daily Value Percentage

Locked Daily Value Percentage = Net Option Price – Amortized Option Cost – Trading Cost, all as determined at the second Market Close following receipt of the Performance Lock election

**Performance Lock Examples** 

*Examples.* Here are examples that show how the Performance Lock election works for S&P 500 Strategies.

**Assumptions for Examples 1-2** 

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---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| *Option Price Assumptions* | Price at Start of Term | Price on Lock Effective Date |
|  ATM Call Option Price | 6.00% | 7.47% |
|  OTM Call Option Price | 1.15% | 1.81% |
|  ATM Put Option Price | 5.40% | 3.36% |
|  OTM Put Option Price | 4.50% | 2.80% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  *Strategy Assumptions* |  |
|  Investment Base for each Strategy | $100000.0 |
|  Cap for one-year Term | 11.0% |
|  Upside Participation Rate for one-year Term | 75.0% |
|  Days remaining to last Market Day of one-year Term on Lock Effective Date | 275.0 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  *Trading Cost Assumption* | 0.15 | % |

---

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Example 1: Floor Strategy (Strategy with Cap and -10% Floor)** 

------

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  Lock effective date ATM Call Option Price – OTM Call Option Price | 5.66% |  | (7.47% – 1.81%) |
|  Lock effective date ATM Put Option Price – OTM Put Option Price | – 0.56% |  | - (3.36% – 2.80%) |
|  ***Net Option Price on Lock effective date*** | = 5.10% |  |  |
|  Initial ATM Call Option Price – Initial OTM Call Option Price | 4.85% |  | (6.00% – 1.15%) |
|  Initial ATM Put Option Price – Initial OTM Put Option Price | – 0.90% |  | - (5.40% - 4.50%) |
|  Net Option Cost | = 3.95% |  |  |
|  Amortization Factor for days remaining from Lock effective date to final Market Day of Term | x 75.34% |  | x (275 / 365) |
|  ***Amortized Option Cost on Lock effective date*** | = 2.98% |  |  |
|  Net Option Price | 5.10% |  |  |
|  Amortized Option Cost | – 2.98% |  |  |
|  Assumed Trading Cost | – 0.15% |  |  |
|  ***Locked Daily Value Percentage*** | = 1.97% |  |  |
|  Dollar amount of increase | $1970 | ($| 100,000 x 1.970%) |
|  Value of -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy | $101970 | ($| 100,000 + $1,970) |

---

**Example 2: 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy** 

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---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  Lock effective date ATM Call Option Price – OTM Call Option Price | 5.66% |  | (7.47%-1.81%) |
|  Lock effective date OTM Put Option Price | –2.80% |  |  |
|  ***Net Option Price on Lock effective date*** | = 2.86% |  |  |
|  Initial ATM Call Option Price – Initial OTM Call Option Price | 4.85% |  | (6.00%-1.15%) |
|  Initial OTM Put Option Price | – 4.50% |  |  |
|  Net Option Cost | = 0.35% |  |  |
|  Amortization Factor for days remaining from Lock effective date to final Market Day of Term | x 75.34% |  | x (275 / 365) |
|  ***Amortized Option Cost on Lock effective date*** | 0.26% |  |  |
|  Net Option Price | 2.86% |  |  |
|  Amortized Option Cost | –0.26% |  |  |
|  Assumed Trading Cost | – 0.15% |  |  |
|  ***Locked Daily Value Percentage*** | = 2.45% |  |  |
|  Dollar amount of increase | $2450 | ($| 100,000 x 2.45%) |
|  Value of 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy | $102450 | ($| 100,000 + $2,450) |

---

**DECLARED RATE STRATEGY** 

The Declared Rate Strategy earns interest at a fixed rate with annual compounding. Interest will be credited daily to amounts held under the Declared Rate Strategy. Note: The Declared Rate Strategy is not available for Contracts issued in Missouri. For Contracts issued in Missouri, see the State Variations section below for more information about the Temporary Holding Account, which has many of the same features as the Declared Rate Strategy.

**Declared Rates** 

We will set the Declared Rate for a Term before that Term starts. It will be guaranteed for the entire Term.

At least 10 days before the initial Term starts, we will post the Declared Rate that will apply to the Declared Rate Strategy for that Term on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

If you are not satisfied with the Declared Rate offered for your initial Term, you may rescind your Contract by returning it and giving written notice of your decision to rescind. You will have 20 days in which to rescind your Contract. The rescission period will end at midnight of the 20<sup>th</sup> day after the date you receive your Contract. The amount to be refunded upon rescission depends on the state where your Contract was issued. Please refer to the "Right to Cancel (Free Look)" on page [ ] below.

At least 10 days before the next Term starts, we will post the Declared Rate that will apply to the Declared Rate Strategy for that next Term on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

We may set a different Declared Rate for each subsequent Term. For a Term, different rates may apply with respect to amounts attributable to Purchase Payments received on different dates.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
In any event, the Declared Rate for a Term will never be less than the guaranteed minimum interest rate set out in the Declared Rate Strategy endorsement included in your Contract. The guaranteed minimum interest rate will be at least equal to the minimum interest rate required for fixed annuity contracts by state Standard Nonforfeiture Law that is in effect on the date that the Contract is issued.

**Term** 

Each Term of the Declared Rate Strategy is one year long and will start and end on a Strategy Application Date. A new Term will start at the end of the preceding Term.

If you make only one Purchase Payment or you make all of your Purchase Payments before the initial Strategy Application Date, then each Term of the Declared Rate Strategy will end on the same date in any given year. If you make a Purchase Payment after the initial Strategy Application Date, then your Purchase Payments will be applied to the Crediting Strategies on different Strategy Application Dates. In this case, the Declared Rate Strategy will have Terms that end on different dates in any given year.

**Declared Rate Strategy Value** 

The value of the Declared Rate Strategy is equal to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the amounts applied to the Strategy at the start of the current Term; minus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• each withdrawal taken from the Strategy during the current Term; plus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• interest that we have credited on the balances in the Strategy for the current Term.

The rise or fall of an Index does not affect the value of the Declared Rate Strategy. A withdrawal from the Declared Rate Strategy reduces the Declared Rate Strategy value by an amount equal to the withdrawal.

**Allocation Limit** 

When a Purchase Payment is applied to Crediting Strategies, the percentage of the Purchase Payment Account applied to the Declared Rate Strategy cannot exceed the Allocation Limit of 12%. When ending values are reallocated to Crediting Strategies at the end of a Term, the percentage of the Account Value to be applied to the Declared Rate Strategy cannot exceed the Allocation Limit. If you do not make a request to reallocate the ending values of your Crediting Strategies for a given Term, the ending value of the Declared Rate Strategy may be applied to a new Term of that same Strategy even if it exceeds the Allocation Limit for the Declared Rate Strategy.

**PURCHASE** 

You may purchase a Contract only through a registered representative of a broker-dealer that has a selling agreement with our affiliated underwriter, MM Ascend Life Investor Services, LLC.

Any Owner or Annuitant must be age 80 or younger on the Contract Effective Date. To determine eligibility, we will use the person's age on his/her last birthday. We may make exceptions with respect to the maximum issue age in our discretion.

The Contract is not available in all states. To find out if it is available in the state where you live, ask your registered representative. The Contract may not be available for purchase during certain periods. There are a number of reasons why the Contract periodically may not be available, including that we want to limit the volume of sales of the Contract. You may wish to speak to your registered representative about how this may affect your purchase. For example, in order to purchase the Contract, you may be required to submit your application prior to a specific date. In that case, if there is a delay because your application is incomplete or otherwise not in good order, you might not be able to purchase the Contract. Your broker-dealer may impose conditions on the purchase of the Contract, such as a lower maximum issue age, than we or other selling firms impose. We reserve the right to reject any application at our discretion. We also reserve the right to discontinue the sale of the Contracts at any time.

**Purchase Payments** 

The Contract is a modified single premium annuity contract. This means you may make one or more Purchase Payments during the purchase payment period. The purchase payment period begins on the Contract Effective Date. It will end two months after the Contract Effective Date.

We must receive your initial Purchase Payment on or before the Contract Effective Date. We must receive each additional Purchase Payment on or before the last day of the purchase payment period. We will not accept any Purchase Payment that we receive after the date that the Contract is cancelled or Surrendered or after a death for which a Death Benefit is payable.

The initial Purchase Payment must be at least $25,000. Each additional Purchase Payment must be at least $10,000. You will need our prior approval if you want to make a Purchase Payment(s) of more than $1,500,000.

We reserve the right to refuse a Purchase Payment made in the form of a personal check in excess of $100,000. We may accept a Purchase Payment over $100,000 made in other forms, such as EFT/wire transfers, or certified checks or other checks written by financial institutions. We will not accept a Purchase Payment(s) made with cash, money orders, or traveler's checks.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Exchanges, Transfers, or Rollovers** 

If you own an annuity or tax-qualified account, you may be able to exchange it for an Index Achiever annuity, directly transfer it to an Index Achiever annuity, or roll it over to an Index Achiever annuity without paying taxes. Before you do, compare the benefits, features, and costs of each annuity or account. You may pay an early withdrawal charge under the old annuity or account. You may pay a Market Value Adjustment if you later take withdrawals from your Index Achiever annuity in excess of the amount in the Declared Rate Strategy. Please note that some financial professionals may have a financial incentive to offer this Contract in place of the one the investor already owns. Ask your registered representative whether an exchange, transfer, or rollover would be advantageous, based on the features, benefits, and charges of the Index Achiever annuity.

If you purchase your Contract with an exchange, transfer, or rollover, a delay in processing the exchange, transfer, or rollover may delay the issuance of your new Contract or prevent the application of additional Purchase Payments to your existing Contract.

You should only exchange your existing contract for this Contract if you determine after comparing the features, fees, and risks of both contracts that it is preferable for you to purchase this Contract rather than continuing to own your existing contract.

**Application of Purchase Payments** 

Each Purchase Payment will be held in the Purchase Payment Account until it is applied to a Crediting Strategy on a Strategy Application Date. On each Strategy Application Date, we will apply the then current balance of the Purchase Payment Account to the Crediting Strategies you selected.

We will credit interest daily on amounts held in the Purchase Payment Account at the annual effective rate set out in your Contract. This rate will be at least 1%.

In certain states, we are required to give back your Purchase Payment(s) if you decide to cancel your Contract during the free look period. If we are required by law to refund your Purchase Payment(s), we reserve the right to hold your Purchase Payment(s) in the Purchase Payment Account until the first Strategy Application Date on or after the end of the free look period. If we do so and you cancel your Contract before that Strategy Application Date, we will refund your Purchase Payment(s) but you will forfeit any interest credited to the Purchase Payment Account or other increase in the Account Value.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Purchase Payment Account Value** 

On any day, the value of the Purchase Payment Account is equal to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Purchase Payments received by us plus interest earned daily; minus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the premium tax or other tax that may apply to the Purchase Payments; and minus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• each withdrawal taken from the Purchase Payment Account since the last Strategy Application Date.

**Unforeseen Processing Delays** 

We are exposed to risks related to natural and man-made disasters and catastrophes, such as (but not limited to) storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, public health crises, malicious acts, and terrorist acts, any of which could adversely affect our ability to conduct business. A natural or man-made disaster or catastrophe, including a pandemic (such as COVID-19), could affect the ability or willingness of our employees or the employees of our service providers to perform their job responsibilities. While many of our employees and the employees of our service providers are able to work remotely, those remote work arrangements may result in our business operations being less efficient than under normal circumstances and could lead to delays in our processing of contract-related transactions, including orders from contract owners. Catastrophic events may negatively affect the computer and other systems on which we rely, impact our ability to calculate values under your Contract, or have other possible negative impacts. There can be no assurance that our service providers will be able to successfully avoid negative impacts associated with natural and man-made disasters and catastrophes.

A processing delay will not affect the effective date as of which we process transactions, including orders from contract owners, the date that a Term begins or ends, or the values used to process the transaction.

**INITIAL STRATEGY SELECTIONS** 

You make your initial selection of Crediting Strategies in your purchase application. Your initial selection is set out on your Contract Specifications Page.

Your initial selection will also apply to each subsequent Purchase Payment. If you wish to change your selection for a specific Purchase Payment, we must receive a Request in Good Order that identifies the Crediting Strategies you are selecting for that Purchase Payment before the Strategy Application Date that applies to that Purchase Payment.

When you select a Crediting Strategy, you must also indicate the percentage of the Purchase Payment that you wish to allocate to that Crediting Strategy. All allocations must be in whole percentages that total 100%. We reserve the right to round amounts up or down to make whole percentages, and to reduce or increase amounts proportionally in order to total 100%.

Currently there are no limitations on the amounts that may be applied to an Indexed Strategy. When allocating or reallocating, the amount applied to the Declared Rate Strategy cannot exceed the Allocation Limit of 12%.

We may establish minimum and maximum amounts or percentages that may be applied to a given Crediting Strategy for any future Term in our discretion. We will notify you of any such minimum or maximum. We may limit the availability of a Strategy for a Term that would extend beyond the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. All Strategies may not be available in all states.

**STRATEGY SELECTIONS AT TERM END** 

At the end of a Term, you may choose to reallocate your money among the Indexed Strategies or you may choose to take no action. If you do not send us a reallocation request, your current allocations will automatically continue in the new Term as long as the same Indexed Strategies are available.

**Reallocations** 

At the end of a Term, you may reallocate the ending values of the Crediting Strategies for that Term among the available Strategies. You can only reallocate amounts from one Crediting Strategy to another at the end of the Term for which such amount is being held. You cannot make a reallocation at any other time.

We will send you written notice at least 30 days before the end of a Term to provide you with the opportunity to make a reallocation. We must receive your Request in Good Order for a reallocation on or before the last day of the Term. For example, if the end of a Term falls on a weekend, we must receive your request on the last Market Day before that weekend.

**Continuing Allocations** 

You do not need to take any action if you want to continue your current allocations and all of your strategies are available for the next Term. If you do not send us a reallocation request, then we will automatically apply the ending value of each Indexed Strategy to a new Term of that same Strategy.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Unavailable Strategies** 

A Crediting Strategy may be unavailable for the next Term because we are no longer offering that Strategy or we have set a minimum or maximum for that Strategy.

When an Indexed Strategy is unavailable for the next Term, you may choose to reallocate the funds held in that Strategy.

For any Crediting Strategy, if you take no action and do not send us a reallocation request, then any amount that cannot be applied to that Crediting Strategy for the next Term will be applied as follows:

1) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and that has the same or most comparable positive return factors and negative return factors; or

2) To another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the largest Buffer; or

3) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the least negative Floor; or

4) to the Declared Rate Strategy to the extent it does not cause the allocation to exceed the Allocation Limit; or

5) to the extent that it cannot be allocated to the Declared Rate Strategy, then to the S&P 500 –10% Floor Strategy. 

**Surrender or Withdrawal at Term End** 

At the end of a Term, you may choose to Surrender your Contract or to take a withdrawal from your Contract. You may do so for any reason, including dissatisfaction with the available Crediting Strategies. A Market Value Adjustment may apply on Surrender or to a withdrawal that exceeds the balance in the Declared Rate Strategy. In addition, there may be tax consequences if you Surrender your Contract or take a withdrawal. You should seek advice on tax questions based on your particular circumstances from a tax advisor.

Contract values calculated at the end of a Term will reflect the applicable Strategy values and any Market Value Adjustment that would apply upon a Surrender. The value of an Indexed Strategy at the end of the Term will not reflect any Daily Value Percentage because it is calculated based on the rise or fall of the applicable Index for the Term.

**Limitations** 

Reallocations must be in whole percentages that total 100%. We reserve the right to round amounts up or down to make whole percentages, and to reduce or increase amounts proportionally in order to total 100%.

Any reallocation or continuing allocation will be subject to Strategy availability, minimums and maximums. Currently there are no limitations on the amounts that may be applied to any single Indexed Strategy. We may establish minimum and maximum amounts or percentages that may be applied to a given Crediting Strategy for any future Term in our discretion. We will notify you of any such minimum or maximum.

The new Term of each Strategy is subject to the Declared Rate or Cap in effect for that Strategy for that new Term. For example, the Cap for an Indexed Strategy for a new Term may be different than the Cap for that Indexed Strategy for the Term that is ending. The Floor or Buffer will not change from Term to Term.

**Availability of Strategies** 

We will send you a written notice at least 30 days before the end of each Term with information about the Strategies that will be available for the next Term. At least 10 days before the next Term starts, we will post the Declared Rate and Caps that will apply for the next Term on our website (www.massmutualascend.com/RILArates).

The S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy and a Declared Rate Strategy will always be available. We are not obligated to offer any one particular Declared Rate Strategy or any other particular Indexed Strategy. At the end of a Term, we can add or stop offering any Crediting Strategy at our discretion other than the S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy. We reserve the right to limit the availability of a Strategy for a Term that would extend beyond the Annuity Payout Initiation Date. All Crediting Strategies may not be available in all states.

If we intend to add or stop offering a Crediting Strategy at the end of a Term, we will send you a notification at least 30 days before the end of the Term to provide you with the opportunity to make a reallocation. If funds are held in a Crediting Strategy that will no longer be available after the end of a Term, the funds will remain in that Strategy until the end of that Term.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Default Strategy** 

At the end of a Term, to the extent any amount cannot be applied to a given Crediting Strategy for the next Term because that Strategy is no longer available or the amount is under the minimum or over the maximum for that Strategy for the new Term, unless you send us a request to reallocate that amount we will apply the amount as follows:

1) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and that has the same or most comparable positive return factors and negative return factors; or

2) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the largest Buffer; or

3) to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy, has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, and has the least negative Floor; or

4) to the Declared Rate Strategy to the extent it does not cause the allocation to exceed the Allocation Limit; or

5) to the extent that it cannot be allocated to the Declared Rate Strategy, then to the S&P 500 –10% Floor Strategy. 

For example, if you allocate only to a SPDR Gold Shares 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy and that Strategy is no longer available and you do not send us a request to reallocate, then we will apply the amount allocated to that Strategy to another SPDR Gold Shares 1-Year Indexed Strategy for the next Term if there is one. If there is more than one, we would use the priorities set out above to determine where the amount will be allocated. Under these priorities, we would apply it to any other SPDR Gold Shares 1-Year Indexed Strategy that has both a Cap and a Buffer. If none, then we would apply it to a SPDR Gold Shares 1-Year Floor Indexed Strategy. If no other SPDR Gold Shares 1-Year Indexed Strategy exists, we will apply up to 12% of the Strategy value to the Declared Rate Strategy and the remainder to the S&P 500 1-Year –10% Floor Indexed Strategy.

If the amount to be applied exceeds the maximum, then only the excess amount will be applied using those rules. For example, if the maximum amount for a Crediting Strategy is $50,000 and the amount to be applied is $54,000, then we will apply the excess $4,000 to another Indexed Strategy that uses the same index as the prior Indexed Strategy and has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy. If there is more than one Indexed Strategy that uses the same index and has a Term that is no longer than the prior Indexed Strategy, then we will use the priorities set out above to determine where the excess will be applied. If no other Indexed Strategy uses the same index, then as much of the $4,000 will be allocated to the Declared Rate Strategy without exceeding the Allocation Limit, and any remainder will be allocated to the S&P 500 –10% Floor Strategy.

We must receive your Request in Good Order for a reallocation on or before the last day of the Term. For example, if the end of a Term falls on a weekend, we must receive your request on the last Market Day before that weekend.

Note: For Contracts issued in Missouri where the Declared Rate Strategy is not available, the same rules will apply except the Temporary Holding Account will be used instead of the Declared Rate Strategy.

**CASH BENEFIT** 

**Surrender** 

You may Surrender your Contract at any time before the earlier of: (1) the Annuity Payout Initiation Date; or (2) a death for which a Death Benefit is payable. The right to Surrender may be restricted if your Contract is purchased under an employer plan subject to IRC Section 401 (pension, profit sharing, and 401(k) plans), IRC Section 403(b) (tax-sheltered annuity plans), or IRC Section 457(b) (governmental deferred compensation plans).

A Surrender must be made by a Request in Good Order. The amount paid upon Surrender is the Surrender Value. If you Surrender your Contract, the Contract terminates.

**Withdrawals** 

You may take a withdrawal, including a withdrawal to pay advisory fees, from your Contract at any time before the earliest of: (1) the Annuity Payout Initiation Date; (2) a death for which a Death Benefit is payable; or (3) the date that this Contract is Surrendered. The right to withdraw may be restricted if your Contract is purchased under an employer plan subject to IRC Section 401 (pension, profit sharing, and 401(k) plans), IRC Section 403(b) (tax-sheltered annuity plans), or IRC Section 457(b) (governmental deferred compensation plans).

A withdrawal must be made by a Request in Good Order. The amount of any withdrawal must be at least $500. If the withdrawal would reduce the Account Value to less than the minimum value of $5,000, we will treat the withdrawal request as a request to withdraw the maximum amount that may be taken without reducing your Account Value to less than $5,000.

We will withdraw funds from your Account Value as of the date on which we receive your Request in Good Order or any later specified effective date. You may designate the Crediting Strategy or Strategies from which a withdrawal will be taken by a Request in Good Order prior to the date of the withdrawal. If you do not make a designation, we will take the withdrawal from the Crediting Strategies in the following order:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• first from the Purchase Payment Account;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• then from the Declared Rate Strategy; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• then proportionally from the Indexed Strategies having the shortest Term.

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**Effect of Withdrawals** 

A withdrawal (including any withdrawals to pay advisory fees) reduces the Account Value on a dollar-for-dollar basis, which in turn reduces the amount payable upon Surrender, applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit, or payable as the Death Benefit. In addition, a withdrawal will proportionally reduce the Return of Premium Guarantee for the Death Benefit. Please see the example on page 39.

A withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy during the first six Contract Years (other than to pay advisory fees) will be subject to a Market Value Adjustment. If a Market Value Adjustment applies to your withdrawal and you do not request otherwise, you will receive the amount that you requested, and your Account Value will be adjusted by the amount you receive plus the amount needed to pay a negative Market Value Adjustment.

If a withdrawal and any related Market Value Adjustment is taken from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, the reduction in the Strategy value is determined by the Daily Value Percentage on the date of the withdrawal. The Investment Base used to calculate the Strategy value through the end of that Term will also be reduced. The reduction in the Investment Base for a withdrawal and any related Market Value Adjustment is proportional to the reduction in the Strategy value. A reduction in the Investment Base will limit the effect of any rise or fall in the Index for the remainder of the Term.

**Automated Withdrawals** 

You may elect to withdraw money from your Contract under any automated withdrawal program that we offer. Your Account Value must be at least $10,000 in order to make an automated withdrawal election. The minimum amount of each automated withdrawal payment is $100. Automated withdrawals will be taken from the Purchase Payment Account and Crediting Strategies of your Contract in the same order as any other withdrawal.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the automated withdrawal program, you may begin or discontinue automated withdrawals at any time. You must give us at least 30 days' notice to change any automated withdrawal instructions that are currently in place. Any request to begin, discontinue or change automated withdrawals must be a Request in Good Order. We reserve the right to discontinue offering automated withdrawals at any time.

Currently, we do not charge a fee to participate in an automated withdrawal program. However, we reserve the right to impose an annual fee in such amount as we may then determine to be reasonable for participation in the automated withdrawal program. If imposed, the fee will not exceed $30 annually.

Before electing an automated withdrawal, you should consult with your registered investment advisor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Automated withdrawals are similar to starting Annuity Payout Benefit payments, but will result in different
taxation of payments and potentially a different amount of total payments over the life of your Contract.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Unless taken from the Declared Rate Strategy, an automated withdrawal may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment
during the first six Contract Years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If taken from an Indexed Strategy, an automated withdrawal during a Term will reduce the Investment Base, which
will reduce any subsequent increase in the Strategy value due to a positive Daily Value Percentage during that Term or a rise in the applicable Index at the end of that Term. Such reductions could be significant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If taken from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, the value of an Indexed Strategy on an automated
withdrawal date will reflect the Daily Value Percentage on that date.

**Withdrawals to Pay Advisory Fees** 

You may authorize withdrawals from your Contract to pay advisory fees to a registered investment advisor with respect to the management of your Contract. Those fees cannot exceed 1.5% of the Account Value per year. The fees must relate only to investment advice rendered in connection with the Contract.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Based on a private letter ruling issued by the IRS to the Company and similar private letter rulings issued to
other annuity providers, we will not report a withdrawal to pay advisory fees as taxable income to you if the conditions of the rulings are satisfied. However, tax laws are subject to change, and it is possible that in the future a withdrawal to pay
fees could be subject to federal and state income taxes, and to a 10% federal penalty tax if made before age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>. Please see the information provided on page 50.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the conditions of the rulings are not satisfied, we will report a withdrawal to pay advisory fees as taxable
income to you, and your withdrawal may be subject to federal and state income taxes and if you are under age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>, a 10% federal penalty tax.

Withdrawals to pay advisory fees are treated like other withdrawals from the Contract, except that withdrawals to pay advisory fees are not subject to a Market Value Adjustment even if taken from an Indexed Strategy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Withdrawals to pay advisory fees will be taken from the Purchase Payment Account, then from the Declared Rate
Strategy, and then from the Indexed Strategies of your Contract in the same order as any other withdrawal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Withdrawals to pay advisory fees reduce the Account Value on a dollar-for-dollar basis, which in turn reduces the amount payable upon Surrender, applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit, or payable as the Death Benefit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Withdrawals to pay advisory fees will proportionally reduce the Return of Premium Guarantee for the Death
Benefit. Please see the example on page 39.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If taken from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, the reduction in the value of an Indexed Strategy due
to a withdrawal to pay advisory fees will be determined by the Daily Value Percentage on the date of the withdrawal.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If taken from an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term, a withdrawal to pay advisory fees will proportionally
reduce the Investment Base used to calculate changes in the value of the Indexed Strategy through the end of that Term, which may limit the effect of a further rise or fall in the Index.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Prior to authorizing the payment of advisory fees from your Contract values, please consult with your financial
adviser about whether there are sufficient funds in the Declared Rate Strategy to pay those fees, and whether you should pay such fees from other assets.

**Exchanges, Transfers, and Rollovers** 

An amount paid on a withdrawal or Surrender may be paid to or for another annuity or tax-qualified account in a tax-free exchange, transfer, or rollover to the extent allowed by federal tax law.

**FEES AND CHARGES** 

**AMORTIZED OPTION COST AND TRADING COST USED TO CALCULATE DAILY VALUE PERCENTAGE** 

The Daily Value Percentage is used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy before the end of a Term , and a locked Daily Value Percentage is used to determine the value of an Indexed Strategy for the balance of a Term if you have made a Performance Lock election. The Daily Value Percentage is calculated by subtracting the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost from the Net Option Price. The Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost are charges for unwinding the investment before the end of a Term. These charges reduce the Indexed Strategy value. When the Contract is Surrendered or a withdrawal is taken before the end of a Term, or when you make a Performance Lock election, the reduction in Indexed Strategy value due to the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost may cause a loss to exceed the -10% Floor, and may eliminate the benefit of the 10% Buffer. The Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost are determined each time the Daily Value Percentage is calculated or when a Performance Lock election is made. As a result, in extreme circumstances, the total loss for an Indexed Strategy could be 100%, meaning that you would suffer a complete loss of your principal and any prior earnings. For more information on the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost, please the Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term section beginning on page [ ].

**MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT** 

We impose a Market Value Adjustment to protect us against interest rate fluctuations and to allow us to invest assets for a longer duration, which supports higher declared interest rates and Caps. A negative Market Value Adjustment may also reimburse us for contract sales expenses, including distribution, promotion, and acquisition expenses.

The Market Value Adjustment applies if, during the first six Contract Years, you take a withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy of your Contract or Surrender it. After that, the Market Value Adjustment does not apply.

During the first six Contract Years, the Market Value Adjustment applies to each withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy, including withdrawals under an automated withdrawal program and withdrawals taken to satisfy a required distribution, but not including withdrawals to pay advisory fees. The Market Value Adjustment does not apply to Death Benefit payments or Annuity Payout Benefit payments. The Market Value Adjustment does not apply to any amount withdrawn from the Purchase Payment Account or Declared Rate Strategy.

A Market Value Adjustment may reduce your Account Value.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **If you take a withdrawal from your Contract, the amount subject to the charge is the amount you withdraw from an Indexed Strategy, which includes any amount needed to pay the Market Value Adjustment.** This means that at your direction either we will adjust the amount paid to you to reflect the Market Value Adjustment or we will increase the amount
withdrawn as needed to cover the Market Value Adjustment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you Surrender your Contract, the amount subject to the Market Value Adjustment is the sum of your Indexed
Strategy values.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you Surrender your Contract, the amount subject to the Market Value Adjustment will not include the amount, if
any, that qualifies for a waiver as described below.

A Market Value Adjustment may be positive or negative. The Market Value Adjustment equals the MVA factor multiplied by the amount subject to the adjustment. A MVA factor and the resulting Market Value Adjustment are not subject to a maximum or limit.

The MVA factor is equal to:

(A – (B + K)) x N

Where:

A = the MVA Index Interest Rate on the Contract Effective Date;

B = the MVA Index Interest Rate for the date of the withdrawal or Surrender;

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| K = | the spread factor of 0.25% (see State Variations section below for exceptions); and  |

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N = the number of whole and partial years remaining to the sixth Contract Anniversary.

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For Contracts issued in certain states, the spread factor does not apply. See the State Variations section below for any special rule relating to the spread factor in your state.

*Examples.* 

Negative MVA: On the fifth Contract Anniversary your Account Value is $100,000 and is all held under the Indexed Strategies. The MVA Index Interest Rate on the Contract Effective Date was 3%, the MVA Index Interest Rate is now 4%, and a spread factor of 0.25% applies. No Market Value Adjustment exception applies. The MVA Factor equals -1.25% (3% - (4% + 0.25%)) X 1 = -1.25%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You take a withdrawal of $12,000. A negative Market Value Adjustment of $150 ($12,000 x -1.25%) is applied and you receive $11,850.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You request to receive $12,000 after application of the negative Market Value Adjustment. The total amount
withdrawn, grossed up to cover the Market Value Adjustment, is $12,000 / (1 – 0.0125) = $12,152.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You Surrender your Contract. A negative Market Value Adjustment of $1,250 ($100,000 x -1.25%) is applied and you receive $98,750.

Positive MVA: On the fifth Contract Anniversary, your Account Value is $100,000 and is all held under the Indexed Strategies. The MVA Index Interest Rate on the Contract Effective Date was 4%, the MVA Index Interest Rate is now 3%, and a spread factor of 0.25% applies. No Market Value Adjustment exception applies. The MVA Factor equals 0.75% (4% - (3% + 0.25%)) X 1 = 0.75%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You take a withdrawal of $12,000. A positive Market Value Adjustment of $90 ($12,000 x 0.75%) is applied and you
receive $12,090.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You request to receive $12,000 after application of the positive Market Value Adjustment. The total amount needed
to be withdrawn is $12,000 / (1 +.0075) = $11,911.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You Surrender your Contract. A positive Market Value Adjustment of $750 ($100,000 x -0.75%) is applied and you receive $100,750.

**Market Value Adjustment Waivers** 

***Extended Care Waiver*.** (Rider form ICC22-R1843722NW -Waiver of Market Value Adjustments for Extended Care Rider). We will waive any negative Market Value Adjustments that would otherwise apply on a Surrender of your Contract if you make a Request in Good Order and:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• your Contract is modified by the Extended Care Waiver Rider;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you are confined in a long-term care facility or hospital and the confinement is prescribed by a physician and is
medically necessary;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the first day of the confinement is at least one year after the Contract Effective Date; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the confinement has continued for a period of at least 90 consecutive days.

You must provide us with satisfactory proof that you meet these conditions before the date of the Surrender. There is no charge for this rider, but it may not be available in all states. (See the State Variations section below for information about availability in your state.) You do not need to take any action to add this waiver rider. Before you request a waiver, carefully review the rider to ensure that you understand how it works. This waiver does not apply to a withdrawal of less than your full Surrender Value.

***Terminal Illness Waiver*.** (Rider form ICC22-R1843822NW -Waiver of Market Value Adjustment Upon Terminal Illness Rider). We will waive any negative Market Value Adjustment that would otherwise apply on a Surrender of your Contract if you make a Request in Good Order and:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• your Contract is modified by the Waiver of Market Value Adjustment upon Terminal Illness Rider;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you are diagnosed with a terminal illness by a physician and, as a result of the terminal illness, you have a
life expectancy of less than 12 months from the date of diagnosis; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the diagnosis is rendered by a physician more than one year after the Contract Effective Date.

You must provide us with satisfactory proof that you meet these conditions before the date of the Surrender. There is no charge for this rider, but it may not be available in all states. (See the State Variations section below for information about availability in your state.) You do not need to take any action to add this waiver rider. Before you request a waiver, carefully review the rider to ensure that you understand how it works. This waiver does not apply to a withdrawal of less than your full Surrender Value.

**MVA Index** 

The Market Value Adjustment depends on changes in the MVA Index Interest Rate since the Contract Effective Date and the amount of time remaining until the sixth Contract Anniversary. The MVA Index is the BofA Merrill Lynch 5-10 Year US Corporate Bond Index.

The BofA Merrill Lynch 5-10 Year US Corporate Bond Index measures market performance of USD-denominated investment grade corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market with a remaining term to final maturity between 5 and 10 years.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and its affiliates ("BofA Merrill Lynch") indices and related information, the name "Bank of America Merrill Lynch", and related trademarks, are intellectual property licensed from BofA Merrill Lynch, and may not be copied, used, or distributed without BofA Merrill Lynch's prior written approval. The licensee's products have not been passed on as to their legality or suitability, and are not regulated, issued, endorsed, sold, guaranteed, or promoted by BofA Merrill Lynch. BofA Merrill Lynch makes no warranties and bears no liability with respect to the indices, and any related information, its trademarks, or the product(s) (including without limitation, their quality, accuracy, suitability and/or completeness).

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We may replace the MVA Index if it is discontinued, or we are no longer able to use it, or its calculation changes substantially. We may do so at the end of a Term or during a Term. We will notify you in writing at least 30 days before we replace an Index.

**Automated Withdrawal Program Charges** 

Currently, we do not charge a fee to participate in an automated withdrawal program. However, we reserve the right to impose an annual fee in such amount as we may then determine to be reasonable for participation in the automated withdrawal program. If imposed, the fee will not exceed $30 annually.

**State Limitations.** In some states, our ability to waive fees or charges may be limited by applicable laws, regulations or administrative positions.

**ANNUITY PAYOUT BENEFIT** 

Under the Contract you may receive regular Annuity Payout Benefit payments for the duration of the period that you select. Once Annuity Payout Benefit payments start, you can no longer Surrender the Contract or take a withdrawal, no Death Benefit will be payable under your Contract, and your Beneficiary designations will no longer apply. The amount payable after death, if any, is governed by the Payout Option you select.

The Annuity Payout Benefit is payable if the Annuity Payout Initiation Date is reached before the earlier of: (1) a death for which a Death Benefit is payable; or (2) the date that this Contract is Surrendered.

**Annuity Payout Initiation Date** 

The Annuity Payout Initiation Date is the first day of the first payment interval for which payment of the Annuity Payout Benefit is to be made. Annuity Payout Benefit payments are made at the end of each payment interval. This means that for annual payments, the first payment will be made one year after the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

You may select the Annuity Payout Initiation Date by a Request in Good Order. We must receive your request before the last Market Close on or before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date you selected and at least 30 days before the first Annuity Payout Benefit payment is to be made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The earliest Annuity Payout Initiation you may select is the first Contract Anniversary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Unless we agree to a later date, the latest Annuity Payout Initiation Date you may select is the Contract
Anniversary following your 95<sup>th</sup> birthday or the 95<sup>th</sup> birthday, of a joint owner, if earlier. If the Owner is not a human being such as a trust
or a corporation, then the Annuity Payout Initiation Date may not be later than the Contract Anniversary following the 95<sup>th</sup> birthday of the eldest Annuitant, unless we agree to a later date.

The earliest permitted date and the latest permitted date for the Annuity Payout Initiation Date are set out on your Contract Specifications Page. The latest permitted date may change if an Owner changes.

If you do not select an Annuity Payout Initiation Date by the latest permitted date, we may select it for you. We will notify you in writing at least 45 days before the date we select. We will give you an opportunity to select an earlier date.

**Annuity Payout Amount** 

The amount of each payment under the Annuity Payout Benefit is determined on the Annuity Payout Initiation Date based on the Annuity Payout value on that date, the Payout Option that applies, and the payment interval.

The Annuity Payout value is the amount that can be applied to the Annuity Payout Benefit is equal to: (1) the Account Value on the Annuity Payout Initiation Date; minus (2) premium tax or other taxes not previously deducted. If the Annuity Payout value is determined on a date other than the end of the Term, the Annuity Payout value will be based on the Daily Value Percentage or the locked Daily Value Percentage if you have made a Performance Lock election. Please see the Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term section on page [ ] or the Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election on page [ ] for more information.

**Form of Annuity Payout Benefit** 

The Annuity Payout Benefit is paid in the form of annual payments as a Life Payout with Payments for at Least a Fixed Period. That fixed period will be 10 years or, if fewer, the maximum number of whole years permitted by any tax qualification endorsement.

In place of that, you may elect to have the Annuity Payout Benefit paid in any form of Payout Option that is available under your Contract. The available Payout Options are described in the Payout Options section on page [ ]. You may elect a Payout Option by a Request in Good Order. We must receive your request before the last Market Close on or before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and at least 30 days before the first Annuity Payout Benefit payment is to be made.

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**Payee for Annuity Payout Benefit** 

Payment of the Annuity Payout Benefit generally is made to the surviving Owner(s) as the payee(s). In place of that, the surviving Owner(s) may elect for payment to be made as a tax-free exchange, transfer, or rollover, or for payment to be made to the Annuitant. That election must be made by a Request in Good Order that we receive at least 30 days before the payment date.

Payments that become due after the death of the payee are made to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the surviving Owner(s); or if none

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• then to the surviving contingent payee(s) designated by the surviving Owner(s); or if none;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the estate of the last payee who received payments.

The portion of any Annuity Payout Benefit remaining after the death of an Owner or Annuitant must be paid at least as rapidly as payments were being made at the time of such death.

You may designate a contingent payee by a Request in Good Order. If you designate your spouse as a contingent payee and your marriage ends before your death, then we will treat your former spouse as having predeceased you except in the following situations: (1) if a court order provides that the former spouse's rights as a contingent payee are to continue; or (2) if the former spouse remains or becomes an Owner.

**DEATH BENEFIT** 

A Death Benefit is payable under your Contract if you die before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and before the Contract is Surrendered. If your spouse becomes a successor owner of the Contract, no Death Benefit will be payable on account of your death.

When the Owner is a non-natural person, a Death Benefit is payable under the Contract if the Annuitant dies before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and before the Contract is Surrendered. For this purpose, a non-natural person is a trust, custodial account, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity.

Only one Death Benefit will be paid under the Contract. If a Death Benefit becomes payable, it will be in place of all other benefits under the Contract, and all other rights under this Contract will terminate except for rights related to the Death Benefit.

**Death Benefit Payout Date** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Death Benefit is to be paid as a lump sum, then it will be paid as soon as practicable after receipt of
proof of death and a Request in Good Order for a lump sum payment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Death Benefit is to be paid under a Payout Option, then we will apply the Death Benefit value to a Payout
Option as soon as practicable after receipt of proof of death and a Request in Good Order. That application date will be the first day of the first payment interval for which a payment is to be made. Death Benefit payments under a Payout Option are
made at the end of each payment interval. This means that, for annual payments, the first payment will be made one year after that application date.

**Death Benefit Amount** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Death Benefit is paid in a lump sum, then it is equal to the Death Benefit value, increased by any
additional post- death interest as required by law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Death Benefit will be paid as a series of periodic payments under a Payout Option, then the amount of each
payment under the Death Benefit is determined on the date that the Death Benefit value is applied to the Payout Option. The amount or each payment will be based on the Death Benefit value (increased by any additional post-death interest as required
by law to the date it is applied to the Payout Option), the Payout Option that applies, and the payment interval.

**Death Benefit Value** 

The Death Benefit value is the greater of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Account Value determined as of the date that the Death Benefit value is determined; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Return of Premium Guarantee.

In either case, the Death Benefit value is reduced by premium tax or other taxes not previously deducted.

The Account Value will reflect the applicable Strategy values as calculated on the date the Death Benefit is determined. If the Death Benefit value is determined on a date other than the end of the Term, the Death Benefit value will be based on the Daily Value Percentage, or on the locked Daily Value Percentage if you have made a Performance Lock election. Please see the Indexed Strategy Value Before End of Term section on page [ ] or the Indexed Strategy Value After Performance Lock Election on page [ ] for more information.

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**Return of Premium Guarantee** 

The Return of Premium Guarantee is equal to your Purchase Payments (the "Purchase Payment base"), reduced proportionally for all withdrawals (including withdrawals to pay advisory fees), but not including amounts applied to pay negative Market Value Adjustments.

The reduction in your Purchase Payment base for withdrawals will be in the same proportion that your Account Value was reduced on the date of the withdrawal. A proportional reduction in your Purchase Payment base could be larger than the dollar amount of your withdrawal.

*Example.* Here is an example of how we calculate a proportional reduction of your Purchase Payment base. In this example, we assume you take an $8,000 withdrawal and the Purchase Payment base is larger than the Account Value at the time of the withdrawal. To simplify the example, we also assume no Market Value Adjustment, no premium tax is deducted, and no additional post-death interest is added.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Before**<br> Withdrawal | **After**<br> Withdrawal | Explanation |
|  Account Value | $100000 | $92000 | Your withdrawal reduces your Account<br>Value by $8,000 (which is an 8% reduction in<br> your Account Value).$8,000 / $100,000 = 8% |
|  Purchase Payment base for Death Benefit | $120000 | $110400 | After the withdrawal, the Purchase Payment base for<br> the Death Benefit is also reduced by 8% or $9,600.$120,000 x 8% = $9,600 |

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**Determination Date** 

The date that the Death Benefit value is determined is the date that we have received both proof of death and Requests in Good Order with instructions as to the form of Death Benefit from all Beneficiaries. Until then, the Contract values remain in the Crediting Strategies and will renew into new Terms of the same Strategies if the end of a Term is reached, and the Indexed Strategy values may fluctuate. This risk is borne by the Beneficiaries.

***Proof of Death****.* Before making payment of a Death Benefit, or any other payment or transfer of ownership rights that depends on the death of a specified person, we will require proof of death. We may delay making any payment until it is received. For this purpose, proof of death is:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a certified copy of a death certificate showing the cause and manner of death;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a certified copy of a decree that is made by a court of competent jurisdiction as to the finding of death; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• other proof that is satisfactory to us.

**Form of Death Benefit** 

The Death Benefit is paid in the form of annual payments for a fixed period of two years.

In place of that, you may elect to have the Death Benefit paid in one lump sum or in any form of Payout Option that is available under your Contract. The available Payout Options are described in the Payout Options section below. There is no additional charge associated with this election. Any election is subject to the Death Benefit Distribution Rules described below.

You may make an election by a Request in Good Order. We must receive your request on or before the date of death for which a Death Benefit is payable. If you do not make such an election, the Beneficiary may make that election after the date of death. The Beneficiary's election must be made by a Request in Good Order that is received by us no later than the date that the Death Benefit value is applied to a Payout Option and at least 30 days before the date of the first payment to be made.

***Additional Rules for Payout Options****.* A Payout Option that is contingent on life is based on the life of the Beneficiary or, in some cases, the life of a person to whom the Beneficiary is obligated. We will pay the Death Benefit as a lump sum rather than as payments under a Payout Option if: (1) the Death Benefit is less than $2,000; or (2) as of the date that the Death Benefit value is to be applied to a Payout Option, the Death Benefit Distribution Rules do not allow a two-year payout.

**Payee of Death Benefit Payments** 

Death Benefit payments generally are made to the Beneficiary as the payee.

In place of that, the Beneficiary may elect to have payments made:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• as a tax-free exchange, transfer, or rollover to or for an annuity or tax-qualified account as permitted by federal tax law; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• in cases where the Beneficiary is an estate, trust, custodial account, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, or other entity, to a person to whom the Beneficiary is obligated to make corresponding payments.

Payments that become due after the death of the Beneficiary are made to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the contingent payee designated as part of a Death Benefit Payout Option elected by you; or if none

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• then to a contingent payee designated by the Beneficiary; or if none

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the estate of the last payee who received payments.

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Such payments are subject to the Death Benefit Distribution Rules described below.

You may designate a contingent payee by a Request in Good Order. A Beneficiary may make or change a payee or contingent payee, except a Beneficiary may not change a designation made as part of a Payout Option election made by you for the Death Benefit. If the Beneficiary designates his or her spouse as a contingent payee and their marriage ends before the Beneficiary's death, then we will treat the former spouse as having predeceased the Beneficiary except to the extent a court order provides that the former spouse's rights as a contingent payee are to continue.

**Death Benefit Distribution Rules** 

The Death Benefit Distribution Rules are summarized below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For a Tax Qualified Contract. The Death Benefit must be paid in accordance with the tax qualification
endorsement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For a Nonqualified Contract. The Death Benefit must be paid either: (1) in full within five years of the
date of death; or (2) over the life of the Beneficiary or over a period certain not exceeding the Beneficiary's life expectancy, with payments at least annually, and with the first payment made within one year of the date of death.

**PAYOUT OPTIONS** 

The standard Payout Options are described below. We will make payments in any other form of Payout Option that is acceptable to us at the time of any election. More than one Payout Option may be elected if the requirements for each Payout Option elected are satisfied. All elected Payout Options must comply with pertinent laws and regulations.

Payments under each standard Payout Option are made at the end of a payment interval. For example, if the Annuity Payout Initiation Date is October 31, 2028 and you select annual payments, then the first payment will be paid as of October 31, 2029.

**Fixed Period Payout** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For the Annuity Payout Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to you, or to the Annuitant, if you direct, for the fixed period of time that you select. For a nonqualified contract, fixed periods shorter than 10 years are not available. For a Tax-Qualified Contract, the only fixed period available is 10 years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the payee dies before the end of the fixed period, then we will make periodic payments to the surviving
owner(s), or if none, then to the surviving contingent payee(s), or if none, then to the estate of the last payee who received payments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• In all cases, payments will stop at the end of the fixed period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For the Death Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to the Beneficiary for the fixed period of time that you or the Beneficiary selects. The fixed period cannot exceed the life expectancy of the Beneficiary. For a Tax-Qualified Contract, the fixed period also cannot exceed 10 years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Beneficiary dies before the end of the fixed period, then we will make periodic payments to the
contingent payee designated as part of any Death Benefit Payout Option that you have elected. If no such contingent payee is surviving, then such payments will be made to a contingent payee designated by the Beneficiary. If there is no contingent
payee surviving, then such payments will be made to the estate of the last payee who received payments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• In all cases, payments will stop at the end of the fixed period.

**Life Payout** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For the Annuity Payout Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to you, or to the Annuitant, if you direct, for as long as the Annuitant lives. Payments will stop on the death of the Annuitant. This means that, even if we have made only one payment when the Annuitant dies, payments will stop.

If the Annuitant dies after the Annuity Payout Initiation Date but before the first payment, a Life Payout will not provide any benefit at all. In that case, we will reverse the Annuity Benefit Payout election and treat the Contract as if the Annuity Payout Initiation Date had not yet been reached.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Owner is living, this treatment will generally allow the Owner to choose between continuing the Contract
as a deferred annuity or electing a new Annuity Payout Initiation Date and another Payout Option.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Annuitant's death before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date would give rise to a Death Benefit, then
the Death Benefit will be available.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For the Death Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to the Beneficiary for as long as the Beneficiary lives. Payments will stop on the death of the Beneficiary. This means that, even if we have made only one payment when the Beneficiary dies, payments will stop. For a Tax-Qualified Contract, a Life Payout is not available to all Beneficiaries.

If the Beneficiary dies after the Death Benefit is applied to the Payout Option but before the first payment, a Life Payout will not provide any benefit at all. In that case, we will reverse the Payout Option election and allow the Beneficiary's estate to choose a new Payout Option or to take the Death Benefit as a lump sum.

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**Life Payout with Payments for at Least a Fixed Period** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For the Annuity Payout Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to you, or to the Annuitant, if you direct, for as long as the Annuitant lives. For a Tax-Qualified Contract, fixed periods longer than 10 years are not available.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Annuitant dies after the end of the fixed period you selected, then payments will stop on the death
of the Annuitant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Annuitant dies before the end of the fixed period you selected, then we will make periodic payments
to the surviving owner(s), or if none, then to the surviving contingent payee(s), or if none, then to the estate of the last payee who received payments. In this case, payments will stop at the end of the fixed period you selected.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For the Death Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to the Beneficiary for as long as the Beneficiary lives. The fixed period cannot exceed the life expectancy of the Beneficiary. For a Tax-Qualified Contract, a Life Payout with Payments for at Least a Fixed Period is not available to all Beneficiaries, and the fixed period also cannot exceed 10 years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Beneficiary dies after the end of the fixed period selected, then payments will stop on the death
of the Beneficiary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Beneficiary dies before the end of the fixed period you or the Beneficiary selected, then we will
make periodic payments to the contingent payee designated as part of any Death Benefit Payout Option that you have elected. If no such contingent payee is surviving, then such payments will be made to a contingent payee designated by the
Beneficiary. If there is no contingent payee surviving, then such payments will be made to the estate of the last payee who received payments. In this case, payments will stop at the end of the fixed period you or the Beneficiary selected.

**Joint and One-Half Survivor Payout** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For the Annuity Payout Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to you, or to the primary Annuitant, if you direct, for as long as the primary Annuitant lives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the primary Annuitant dies and the secondary Annuitant does **not** survive the primary Annuitant, then
payments will stop on the death of the primary Annuitant. This means that, even if we have made only one payment when the primary Annuitant dies, payments will stop unless the secondary Annuitant survives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the primary Annuitant dies and the secondary Annuitant is surviving, then we will make one-half of the periodic payment to you, or the secondary Annuitant, if you direct, for the rest of the secondary Annuitant's life. In this case, payments will stop on the death of the secondary Annuitant.

If the Annuitant dies after the Annuity Payout Initiation Date but before the first payment, a Joint and One-Half Survivor Payout will never provide the full payment amount. In that case, if the secondary Annuitant agrees, we will reverse the Annuity Benefit Payout election and treat the Contract as if the Annuity Payout Initiation Date had not been reached.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Owner is living, this treatment will generally allow the Owner to choose between continuing the Contract
as a deferred annuity or electing a new Annuity Payout Initiation Date and another Payout Option.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Annuitant's death before the Annuity Benefit Payout Initiation Date would give rise to a Death
Benefit, then the Death Benefit will be available.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For the Death Benefit*** 

We will make periodic payments to the Beneficiary for as long as the Beneficiary lives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Beneficiary dies and the contingent payee does not survive the Beneficiary, then payments will stop
on the death of the Beneficiary. This means that, even if we have made only one payment when the Beneficiary dies, payments will stop unless the contingent payee survives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If the Beneficiary dies and the contingent payee designated as part of the Death Benefit Payout Option election
is surviving, then we will make one-half of the periodic payment to the contingent payee for the rest of the contingent payee's life. In this case, payments will stop on the death of the contingent payee.

If the Beneficiary dies after the Death Benefit is applied to the Payout Option but before the first payment, a Joint and One-Half Survivor Payout will never provide the full payment amount. In that case, if the contingent payee agrees, we will reverse the Payout Option election and allow the Beneficiary's estate to choose a new Payout Option or to take the Death Benefit as a lump sum.

For a Tax-Qualified Contract, a Joint and One-Half Survivor Payout is only available in certain cases where the Beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the owner.

**Payments under a Payout Option** 

Payments under a Payout Option are calculated and paid as fixed dollar payments. The stream of payments is an obligation of the general account of MassMutual Ascend Life. Fixed dollar payments will remain level for the duration of the payment period. Once payments begin under a Payout Option, the Payout Option may not be changed. Once the Contract value is applied to a Payout Option, the periodic payments cannot be accelerated or converted into a lump sum payment unless we agree.

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We will use the 2012 Individual Annuity Reserving Table with projection scale G2 for blended lives (60% female/40% male) with interest at 1% per year, compounded annually, to compute all guaranteed Payout Option factors, values, and benefits under the Contract. For purposes of calculating payments based on the age of a person, we will use his or her age as of his or her last birthday.

**Considerations in Selecting a Payout Option** 

Payments under a Payout Option are affected by various factors, including the length of the payment period, the life expectancy of the person on whose life payments are based, and the frequency of the payment interval (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Generally, the longer the period over which payments are made or the more frequently the payments are made, the
lower the amount of each payment because more payments will be made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For Life Payout Options, the longer the life expectancy of the Annuitant or Beneficiary, the lower the amount of
each payment because more payments are expected to be paid.

**Non-Human Payees under a Payout Option** 

Except as stated below, the primary payee under a Payout Option must be a human being. All payments during his or her life must be made by check payable to the primary payee or by electronic transfer to a bank account owned by the primary payee.

*Exceptions*.** Below are some exceptions to the general rule that the primary payee must be a human being. We may make other exceptions in our discretion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A nonhuman that is the Owner of the Contract may be the primary payee. For example, if the Owner is a trust, that
trust may be the primary payee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Payments may be made payable to another insurance company or financial institution as a tax-free exchange, transfer, or rollover to or for another annuity or tax-qualified account as allowed by federal tax law.

**PROCESSING PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND REQUESTS** 

**Processing Purchase Payments** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If we receive a Purchase Payment on a Market Day before the Market Close, we will apply it to your Contract on
that Market Day.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If we receive a Purchase Payment on a Market Day after the Market Close or on a day that is not a Market Day,
then we will apply it to your Contract on the next Market Day.

An amount applied to a Contract will be held in the Purchase Payment Account until it is applied to a Crediting Strategy or Strategies on a Strategy Application Date pursuant to your instructions. We cannot apply an amount held in the Purchase Payment Account to a Crediting Strategy or Strategies if we do not have complete instructions from you.

If you have any questions, you should contact us or your registered representative before sending a Purchase Payment.

**Processing Requests** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Requests may be made by mail at P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati OH 45201-5423.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Requests by fax may be made at 800-807-9777.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Requests for reallocations among Crediting Strategies may be made by telephone at 1-800-789-6771 between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday. We may also permit reallocation requests to be
made at our website (www.massmutualascend.com). Some selling firms may restrict the ability of their registered representatives to convey reallocation requests by telephone or Internet on your behalf.

To obtain one of our forms (for example, a Strategy Selection form or a Withdrawal Request form) or to obtain more information about how to make a request, call us at 1-800-789-6771 or send us a fax at 800-807-9777. You can also request forms or information by mail at MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company, P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati OH 45201-5423. You may also obtain forms on our website, (www.massmutualascend.com).

We cannot process a request unless it is a Request in Good Order. A request may be rejected or delayed if it is not a Request in Good Order.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If we receive a Request in Good Order on a Market Day before the Market Close, we will process it using values
determined at the Market Close on that Market Day.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If we receive a Request in Good Order after the Market Close or on a day that is not a Market Day, then we will
treat that request as received at the start of the next Market Day.

If you have any questions, you should contact us or your registered representative before submitting the request.

*Exception*. If a withdrawal under an automated withdrawal program is scheduled for a date that is not a Market Day, then we will process the withdrawal on the scheduled date using values at the most recent Market Close. For example, if the automated withdrawal is scheduled for a date that falls on Sunday and there was a Market Close at 4:00 PM on the previous Friday, then we will process the withdrawal on Sunday using values determined at 4:00 PM on that Friday.

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**Market Days and Market Close** 

A Market Day is each day that all markets that are used to measure available Indexed Strategies are open for regular trading.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and any other day that the New York Stock Exchange and the NYSE Arca are closed are
not Market Days.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The NYSE and the NYSE Arca observe the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

A Market Close is the close of the regular or core trading session on the market used to measure a given Indexed Strategy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Regular trading hours on the NYSE and core trading sessions on the NYSE Arca usually end at 4:00 PM Eastern Time

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Trading hours on the NYSE and core trading sessions on the NYSE Arca end at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on the day
before the Fourth of July and the Friday after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

Regular trading or a core trading session may end at a different time on a Market Day under certain circumstances when and as permitted under applicable rules. Such circumstances generally cannot be predicted in advance.

Specific information about NYSE and NYSE Arca holidays and trading hours in any given calendar year is available at <u>https://www.nyse.com/markets/hours-calendars</u>.

**Receipt of Purchase Payments, Applications, and Requests** 

For purposes of processing, we deem Purchase Payments and applications, Requests in Good Order, and other instructions (paperwork) mailed to our post office box as received by us at our administrative office when the Purchase Payment or the paperwork reaches the applicable processing department located at 191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati OH 45202.

**Risks and Limitations Related to Requests by Telephone or Internet** 

We will use reasonable procedures such as requiring certain identifying information, tape recording the telephone instructions, and providing written confirmation of the transaction, in order to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone, fax, Internet or other means are genuine. Any telephone, fax or Internet instructions reasonably believed by us to be genuine will be your responsibility, including losses arising from any errors in the communication of instructions. As a result of this policy, you will bear the risk of loss. We are not responsible for the validity of any request or action.

Telephone and computer systems may not always be available. Any telephone or computer system, whether it is yours, your service provider's, your agent's, or ours, can experience outages or slowdowns for a variety of reasons. These outages or slowdowns may delay or prevent our processing of your request. Although we have taken precautions to help our systems handle heavy use, we cannot promise complete reliability under all circumstances. If you experience technical difficulties or problems, you should consider making your request by mail.

**Suspension of Payments or Transfers** 

We may be required to suspend or delay payments, withdrawals and reallocations when we cannot obtain an Index value because:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the New York Stock Exchange or NYSE Arca is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• trading on the New York Stock Exchange or NYSE Arca is restricted; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• an emergency exists such that it is not reasonably practicable to determine fairly the value of the Index.

In this case, we will make payments and process withdrawals and reallocations as soon as practicable after we are able to obtain the Index value.

We may suspend or delay payments, withdrawals and reallocations when we are permitted to do so under a regulatory order. In this case, we will make payments and process withdrawals and reallocations when the order is no longer in effect.

**Restrictions on Financial Transactions** 

Federal laws designed to counter terrorism and prevent money laundering might, in certain circumstances, require us to block an Owner's ability to make certain transactions. This means that we may be required to refuse to accept any request for withdrawals, Surrenders, Annuity Payout Benefit payments or Death Benefit payments, until instructions are received from the appropriate regulator. We may also be required to provide additional information about you and your Contract to government regulators.

**RIGHT TO CANCEL (FREE LOOK)** 

If you change your mind about owning the Contract, you may cancel it within 20 days after you receive it. If you purchase this Contract to replace an existing annuity contract or life insurance policy, you have 30 days after you receive it. This is known as a "free look." The right to cancel period may be longer in some states.

To cancel your Contract, you must submit your request to cancel to the producer who sold it or send it to us at P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5423. If sent to us by mail, it is effective on the date postmarked with proper address and postage paid. Your request to cancel must be in writing and signed by you.

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If you cancel your Contract, you will receive a refund. The amount of the refund will depend on where you live. When you cancel the Contract within this free look period, we will not assess a Market Value Adjustment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you live in a state where we are required to refund your Purchase Payment(s), you will receive a refund equal
to your Purchase Payment(s), but you will forfeit any interest credited to the Purchase Payment Account or other increase in the Account Value. We reserve the right to hold your Purchase Payment(s) in the Purchase Payment Account until the first
Strategy Application Date on or after the end of the free look period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you live in a state where we are required to refund the Account Value of your Contract, you will receive the
Account Value on the day that we receive your cancellation Request in Good Order. If the Account Value includes the value of an Indexed Strategy, that Strategy value will reflect the applicable Daily Value Percentage. The amount you receive may be
more or less than your Purchase Payment(s) depending upon any interest earned by your Contract and the value of your Indexed Strategies. This means that you bear the risk of any decline in the Account Value of your Contract before we receive your
cancellation request. No Market Value Adjustments will apply to the amount refunded. Unless required by state law, we do not refund any Market Value Adjustments assessed during the free look period that relate to a withdrawal taken before you cancel
the Contract.

The State Variations section of this prospectus contains a summary of the state law provisions related to the free look period and the required refund amount.

There may be tax consequences if you cancel the Contract. You should seek advice on tax questions based on your particular circumstances from a tax advisor.

**ANNUAL STATEMENT AND CONFIRMATIONS** 

At least once each calendar year, we will send you a statement that will show: (1) your Account Value; (2) all transactions regarding your Contract during the year; and (3) any interest credited to your Contract and/or any other changes in Strategy value credited to your Contract.

We will also send you written confirmations of Purchase Payments, Crediting Strategy allocations and renewals, withdrawals, and other financial transactions under your Contract. Statements and confirmations will be sent to your last known address on our records.

You should promptly report any inaccuracy or discrepancy in a statement or confirmation. To report an inaccuracy or discrepancy, contact us at P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5423, or call us at 1-800-789-6771. To protect your rights, you should consider reconfirming any oral communications by sending a written statement to P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5423.

**ELECTRONIC DELIVERY** 

You may elect to receive electronic delivery of the Contract prospectus and other Contract related documents. Contact us at our website at www.massmutualascend.com for more information and to enroll.

**ABANDONED PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS** 

Every state has unclaimed property laws. These laws generally declare annuity contracts to be abandoned after a period of inactivity of three to five years from: (1) the latest permitted Annuity Payout Initiation Date; or (2) the date of death for which a Death Benefit is due and payable. For example, if the payment of a Death Benefit has been triggered, but the beneficiary does not come forward to claim the Death Benefit in a timely manner, the unclaimed property laws will apply.

If a Death Benefit, Annuity Payout Benefit payments or other contract proceeds are unclaimed, we will pay them to the abandoned property division or unclaimed property office of the applicable state. (Escheatment is the formal, legal name for this process.) For example, on an unclaimed Death Benefit, depending on the circumstances, the proceeds are paid: (1) to the state where the beneficiary last resided, as shown on our books and records; (2) to the state where the contract owner last resided, as shown on our books and records; or (3) to Ohio, which is our state of domicile. The state will hold the proceeds without interest until a valid claim is made by the person entitled to the proceeds.

To prevent escheatment of the Death Benefit, Annuity Payout Benefit payments, or other proceeds from your Contract, it is important:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• to update your contact information, such as your address, phone number, and email address, if and as it changes;
and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• to update your Beneficiary and other designations, including complete names, complete addresses, phone numbers,
and social security numbers, if and as they change.

Please contact us at P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5423, or call us at 1-800-789-6771, to make such updates.

State unclaimed property laws do not apply to annuity contracts that are held under an employer retirement plan that is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

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**OWNER** 

The Owner on the Contract Effective Date is set out on your Contract Specifications Page. The Owner possesses all of the ownership rights under a Contract, such as making allocations among the Crediting Strategies, electing a Payout Option, and designating a Beneficiary.

If an Owner is a trust, custodial account, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity, then the age of the eldest Annuitant is treated as the age of the Owner for all purposes of this Contract.

**Joint Owners** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Nonqualified Contract*** . Two persons may jointly own the Contract. In this case, the term
"Owner" includes the joint Owner and you must exercise all rights of ownership by joint action.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Tax Qualified Contract*** . No joint owner is permitted.

**Change of Owner** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Nonqualified Contract.*** You may change the Owner only with our written consent. A change of
Owner cancels all prior Beneficiary designations. It does not cancel a designation of an Annuitant or a Payout Option election.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Tax Qualified Contract*** . You cannot change the Owner except to the limited extent permitted by
the tax qualification endorsement.

A change of Owner must be made by a Request in Good Order. A change of Owner may have adverse tax consequences.

**Assignment** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Nonqualified Contract*** . You may pledge, charge, encumber or assign you interest in this
Contract only with our written consent. If we grant our consent, you may assign all or any part of your rights under this Contract except your rights to designate or change a Beneficiary or an Annuitant, to change Owners, or to elect a Payout
Option.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Tax Qualified Contract*** . You cannot pledge, charge, encumber or in any way assign your
interest in this Contract except to the limited extent permitted by the tax qualification endorsement.

An assignment must be requested by a Request in Good Order. We are not responsible for the validity of any assignment. An assignment may have adverse tax consequences.

If we have consented to an assignment, the rights of a person holding the assignment, including the right to any payment under this Contract, come before the rights of an Owner, Annuitant, Beneficiary, or other payee. An assignment may be ended only by the person holding it or as provided by law.

**Successor Owner** 

Your spouse becomes the successor owner of the Contract and succeeds to all rights of ownership if all of the following requirements are met:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a Death Benefit is payable on account of your death;

spouse;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• either you make that election by a Request in Good Order before your death or your spouse makes that election by
a Request in Good Order before the Death Benefit Payment Date; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you were not a successor owner of the Contract.

A successor owner election cancels all prior Beneficiary designations. It does not cancel a designation of an Annuitant or a Payout Option election.

In some states, state law extends this successor owner right to a civil union partner or other person who is not your spouse as defined by federal tax law. In that case, distributions after your death must be made as required by the Death Benefit Distributions Rules described in the Death Benefit section on page [ ].

**Community Property** 

If you live in a community property state and have a spouse at any time while you own this Contract, the laws of that state may vary your ownership rights.

**ANNUITANT** 

The Annuitant is the natural person on whose life Annuity Payout Benefit payments are based. The Annuitant on the Contract Effective Date is set out on your Contract Specifications Page.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Nonqualified Contract*** . The Annuitant cannot be changed at any time that the Contract is owned
by a trust, custodial account, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity. Otherwise, you may change a designation of Annuitant at any time before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***For a Tax Qualified Contract*** . The Annuitant must be the natural person covered under the retirement
arrangement for whose benefit the Contract is held.

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A change of Annuitant must be made by a Request in Good Order. A change of Annuitant does not cancel a designation of a Beneficiary or a Payout Option election.

If an Annuitant dies before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date and no Death Benefit is payable, then in the absence of a new designation, the Annuitant will be:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the surviving joint Annuitant(s); or if none

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Owner(s).

**BENEFICIARY** 

A Beneficiary is a person entitled to receive all or part of a Death Benefit that is to be paid under this Contract on account of a death before the Annuity Payout Initiation Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If a Death Benefit becomes payable on account of your death or the death of a joint Owner, then the surviving
Owner is the Beneficiary no matter what other designation you may have made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• In all other cases, you may designate a person or person who will be the Beneficiaries as provided in the
Designation of Beneficiary provision of the Contract.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If no designated Beneficiary is surviving, then the Beneficiary is your estate.

your spouse and all other requirements for successor ownership are met, then your spouse may become the successor owner of the Contract in lieu of receiving the Death Benefit.

A designation of Beneficiary must be made by a Request in Good Order. We must receive the request on or before the date of death for which a Death Benefit is payable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You may designate two or more persons jointly as the Beneficiaries. Unless you state otherwise, joint
Beneficiaries that are surviving are entitled to equal shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• You may designate one or more persons as contingent Beneficiary. Unless you state otherwise, a contingent
Beneficiary is entitled to a benefit only if there is no primary Beneficiary that is surviving.

**Survivorship Required** 

In order to be entitled to receive a Death Benefit, a Beneficiary must survive for at least 30 days after the death for which the Death Benefit is payable.

If you designate your spouse as a Beneficiary and your marriage ends before your death, we will treat your former spouse as having predeceased you unless:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a court order provides that the former spouse's rights as a beneficiary are to continue; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the former spouse remains or becomes an Owner.

**OTHER CONTRACT PROVISIONS** 

**Amendment of the Contract** 

We reserve the right to amend the Contract to comply with applicable Federal or state laws or regulations. We will notify you in writing of any such amendments.

**Misstatement** 

We may require proof of the age of the Annuitant, Owner and/or the Beneficiary before making any payments under the Contract that are measured by such person's life. If the age of the measuring life has been misstated, the amount payable will be the amount that would have been provided at the correct age. If payments based on the correct age would have been higher, we will pay the underpaid amount with interest. If payments would be lower, we may deduct the overpaid amount, with interest, from succeeding payments.

**Involuntary Termination** 

If the Account Value on any anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date is less than the minimum required value of $5,000 due to poor market performance or withdrawals from the Contract (including any withdrawals to pay advisory fees), we may terminate your Contract on that anniversary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you make only one Purchase Payment, each Term will end on an anniversary of the initial Strategy Application
Date. In this case, any involuntary termination will occur on a date that is the end of a Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If you make multiple Purchase Payments, Terms may end on different dates. In this case, any involuntary
termination will occur on a date that is the end of a Term, but it will occur before the end of other Terms. In this case, the Surrender Value payable upon termination of your Contract will reflect the Daily Value Percentages used to calculate the
value of Indexed Strategies with Terms that are not ending on the termination date.

The examples below show the relationship between the date of an involuntary termination and the end of a Term.

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*Example A*. You make one Purchase Payment that is applied to the Crediting Strategies on June 20, 2023. Terms will start and end on June 20 and the anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date will be June 20. If your Account Value is less than $5,000 on June 20, 2026, we may terminate your Contract on that anniversary date.

*Example B*. You make two Purchase Payments. One Purchase Payment is applied to the Crediting Strategies on May 6, 2023 and the other Purchase Payment is applied to the Crediting Strategies on June 20, 2023. Terms will start and end on May 6 and on June 20. The anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date will be May 6.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If your Account Value is less than $5,000 on June 20, 2026, we may not terminate your Contract because
June 20 is not an anniversary of the initial Strategy Application Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If your Account Value is less than $5,000 on May 6, 2027, we may terminate your Contract on that anniversary
date even though the other Term will not end until June 20, 2027.

If we terminate your Contract, we will pay you the Surrender Value determined as of the date that we terminate your Contract. The Surrender Value will reflect the applicable Indexed Strategy values as calculated on the day that we terminate your Contract.

**Loans** 

Loans are not available under the Contract.

**FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS** 

This section provides a general description of federal income tax considerations relating to the Contracts. The purchase, holding and transfer of a Contract may have federal estate and gift tax consequences in addition to income tax consequences. Estate and gift taxation is not discussed in this prospectus. State taxation will vary, depending on the state in which you reside, and is not discussed in this prospectus.

The tax information provided in this prospectus is not intended or written to be used as legal or tax advice. It is written solely to provide general information related to the sale and holding of the Contracts. You should seek advice on legal or tax questions based on your particular circumstances from an attorney or tax advisor.

**Tax Deferral on Annuities** 

Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 72 governs taxation of annuities in general. The income earned on a Contract is generally not included in income until it is withdrawn from the Contract. In other words, a Contract is a tax-deferred investment. Tax deferral is not available for a Contract when an Owner is not a natural person unless the Contract is part of a tax-qualified retirement plan or the Owner is a mere agent for a natural person. For a nonqualified deferred compensation plan, this rule means that the employer as Owner of the Contract will generally be taxed currently on any increase in the Surrender Value, although the plan itself may provide a tax deferral to the participating employee.

Under certain circumstances, based on a rule known as the "Investor Control Doctrine," the IRS has stated that the holder of an annuity contract could be treated as the owner (for tax purposes) of the assets of a separate account that supports the annuity contract. If you were treated as the owner of an interest in the separate account, then you would be taxed on the income, gain, and loss arising out of your interest in the separate account. Although the IRS has not provided definitive guidance on the application of this rule to indexed annuity contracts, we do not believe that this rule applies to the Contract because you have no specific, fractional, or unitized interest in the separate account assets, we are not obligated to invest the separate account in any particular assets, the investment return and market value of the separate account assets is not allocated in an identical manner to any Contract, the Contract values are determined based on gains and losses regardless of the performance of the separate account assets, and the derivatives that we may hold in the separate account are not publicly traded.

**Tax-Qualified Retirement Plans** 

Annuities may also qualify for tax-deferred treatment, or serve as a funding vehicle, under tax-qualified retirement plans that are governed by other IRC provisions. These provisions include IRC Section 401 (pension, profit sharing, and 401(k) plans), IRC Section 403(b) (tax-sheltered annuities), IRC Sections 408 and 408A (individual retirement annuities), and IRC Section 457(b) (governmental deferred compensation plans). Tax-deferral is generally also available under these tax-qualified retirement plans through the use of a trust or custodial account without the use of an annuity.

The tax law rules governing tax-qualified retirement plans and the treatment of amounts held and distributed under such plans are complex. If the Contract is to be used in connection with a tax-qualified retirement plan, including an individual retirement annuity ("IRA") under a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Plan, you should seek competent legal and tax advice regarding the suitability of the Contract for your particular situation.

Contributions to a Tax-Qualified Contract are typically made with pre-tax dollars, while contributions to other Contracts are typically made from after-tax dollars, though there are exceptions in either case. Tax-Qualified Contracts may also be subject to restrictions on withdrawals that do not apply to other Contracts. These restrictions may be imposed to meet the requirements of the IRC or of an employer plan.

Following is a brief description of the types of tax-qualified retirement plans for which the Contracts are available.

**Individual Retirement Annuities.** IRC Sections 219 and 408 permit certain individuals or their employers to contribute to an individual retirement

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arrangement known as an "Individual Retirement Annuity" or "IRA". Under applicable limitations, an individual may claim a tax deduction for certain contributions to an IRA. Contributions made to an IRA for an employee under a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Plan or Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) established by an employer are not includable in the gross income of the employee until distributed from the IRA. Distributions from an IRA are taxable to the extent that they represent contributions for which a tax deduction was claimed, contributions made under a SEP plan or SIMPLE, or income earned within the IRA.

**Roth IRAs.** IRC Section 408A permits certain individuals to contribute to a Roth IRA. Contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax deductible. Tax-free distributions of contributions may be made at any time. Distributions of earnings are tax-free following the five-year period beginning with the first year for which a Roth IRA contribution was made if the Owner has attained age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>, become disabled, or died, or for qualified first-time homebuyer expenses.

**Tax-Sheltered Annuities.** IRC Section 403(b) of permits public schools and charitable, religious, educational, and scientific organizations described in IRC Section 501(c)(3) to establish "tax-sheltered annuity" or "TSA" plans for their employees. TSA contributions and Contract earnings are generally not included in the gross income of the employee until distributed from the TSA. Amounts attributable to contributions made under a salary reduction agreement cannot be distributed until the employee attains age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>, severs employment, becomes disabled, incurs a hardship, is eligible for a qualified reservist distribution, or dies. The IRC and the plan may impose additional restrictions on distributions.

**Pension, Profit-Sharing, and 401(k) Plans.** IRC Section 401 permits employers to establish various types of retirement plans for employees, and permits self-employed individuals to establish such plans for themselves and their employees. These plans may use annuity contracts to fund plan benefits. Generally, contributions are deductible to the employer in the year made, and contributions and earnings are generally not included in the gross income of the employee until distributed from the plan. The IRC and the plan may impose restrictions on distributions. Purchasers of a Contract for use with such plans should seek competent advice regarding the suitability of the Contract under the particular plan.

**Governmental Eligible Deferred Compensation Plans.** State and local government employers may purchase annuity contracts to fund eligible deferred compensation plans for their employees, as described in IRC Section 457(b). Contributions and earnings are generally not included in the gross income of the employee until the employee receives distributions from the plan. Amounts cannot be distributed until the employee attains age 70 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>, severs employment, becomes disabled, incurs an unforeseeable emergency, or dies. The plan may impose additional restrictions on distributions.

**Roth TSAs, Roth 401(k)s, and Roth 457(b)s.** IRC Section 402A permits TSA plans, 401(k) plans, and governmental 457(b) plans to allow participating employees to designate some part or all of their future elective contributions as Roth contributions. Roth contributions to a TSA plan, 401(k) plan, or governmental 457(b) plan are included in the employee's taxable income as earned. Amounts attributable to Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) contributions must be held in a separate account from amounts attributable to traditional pre-tax TSA, 401(k), or 457(b) contributions. Distributions from a Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) account are considered to come proportionally from contributions and earnings. Distributions attributable to Roth account contributions are tax-free. Distributions attributable to Roth account earnings are tax-free following the five-year period beginning with the first year for which Roth contributions are made to the plan if the employee has attained age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>, become disabled, or died. A Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) account is subject to the same distribution restrictions that apply to amounts attributable to traditional pre-tax TSA, 401(k), or 457(b) contributions made under a salary reduction agreement. The plan may impose additional restrictions on distributions.

**Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans** 

Employers may invest in annuity contracts in connection with unfunded deferred compensation plans for their employees. Such plans may include eligible deferred compensation plans of non-governmental tax-exempt employers, as described in IRC Section 457(b); deferred compensation plans of both governmental and nongovernmental tax-exempt employers that are taxed under IRC Section 457(f) and subject to Section 409A; and nonqualified deferred compensation plans of for-profit employers subject to Section 409A. In most cases, these plans are designed so that amounts credited under the plan will not be includable in the employees' gross income until paid under the plan. In these situations, the annuity contracts are not plan assets and are subject to the claims of the employer's general creditors. Whether or not made from the Contract, plan benefit payments are subject to restrictions imposed by the IRC and the plan.

**Summary of Income Tax Rules** 

The following chart summarizes the basic income tax rules governing tax-qualified retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, and other non-tax-qualified Contracts.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Tax-Qualified Contracts and Plans** | **Nonqualified Deferred Compensation<br>Plans** | **Other Non-Tax-Qualified Contracts** |
| Plan Types | • IRC §408 (IRA, SEP, SIMPLE IRA)<br> • IRC §408A (Roth IRA)<br> • IRC §403(b) (Tax-Sheltered Annuity)<br> • IRC §401 (Pension, Profit– Sharing, 401(k))<br> • Governmental IRC §457(b)<br> • IRC §402A (Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b)) | • IRC §409A<br> • Nongovernmental IRC §457(b)<br> • IRC §457(f) | • IRC §72 only |
| Who May Purchase a Contract | Eligible employee, employer, or employer plan. | Employer on behalf of eligible employee. Employer generally loses tax-deferred status of Contract itself. | Anyone. Non-natural person will generally lose tax-deferred status. |
| Contribution Limits | Contributions are limited by IRC and/or plan requirements. | Contributions are limited by IRC and/or plan requirements. | None. |
| Distribution Restrictions | Distributions from Contract and/or plan may be restricted to meet IRC and/or plan requirements. | Distributions from Contract and/or plan may be restricted to meet IRC and/or plan requirements. | None. |
| Taxation of Withdrawals, Surrenders, and Lump Sum Death Benefit | Generally, 100% of distributions must be included in taxable income. However, the portion that represents an after-tax investment is not taxable. Distributions from Roth IRA are deemed to come first from after- tax contributions. Distributions from other plans are generally deemed to come from income and after-tax investment (if any) on a pro-rata basis. Distributions from §408A Roth IRA or §402A Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) are completely tax free if certain requirements are met.<br> For tax purposes, all IRAs and SEP IRAs of an owner are treated as a single IRA, and all Roth IRAs of an owner are treated as a single Roth IRA. | Generally, 100% of distributions must be included in taxable income. However, the portion that represents an after-tax investment is not taxable. Distributions from Roth IRA are deemed to come first from after- tax contributions. Distributions from other plans are generally deemed to come from income and after-tax investment (if any) on a pro-rata basis. Distributions from §408A Roth IRA or §402A Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) are completely tax free if certain requirements are met.<br> For tax purposes, all IRAs and SEP IRAs of an owner are treated as a single IRA, and all Roth IRAs of an owner are treated as a single Roth IRA. | Generally, distributions must be included in taxable income until all accumulated earnings are paid out. Thereafter, distributions are tax-free return of the original investment. However, distributions are tax-free until any investment made before August 14, 1982 is returned.<br> For tax purposes, all non-tax-qualified annuity contracts issued to the same owner by the same insurer in the same calendar year are treated as one contract. |
| Taxation of Payout Option Payments (Annuity Benefit or Death Benefit) | A percentage of each payment is tax free equal to the ratio of after-tax investment (if any) to the total expected payments, and the balance is included in taxable income. Once the after-tax investment has been recovered, the full amount of each benefit payment is included in taxable income. Distributions from a Roth IRA, Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) are completely tax free if certain requirements are met. | A percentage of each payment is tax free equal to the ratio of after-tax investment (if any) to the total expected payments, and the balance is included in taxable income. Once the after-tax investment has been recovered, the full amount of each benefit payment is included in taxable income. Distributions from a Roth IRA, Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) are completely tax free if certain requirements are met. | A percentage of each payment is tax free equal to the ratio of after-tax investment (if any) to the total expected payments, and the balance is included in taxable income. Once the after-tax investment has been recovered, the full amount of each benefit payment is included in taxable income. Distributions from a Roth IRA, Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b) are completely tax free if certain requirements are met. |
| Possible Penalty Taxes for Distributions Before Age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub> | Taxable portion of payments made before age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub> may be subject to 10% penalty tax (or 25% for a SIMPLE IRA during the first two years of participation). Penalty taxes do not apply to payments after the participant's death, or to §457 plans. Other exceptions may apply. | None. | Taxable portion of payments made before age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub> may be subject to a 10% penalty tax. Penalty taxes do not apply to payments after the Owner's death. Other exceptions may apply. |
| Assignment/ Transfer of Contract | Assignment and transfer of Ownership generally not permitted. | Assignment and transfer of Ownership generally not permitted. | Generally, deferred earnings taxable to transferor upon transfer or assignment. Gift tax consequences are not discussed herein. |
| Federal Income Tax Withholding | Eligible rollover distributions from §401, §403(b), and governmental §457(b) plans are subject to 20% mandatory withholding on taxable portion unless direct rollover. For other payments, Payee may generally elect to have taxes withheld or not. | Generally subject to wage withholding. | Generally, Payee may elect to have taxes withheld or not. |

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**Rollovers, Transfers, and Exchanges** 

Amounts from a Tax-Qualified Contract may be rolled over, transferred, or exchanged into another tax-qualified account or retirement plan as permitted by the IRC and plan(s). Amounts may be rolled over, transferred, or exchanged into a Tax-Qualified Contract from another tax-qualified account or retirement plan as permitted by the IRC and plan(s). In most cases, such a rollover, transfer, or exchange is not taxable, unless the rollover of pre-tax amounts is made into a Roth IRA, a Roth TSA, Roth 401(k), or Roth 457(b). Rollovers, transfers, and exchanges are not subject to normal contribution limits. The IRC or plan may require that rollovers be held in a separate Contract from other plan funds.

Amounts from a non-tax-qualified Contract may be transferred to another non-tax-qualified annuity or to a qualified long-term care policy as a tax-free exchange as permitted by the IRC Section 1035. Amounts from another non-tax-qualified annuity or from a life insurance or endowment policy may be transferred to a Contract as a tax-free exchange under IRC Section 1035.

**Required Distributions** 

The Contracts are subject to the required distribution rules of federal tax law. These rules vary based on the tax qualification of the Contract or the plan under which it is issued.

For a Tax-Qualified Contract other than a Roth IRA, required minimum distributions must generally begin by April 1 following the year the participant attains age 73 (age 72 if born after June 30, 1949, but before January 1, 1951 or age 70 1/2 if born before July 1, 1949. However, for a 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plan, a 401 Pension, Profit-Sharing, or 401(k) Plan, or a 457(b) Governmental Deferred Compensation Plan, a participant who is not a 5% owner of the employer may delay required minimum distributions until April 1 following the year in which the participant retires from that employer. The required minimum distributions during life are calculated based on standard life expectancy tables adopted under federal tax law.

For a Roth IRA or for a Contract that is not tax-qualified, there are no required distributions during life.

A Tax-Qualified Contract must make required distributions after death. The required distributions vary depending on the type of beneficiary. Some beneficiaries may take payments over life or life expectancy, and others must receive all benefits within five or ten years after death. A non-tax-qualified Contract that has begun making payments under a payout option during the Owner's life must make any remaining payments at least as rapidly after death. If payments from a non-tax-qualified Contract have not begun, then the Death Benefit must be paid out in full within five years after death, or must be paid out in substantially equal payments beginning within one year of death over a period not exceeding the life expectancy of the designated beneficiary.

For a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA, or a Contract that is not tax-qualified, a beneficiary who is a surviving spouse may elect out of these requirements, and apply the required distribution rules as if the Contract were his or her own. For this purpose, federal tax law recognizes as married any two people whose marriage is valid in the state in which it was celebrated. A civil union or domestic partnership is not considered a marriage.

**Withdrawals to Pay Advisory Fees** 

You may request in writing to us that advisory fees be withdrawn from your contract and paid directly to your registered investment advisor. You may terminate this request in writing to us at any time. The request to pay advisory fees cannot exceed 1.5% of the Account Value on an annual basis.

A series of IRS private letter rulings to various providers of tax-qualified contracts and accounts have concluded that if advisory fees are withdrawn from a tax-qualified contract or account and paid directly to the registered investment advisor, and if the fees are paid under an agreement between you, the investment advisor, and the contract or account provider, and those advisory fees are solely for investment advice related to the tax-qualified contract or account, then the payment of the advisory fees is not treated as a distribution from the tax-qualified contract or account. The Company is not a party to these private letter rulings, and they are not binding precedent on the IRS. However, these private letter rulings indicate a long-standing position of the IRS. As long as the conditions of these rulings are satisfied and the IRS does not issue guidance to the contrary, the Company will not report the payment of fees from Tax-Qualified Contracts as income to you.

An IRS private letter ruling issued to the Company in 2019 concluded that if advisory fees are withdrawn from a non-tax-qualified index-linked deferred annuity contract issued by the Company, the annuity contract is designed for use with a registered investment advisor, the advisory fees are paid under an agreement with you, the advisory fees are paid directly to the registered investment advisor, the fees on an annual basis do not exceed 1.5% of the Account Value of the annuity contract, those advisory fees are solely for investment advice related to the annuity contract, and the investment adviser has not received a commission on the sale of the annuity contract, then the payment of the advisory fees is not treated as a distribution from the annuity contract. Unless withdrawn, this private letter ruling is binding on the IRS with respect to the Company and its tax reporting obligations. As long as the conditions of this ruling are satisfied, the Company will not report the payment of fees from a non-tax-qualified Contract as income to you.

If the conditions of these rulings are not satisfied, the Company will report a withdrawal from your Contract to pay advisory fees as a distribution to you. That distribution may be subject to federal and state income taxes. If you are under age 59<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub>, it may also be subject to an additional 10% penalty tax.

Tax laws, and the position of the IRS in private letter rulings, are subject to change. It is possible that in the future a withdrawal to pay fees could be subject to federal and state income taxes, and to a 10% federal penalty tax if made before age 59 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub>.

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**PREMIUM AND OTHER TAXES** 

We reserve the right to deduct from the Purchase Payment or Account Value any taxes relating to the Contract paid by us to any government entity (including, but not limited to, premium taxes, additional taxes, and maintenance taxes on insurers, Federal, state and local withholding of income, estate, inheritance, or other taxes required by law from annuity purchase payments, and any new or increased taxes on insurers or annuity purchase payments that may be enacted into law).

Currently some state governments impose premium taxes, additional taxes, and maintenance taxes on insurers based on annuity purchase payments received or applied to an annuity payout benefit. These taxes currently range from zero to 3.5% depending upon the jurisdiction and the tax qualification of the Contract. A federal premium tax has been proposed but not enacted. We may deduct any such premium or other taxes from the Purchase Payments or the Account Value at the time that the tax is imposed. We may also deduct any such tax not previously deducted from the Annuity Payout value or Death Benefit value.

We reserve the right to deduct from the Contract for any income taxes that we incur because of the Contract. At the present time, however, we are not incurring any such income tax or making any such deductions.

**DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS** 

MM Ascend Life Investor Services, LLC ("MMALIS") is the principal underwriter and distributor of the securities offered through this prospectus. MMALIC and MMALIS are affiliated because MMALIS is a subsidiary of MMALIC. MMALIS also acts as the principal underwriter and distributor of the variable annuity contracts that are issued by one of our subsidiaries.

MMALIS's principal executive offices are located at 191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. MMALIS is registered as a broker- dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as the securities regulators in the states in which it operates and registration is required. MMALIS is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA").

Contracts are sold by licensed insurance agents (the "Selling Agents") in those states where the Contract may be lawfully sold. Such Selling Agents will be appointed agents of MMALIC and will be registered representatives of broker-dealer firms (the "Selling Broker-Dealers") that have entered into selling agreements with us and MMALIS. Selling Broker-Dealers will be registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and will be members of FINRA.

FINRA provides background information about broker-dealers and their registered representatives through FINRA BrokerCheck. You may contact the FINRA BrokerCheck Hotline at 1-800-289-9999, or log on to www.finra.org to learn more about MMALIS, your Selling Agent, and his or her Selling Broker Dealer.

MMALIS receives no compensation for acting as underwriter of the Contracts; however, MMALIC pays for some of MMALIS's operating and other expenses, including overhead and legal and accounting fees. MMALIC may reimburse MMALIS for certain sales expenses, such as marketing materials and advertising expenses, and other expenses of distributing the Contracts.

MMALIC or MMALIS do not pay compensation for the promotion and sale of the Contract to the Selling Broker-Dealers or to the Selling Agents who solicit sales of the Contract. Instead, the registered investment adviser providing services to you is compensated by advisory fees based on your agreement with your adviser. With your agreement, the advisory fees with respect to this Contract may be taken as withdrawals from this Contract. You should ask your registered investment adviser about the advisory fees to be charged in connection with the investment adviser services to be provided, including the amount and timing of those fees, and whether it expects fees to be taken from this Contract or from other assets under management.

MMALIC may pay compensation, in certain circumstances referred to as "override" compensations, or reimbursements to wholesaling broker-dealers or other firms or intermediaries in return for wholesaling services such as providing marketing and sales support, transaction processing, product training, and administrative services to the Selling Agents or Selling Broker-Dealers. These allowances may be based on a percentage of a Purchase Payment or as a percentage of actual or expected aggregate sales, and/or a fixed dollar amount. These payments are not offered to all wholesaling broker-dealers, other firms, or intermediaries, and the terms of any particular agreement governing the payments may vary depending on, among other things, the level and type of marketing and distribution support provided.

There is no front-end sales load deducted from the Purchase Payment(s) to pay compensation. Any compensation paid by MMALIC and MMALIS in connection with the Contract is not charged directly to you. We intend to recoup any such compensation through the spread between the earnings and losses credited to or deducted from Contract values and the earnings and losses on the assets in our general account and the non-unitized separate account.

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**MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE'S GENERAL ACCOUNT** 

Our general account (the "General Account") holds all our assets other than assets in our insulated separate accounts. We own our General Account assets, and, subject to applicable law, have sole investment discretion over them. The assets are subject to our general business operation liabilities and claims of our creditors and may lose value. Our General Account assets fund the guarantees provided in the Contracts.

We must invest our assets according to applicable state laws regarding the nature, quality and diversification of investments that may be made by life insurance companies. In general, these laws permit investments, within specified limits and subject to certain qualifications, in Federal, state and municipal obligations, corporate bonds, preferred and common stocks, real estate mortgages, real estate and certain other investments.

We place a majority of the Purchase Payments made under the Contract in our General Account where we primarily invest the assets in a variety of fixed income securities.

We place a portion of the Purchase Payments made under the Contract in a non-unitized separate account (the "Separate Account") that is not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We established and maintain the Separate Account pursuant to the laws of our domiciliary state for the purpose of supporting our obligation to adjust the Indexed Strategy values based on the Daily Value Percentage or rise or fall of the Index. The assets of the Separate Account are held in our name on behalf of the Separate Account and legally belong to us. The assets in the Separate Account are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business that we conduct. We may invest these assets in hedging instruments, including derivative contracts as well as other assets permitted under state law. To support our obligations to adjust the Indexed Strategy values, we may move money between the Separate Account and our General Account. We are not obligated to invest the assets of the Separate Account according to any particular plan except as we may be required to by state insurance laws. Regardless of your Strategy allocations, we do not intend to invest the assets of the Separate Account in the SPDR Gold Share exchange traded fund, iShares MSCI EAFE exchange traded fund or iShares U.S. Real Estate exchange traded fund. We may or may not hold the hypothetical options described in this prospectus in the Separate Account.

Contract owners do not have any interest in or claim on the assets in the Separate Account nor do Contract owners participate in any way in the performance of assets held in the Separate Account.

**LEGAL MATTERS** 

**Reliance on Rule 12h-7** 

MassMutual Ascend Life relies on the exemption provided by Rule 12h-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of the 1934 Act from the requirement to file reports pursuant to Section 15(d) of that Act.

**Legal Proceedings** 

MassMutual Ascend Life and its subsidiaries are involved in litigation from time to time, generally arising in the ordinary course of business. This litigation may include, but is not limited to, general commercial disputes, lawsuits brought by contract owners and policyholders, employment matters, reinsurance collection matters and actions challenging certain business practices of insurance subsidiaries. Also, from time to time, state and federal regulators or other officials conduct formal and informal examinations or undertake other actions dealing with various aspects of the financial services and insurance industries. It is not possible to predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of any pending legal proceeding or regulatory action. However, MassMutual Ascend Life does not believe any such action or proceeding will have a material adverse effect upon its ability to meet its obligations under the Contracts.

**Legal Opinion on Contracts** 

Legal matters in connection with federal laws and regulations affecting the issue and sale of the Contracts described in this prospectus and the organization of MassMutual Ascend Life, its authority to issue such Contracts under Ohio law, and the validity of the forms of the Contracts under Ohio law have been passed on by John P. Gruber, General Counsel of MassMutual Ascend Life.

**Securities and Exchange Commission Position on Indemnification** 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling MassMutual Ascend Life pursuant to its articles of incorporation or its code of regulations or pursuant to any insurance coverage or otherwise, MassMutual Ascend Life has been informed that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is therefore unenforceable.

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**EXPERTS** 

The statutory financial statements and financial statement schedules of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 2021, and for the year then ended, have been included herein in reliance upon the report of [ ], independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The [ ] report dated [ ], 2023 of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company includes explanatory language that states that the financial statements are prepared by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company using statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance, which is a basis of accounting other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, the [ ] audit report states that the financial statements are not presented fairly in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and further states that those statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance.

The statutory-basis financial statements of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 2020 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020, appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by [ ], independent auditors, as set forth in their report included thereon. These statutory-basis financial statements are included in this registration statement in reliance on the report of [ ] given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The [ ] report dated May 14, 2021 of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company includes explanatory language that states that the financial statements are prepared by MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company using statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance, which is a basis of accounting other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, the [ ] audit report states that the financial statements are not presented fairly in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and further states that those statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Ohio Department of Insurance.

**THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT** 

We filed a Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 relating to the Contracts offered by this prospectus. This prospectus was filed as a part of the Registration Statement, but it does not constitute the complete Registration Statement. The Registration Statement contains further information relating to the Company and the Contracts. The Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto may be inspected and copied at the office of the Securities and Exchange Commission, located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C., and may also be accessed at www.sec.gov. The Securities and Exchange Commission file number for the Contract is 333-[ ].

Statements in this prospectus discussing the content of the Contracts and other legal instruments are summaries. The actual documents are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement. For a complete statement of the terms of the Contracts or any other legal document, refer to the appropriate exhibit to the Registration Statement.

**OPTION PRICES** 

In order to calculate the Daily Value Percentage of an Indexed Strategy, we determine the prices of the hypothetical options using a valuation model. The price of each option is stated as a percentage of the Index at the last Market Close on or before the first day of the Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **ATM Call Option Price (at-the-money call option)** 

The ATM Call Option Price is the calculated price of a hypothetical call option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage rise, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **ATM Put Option Price (at-the-money put option)** 

The ATM Put Option Price is the calculated price of a hypothetical put option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage fall, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **OTM Call Option Price (out-of-the-money call option)** 

The OTM Call Option Price is the calculated price of a hypothetical call option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage rise, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term, but only to the extent it exceeds the Cap for the Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **OTM Put Option Price (out-of-the-money put option)** 

The OTM Put Option Price is the calculated price of a hypothetical put option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage fall, if any, in the Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term, but only to the extent it exceeds the Buffer or Floor for the Term.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Valuation Model** 

We use a mathematical model to calculate the price of the hypothetical options in our formulas because direct prices of comparable options are generally not available. Options in the marketplace do not directly align with (1) the time remaining in a Term and (2) the strike prices for any of the hypothetical options used in the calculation of the Daily Value Percentage.

Valuation model are widely used for option pricing and the model we use is based on standard methods for valuing derivatives. The methodology used to value these options is determined solely by us and the results of our valuation model may vary, higher or lower, from other estimated valuations or the actual selling price of identical derivatives. Any variance between our valuations and other estimated or actual prices may be different from Indexed Strategy to Indexed Strategy and may also change from day to day. Our valuation model calculates the theoretical price of options using the following inputs: initial and current Index levels or prices, expected dividend yield, option strike prices, expected interest rates, time, and implied volatility of option prices. Below is a brief explanation of the components of the model, which we receive from third party vendors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Index Levels or Prices** 

The initial Index level or price for a Term is the Index provided to us for the last Market Close on or before the first day of the Term. The current Index level or price is the Index provided to us for of the most recent Market Close. We rely on third parties, such as Index providers and financial reporting vendors, to provide us with the Index level or price for each Market Close.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Dividend Yield (Div)** 

Dividend Yield is the dividend yield to the end of the Term as of a calculation date where the dividend yield is (1) interpolated from yields or (2) implied from market data as reported by Bloomberg or another market source.

For the S&P 500 Index, the dividend yield will reduce the Index level and the applicable call option prices.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Strike Price (K)** 

Strike Price is a value that varies for each type of option.

ATM call option strike price = Index at the start of the Term

ATM put option strike price = Index at the start of the Term

OTM call option strike price = Index at the start of the Term multiplied by (1 + Cap). [For example, if the Cap is 8%, the OTM call option strike price is equal to the Index at the start of the Term multiplied by 1 + .08, or 1.08].

OTM put option strike price = Index at the start of the Term multiplied by (1- Buffer) for a Buffer Strategy or (1 + Floor) for a Floor Strategy. [For example, for a 10% Buffer Strategy, the OTM put option strike price is equal to the Index at the start of the Term multiplied by 1- .10, or .90; for a -10% Floor Strategy, the OTM put option strike price is equal to the Index at the start of the Term multiplied by 1 + -.10, or 0.90]

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Interest Rate (Rate)** 

Interest Rate is a rate based on key derivative interest rates obtained from information provided by Bloomberg or another market source. These interest rates are obtained for maturities adjacent to the actual time remaining in the Term on the calculation date. We use interpolation to derive the rate used as our input for the model.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Time (T)** 

Time is the portion of the Term that remains as measured by the following formula.

Time = number of calendar days from calculation date to end of Term / number of calendar days in Term

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Implied Volatility (Vol)** 

Volatility is the implied volatility of option prices. It is approximated daily using observed option prices as reported by Bloomberg or another market source. For each hypothetical option included in the calculation, we approximate the volatility of option prices by interpolating between (1) implied volatilities for similar options with the closest available time remaining and (2) strike prices.

Implied volatility varies with (1) how much time remains until the end of a Term, which is determined by using an expiration date for the designated option that corresponds to that time remaining and (2) the relationship between the strike price of that option and the value of the Index at the time of the calculation. This relationship is referred to as the "moneyness" of the option described above, and is calculated as the ratio of current price to strike price.

Direct market data for these inputs is generally not available because options on an Index that actually trade in the market have (1) specific maturity dates that are unlikely to precisely match the end date of a Term and (2) moneyness values that are unlikely to precisely match the moneyness of the designated option that we use in our calculations. Accordingly, we interpolate between the implied volatility quotes that are based on the actual maturities and moneyness values.

**EXAMPLES: IMPACT OF WITHDRAWALS ON CONTRACT VALUES AND AMOUNTS REALIZED** 

Examples A through D below are intended to show you how a withdrawal from an Indexed Strategy before the end of the Term affects the Indexed Strategy values and amounts realized at the end of the Term.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Example A: Withdrawal When Index Rising Steadily** 

This example assumes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you allocate $50,000 to the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap
Indexed Strategy and $50,000 to the S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Cap for the initial Term of the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with
Cap Indexed Strategy is 10% and the Cap for the initial Term of the S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy is 6%;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the S&P 500 is 1000 on the Term start date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you request a $10,000 withdrawal on Day 146 when the Daily Value Percentage is 2.45% for the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy and 0.62% for the S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• advisory fees are taken from other assets under management, or only at the end of the Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you do not take any other withdrawals during the initial Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the MVA Interest Rate has fallen by an amount equal to the spread factor and therefore no Market Value
Adjustments apply (If Market Value Adjustments did apply, the amounts realized at the end of the Term would be reduced by the withdrawal and reduced or increased by the amount of the Market Value Adjustment);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the S&P 500 is 1130 on the Term end date; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you have not made a Performance Lock election.

Please note that even with a rising Index, the Daily Value Percentage may be negative or lower than the Index rise because the Net Option Price is not equal to the current Index price, and because the Daily Value Percentage calculation subtracts the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost from the Net Option Price.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Impact of $10,000 Withdrawal from**<br> **Each Strategy in Month 4 of Term** | **S&P 500 1-Year 10%<br>Buffer with Cap** | **S&P 500 1-Year -10%**<br>**Floor with Cap** |
|  Investment Base at Term Start | $50000 | $50000 |
|  Daily Value Percentage on Withdrawal Date | 2.45% | 0.62% |
|  Dollar Amount of Increase on Withdrawal Date | $50,000 x .0245 = $1,225 | $50,000 x .0062 = $310 |
|  Strategy Value before Withdrawal | $50,000 + $1,225 = $51,225 | $50,000 + $310 = $50,310 |
|  Amount Withdrawn\* | $5045 | $4955 |
|  Withdrawal as Percentage of Strategy Value | $5,045 / $51,225 = 9.85% | $4,955 / $50,310 = 9.85% |
|  Proportional Reduction in Investment Base | $50,000 x .0985 = $4,924 | $50,000 x .0985 = $4,924 |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $50,000 - $4,924 = $45,076 | $50,000 - $4,924 = $45,076 |
|  **Value at End of Term** |  |  |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $45076 | $45076 |
|  Index at Term Start | 1000 | 1000 |
|  Index at Term End | 1130 | 1130 |
|  Rise in Index | 13% | 13% |
|  Cap | 10% | 6% |
|  Increase as a Percentage | 10% | 6% |
|  Dollar Amount of Increase | $45,076 x .10 = $4,508 | $45,076 x .06 = $2,705 |
|  Strategy Value at Term End | $45,076 + $4,508 = $49,583 | $45,076 + $2,705 = $47,780 |

---

\* Note: The withdrawal is taken proportionally from each Indexed Strategy, based on the ratio of that Strategy's value to the total value of all Indexed Strategies immediately before the withdrawal. In this example, the total value of all Indexed Strategies immediately before the withdrawal was $101,535 ($51,225 + $50,310). The S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy value was 50.45% of that total value ($51,225 / $101,535 = 50.45%), so 50.45% of the $10,000 withdrawal ($5045) was taken from it. The S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Indexed Strategy value was 49.55% of that total value ($50,310 / $101,535 = 49.55%), so 49.55% of the $10,000 withdrawal ($4955) was taken from it. 

In this example, you invested $50,000 in the Buffer with Cap Strategy and $50,000 in the Floor with Cap Strategy, and at the end of the Term you realized $107,363 ($10,000 withdrawal plus the Strategy values of $49,583 and $47,780 at the end of the Term). Had no withdrawal occurred, your Strategy values at the end of the Term would have totaled $108,000 ($50,000 plus 10% increase for the Buffer with Cap Strategy, and $50,000 plus 6% increase for the Floor with Cap Strategy).

This hypothetical combined Strategy values of $108,000 exceeds the amount realized of $107,363 because the portion of the Investment Base withdrawn from each Strategy did not earn the increases (10% and 6% respectively) it would have earned if it had been left in the respective Strategy for the entire Term.

In this example, the Buffer with Cap Strategy performed better than the Floor with Cap Strategy because the Buffer with Cap Strategy had a higher Cap than the Floor with Cap Strategy.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Example B: Withdrawal When Index Falling Steadily** 

This example assumes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you allocate $50,000 to the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap
Strategy, and $50,000 to the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Floor with Cap Strategy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the S&P 500 is 1000 on the Term start date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you request a $10,000 withdrawal on Day 146 when the Daily Value Percentage is -2.1% for the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy and -2.4% for the S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Strategy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• advisory fees are taken from other assets under management, or only at the end of the Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you do not take any other withdrawals during the initial Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the MVA Interest Rate has fallen by an amount equal to the spread factor and therefore no Market Value
Adjustments apply (If Market Value Adjustments did apply, the amounts realized at the end of the Term would be reduced by the withdrawal and reduced or increased by the amount of the Market Value Adjustment);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the S&P 500 is 750 on the Term end date; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you have not made a Performance Lock election

Please note that the Daily Value Percentage may be more negative than the fall in the Index because the Net Option Price is not equal to the current Index price, and because the Daily Value Percentage calculation subtracts the Amortized Option Cost and Trading Cost from the Net Option Price.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Impact of $10,000 Withdrawal from**<br> **Each Strategy on Day 146 of Term** | **S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap** | **S&P 500 1-Year**<br>**-10% Floor with Cap** |
|  Investment Base at Term Start | $50000 | $50000 |
|  Daily Value Percentage on Withdrawal Date | -2.1% | -2.4% |
|  Dollar Amount of Decrease on Withdrawal Date | $50,000 x -.021 = - $1,050 | $50,000 x -.024 = -$1,200 |
|  Strategy Value before Withdrawal | $50,000 - $1,050 = $48,950 | $50,000 - $1,200 = $48,800 |
|  Amount Withdrawn\* | $5008 | $4992 |
|  Withdrawal as Percentage of Strategy Value | $5,008 / $48,950 = 10.23% | $4,992 / $48,800 = 10.23% |
|  Proportional Reduction in Investment Base | $50,000 x .1023 = $5,115 | $50,000 x .1023 = $5,115 |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $50,000 - $5,115 = $44,885 | $50,000 - $5,115 = $44,885 |
|  **Value at End of Term** |  |  |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $44885 | $44885 |
|  Index at Term Start | 1000 | 1000 |
|  Index at Term End | 750 | 750 |
|  Fall in Index | -25% | -25% |
|  Buffer | 10% | n/a |
|  Floor | n/a | 10% |
|  Decrease as a Percentage | 25% - -10% = -15 | Max (-25%, -10%) = -10 |
|  Dollar Amount of Decrease | $44,885 x .15 = $6,733 | $44,885 x .10 = $4,488 |
|  Strategy Value at Term End | $44,885 - $6,733 = $38,152 | $44,885 - $4,488= $40,396 |

---

\* Note: The withdrawal is taken proportionally from each Indexed Strategy, based on the ratio of that Strategy's value to the total value of all Indexed Strategies immediately before the withdrawal. In this example, the total value of all Indexed Strategies immediately before the withdrawal was $97,750 ($48,950 + $48,800). The S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Strategy value was 50.08% of that total value ($48,950 / $97,750 = 50.08%), so 50.08% of the $10,000 withdrawal ($5008) was taken from it. The S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor with Cap Strategy value was 49.92% of that total value ($48,800 / $97,750 = 49.92%), so 49.92% of the $10,000 withdrawal ($4992) was taken from it. 

In this example, you invested $50,000 in the Buffer Strategy and $50,000 in the Floor Strategy, and at the end of the Term you realized $88,548 ($10,000 withdrawal plus the Strategy values of $38,152 and $40,396 at the end of the Term). Had no withdrawal occurred, your Strategy values at the end of the Term would have totaled $87,500 ($50,000 minus 15% decrease for the Buffer Strategy and $50,000 minus 10% decrease for the Floor Strategy).

The amount realized of $88,548 exceeds this hypothetical combined Strategy value of $87,500 because the portion of the Investment Base withdrawn from each Strategy was not subject to the 10%-15% decrease it would have suffered if it had been left in the respective Strategies for the entire Term.

The Strategy value at Term end is highest for the Floor Strategy ($40,396) and lowest for the Buffer Strategy ($38,152). Though the proportionality rules relating to withdrawals keep each Strategy's Investment Base equal to the others after the withdrawals, the different decreases that result from the 25% drop in the Index value (-10% for the Floor Strategy and -15% for the Buffer Strategy) lead to different Strategy values at Term end.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Example C: Withdrawal When Index Rises** 

This example assumes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you allocate your entire $50,000 Purchase Payment to the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap Indexed Strategy when the S&P 500 is 1900;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Contract Effective Date and the Term start date are both April 6, 2024;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Cap for the initial Term of that Strategy is 12%;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you request a $10,000 withdrawal on August 1, 2024 when the Daily Value Percentage is 1% and the MVA factor
is -4.17%;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• advisory fees are taken from other assets under management, or only at the end of the Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you do not take any other withdrawals during the initial Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the S&P 500 is 2033 on the Term end date of April 6, 2025; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you have not made a Performance Lock election.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Term Start Date** | **April 6, 2024** |  |
|  Strategy Value | $50000 | See Footnote 1 below. |
|  Investment Base | $50000 | See Footnote 1 below. |
|  Cap for Term | 12% | See Footnote 2 below. |
|  Index | 1900 |  |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Withdrawal Date** | **August 1, 2024** |  |
|  Daily Value Percentage on Withdrawal Date | 1% |  |
|  Dollar Amount of Increase on Withdrawal Date | $500 | See Footnote 3 below. |
|  Strategy Value before Withdrawal | $50500 | See Footnote 4 below. |
|  Amount of Withdrawal Requested (Net After MVA) | $10000 |  |
|  Negative Market Value Adjustment | $435 | See Footnote 5 below. |
|  Total Amount Withdrawn | $10435 | See Footnote 5 below. |
|  Withdrawal as Percentage of Strategy Value | 20.66% | See Footnote 6 below. |
|  Proportional Reduction in Investment Base | $10330 | See Footnote 6 below. |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $39670 | See Footnote 7 below. |
|  Strategy Value after Withdrawal | $40065 | See Footnote 8 below. |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Term End Date** | **April 6, 2025** |  |
|  Index | 2033 |  |
|  Rise in Index | 7% | See Footnote 9 below. |
|  Increase as a Percentage | 7% | See Footnote 10 below. |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $39670 | See Footnote 7 below. |
|  Dollar Amount of Increase | $2777 | See Footnote 10 below. |
|  Strategy Value at Term End | $42447 | See Footnote 11 below. |

---

***Footnote 1.*** On the Term start date, the Strategy value is equal to the amount applied to the Strategy on the Term start date. The amount applied on the Term start date is also the beginning Investment Base.

***Footnote 2.*** The Cap is the largest rise in the Index for the Term taken into account to determine any increase at the end of a Term. In this example, the Cap is 12%, which means it will not affect the calculation of any increase unless the Index rises by more than 12%.

***Footnote 3.*** When the Daily Value Percentage is positive, we use the following formula in calculating the Strategy value before the end of the Term.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of increase |
| Calculation | $50,000 x 1% = $500 |

---

***Footnote 4.*** In this example, the Daily Value Percentage is positive on the withdrawal date and you have not taken any withdrawals before that date. This means the Strategy value on the withdrawal date is the Investment Base plus the increase for the Daily Value Percentage on that date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base + dollar amount of increase = Strategy value |
| Calculation | $50,000 + $500 = $50,500 |

---

***Footnote 5.*** The Market Value Adjustment that would apply to your withdrawal is equal to the amount subject to the charge multiplied by the MVA factor. The amount subject to the charge includes the charge itself. In this example, the withdrawal occurs when the MVA factor is -4.17%. There is no Market Value Adjustment after Contract Year 6.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
In this example you requested a specific withdrawal amount, so you will receive the amount you requested. If a Market Value Adjustment applies, we also increase or decrease the amount withdrawn from your Contract by an amount equal to the Market Value Adjustment.

To determine the amount of the Market Value Adjustment, the total amount withdrawn can be determined first by dividing the requested withdrawal by the sum of 1 and the MVA factor.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Requested withdrawal / (1.00 + MVA factor) = total amount withdrawn |
| Calculation | $10,000 / (1.00 + -0.0417) = $10,000 / 0.9583 = $10,435 |

---

The Market Value Adjustment can then be calculated by multiplying the total amount withdrawn by the MVA factor.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Total amount withdrawn x MVA factor = Market Value Adjustment |
| Calculation | $10,435 x -0.0417 = -$435, or a negative Market Value Adjustment of $435 |

---

***Footnote 6.*** When you take a withdrawal, the deduction from the Investment Base taken is proportional to the reduction in the value of the Indexed Strategy due to the withdrawal. If the Strategy value on the withdrawal date is higher than the Investment Base, the proportional reduction in the Investment Base will be less than the total amount withdrawn.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Total amount withdrawn / Strategy value before withdrawal = withdrawal as percentage of Strategy value |
| Calculation | $10,435 / $50,500 = 20.66% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base before withdrawal x withdrawal as percentage of Strategy value = proportional reduction in Investment Base |
| Calculation | $50,000 x 20.66% = $10,330 |

---

***Footnote 7.*** On the withdrawal date after the withdrawal, the Investment Base is equal to the Investment Base before the withdrawal minus the proportional reduction in the Investment Base for the withdrawal.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base before withdrawal – proportional reduction in Investment Base for withdrawal = Investment Base after withdrawal |
| Calculation | $50,000 - $10,330 = $39,670 |

---

***Footnote 8*.** On the withdrawal date, the Strategy value after the withdrawal is equal to Strategy value before the withdrawal minus the total amount withdrawn.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Strategy value before withdrawal – total amount withdrawn = Strategy value after withdrawal |
| Calculation | $50,500 - $10,435 = $40,065 |

---

***Footnote 9.*** The rise in the Index on the Term end date is equal to the percentage change in the Index measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index on Term end date – Index on Term start date) / Index on Term start date = rise in Index |
| Calculation | (2033 – 1900) / 1900 = 7% |

---

***Footnote 10***. When the Index has risen for the Term, we use the following formulas to calculate the increase for an Indexed Strategy.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the rise in Index is less than Cap, then rise in Index = increase percentage based on rise in Index |
| Calculation | 7% rise in Index < 12% cap, so increase percentage = 7% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base x increase percentage based on rise in Index = dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index |
| Calculation | $39,670 x 7% = $2,777 |

---

***Footnote 11.*** In this example, there has been a rise in the Index for the Term and you have taken a $10,000 withdrawal during the Term. This means the Strategy value at the end of the Term is the Investment Base on the Term end date plus the increase for the rise in the Index for the Term.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base on Term end date + dollar amount of increase based on rise in Index = Strategy value on Term end date |
| Calculation | $39,670 + $2,777 = $42,447 |

---

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**Example D: Withdrawal When Index Falls** 

This example assumes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you allocate your entire $50,000 Purchase Payment to the S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer with Cap indexed Strategy when the S&P 500 is 1900;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Contract Effective Date and the Term Start Date are both April 6, 2024;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you request a $10,000 withdrawal on August 1, 2024 when the Daily Value Percentage is -6% and the MVA factor is -4.17%;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• advisory fees are taken from other assets under management, or only at the end of the Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you do not take any other withdrawals during the initial Term;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the S&P 500 is 1672 on the Term end date of April 6, 2025; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• you have not made a Performance Lock election.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Term Start Date** | **April 6, 2024** | |
|  Strategy Value | $50000 | See Footnote 1 below. |
|  Investment Base | $50000 | See Footnote 1 below. |
|  Buffer | 10% | See Footnote 2 below. |
|  Index | 1900 |  |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Withdrawal Date** | **August 1, 2024** |  |
|  Daily Value Percentage on Withdrawal Date | -6% |  |
|  Dollar Amount of Decrease on Withdrawal Date | $3000 | See Footnote 3 below. |
|  Strategy Value before Withdrawal | $47000 | See Footnote 4 below. |
|  Amount of Withdrawal Requested (Net After MVA) | $10000 |  |
|  Negative Market Value Adjustment | $435 | See Footnote 5 below. |
|  Total Amount Withdrawn | $10435 | See Footnote 5 below. |
|  Withdrawal as Percentage of Strategy Value | 22.2% | See Footnote 6 below. |
|  Proportional Reduction in Investment Base | $11100 | See Footnote 6 below. |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $38900 | See Footnote 7 below. |
|  Strategy Value after Withdrawal | $36565 | See Footnote 8 below. |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Term End Date** | **April 6,<br>2025** | |
|  Index | 1672 |  |
|  Change in Index | -12% | See Footnote 9 below. |
|  Change as a Percentage | -2% | See Footnote 10 below. |
|  Investment Base after Withdrawal | $38900 | See Footnote 7 below. |
|  Dollar Amount of Decrease | 778 | See Footnote 10 below. |
|  Strategy Value at Term End | $38122 | See Footnote 11 below. |

---

***Footnote 1.*** On the Term start date, the Strategy value is equal to the amount applied to the Strategy on the Term start date. The amount applied on the Term start date is also the beginning Investment Base.

***Footnote 2.*** The Buffer is the decrease in the value of an Index for a Term that is disregarded when determining the Loss for the Term. For each Term of each Buffer Strategy that we currently offer with this Contract, the Buffer is 10%. The Buffer will not change from Term to Term.

***Footnote 3.*** When the Daily Value Percentage is negative, we use the following formula to calculate the Strategy value before the end of the Term.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base x Daily Value Percentage = dollar amount of decrease |
| Calculation | $50,000 x -6% = -$3,000 |

---

***Footnote 4.*** In this example, the Daily Value Percentage is negative on the withdrawal date and you have not taken any withdrawals before that date. This means the Strategy value on the withdrawal date is the Investment Base, minus the decrease for the Daily Value Percentage on that date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base – dollar amount of decrease = Strategy value |
| Calculation | $50,000 - $3,000 = $47,000 |

---

***Footnote 5.*** The Market Value Adjustment that would apply to your withdrawal is equal to the amount subject to the charge multiplied by the MVA factor. The amount subject to the charge includes the charge itself. In this example, the withdrawal occurs when the MVA factor is -4.17%. There is no Market Value Adjustment after Contract Year 6.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
In this example you requested a specific withdrawal amount, so you will receive the amount you requested. If a Market Value Adjustment applies, we also increase or decrease the amount withdrawn from your Contract by an amount equal to the Market Value Adjustment.

To determine the amount of the Market Value Adjustment, the total amount withdrawn can be determined first by dividing the requested withdrawal by the sum of 1 and the MVA factor.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Requested withdrawal / (1.00 + MVA factor) = total amount withdrawn |
| Calculation | $10,000 / (1.00 + -0.0417) = $10,000 / 0.9583 = $10,435 |

---

The Market Value Adjustment can then be calculated by multiplying the total amount withdrawn by the MVA factor.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Total amount withdrawn x MVA factor = Market Value Adjustment |
| Calculation | $10,435 x -0.0417 = -$435, or a negative Market Value Adjustment of $435 |

---

***Footnote 6.*** When you take a withdrawal, the deduction from the Investment Base taken is proportional to the reduction in the value of the Indexed Strategy due to the withdrawal. If the Strategy value on the withdrawal date is less than the Investment Base, the proportional reduction in the Investment Base will be more than the total amount withdrawn.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | total amount withdrawn / Strategy value before withdrawal = withdrawal as percentage of Strategy value |
| Calculation | $10,435 / $47,000 = 22.2% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base before withdrawal x withdrawal as percentage of Strategy value = proportional reduction in Investment Base |
| Calculation | $50,000 x 22.2% = $11,100 |

---

***Footnote 7.*** On the withdrawal date, the Investment Based after the withdrawal is equal to the Investment Base before the withdrawal minus the proportional reduction in the Investment Base for the withdrawal.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base before withdrawal - proportional reduction in Investment Base for withdrawal = Investment Base after withdrawal |
| Calculation | $50,000 - $11,100 = $38,900 |

---

***Footnote 8*.** On the withdrawal date, the Strategy value after the withdrawal is equal to the Strategy value before the withdrawal minus the total amount withdrawn.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Strategy value before withdrawal - total amount withdrawn = Strategy value after withdrawal |
| Calculation | $47,000 - $10,435 = $36,565 |

---

***Footnote 9.*** The fall in the Index on the Term end date is equal to the percentage change in the Index measured from the Term start date to the Term end date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | (Index on Term end date - Index on Term start date) / Index on Term start date |
| Calculation | (1672 - 1900) / 1900 = -12% |

---

***Footnote 10****.* When the Index has fallen over the Term, we use the following formula to calculate the decrease.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | If the Index falls more than -10%, Fall in Index - Buffer = decrease as a percentage based on fall in Index |
| Calculation | -12% - -10% = -2% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base x decrease percentage based on fall in Index = dollar amount of decrease based on fall in Index |
| Calculation | $38,900 x -2% = -$778 |

---

***Footnote 11.*** In this example, there has been a fall in the Index over the Term and you have taken a $10,000 withdrawal during the Term. This means the Strategy value on at the end of the Term is the Investment Base on the Term end date minus the decrease for the fall in the Index over the Term.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Formula | Investment Base on Term end date – dollar amount of decrease based on fall in Index = Strategy value on Term end date |
| Calculation | $38,900 - $778 = $38,122 |

---

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**STATE VARIATIONS** 

This prospectus describes the material features of the Contract. Contracts issued in your state may provide different features and benefits from, and impose different costs than, those described in this prospectus because of state law variations. However, please note that the maximum charge is set forth in this prospectus. If you would like to review a copy of the Contract and any endorsements, contact us at P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5423, visit our website at www.massmutualascend.com or call us at 1-800-789-6771.

The following information is a summary of material state variations as of the date of this prospectus.

***Temporary Holding Account***

*For Contracts Issued in Missouri* 

For Contract issued in Missouri, there is no Declared Rate Strategy. Amounts can be allocated or reallocated to a Temporary Holding Account. The value of the Temporary Holding Account is equal to: (1) the amounts applied to the Temporary Holding Account at the start of the current Term; minus (2) each withdrawal taken from the Temporary Holding Account during the current Term; minus (3) each rider charge taken from the Temporary Holding Account during the current Term; and plus (4) interest that we have credited on the balances in the Temporary Holding Account for the current Term.

The Temporary Holding Account earns interest daily at an annual effective rate equal to the interest rate used to calculate the minimum value under Missouri standard nonforfeiture law for a fixed annuity contract on the Contract issue date.

Allocations and reallocations to the Temporary Holding Account are subject to the Allocation Limit.

At the end of a Term, to the extent any amount cannot be applied to a Temporary Holding Account for the next Term because the amount is over the Allocation Limit, unless you send us a request to reallocate that amount we will apply the amount to the S&P 500 –10% Floor Strategy.

Amounts taken from the Temporary Holding Account on a withdrawal or a Surrender are not subject to a Market Value Adjustment.

***Market Value Adjustment***

*For Contracts Issued in [Connecticut, Indiana, and Maryland]* 

The MVA formula does not include a spread factor. The MVA factor is equal to:

(A – B) x N

Where:

A = the MVA Index Interest Rate on the Contract Effective Date;

B = the MVA Index Interest Rate for the date of the withdrawal or Surrender; and

N = the number of whole and partial years remaining to the sixth Contract Anniversary.

***General***

*For Contracts Issued in Illinois* 

References to "spouse" have been changed to "spouse or civil union partner."

*For Contracts Issued in New Jersey* 

References to "spouse" have been changed to "spouse or civil union partner."

***Extended Care Waiver Rider***

*For Contracts Issued in California* 

The Waiver of Market Value Adjustments for Facility Care or Home Care or Community-Based Services Rider (CA Rider) provides a waiver under an expanded set of circumstances. The waiver will apply if, at the time of a Surrender, or within the immediately preceding 90 days, the following conditions are met: (1) the insured is confined in a facility or is receiving, as prescribed by a physician, registered nurse or licensed social worker, home care or community-based services; (2) the insured's confinement in a facility, the insured's receipt of home care or community-based services, or any combination thereof has continued for a period of at least 90 consecutive days; and (3) the first day of such 90-day period was at least one year after the contract effective date. Facility includes a skilled nursing facility, a convalescent nursing home, or an extended care facility or a

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
residential care facility or a residential care facility for the elderly. Home care or community-based services includes home health care, adult day care, personal care, homemaker services, hospice services and respite care as defined in the rider. Additional conforming changes have been made including revised and new definitions, and inclusion of a description of circumstances under which the waiver does not apply. The termination provision has been modified to reflect that the rider will not terminate if you transfer or assign an interest in the contract to a person or entity other than the insured.

*For Contracts Issued in Connecticut* 

The conditions under which the waiver applies have been modified. The waiver will apply if at the time of a Surrender or within the immediately preceding 90 days all of the following conditions are met: (1) an insured is confined in a long-term care facility or hospital; and (2) the confinement has continued for a period of at least 90 consecutive days.

*For Contracts Issued in Kansas* 

The conditions under which the waiver applies have been modified. The first day of confinement must be at least 90 days after the contract effective date, rather than one year after the contract effective date.

*For Contracts Issued in Massachusetts* 

This waiver rider is not available in Massachusetts.

*For Contracts Issued in Missouri* 

This waiver rider is not available in Missouri.

*For Contracts Issued in Montana* 

The definition of medically necessary has been modified and refers to the Insured's physician.

*For Contracts Issued in Nebraska* 

The definition of skilled nursing facility has been modified by adding a licensed practical nurse to the list of persons who may provide nursing services or supervise the provision of nursing services.

*For Contracts Issued in New Hampshire* 

The definition of skilled nursing facility has been modified by changing the phrase "licensed and operated as a skilled nursing facility" to "operated as a skilled nursing facility."

*For Contracts Issued in Pennsylvania* 

The conditions under which the waiver is available have been modified. The waiver will apply if at the time of a Surrender or within the immediately preceding 90 days all of the following conditions are met: (1) an insured is confined in one or more long-term care facilities, hospital, or a combination of such; (2) the confinement is prescribed by a physician and is medically necessary; (3) the first day of the confinement is at least one year after the contract effective date; and (4) the confinement has continued for a period of at least 90 consecutive days, or has continued for a total of at least 90 days if each successive confinement occurs within six months of the previous confinement and is for the same related medical cause.

The definition of long-term care facility has been modified. The following facilities have been deleted from the list of facilities excluded from that definition: a facility that primarily treats drug addicts and a facility that is a home for the mentally ill. An exclusion provision has been added to clarify that the waiver will not apply if the insured is confined in a long-term care facility or hospital for the treatment of certain types of drug addiction or mental illnesses.

The definition of hospital has been modified by changing the phrase "it maintains, or has access to, medical, diagnostic, and major surgical facilities" to "it maintains, or has access to, medical and diagnostic facilities."

*For Contracts Issued in Vermont* 

The definition of long-term care facility has been modified. The following facilities have been deleted from the list of excluded facilities: a facility that primarily treats drug addicts, a facility that primarily treats alcoholics, and a facility that is a home for the mentally ill. In addition, the definition of physician has been modified by changing the phrase "a person who is licensed in the United States as a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathy and who is practicing within the scope of his or her license" to "a person who is licensed in the United States who is providing medical care and treatment when such services are provided within the scope of his or her license and provided pursuant to applicable law."

*For Contracts Issued in Washington* 

The waiver is based on confinement to an extended care facility or hospital rather than a long-term care facility or hospital. Definitions are modified to reflect the new terminology, references to "skilled nursing facility" are changed to "nursing facility" and the related definition is modified. In the definition of nursing facility and hospital, a licensed practical nurse is added to the list of persons who may provide nursing services or supervise the provision of nursing services.

***Terminal Illness Waiver Rider***

*For Contracts Issued in Illinois* 

As a result of the terminal illness, your life expectancy must be 24 months from the date of death, rather than 12 months.

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
*For Contracts Issued in Kansas* 

As a result of the terminal illness, your life expectancy must be 24 months from the date of death, rather than 12 months. The diagnosis must be rendered 90 days after the contract effective date, rather than one year after the contract effective date.

*For Contracts Issued in New Jersey* 

The requirement related to the timing of the diagnosis does not apply. But the waiver will not be available until at least one year after the contract effective date.

*For Contracts Issued in Massachusetts* 

This waiver rider is not available in Massachusetts.

*For Contracts Issued in Pennsylvania* 

The diagnosis must be rendered after the contract effective date, rather than one year after the contract effective date. But the waiver will not be available until at least one year after the contract effective date. In addition, the waiver is based on a terminal condition as defined in the rider, rather than a terminal illness.

*For Contracts Issued in Texas* 

The diagnosis must be rendered on or after the contract effective date, rather than one year after the contract effective date.

*For Contracts Issued in Washington* 

As a result of the terminal illness, your life expectancy must be 24 months from the date of death, rather than 12 months.

***Form of Annuity Payout Benefit***

*For Contracts Issued in Texas:* 

Payments under a Payout Option are subject to a $50 minimum.

***Right to Cancel (Free Look)***

State law governs the length of the free look period and the amount of the refund that you will receive. The period and amount may differ if you are replacing a life insurance policy or annuity contract. The table below summarizes the state law provisions.

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **For Contracts Issued in:** | **Free Look<br>Period** | **Refund** | **Replacement<br>Free Look<br>Period** | **Replacement Refund** |
| Alabama | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Alaska | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Arizona | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Arkansas | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value |
| California | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges<br> **Note**: If owner is age 60 or older,<br> refund amount is Purchase Payments. | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges<br> **Note**: If owner is age 60 or older,<br> refund amount is Purchase Payments. |
| Colorado | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Connecticut | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Delaware | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| District of Columbia | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value |
| Florida | 21 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Georgia | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Hawaii | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Idaho | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Illinois | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Indiana | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Iowa | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Kansas | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Kentucky | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Louisiana | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Maine | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Maryland | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Massachusetts | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Michigan | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Minnesota | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Mississippi | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Missouri | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Purchase Payments |

---

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **For Contracts Issued in:** | **Free Look<br>Period** | **Refund** | **Replacement<br>Free Look<br>Period** | **Replacement Refund** |
| Montana | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Nebraska | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Nevada | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| New Hampshire | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| New Jersey | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| New Mexico | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| North Carolina | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| North Dakota | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Ohio | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Oklahoma | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Oregon | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Pennsylvania | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value |
| Rhode Island | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| South Carolina | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| South Dakota | 20 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Tennessee | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Texas | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Utah | 20 days | Purchase Payments | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| Vermont | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Virginia | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Washington | 20 days | Greater of: (1) Purchase Payments or<br> (2) Account Value minus taxes | 30 days | Purchase Payments |
| West Virginia | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Wisconsin | 30 days | Account Value | 30 days | Account Value + Fees/Charges |
| Wyoming | 20 days | Account Value | 30 days | Greater of: (1) Purchase Payments or (2) Account Value + Fees/Charges |

---

***Assignment***

*For Contracts Issued in Ohio:* 

Subject to the tax qualifications endorsement, if any, you may assign your rights to designate or change a Beneficiary or an Annuitant, to change Owners, or to elect a Payout Option if you make a specific Request in Good Order.

***Amendment of the Contract***

*For Contracts Issued in Florida:* 

You have the right to reject an endorsement that changes the provisions of this Contract to obtain or retain the intended tax treatment under federal tax law, or to take into account other pertinent laws and governmental regulations and rulings. We will not be responsible for the tax or other consequences of your rejection.

*For Contracts Issued in Texas:* 

You have the right to reject an endorsement that changes the provisions of this Contract to obtain or retain the intended tax treatment under federal tax law, or to take into account other pertinent laws and governmental regulations and rulings. We will not be responsible for the tax or other consequences of your rejection.

***Involuntary Termination***

*For Contracts Issued in Texas:* 

Our right to terminate this Contract is not tied to the minimum required value. We have the right to terminate this Contract if the Account Value would provide a benefit of less than $20 each month at age 70 under a life payout with payments for at least a fixed period of 10 years.

**\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** 

Our form number for the Contract is P1841622NW. Our form numbers for the Crediting Strategy endorsements to the Contract are E1825318NW, E1841922NW, E1842022NW, E1842622NW, E1842322NW, and E1842922NW. The form numbers may vary by state. The Securities and Exchange Commission file number for the Contract is 333-[ ].

**SECTION II** 

**MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INFORMATION** 

[to be added by amendment]

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**PART II — INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS** 

**<u>Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution</u>**

The following is a list of the estimated expenses to be incurred in connection with the securities being offered.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  Estimated Accounting Fees | $[2,232,020] |
|  Estimated Filing Fees | $0 |
|  Estimated Legal Fees | $[200,000] |
|  Registration Fees | $0 |

---

**<u>Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers</u>**

Ohio Revised Code, Section 1701.13(E), allows indemnification by the Registrant to any person made or threatened to be made a party to any proceedings, other than a proceeding by or in the right of the Registrant, by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant, against expenses, including judgment and fines, if he acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to our best interests and, with respect to criminal actions, in which he had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. Similar provisions apply to actions brought by or in the right of the Registrant, except that no indemnification shall be made in such cases when the person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct to the Registrant unless deemed otherwise by the court. Indemnifications are to be made by a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested directors or the written opinion of independent counsel or by the shareholders or by the court.

Article VII of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Code of Regulations includes the following provisions related to indemnification of its directors, officers, employees and agents.

ARTICLE VII INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Section 1. Right to Indemnification. Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved (including, without limitation, as a witness) in any actual or threatened action, claim, suit investigation or proceeding, of any nature whatsoever (hereinafter "proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, board member, committee member, partner, trustee, officer or employee of any foreign or domestic organization or any separate investment account, or any individual who serves in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan, or that, being or having been such a director, board member, committee member, partner, trustee, officer or employee of any foreign or domestic organization or any separate investment account or any individual who serves in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan, he or she is or was serving at the request of an executive officer of the Corporation as a director, board member, committee member, partner, trustee, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an "indemnitee"), whenever the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as such shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by law, as the same exists or may hereinafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than permitted prior thereto), or by other applicable law as then in effect, against all costs and

Part II – Page 1

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
reasonable counsel fees, fines, penalties, judgments or awards of any kind, and the amount of reasonable settlements, whether or not payable to the Corporation or to any of the other entities described above actually incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, board member, committee member, partner, trustee, officer or employee of any foreign or domestic organization or any separate investment account or any individual who serves in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee's heirs, executors, legal representatives and administrators. To the extent any of the indemnification provisions set forth above prove to be ineffective for any reason in furnishing the indemnification provided, each of the persons named above shall be indemnified by the Corporation to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indemnification shall be provided with respect to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. any matter as to which the person shall have been adjudicated in any proceeding not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the Corporation or, to the extent that such matter relates to service with respect to any employee benefit plan, in the best interests of the participants or beneficiaries of such employee benefit plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. any liability to any entity which is registered as an investment company under the Federal Investment Company Act of 1940 or to the security holders thereof, where the basis for such liability is willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. any action, claim or proceeding voluntarily initiated by any person seeking indemnification, unless such action, claim or proceeding had been authorized by the Board or unless such person's indemnification is awarded by vote of the Board.

In any matter disposed of by settlement or in the event of an adjudication which in the opinion of the General Counsel or his or her delegate does not make a sufficient determination of conduct which could preclude or permit indemnification in accordance with the preceding paragraphs, the person shall be entitled to indemnification unless, as determined by the majority of the disinterested directors or in the opinion of counsel (who may be an officer of the Corporation or outside counsel employed by the Corporation), such person's conduct was such as precludes indemnification under any such paragraph. The termination of any action, claim, suit, investigation or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Corporation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1 Advancements. The Corporation may at its option indemnify for expenses incurred in connection with any action or proceeding in advance of its final disposition, upon receipt of a satisfactory undertaking for repayment if it be subsequently determined that the person thus indemnified is not entitled to indemnification under this Article VII.

Part II – Page 2

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
Section 2. Procedures for the Submission of Claims. The Board may establish reasonable procedures for the submission of claims for indemnification pursuant to this ARTICLE VII, determination of the entitlement of any person thereto, and review of any such determination.

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company ("MassMutual"), the Registrant's parent company, maintains, at its expense, Directors and Officers Liability and Company Reimbursement Liability Insurance. The Directors and Officers Liability portion of such policy covers all directors and officers of MassMutual and of the companies which are, directly or indirectly, more than 50% owned by MassMutual, which includes the Registrant. The policy provides for payment on behalf of the directors and officers, up to the policy limits and after expenditure of a specified deductible, of all Loss (as defined) from claims made against them during the policy period for defined wrongful acts, and neglect or breach of duty by directors and officers in the discharge of their individual or collective duties as such. The insurance includes the cost of investigations and defenses, appeals, and settlements and judgments, but not fines or penalties imposed by law. The insurance does not cover any claims arising out of acts alleged to have been committed prior to December 31, 1996, or in the case of companies directly or indirectly 50% owned by MassMutual, which includes the Registrant, such later date as MassMutual or its predecessors may be deemed to control the company. The prior acts effective date for the Registrant is May 28, 2021. The policy contains various exclusions and reporting requirements.

**<u>Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities</u>**

Not applicable

**<u>Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules</u>**

**(a) Exhibits** 

(1) [Principal Underwriting Agreement between Great American Life Insurance Company and Great American Advisors, Inc. effective as of February 2, 2018 is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on April 24, 2018. 1933 Act File No. 333-207914.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000104204618000023/galicposam42017-ex1.htm)

(2) Plan of acquisition, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or succession—Not applicable.

(3) Governing Documents

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) [Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation are filed herewith.](d459546dex3a.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) [Amended and Restated Code of Regulations are filed herewith.](d459546dex3b.htm)

(4)(a) Contracts

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) [Index Achiever Individual Deferred Annuity Contract (Form No. P1841622NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on March 21, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522080389/d243196dex4a1.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Advisory Fee Endorsement (Form No. E1844022NW) is incorporated by reference to the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on June 21, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522177507/d366002dex4a2.htm)

Part II – Page 3

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Withdrawal Order Endorsement (Form No. E1848822NW) is filed herewith.](d459546dex4a3.htm)

(4)(b) Tax Endorsements

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) [Inherited Contract Endorsement (Form No. E1091612NW) (Non-Qualified Plans) is filed herewith.](d459546dex4b1.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement (Form No. E6004010NW) (IRA/SEP IRA) is filed herewith.](d459546dex4b2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Roth Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement (Form No. E6004108NW) (Roth IRA) is filed herewith.](d459546dex4b3.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) [Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement (Form No. E6004202NW) (SIMPLE IRA) is filed herewith.](d459546dex4b4.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) [Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement for Inherited IRA (Form No. E6014420NW) (Inherited IRA) is filed herewith.](d459546dex4b5.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) [Governmental Section 457 Plan Endorsement (Form No. E6004505NW) (Section 457 (Traditional & Roth) Governmental Plan) is filed herewith.](d459546dex4b6.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) [Tax Sheltered Annuity Endorsement (Form No. E6004308NW) (Employer Plan TSA/TSA 403(B)/Roth 403(B)) is filed herewith.](d459546dex4b7.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) [Qualified Pension, Profit Sharing and Annuity Plan Endorsement (Form No. E6004405NW) (401(A), Pension or Profit Sharing) is filed herewith.](d459546dex4b8.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) [Employer Plan Endorsement (EPLAN Rev. 2/98)-1 (For use with E6004308NW Employer Plan TSA/Roth 403(B), E6004405NW 401(A), Pension or Profit Sharing and E6004505NW Section 457 (Traditional & Roth) Governmental Plan) is filed herewith.](d459546dex4b9.htm)

(4)(c) Strategy Endorsements

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) [1-Year Declared Rate Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Interest Subject to a Guaranteed Minimum Interest Rate (Form No. E1825318NW) is filed herewith.](d459546dex4c1.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [S&P 500 1-Year -10% Floor Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to a Cap for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to a –10% Floor for Each Term (Form No. E1841922NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on March 21, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522080389/d243196dex4c2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [S&P 500 1-Year Participation Rate Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to Upside Participation Rate for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to 50% Downside Participation Rate for Each Term (Form No. E1841822NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on March 21, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522080389/d243196dex4c3.htm)

Part II – Page 4

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) [S&P 500 1-Year 10% Buffer Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to a Cap for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to a 10% Buffer for Each Term (Form No. E1842022NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on March 21, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522080389/d243196dex4c4.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) [S&P 500 6-Year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to a Participation Rate for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to a 10% Buffer for Each Term (Form No. E1843222NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on March 21, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522080389/d243196dex4c5.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) [iShares MSCI EAFE ETF 1-Year Participation Rate Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to Upside Participation Rate for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to 50% Downside Participation Rate for Each Term (Form No. E1842422NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on March 21, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522080389/d243196dex4c6.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) [iShares MSCI EAFE ETF 1-Year 10% Buffer Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to a Cap for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to a 10% Buffer for Each Term (Form No. E1842622NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on March 21, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522080389/d243196dex4c7.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) [SPDR Gold Shares ETF 1-Year Participation Rate Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to Upside Participation Rate for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to 50% Downside Participation Rate for Each Term (Form No. E1842122NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on March 21, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522080389/d243196dex4c8.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) [SPDR Gold Shares ETF 1-Year 10% Buffer Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to a Cap for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to a 10% Buffer for Each Term (Form No. E1842322NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on March 21, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522080389/d243196dex4c9.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) [iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF 1-Year Participation Rate Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to Upside Participation Rate for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to 50% Downside Participation Rate for Each Term (Form No. E1842722NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on March 21, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522080389/d243196dex4c10.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(11) [iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF 1-Year 10% Buffer Indexed Strategy - Crediting Strategy Endorsement—Index Gain Subject to a Cap for Each Term—Index Loss Subject to a 10% Buffer for Each Term (Form No. E1842922NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on March 21, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522080389/d243196dex4c11.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(12) [First Trust Barclays Edge 1-Year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Indexed Strategy – Index Gain Subject to a Participation Rate for Each Term – Index Loss Subject to a 10% Buffer for Each Term (Form No. E1849122) is filed herewith.](d459546dex4c12.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(13) [First Trust Barclays Edge 1-Year Participation Rate Indexed Strategy – Index Gain Subject to a Participation Rate for Each Term – Index Loss Subject to a 50% Downside Participation Rate for Each Term (Form No. E1849222) is filed herewith.](d459546dex4c13.htm)

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(4)(d) Waiver Riders

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) [Terminal Illness Waiver Rider (Form No. ICC22-R1843822NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on March 21, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522080389/d243196dex4d1.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Extended Care Waiver Rider (Form No. ICC22-R1843722NW) is incorporated by reference to the S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on March 21, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522080389/d243196dex4d2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [California Facility Care or Home Care or Community Based Services Waiver Rider (Form No. R1843722CA) is incorporated by reference to Pre-effective Amendment No. 2 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on July 15, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522194748/d344990dex4d3.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) [California Waiver of Adjustments for Terminal Illness Rider (Form No.R1843822CA) is incorporated by reference to Pre-effective Amendment No. 2 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on July 15, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-263740](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522194748/d344990dex4d4.htm)

(5) Opinion re Legality will be filed by subsequent amendment.

(8) Opinion re Tax Matters—Not applicable.

(9) Voting Trust Agreement—Not applicable.

(10) Material Contracts

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) [Administrative Services Agreement between MassMutual Life Insurance Company, Great American Life Insurance Company, Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company, and Manhattan National Life Insurance Company effective May 28, 2021 is incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on January 6, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-262034.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522003552/d247596dex10a.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) [Amendment No. 1 to Administrative Services Agreement between MassMutual Life Insurance Company, Great American Life Insurance Company, Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company, and Manhattan National Life Insurance Company effective August 5, 2021 is incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on January 6, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-262034.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522003552/d247596dex10b.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) [Leased Employee Agreement among Glidepath Holdings Inc., Great American Life Insurance Company, Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company, and Manhattan National Life Insurance Company effective May 28, 2021 is incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on behalf of Great American Life Insurance Company on January 6, 2022. 1933 Act File No. 333-262034.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/723258/000119312522003552/d247596dex10c.htm)

(11) Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings—Not applicable.

(12) Statements re Computation of Ratios—Not applicable.

(15) Letter re Unaudited Interim Financial Information—Not applicable.

(16) Letter re Change in Certifying Accountant will be filed by subsequent amendment.

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(21) Subsidiaries of the Registrant— Information about the subsidiaries of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance
Company will be filed by subsequent amendment.

(23) Consents

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Consent of legal counsel will be filed by subsequent amendment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Consent of independent registered public accounting firms

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Consent of independent registered public accounting firm (KPMG LLP) will be filed by subsequent amendment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Consent of independent auditors (Ernst & Young LLP) will be filed by subsequent amendment.

(24) Powers of Attorney

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) [Power of Attorney – Dominic L. Blue is filed herewith.](d459546dex24a.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) [Power of Attorney – Susan M. Cicco is filed herewith.](d459546dex24b.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) [Power of Attorney – Geoffrey J. Craddock is filed herewith.](d459546dex24c.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) [Power of Attorney – Roger W. Crandall is filed herewith.](d459546dex24d.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) [Power of Attorney – Michael R. Fanning is filed herewith.](d459546dex24e.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) [Power of Attorney – Paul A. LaPiana is filed herewith.](d459546dex24f.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) [Power of Attorney – Sears Merritt is filed herewith.](d459546dex24g.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) [Power of Attorney – Mark F. Muething is filed herewith.](d459546dex24h.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) [Power of Attorney – Michael J. O'Connor is filed herewith.](d459546dex24i.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) [Power of Attorney – Eric W. Partlan is filed herewith.](d459546dex24j.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) [Power of Attorney – Arthur W. Wallace is filed herewith.](d459546dex24k.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) [Power of Attorney – Elizabeth A. Ward is filed herewith.](d459546dex24l.htm)

(25) Statement of Eligibility of Trustee—Not applicable.

(26) Invitation for Competitive Bids—Not applicable.

(99) Additional Exhibits – None.

(101) Interactive Data File will be filed by subsequent amendment.

**(b)** **Financial Statement Schedules** will be filed by subsequent amendment.

**(c)** **[Calculation of Filing Fee Tables](d459546dexfilingfees.htm)** [is filed herewith.](d459546dexfilingfees.htm)

**<u>Item 17. Undertakings</u>**

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
registration statement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement
(or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in
volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus
filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) (§ 230.424(b) of this chapter) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation
of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective
amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which
remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each
prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A (§ 230.430A of this
chapter), shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. *Provided, however,* that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that
is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of
sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any
purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used
to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell
such securities to such purchaser:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be
filed pursuant to Rule 424 (§ 230.424 of this chapter);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or
used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about
the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

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(6) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to
directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.

Part II – Page 9

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##### [**Table of Contents**](#toc)
**INDEX TO EXHIBITS** 

**MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Number | <u>Exhibit Description</u> |
| 3(a) | [Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation](d459546dex3a.htm) |
| 3(b) | [Amended and Restated Code of Regulations](d459546dex3b.htm) |
| 4(a)(3) | [Withdrawal Order Endorsement (Form No. E1848822NW)](d459546dex4a3.htm) |
| 4(b)(1) | [Inherited Contract Endorsement (Form No. E1091612NW)](d459546dex4b1.htm) |
| 4(b)(2) | [Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement – (Form No. E6004010NW)](d459546dex4b2.htm) |
| 4(b)(3) | [Roth Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement (Form No. E6004108NW)](d459546dex4b3.htm) |
| 4(b)(4) | [SIMPLE IRA Endorsement (Form No. E6004202NW)](d459546dex4b4.htm) |
| 4(b)(5) | [Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement for Inherited IRA (Form No. E6014420NW)](d459546dex4b5.htm) |
| 4(b)(6) | [Governmental Section 457 Plan Endorsement (Form No. E6004505NW)](d459546dex4b6.htm) |
| 4(b)(7) | [Tax Sheltered Annuity Endorsement (Form No. E6004308NW)](d459546dex4b7.htm) |
| 4(b)(8) | [Qualified Pension, Profit Sharing and Annuity Plan Endorsement (Form No. E6004405NW)](d459546dex4b8.htm) |
| 4(b)(9) | [Employer Plan Endorsement (Form No. EPLAN98NW)](d459546dex4b9.htm) |
| 4(c)(1) | [Declared Rate Strategy Endorsement (Form No. E1825318NW)](d459546dex4c1.htm) |
| 4(c)(12) | [First Trust Barclays Edge 1-Year 10% Buffer with Participation Rate Indexed Strategy – Index Gain Subject to a Participation Rate for Each Term – Index Loss Subject to a 10% Buffer for Each Term (Form No. E1849122)](d459546dex4c12.htm) |
| 4(c)(13) | [First Trust Barclays Edge 1-Year Participation Rate Indexed Strategy – Index Gain Subject to a Participation Rate for Each Term – Index Loss Subject to a 50% Downside Participation Rate for Each Term (Form No. E1849222)](d459546dex4c13.htm) |
| 24(a) | [Power of Attorney – Dominic L. Blue](d459546dex24a.htm) |
| 24(b) | [Power of Attorney – Susan M. Cicco](d459546dex24b.htm) |
| 24(c) | [Power of Attorney – Geoffrey J. Craddock](d459546dex24c.htm) |
| 24(d) | [Power of Attorney – Roger W. Crandall](d459546dex24d.htm) |

---

Part II – Page 10

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---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 24(e) | [Power of Attorney – Michael R. Fanning](d459546dex24e.htm) |
| 24(f) | [Power of Attorney – Paul A. LaPiana](d459546dex24f.htm) |
| 24(g) | [Power of Attorney – Sears Merritt](d459546dex24g.htm) |
| 24(h) | [Power of Attorney – Mark F. Muething](d459546dex24h.htm) |
| 24(i) | [Power of Attorney – Michael J. O'Connor](d459546dex24i.htm) |
| 24(j) | [Power of Attorney – Eric W. Partlan](d459546dex24j.htm) |
| 24(k) | [Power of Attorney – Arthur W. Wallace](d459546dex24k.htm) |
| 24(l) | [Power of Attorney – Elizabeth A. Ward](d459546dex24l.htm) |
| 107 | [Calculation of Filing Fee Tables](d459546dexfilingfees.htm) |

---

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**<u>SIGNATURES</u>**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement on Form S-1 for the Individual Index-linked Modified Single Premium Deferred Annuity Contracts to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Cincinnati, State of Ohio, on February 3, 2023.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company** | **MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company** |
| February 3, 2023 | By: | /s/ Brian P. Sponaugle |
|  |  | Brian P. Sponaugle |
|  |  | Senior Vice President and Treasurer |

---

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement on Form S-1 for the Individual Index-linked Modified Single Premium Deferred Annuity Contracts has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Signature | Capacity | Date |
| /s/ Dominic L. Blue\* | Director | February 3, 2023 |
| Dominic L. Blue\* |  |  |
| /s/ Susan M. Cicco\* | Director | February 3, 2023 |
| Susan M. Cicco\* |  |  |
| /s/ Geoffrey J. Craddock\* | Director | February 3, 2023 |
| Geoffrey J. Craddock\* |  |  |
| /s/ Roger W. Crandall\* | Director | February 3, 2023 |
| Roger W. Crandall\* |  |  |
| /s/ Michael R. Fanning\* | Director<br> Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) | February 3, 2023 |
| Michael R. Fanning\* |  |  |
| /s/ Paul A. LaPiana\* | Director | February 3, 2023 |
| Paul A. LaPiana\* |  |  |
| /s/ Sears Merritt\* | Director | February 3, 2023 |
| Sears Merritt\* |  |  |
| /s/ Mark F. Muething\* | President<br> Director | February 3, 2023 |
| Mark F. Muething\* |  |  |
| /s/ Michael J. O'Connor\* | Director | February 3, 2023 |
| Michael J. O'Connor\* |  |  |
| /s/ Eric W. Partlan\* | Director | February 3, 2023 |
| Eric W. Partlan\* |  |  |
| /s/ Brian P. Sponaugle | Principal Accounting Officer | February 3, 2023 |
| Brian P. Sponaugle |  |  |
| /s/ Arthur W. Wallace\* | Director | February 3, 2023 |
| Arthur W. Wallace\* |  |  |
| /s/ Elizabeth A. Ward\* | Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)<br> Director | February 3, 2023 |
| Elizabeth A. Ward\* |  |  |
| \*By: <u>/s/ John P. Gruber</u> | As Attorney-in-Fact pursuant to powers of<br> attorney filed herewith |  |
| John P. Gruber |  |  |

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Date: February 3, 2023

## Ex-3.(A)

**Exhibit 3(a)** 

**AMENDED AND RESTATED** 

**ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION** 

**OF** 

**MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY** 

FIRST. The name of the company shall be MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company (the "Company").

SECOND: The place in the State of Ohio where the Company's principal office is located is the city of Cincinnati in Hamilton County, Ohio.

THIRD. The purposes for which the Company is organized shall be:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) To make insurance upon the lives of individuals, and to transact every type of insurance allowed by Section 3911.01 of the Ohio Revised Code;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) To invest and reinvest its capital, surplus and accumulations in such investments as may now or in the future be permitted by law as investments of legal reserve life insurance companies; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) To do all things necessary and proper to carry out the above purposes and to possess and have the right to exercise all powers and rights now or hereafter conferred by law upon domestic legal reserve life insurance companies under the laws of the State of Ohio.

FOURTH. All corporate powers of the Company shall be exercised by the Board of Directors and the Officers selected by the Board of Directors.

FIFTH. The number of Directors shall not be less than five nor more than twenty-one with the number of directors to be elected at any meeting of shareholders to be fixed by the shareholders at said meeting.

SIXTH. This corporation shall have Officers as may from time to time be fixed by the Board of Directors. All Officers shall hold office for a term of one year unless sooner removed by the Board of Directors.

SEVENTH. Vacancies among Directors shall be filled either by a majority vote of the remaining Directors or by a majority of shareholders entitled to vote, and the succeeding Director shall fill the unexpired term of the Director he is replacing. Vacancies among Officers shall be filled by the President. The succeeding Officer shall serve until the next annual meeting.

EIGHTH. The total number of shares which the Company shall be authorized to have outstanding shall be 1,200,000. All of these shares shall be Common Stock with a par value of $7.50 per share. Stated capital shall be $1,507,500.00

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NINTH. No holder of any shares of the Company shall have any preemptive rights to subscribe for or to purchase any shares of the Company of any class, whether such shares or such class be now or hereafter authorized, or to purchase or subscribe for any security convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any class or to which shall be attached or appertained any warrants or rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or subscribe for shares of any class.

TENTH. The Company, through its Board of Directors, shall have the right and power to purchase any of its outstanding shares at such price and upon such terms as maybe agreed upon between the Company and any selling shareholder.

ELEVENTH. The affirmative vote of shareholder entitled to exercise a majority of the voting power shall be required to amend these Articles of Incorporation, approve mergers and to take any other action which by law must be approved by a specified percentage of all outstanding shares entitled to vote.

TWELFTH. The provisions of Section 1701.831 of the Ohio Revised Code or any successor provisions relating to control share acquisitions shall not be applicable to the Company.

THIRTEENTH. These Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation take the place of and supersede the existing Articles of Incorporation of the Company as heretofore amended and/or restated.

## Ex-3.(B)

**Exhibit 3(b)** 

**CODE OF REGULATIONS** 

**OF** 

**MASSMUTUAL ASCEND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY** 

(As Amended and Restated on January 12, 2022)

ARTICLE I

<u>SHAREHOLDERS' MEETINGS</u> 

Section 1. <u>Annual Meetings</u>. The annual meeting of the shareholders of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company (the "**Corporation**"), for the election of the Board of Directors (the "**Board**") and the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before such meeting, shall be held at the time, date and place designated by the Board or, if it shall so determine, by the Chairman of the Board or the President. If the annual meeting is not held or if directors are not elected thereat, a special meeting may be called and held for that purpose.

Section 2. <u>Special Meetings</u>. A special meeting of the shareholders may be called at any time by the Board on the same notice as is required for the annual meeting; provided, however, that notice of a special meeting shall specify the business to be considered thereat, and no other business shall be taken up or considered at special meetings unless the owners of a majority of the entire capital stock are present and unanimously consent thereto.

Section 3. <u>Quorum</u>. The shareholders attending in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of shareholders, except in cases otherwise provided for by law; but less than a quorum may adjourn any meeting, from time to time, and the meeting may be held, as adjourned without further notice.

Section 4. <u>Notice</u>. Notice of the time and place, if any, and purposes of any meeting of shareholders and the manner of holding the meeting if it is to be conducted through communications equipment authorized by the Ohio General Corporation Law (the "**OGC Law**"), shall be given to each shareholder entitled thereto not less than seven (7) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the date fixed for the meeting and as prescribed by law. Such notice shall be given either by personal delivery or mail to the shareholders at their respective addresses as they appear upon the records of the Corporation or by any other method authorized by the OGC Law. Notice shall be deemed to have been given on the day sent. If any meeting is adjourned to another time or place, no notice as to such adjourned meeting need be given other than by announcement at the meeting at which such an adjournment is taken. No business shall be transacted at any such adjourned meeting except as might have been lawfully transacted at the meeting at which such adjournment was taken.

Section 5. <u>Notice to Joint Owners</u>. All notices with respect to any stock to which persons are entitled by joint or common ownership may be given to the person who is named first upon the books of this Corporation, and notice so given shall be sufficient notice to all the holders of such stock.

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Section 6. <u>Waiver</u>. Notice of any meeting may be waived in writing by any shareholder either before or after any meeting, by attendance at such meeting in person or by proxy, or through communications equipment authorized by the OGC Law without protest to its commencement.

Section 7. <u>Shareholders Entitled to Notice and to Vote</u>. The Board is authorized from time to time, to fix a day, not more than forty (40) days prior to the day of holding any meeting of shareholders, as the day as of which shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting shall be determined; and only shareholders of record on such day shall be entitled to notice or to vote at such meeting. If a record date shall not be fixed, the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders shall be the close of business on the twentieth (20<sup>th</sup>) day prior to the date of the meeting and only shareholders of record at such record date shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting.

Section 8. <u>Action by Shareholders Without a Meeting</u>. Any action which may be taken at a meeting of shareholders may be taken without a meeting if authorized by a writing or writings signed by all of the shareholders who would be entitled to notice of a meeting for such purpose or by any other method authorized by the OGC Law. The records of such action shall be entered upon the records of the Corporation.

ARTICLE II

<u>BOARD OF DIRECTORS</u> 

Section 1. <u>Number of Directors and Powers</u>. The number of directors shall not be less than five (5) nor more than twenty-one (21). Except as reserved by law or by this Code of Regulations (the "**Regulations**"), the Board shall have and may exercise all the powers of the Corporation. The Board shall make such rules and regulations as it shall deem necessary or convenient for the regulation and management of the affairs of the Corporation.

Section 2. <u>Place of Meeting</u>. Any meeting of directors may be held at such place within or without the State of Ohio or by communications equipment authorized by the OGC Law as may be designated in the notice of said meeting.

Section 3. <u>Organization Meeting</u>. As promptly as practicable after each annual meeting a Secretary shall notify the directors-elect of their election, and shall notify all directors of the time at which they are required to meet for the purpose of organizing the new Board and of electing and appointing officers and committees for the succeeding year. Such meeting shall be appointed to be held on the day of the election, or as soon thereafter as practicable.

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Section 4. <u>Regular Meetings</u>. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held at such stated times and places as the Board may determine by resolution, from time to time. No notice of any such meeting need be given. In case the day appointed for a regular meeting should fall upon a legal holiday, such meeting shall be held on the following business day, at the regularly appointed hour.

Section 5. <u>Special Meeting</u>. The Secretary shall call special meetings of the Board , at any time, upon order of the Chairman of the Board or the President, or of any two directors. Notice of the time and place, if any, of any special meeting of the Board and the manner of holding the meeting if it is to be conducted through communications equipment authorized by the OGC Law, shall be given to each director by personal delivery, telephone, facsimile transmission, mail or by communications equipment authorized by the OGC Law, at least twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting. Such notice need not specify the purpose of the meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, special meetings may be held at any time, without formal notice, if all directors are present, or if those not present shall have waived notice thereof.

Section 6. <u>Quorum</u>. Not less than one-third (1/3) of the number of directors in office, but in any event not less than three (3), shall be sufficient to constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board, except in cases otherwise provided for by law; but less than a quorum may adjourn any meeting, from time to time, and the meeting may be held as adjourned, without further notice.

Section 8. <u>Board Action Without a Meeting</u>. Any action which may be taken at a meeting of directors or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if authorized by a writing or writings signed by all of the members of the Board or all of the members of a particular committee or by any other method authorized by the OGC Law. The records of such action shall be entered upon the records of the Corporation.

Section 9. <u>Exclusion of Liability.</u> No director shall be personally liable to the Corporation for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, notwithstanding any provision of law imposing such liability; provided, however, that such director shall remain personally liable for damages incurred by the Corporation resulting from (a) any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Corporation, (b) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law by the director, (c) acts or omissions not taken in a manner not reasonably believed to be in, or at least not opposed to, the best interest of the Corporation, (d) acts or omissions not taken with the care that a reasonably prudent person would use under similar circumstances, (e) any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit, or (f) acts or omissions of the director which occurred prior to the effective date of this provision.

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ARTICLE III

<u>COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD</u> 

The Board shall have an Executive and a Finance Committee and shall create such other committees of the Board as it may deem necessary or convenient for the conduct of the business of the Corporation. The Board shall appoint the members of any such committee of the Board from its number on an annual basis, and a majority of the members of any committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business thereof unless otherwise specified in these Regulations. The Board may delegate to any such committee or committees some or all of the powers of the directors except those which by law or by these Regulations it is prohibited from delegating. Except as the Board may otherwise determine, any such committee may make rules for the conduct of its business.

ARTICLE IV

<u>EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE</u> 

Section 1. <u>Appointment, Term and Vacancies</u>. At the organization meeting of the Board each year, the Board may appoint from their own number an Executive Committee; or if no appointment is made at such meeting, the Board may, at a regular or special meeting, appoint from their own number an Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall consist of not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) directors, and the members thereof shall serve for one (1) year and until their successors shall have been appointed. In case any vacancy shall occur in the membership of the Executive Committee, the Board shall have power to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the term, by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board.

Section 2. <u>Quorum</u>. Any two of the members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business thereof.

Section 3. <u>Rules and Reports</u>. The Executive Committee may make rules for holding and conducting its meetings and keeping the records thereof, and shall regularly report its actions to the Board.

Section 4. <u>Powers and Duties</u>. The Executive Committee shall have, and may exercise during intervals between meetings of the Board all the authority of the Board <u>except</u> as to each of the following matters:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the submission to shareholders of any action as to which shareholders' authorization is required by statute;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the filling of vacancies in the Board or in any committee of the Board;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) the amendment or repeal of the Regulations, or the adoption of new code of regulations; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) the amendment or repeal of any resolution of the Board which by its terms shall not be so amendable or repealable.

ARTICLE V

<u>FINANCE COMMITTEE</u> 

Section 1. <u>Appointment, Term and Vacancies</u>. At the organizational meeting of the Board, in each year, the Board, by resolution, adopted by a majority of the entire Board, may appoint from their own number a Finance Committee. The Finance Committee shall consist of not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) directors, and the members thereof shall serve for one (1) year and until their successor shall have been appointed. In case any vacancy shall occur in the membership of the Finance Committee, the Board shall have power to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the term, by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board.

Section 2. <u>Quorum</u>. A majority of the members of the Finance Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business thereof.

Section 3. <u>Rules and Reports</u>. The Finance Committee may make rules for holding and conducting its meetings and keeping the records thereof, and shall regularly report its actions to the Board.

Section 4. <u>Powers and Duties</u>. The Finance Committee does have and shall continue to have the following powers and duties:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) to direct and control the financial affairs of the Corporation on a daily basis and shall exercise all authority of the full Board with respect to all such financial

affairs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) to authorize and effectuate all investment transactions on behalf of the Corporation, including but not limited to the purchase, sale or exchange of stocks, bonds, notes, equipment trust certificates, mortgages or any other securities or assets of the

Corporation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) to designate banks or trust companies as custodians for stocks, bonds, notes or other securities belonging to the Corporation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) to authorize and designate the proper individuals to prepare and execute on behalf of the Corporation all documents necessary to carry out such transactions and take any and all actions as may be necessary or desirable to fully implement the foregoing powers.

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ARTICLE VI

<u>OFFICERS: POWERS AND DUTIES</u> 

Section 1. <u>Officers</u>. The officers of the Corporation shall consist of a Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, a Chief Executive Officer, a President (each of whom shall be a director), one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and such Assistant Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers or other officers as, from time to time, may appear to the Board necessary or desirable for the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation. The office of Chairman of the Board and President or any two other offices, other than those of President and Secretary, may be held by the same person.

Section 2. <u>Powers and Duties</u>. Each officer elected by the Board shall have such powers and duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Board or by the Chief Executive Officer at the direction of the Board.

Section 3. <u>Appointment, Term and Removal</u>. So far as practicable, all officers, except those whose appointment is herein otherwise provided for, shall be elected or appointed by the Board at its organization meeting in each year, and (unless sooner disqualified) shall serve until the next annual meeting of the Corporation next following their election or appointment, as the case may be, and until their successors shall be elected or appointed. Any such officer may, however, be removed for cause, at any time, by a majority vote of the whole number of directors.

Section 4. <u>Subordinates, Officers and Agents</u>. The Board in its discretion, may, from time to time, appoint such subordinate officers, employees and agents as it may deem advisable, and may remove or suspend the same at pleasure; or it may delegate to the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the Board or the President authority to make such appointments. The Chief Executive Officer shall have the power to designate an officer or employee to perform the duties of any officer who is unable to perform such duties for any reason.

Section 5. <u>Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and the President</u>. The Chairman of the Board shall be a member of the Executive Committee of the Board and shall preside and make reports when present at all meetings of the shareholders, the Board, and the Executive Committee, unless otherwise provided by law.

In the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the Board shall preside and make reports at all meetings of the shareholders and the Board, unless otherwise provided by law.

The Chief Executive Officer shall have general and active direction and control of the affairs of the Corporation. He or she shall be a member of the Executive Committee of the Board and in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, he or she shall have and exercise the authority vested in the Chairman of the Board, and in the absence of the Chairman of the Board and the Vice Chairman of the Board, shall preside and make reports at all meetings of the shareholders the Board, and the Executive Committee, unless otherwise provided by law.

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The President may be a member of the Executive Committee of the Board. He or she shall have authority to sign stock certificates.

The Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer and the President shall each have general power and authority to sign and execute in the name and on behalf of the Corporation any and all bonds, undertakings, recognizances, contracts of indemnity, insurance policies, renewals of insurance policies, deeds, conveyances, leases, releases, satisfaction pieces and other instruments or writings; to affix the corporate seal, to countersign checks, drafts and bills of exchange, subject to the provisions of the Contract Signing and Disbursement Authority Policy approved by the Board, as may be amended from time to time, and any other provisions of these Regulations.

Section 6. <u>Vice Presidents and Assistant Vice Presidents</u>. Each Vice President and Assistant Vice President shall have power to sign and execute, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, any and all bonds, undertakings, recognizances, contracts of indemnity, insurance policies and renewals of policies, deeds, conveyances, leases, releases, satisfaction pieces and other instruments or writings, to sign stock certificates, and to countersign checks, drafts and bills of exchange, subject to the provisions of the Contract Signing and Disbursement Authority Policy approved by the Board, as may be amended from time to time, and any other provisions of these Regulations.

Section 7. <u>Secretary and Assistant Secretaries</u>. The Secretary and Assistant Secretaries shall have power and authority to affix the corporate seal and attest any and all instruments or writings to which the corporate seal may be affixed. The Secretary shall exercise the powers and perform the duties usually appertaining to the secretary of a corporation; <u>provided</u>, that the President may assign to the Secretary or Assistant Secretaries particular duties to be performed by them and shall, from time to time, assign to the Secretary the duty of giving notices of meetings of the shareholders, of the Board and of the Executive Committee and of keepings minutes of the proceedings thereat.

The Assistant Secretaries shall, in the absence or disability of the Secretary, perform the duties of such officers and shall generally assist such officers.

Section 8. <u>Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer</u>. The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer shall have the care and custody of cash, cash equivalent and securities of the Corporation, and shall deposit or cause to be deposited all funds of the Corporation in and with financial institutions as the Treasurer, Board or a committee thereof shall, from time to time, direct. The Treasurer shall have the authority to sign stock certificates, to endorse for deposit or collection, or other-wise, all checks, drafts, notes, bills of exchange, or other commercial paper on the secondary market

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payable to the Corporation. The Treasurer's office shall keep in its custody full and accurate accounts information, receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation. The Treasurer shall generally have all the powers and perform all the duties usually appertaining to the office of Treasurer of the Corporation. In the absence or disability of the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer shall perform his or her duties.

Section 9. <u>Accounting</u>. The President shall also, from time to time, designate one of the officers whose duties (in addition to any others which may be assigned to him or her), shall be, to keep the accounts and books of the Corporation in proper order and ready for inspection at any time when requested by the Board or the Executive Committee; to prepare for submission to the Board, semi-annually, a full and complete statement of all assets and liabilities of the Corporation, and to prepare and file, when due, any and all tax returns or other statements or certificates required by law. In his or her absence or disability, such other officer as the President may designate shall perform the duties assigned by him or her.

Section 10. <u>Additional Powers and Duties</u>. In addition to the foregoing especially enumerated powers and duties, the several officers of the Corporation shall have such other powers and duties as are provided for them in these Regulations or as may, from time to time, be prescribed by the Board or the Executive Committee, the Chief Executive Officer or the President.

Section 11. <u>Apparent Authority</u>. Any act done by any officer of the Corporation within the apparent scope of his or her authority shall be binding upon the Corporation and no person dealing with the Corporation shall be bound to inquire with respect to the actual extent of such authority.

ARTICLE VII

<u>INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS</u> 

Section 1. <u>Right to Indemnification</u>. Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved (including, without limitation, as a witness) in any actual or threatened action, claim, suit investigation or proceeding, of any nature whatsoever (hereinafter "**proceeding**"), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, board member, committee member, partner, trustee, officer or employee of any foreign or domestic organization or any separate investment account, or any individual who serves in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan, or that, being or having been such a director, board member, committee member, partner, trustee, officer or employee of any foreign or domestic organization or any separate investment account or any individual who serves in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan, he or she is or was serving at the request of an executive officer of the Corporation as a director, board member, committee member, partner, trustee, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an "**indemnitee**"), whenever the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as such shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by

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law, as the same exists or may hereinafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than permitted prior thereto), or by other applicable law as then in effect, against all costs and reasonable counsel fees, fines, penalties, judgments or awards of any kind, and the amount of reasonable settlements, whether or not payable to the Corporation or to any of the other entities described above actually incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, board member, committee member, partner, trustee, officer or employee of any foreign or domestic organization or any separate investment account or any individual who serves in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee's heirs, executors, legal representatives and administrators. To the extent any of the indemnification provisions set forth above prove to be ineffective for any reason in furnishing the indemnification provided, each of the persons named above shall be indemnified by the Corporation to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indemnification shall be provided with respect to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. any matter as to which the person shall have been adjudicated in any proceeding not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the Corporation or, to the extent that such matter relates to service with respect to any employee benefit plan, in the best interests of the participants or beneficiaries of such employee benefit plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. any liability to any entity which is registered as an investment company under the Federal Investment Company Act of 1940 or to the security holders thereof, where the basis for such liability is willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. any action, claim or proceeding voluntarily initiated by any person seeking indemnification, unless such action, claim or proceeding had been authorized by the Board or unless such person's indemnification is awarded by vote of the Board.

In any matter disposed of by settlement or in the event of an adjudication which in the opinion of the General Counsel or his or her delegate does not make a sufficient determination of conduct which could preclude or permit indemnification in accordance with the preceding paragraphs, the person shall be entitled to indemnification unless, as determined by the majority of the disinterested directors or in the opinion of counsel (who may be an officer of the Corporation or outside counsel employed by the Corporation), such person's conduct was such as precludes indemnification under any such paragraph. The termination of any action, claim, suit, investigation or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Corporation.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1 <u>Advancements</u>. The Corporation may at its option indemnify for expenses incurred in connection with any action or proceeding in advance of its final disposition, upon receipt of a satisfactory undertaking for repayment if it be subsequently determined that the person thus indemnified is not entitled to indemnification under this Article VII.

Section 2. <u>Procedures for the Submission of Claims</u>. The Board may establish reasonable procedures for the submission of claims for indemnification pursuant to this ARTICLE VII, determination of the entitlement of any person thereto, and review of any such determination.

ARTICLE VIII

<u>EXECUTION OF INSURANCE POLICIES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS</u> 

All policies of insurance shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President or Assistant Vice President and countersigned by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and shall be binding and obligatory upon the Corporation in the same manner as if executed under the seal of the Corporation.

The Board may authorize the placing of signatures on policies, checks, receipts or other instruments by machine or other device for the imprinting or writing of signatures. All instruments bearing authorized signatures may be continued in use for a period of six months from the date of termination, for any reason, of the term of office of any officer whose facsimile signature appears thereon, and all such instruments shall have the same force and effect as though such officer were still in office.

ARTICLE IX

<u>STOCK AND STOCK CERTIFICATES</u> 

Section 1. <u>Stock Certificates</u>. The stock of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, in form prescribed by law, which shall be signed by the President or a Vice President or an Assistant Vice President and the Secretary, or an Assistant Secretary, and shall be sealed with the seal of the Corporation.

Section 2. <u>Transfer of Shares</u>. Shares of stock may be transferred by delivery of the certificates therefor, accompanied either by an assignment in writing on the reverse of the certificates, or by written power of attorney to sell, assign and transfer the same, signed by the record holder thereof; but no transfer shall affect the right of the Corporation to pay any dividends upon the stock to the holder of record thereof, or to treat the holder of record as the holder in fact thereof for all purposes, and no transfer shall be valid, except between the parties thereto, until such transfer shall have been made upon the books of the Corporation.

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ARTICLE X

<u>AMENDMENTS</u> 

These Regulations may be amended by the affirmative vote, written consent, or such other method authorized by the OGC Law, of shareholders entitled to exercise a majority of the voting power on such proposal. If an amendment is adopted by written consent the Secretary shall transmit by mail or any other means of communication authorized by the OGC Law a copy of such amendment to each shareholder who would be entitled to vote thereon and did not participate in the adoption thereof. These Regulations may also be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors to the extent permitted by the OGC Law at the time of such amendment.

ARTICLE XI

<u>MISCELLANEOUS</u> 

Section 1. <u>Conflict With Applicable Law Or Articles Of Incorporation</u>. Unless the context requires otherwise, the general provisions, rules of construction, and the definitions of the Ohio Revised Code shall govern the construction of these Regulations. These Regulations are adopted subject to any applicable law and the Articles of Incorporation. Whenever these Regulations may conflict with any applicable law or the Articles of Incorporation, such conflict shall be resolved in favor of such law or the Articles of Incorporation.

Section 2. <u>Invalid Provisions</u>. If any one or more provisions of these Regulations, or the applicability of any provision to a specific situation, shall be held invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it (and its application) valid and enforceable, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of these Regulations and all other applications of any provision shall not be affected thereby.

## Ex-4.(A)(3)

**Exhibit 4(a)(3)** 

## [ ]
Home Office: Cincinnati, Ohio

Administrative Office: [P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-5423]

**WITHDRAWAL ORDER ENDORSEMENT** 

The CASH BENEFIT section of your Contract is revised to add the following new provision effective [May 1, 2023][as of the Contract Effective Date]:

**Order of Withdrawals from Indexed Strategies** 

When the Contract provides for withdrawals to be taken from Indexed Strategies, unless you tell us otherwise by a Request in Good Order, such withdrawals shall be taken first from those Indexed Strategies having the shortest Term.

This is part of your Contract. It is not a separate contract. It changes the Contract only as and to the extent stated. In all cases of conflict with the other terms of the Contract, the provisions of this Endorsement shall control.

Signed for us at our office as of the Endorsement effective date specified above.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [ ![LOGO](g459546g0203054426107.jpg) ] | [ ![LOGO](g459546g0203054426232.jpg) ] |
| [Mark F. Muething] | [John P. Gruber] |
| [President] | [Secretary] |

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E1848822NW

## Ex-4.(B)(1)

**Exhibit 4(b)(1)** 

**[ ![LOGO](g459546g0203054244216.jpg) ]** 

Home Office: Cincinnati, Ohio

Administrative Office: [P.O. Box 5420, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-5420]

**INHERITED CONTRACT ENDORSEMENT** 

The annuity contract is changed as set out below for use as an inherited contract.

**Inherited Contract** 

This annuity contract is intended to be an inherited annuity contract. It is established for the purpose of receiving funds from a deferred annuity contract that was owned by an individual who is now deceased (the "Decedent"). The Decedent is identified with the name of the Owner of this annuity contract.

**Decedent Information** 

We may require you to provide Due Proof of Death for the Decedent. We may require you to provide such other information about the Decedent and the prior annuity contract as needed to administer this annuity contract.

**Purchase Payments Limited** 

Any purchase payment for this annuity contract must be received as part of a tax-free exchange under IRC Section 1035. It must be funds from an annuity contract that was owned by the Decedent. It must be funds for which the Owner is the designated beneficiary under the terms of that contract. The Decedent must have died before the annuity starting date of that contract. The annuity starting date is the first day of the first period for which an annuity payment would have been made under that contract.

No other purchase payments may be made to this contract.

**Required Distributions** 

The entire interest in this annuity contract will be paid at least as rapidly as required by IRC Section 72(s) and the related regulations either:

1) over your life or over a period certain not exceeding your life expectancy, with payments at least annually starting within one (1) year of the Decedent's date of death or such later date as may be permitted by such regulations; or

2) in full within five (5) years of the Decedent's date of death.

This is part of your annuity contract. It is not a separate contract. It changes the annuity contract only as and to the extent stated. In all cases of conflict with the other terms of the annuity contract, the provisions of this Endorsement shall control.

Signed for us at our office as of the date of issue.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [ ![LOGO](g459546g0203054245857.jpg) ] | [ ![LOGO](g459546g0203054246107.jpg) ] |
| **[MARK F. MUETHING]** | **[JOHN P. GRUBER]** |
| **[PRESIDENT]** | **[SECRETARY]** |

---

E1091612NW -1- (Rev. 10/22)

## Ex-4.(B)(2)

**Exhibit 4(b)(2)** 

**[ ![LOGO](g459546g0203055252252.jpg) ]** 

Home Office: Cincinnati, Ohio

Administrative Office: [P.O. Box 5420, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-5420]

**INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITY ENDORSEMENT** 

The annuity contract (the "Contract") is changed by this Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement (this "Endorsement") to add the following additional provisions:

**Applicable Tax Law Restrictions** 

The Contract is intended to receive contributions that qualify for deferred tax treatment under Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 408(b). It is restricted as required by federal tax law. We may change the terms of the Contract or administer it at any time as needed to comply with that law. Any such change may be applied retroactively to the extent permitted by law.

**Exclusive Benefit** 

The Contract is established for the exclusive benefit of you and your beneficiaries. Your interest in the Contract is nonforfeitable.

**Nonparticipating** 

The Contract does not pay dividends or share in our surplus.

**No Assignment or Transfer** 

You cannot assign, sell, or transfer your interest in the Contract. You cannot pledge it to secure a loan or the performance of an obligation, or for any other purpose. The only exceptions to these rules are:

1) all or part of your interest in the Contract may be transferred to your spouse or former spouse (as defined by federal law) under a divorce or separation instrument described in IRC Section 71(b)(2)(A); and

2) payments from the Contract may be based on joint lives or joint life expectancies of you and another person, but such other person shall have no present rights under the Contract during your lifetime.

E6004010NW (Rev. 10/22)

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**Contributions** 

The Contract does not require fixed contributions or other premiums or purchase payments, but we may decline to accept any premium or purchase payment of less than $50. The Contract will not lapse if you do not make premiums or purchase payments. We may terminate the Contract pursuant to any involuntary surrender or termination provision of the Contract only if premiums or purchase payments have not been made for at least two full Contract years and the value of the Contract (increased by any guaranteed interest) would provide a benefit on the Annuity Commencement Date, maturity date, or annuity date of less than $20 a month under the standard form of payment.

All contributions to us must be made in cash BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER MADE PAYABLE TO US.

Total contributions made to the Contract with respect to any single tax year may not exceed the annual contribution limit, excluding any payment that is:

1) allowed as a rollover contribution under IRC Section 402(c), 402(e)(6), 403(a)(4), 403(b)(8), 403(b)(10), 408(d)(3), or 457(e)(16);

2) a contribution made in accordance with the terms of a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) described in IRC Section 408(k); or

3) an additional contribution specifically authorized by statute, such as repayments of qualified reservist distributions, repayments of certain plan distributions made on account of a federally declared disaster, certain amounts received in connection with the Exxon Valdez litigation, and contributions for taxable years beginning after 2006 and before 2010 by an individual who was a participant in a 401(k) plan of a certain employer in bankruptcy described in IRC Section 219(b)(5)(C). 

The annual contribution limit is $5,000 for any tax year beginning in 2008 and years thereafter. After 2008, the annual contribution limit will be adjusted by the Secretary of the Treasury for cost-of-living increases under IRC Section 219(b)(5)(C). Such adjustments will be in multiples of $500.

If you are age 50 or older, the annual contribution limit is increased by $1,000 for any tax year beginning in 2006 and years thereafter.

The Contract will not accept contributions made by an employer through a SIMPLE IRA plan under IRC Section 408(p). The Contract will not accept a transfer or rollover of any funds attributable to contributions made by an employer through a SIMPLE IRA plan until at least two years after the date you first participated in that employer's SIMPLE IRA plan.

The Contract will not accept a rollover contribution to an Inherited IRA for a nonspouse beneficiary under IRC Section 402(c)(11), 403(a)(4)(B), 403(b)(8)(B), or 457(e)(16)(B). The Contract will not accept a transfer from an Inherited IRA within the meaning of IRC Section 408(d)(3)(C).

E6004010NW -2-

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**Annual Report** 

We will furnish annual calendar year reports concerning the status of the Contract and such information concerning required minimum distributions as is prescribed by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.

**Required Minimum Distributions During Life** 

Distributions from the Contract shall be made in accordance with the requirements of IRC Section 408(b)(3) and the regulations thereunder. If distributions are not made in the form of an annuity on an irrevocable basis (except for acceleration), then distribution of your entire interest in the Contract must satisfy the requirements of IRC Section 408(a)(6) and the regulations thereunder instead of the requirements set out herein.

The Required Beginning Date for distributions from the Contract is April 1 following the calendar year in which you reach age 70-1/2. No later than the Required Beginning Date, your entire interest in the Contract must begin to be distributed over (i) your life or the lives of you and your designated beneficiary, or (ii) a period certain not to exceed your life expectancy or the joint and last survivor expectancy of you and your designated beneficiary. Payments must be made in periodic payments at intervals of no longer than one (1) year, and must be either nonincreasing or they may increase only as provided in Q&A-1 and Q&A-4 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6 of the Income Tax Regulations. In addition, any distribution must satisfy the incidental benefit requirements specified in Q&A-2 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6 of the Income Tax Regulations.

The distribution periods described above cannot exceed the periods specified in Section 1.401(a)(9)-6 of the Income Tax Regulations. The first required payment can be made as late as the Required Beginning Date and must be the payment that is required for a single payment interval. The second payment need not be made until the end of the next payment interval.

Your entire interest in the Contract includes the amount of any outstanding rollover, transfer, or recharacterization under Q&A-7 or Q&A-8 of Section 1.408-8 of the Income Tax Regulations, and the actuarial value of any other benefits provided under the Contract, such as guaranteed death benefits, to the extent required by regulations.

**Required Minimum Distributions After Death** 

If you die after required distributions begin, the remaining portion of your interest in the Contract will continue to be distributed under the Contract option chosen.

If you die before required distributions begin, your entire interest in the Contract will be distributed as least as rapidly as follows:

1) If your designated beneficiary is not your surviving spouse (as defined by federal tax law), then your entire interest in the Contract must be distributed over the remaining life expectancy of the designated beneficiary, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of your death. The life expectancy of the designated beneficiary is determined using his or her age as of his or her birthday in the year following the year of your death. Alternatively, if elected, your entire interest in the Contract must be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of your death. 

E6004010NW -3-

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2) If your sole designated beneficiary is your surviving spouse (as defined by federal tax law), then your entire interest in the Contract must be distributed over your spouse's life expectancy, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of your death, or if later, by the end of the calendar year in which you would have reached age 70-1/2. Alternatively, if elected, your entire interest in the Contract must be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of your death. 

If your surviving spouse dies before required distributions begin to him or her, then the remaining interest will be distributed over the remaining life expectancy of your spouse's designated beneficiary, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of your spouse's death. The life expectancy of your spouse's designated beneficiary will be determined using his or her age as of his or her birthday in the year following the death of your spouse. Alternatively, if elected, or if your surviving spouse dies and there is no designated beneficiary, then the remaining interest in the Contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of your surviving spouse's death.

If your surviving spouse dies after required distributions begin to him or her, then any remaining interest will continue to be distributed under the Contract option chosen.

3) If there is no designated beneficiary, then your entire interest in the Contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of your death.

Life expectancy is determined using the Single Life Table in Q&A-1 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-9 of the Income Tax Regulations. If distributions are being made to your surviving spouse as your sole designated beneficiary, your spouse's remaining life expectancy for a year is the number in the Single Life Table corresponding to such spouse's age on his or her birthday in the year. In all other cases, remaining life expectancy for a year is the number in the Single Life Table in the year such individual's life expectancy is first determined, reduced by one (1) for each subsequent year.

Required distributions are considered to begin on your Required Beginning Date or, if applicable, on the date distributions are required to begin to your surviving spouse. However, if distributions under the Contract start prior to such date on an irrevocable basis (except for acceleration) in a form meeting the requirements of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6 of the Income Tax Regulations, then required distributions are considered to begin on the annuity starting date.

Your entire interest in the Contract includes the amount of any outstanding rollover, transfer, or recharacterization under Q&A-7 or Q&A-8 of Section 1.408-8 of the Income Tax Regulations, and the actuarial value of any other benefits provided under the Contract, such as guaranteed death benefits, to the extent required by regulations.

For purposes of this provision, a designated beneficiary is an individual designated under the Contract to receive payments after your death (or the death of your surviving spouse) and who qualifies as a designated beneficiary under Section 1.401(a)(9)-4 of the Income Tax Regulations.

E6004010NW -4-

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If your sole designated beneficiary is your surviving spouse (as defined by federal tax law), then your spouse may elect to treat the Contract as his or her own IRA. This election will be deemed to have been made if he or she becomes Successor Owner of the Contract or fails to take required distributions from the Contract as a beneficiary. No contribution, rollover, or transfer to the Contract may be made after your death unless your spouse (as defined by federal tax law) becomes Successor Owner.

This Endorsement is part of the Contract. It is not a separate contract. It changes the Contract only as and to the extent stated. It supersedes all prior Individual Retirement Annuity endorsements. In all cases of conflict with the other terms of the Contract, the provisions of this Endorsement shall control.

Signed for us at our office as of the date of issue.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [ ![LOGO](g459546g0203055253845.jpg) ] | [ ![LOGO](g459546g0203055254080.jpg) ] |
| **[MARK F. MUETHING]** | **[JOHN P. GRUBER]** |
| **[PRESIDENT]** | **[SECRETARY]** |

---

E6004010NW -5-

## Ex-4.(B)(3)

**Exhibit 4(b)(3)** 

**[ ![LOGO](g459546g0203060057964.jpg) ]** 

Home Office: Cincinnati, Ohio

Fixed Administrative Office: [P.O. Box 5420, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-5420]

**ROTH** 

**INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITY** 

**ENDORSEMENT** 

The annuity contract ("Contract") is changed by this Roth Individual Retirement Annuity Endorsement (this "Endorsement") to add the following additional provisions:

**APPLICABLE TAX LAW RESTRICTIONS**. This Contract is intended to receive contributions that qualify for special tax treatment under Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 408A. It is restricted as required by federal tax law. We may change the terms of this Contract or administer this Contract at any time as needed to comply with that law. Any such change may be applied retroactively.

**EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT**. This Contract is established for the exclusive benefit of you and your beneficiaries. Your interest in this Contract is nonforfeitable.

**NON-PARTICIPATING**. This Contract does not pay dividends or share in our surplus.

**NO ASSIGNMENT OR TRANSFER**. You cannot assign, sell, or transfer your interest in this Contract. You cannot pledge it to secure a loan or the performance of an obligation, or for any other purpose. The only exceptions to these rules are:

1) All or part of your interest in this Contract may be transferred to a spouse or former spouse (as defined by federal tax law) under a divorce or separation instrument described in IRC Section 71(b)(2)(A); and

2) payments from this Contract may be based on the joint lives or joint life expectancies of you and another person, but such other person will have no present rights in this Contract during your lifetime.

**CONTRIBUTIONS**. This Contract does not require fixed premiums, purchase payments, or other contributions, but we may decline to accept any contribution of less than $50. This Contract will not lapse if you do not make contributions. This Contract will remain subject to cancellation under any involuntary surrender or termination provision of this Contract; provided, however, that in no event shall any such cancellation occur unless, at a minimum, contributions have not been made for at least two (2) full contract years and the value of this Contract (increased by any guaranteed interest) would provide a benefit at its stated maturity date of less than $20 a month under the regular settlement option.

All contributions to us must be made in cash BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER MADE PAYABLE TO US.

E6004108NW -1- (Rev. 10/22)

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Total contributions made to this Contract with respect to any single tax year, excluding any payment that is allowed as a qualified rollover contribution, may not exceed the amount determined under the Regular Contribution Limit provision of this Endorsement. A qualified rollover contribution is a rollover contribution of a distribution from an IRA that is allowed under the Rollover Contribution Limit provision of this Endorsement and that meets the requirements of IRC Section 408(d)(3), except that the one-rollover-per-year rule of Section 408(d)(3)(B) does not apply if the rollover is from an IRA other than a Roth IRA. A qualified rollover contribution also includes a rollover from a designated Roth account described in IRC Section 402A. For taxable years beginning after 2007, a qualified rollover contribution also includes a rollover contribution from an eligible retirement plan described in IRC Section 402(c)(8)(B) that is allowed under the Rollover Contribution Limit provision of this Endorsement.

Subject to the Regular Contribution Limits provision of this Endorsement, a regular contribution to an IRA other than a Roth IRA may be recharacterized as a regular contribution to this Contract pursuant to the rules of Section 1.408A-5 of the Income Tax Regulations.

This Contract will not accept contributions made by an employer through a SIMPLE IRA plan under IRC Section 408(p). This Contract will not accept a transfer or rollover of any funds attributable to contributions made by an employer through a SIMPLE IRA plan until at least two (2) years after the date you first participated in that employer's SIMPLE IRA plan.

**REGULAR CONTRIBUTION LIMIT**. The regular contributions for any tax year may not exceed the least of:

1) the annual contribution limit (including any increase applicable if you are age 50 or older or any increase for a participant in an IRC Section 401(k) plan of a bankrupt employer), less any reduction that may apply based on your modified adjusted gross income;

2) the annual contribution limit (including any increase applicable if you are age 50 or older or any increase for a participant in an IRC Section 401(k) plan of a bankrupt employer), less any regular contributions for that same year that you make to an IRA other than a Roth IRA; or

3) your compensation for the year.

The annual contribution limit is:

1) $3,000 for any tax year beginning in 2002 through 2004; 

2) $4,000 for any tax year beginning in 2005 through 2007; and 

3) $5,000 for any tax year beginning in 2008 and years thereafter. 

After 2008, the $5,000 annual contribution limit will be adjusted by the Secretary of the Treasury for cost-of-living increases under IRC Section 219(b)(5)(D). Such adjustments will be in multiples of $500.

If you are age 50 or older, the annual contribution limit is increased by:

1) $500 for any tax year beginning in 2002 through 2005; and 

2) $1,000 for any tax year beginning in 2006 and years thereafter. 

If you were a participant in an IRC Section 401(k) plan of an employer in bankruptcy meeting certain requirements described in IRC Section 219(b)(5)(C), then the annual contribution limit is increased by $3,000 for taxable years beginning in 2007 through 2009. You may not use the increased contribution limit under this paragraph in a year that you also use the increased contribution limit for an individual who is age 50 or older.

E6004108NW -2-

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The annual contribution limit (including any increase if you are age 50 or older or any increase for a participant in an IRC Section 401(k) plan of a bankrupt employer) is reduced ratably between certain levels of modified adjusted gross income as follows:

1) if you are single or a head of household, the annual contribution limit is reduced ratably for modified adjusted gross income between $95,000 and $110,000, and the annual contribution limit is zero (0) if your modified adjusted gross income is $110,000 or more; 

2) if you are married and file a joint return or you are a qualified widow(er), the annual contribution limit is reduced ratably for modified adjusted gross income between $150,000 and $160,000, and the annual contribution limit is zero (0) if your modified adjusted gross income is $160,000 or more; and 

3) if you are married and file a separate return, the annual contribution limit is reduced ratably for modified adjusted gross income between $0 and $10,000, and the annual contribution limit is zero (0) if your modified adjusted gross income is $10,000 or more. 

When subject to such ratable reductions, the annual contribution limit will be rounded up to the next multiple of $10, and shall not be reduced below $200 until the point at which it is reaches zero (0). After 2006, the dollar amounts above will be adjusted by the Secretary of the Treasury for cost-of-living increases under IRC Section 408A(c)(3). Such adjustments will be in multiples of $1,000. For purposes of calculating such a reduction, your modified adjusted gross income is defined in IRC Section 408A(c)(3)(C)(i) and does not include any amount included in adjusted gross income as a result of a rollover to a Roth IRA from an eligible retirement plan other than a Roth IRA, or as a result of a conversion of a non-Roth IRA to a Roth IRA.

For purposes of this provision, compensation is defined as wages, salaries, professional fees, or other amounts derived from or received for personal services actually rendered (including, but not limited to commissions paid salesmen, compensation for services on the basis of a percentage of profits, commissions on insurance premiums, tips, and bonuses) and includes earned income, as defined in IRC Section 401(c)(2) (reduced by the deduction the self-employed individual takes for contributions made to a self-employed retirement plan). For purposes of this definition, IRC Section 401(c)(2) shall be applied as if the term trade or business for purposes of Section 1402 included service described in subsection (c)(6). Compensation does not included amounts derived from or received as earnings or profits from property (including but not limited to interest and dividends) or amounts not includible in gross income. Compensation also does not include any amount received as a pension or annuity or as deferred compensation. The term "compensation" shall include any amount includible in the individual's gross income under IRC Section 71 with respect to a divorce or separation instrument described in Section 71(b)(2)(A). In the case of a married individual filing a joint return, the greater compensation of his or her spouse is treated as his or her own compensation, but only to the extent that such spouse's compensation is not being used for purposes of the spouse making a contribution to a Roth IRA or a deductible contribution to an IRA other than a Roth IRA.

Notwithstanding the dollar limits on contributions, you may make a repayment of a qualified reservist distribution described in IRC Section 72(t)(2)(G) during the two (2) year period beginning on the day after the end of the active duty period or by August 17, 2008, if later.

E6004108NW -3-

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**ROLLOVER CONTRIBUTION LIMIT**. A rollover to this Contract from an eligible retirement plan other than a Roth IRA or designated Roth account cannot be made if, for the year the amount is distributed from the other plan:

1) you are married (as defined by federal tax law) and file a separate return; or

2) you are not married (as defined by federal tax law) and have modified adjusted gross income in excess of $100,000; or 

3) you are married (as defined by federal tax law) and together you and your spouse have modified adjusted gross income in excess of $100,000. 

For purposes of this provision, your modified adjusted gross income is defined in IRC Section 408A(c)(3)(C)(i) and does not include any amount included in adjusted gross income as a result of a rollover to a Roth IRA from an eligible retirement plan other than a Roth IRA, or as a result of a conversion of a non-Roth IRA to a Roth IRA. You are not treated as married for a taxable year if you have lived apart from your spouse at all times during the taxable year and file separate returns for the taxable year.

These limits do not apply to qualified rollover contributions from another Roth IRA. These limits do not apply to qualified rollover contributions for taxable years beginning after 2009.

**ANNUAL REPORT**. Following the end of each calendar year, we will send you a report concerning the status of your Contract. This report will include (i) the amount of all regular contributions received during or after the calendar year which relate to such calendar year; (ii) the amount of all rollover contributions received during such calendar year; (iii) the contract value(s) determined as of the end of such calendar year; (iv) such information concerning required minimum distributions as is prescribed by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue; and (v) such other information as may be required under federal tax law.

**REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS DURING LIFE**. No amount is required to be distributed during your lifetime.

**REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS AFTER DEATH**. All distributions made hereunder shall be made in accordance with the requirements of IRC Section 408(b)(3), as modified by Section 408A(c)(5), and the regulations thereunder. If distributions are not made in the form of an annuity on an irrevocable basis (except for acceleration), then distribution of your entire interest in this Contract must satisfy the requirements of IRC Section 408(a)(6), as modified by Section 408A(c)(5), and the regulations thereunder instead of the requirements set out herein.

Upon your death, your entire interest in this Contract will be distributed as least as rapidly as follows:

1) If an individual other than your surviving spouse (as defined by federal tax law) is your designated beneficiary, then your entire interest will be distributed over the remaining life expectancy of that individual, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of your death. The life expectancy of the designated beneficiary will be determined using his or her age as of his or her birthday in the year following the year of your death. Alternatively, if elected, your entire interest in this Contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of your death. 

2) If your surviving spouse (as defined by federal tax law) is your sole designated beneficiary, then your entire interest will be distributed over such spouse's life, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of your death, or if later, by the end of the calendar year in which you would have reached age 70-1/2. Alternatively, if elected, your entire interest in this Contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of your death. 

E6004108NW -4-

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If your surviving spouse dies before required distributions begin to him or her, the remaining interest will be distributed over the remaining life expectancy of the spouse's designated beneficiary, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of the spouse's death. The life expectancy of the spouse's designated beneficiary will be determined using his or her age as of his or her birthday in the year following the death of the spouse. Alternatively, if elected, the remaining interest in this Contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of the surviving spouse's death.

If your surviving spouse dies after required distributions begin to him or her, any remaining interest will continue to be distributed under the contract option chosen.

Required distributions are considered to begin on the date distributions are required to begin to your surviving spouse. However, if distributions under this Contract start prior to such date on an irrevocable basis (except for acceleration) in a form meeting the requirements of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations, then required distributions are considered to begin on the annuity starting date.

3) If there is no designated beneficiary, then your entire interest in this Contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of your death.

Life expectancy is determined using the Single Life Table in Q&A-1 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-9 of the Income Tax Regulations. If distributions are being made to your surviving spouse (as defined by federal tax law) as your designated beneficiary, your spouse's remaining life expectancy for a year is the number in the Single Life Table corresponding to such spouse's age on his or her birthday in the year. In all other cases, remaining life expectancy for a year is the number in the Single Life Table in the year such individual's life expectancy is first determined, reduced by one (1) for each subsequent year.

Your interest in this Contract includes the amount of any outstanding rollover, transfer, or recharacterization under Q&A-7 or Q&A-8 of Section 1.408-8 of the Income Tax Regulations, and the actuarial value of any other benefits provided under the IRA, such as guaranteed death benefits, to the extent required by regulations.

For purposes of this provision, a designated beneficiary is an individual designated under this Contract to receive payments after your death (or the death of your surviving spouse) and who qualifies as a designated beneficiary under Section 1.401(a)(9)-4 of the Income Tax Regulations.

If your surviving spouse (as defined by federal tax law) is the sole designated beneficiary, he or she may elect to treat this Contract as his or her own Roth IRA. This election will be deemed to have been made if he or she becomes Successor Owner of this Contract or fails to take distributions from this Contract otherwise required by this provision. No contribution or rollover to this Contract may be made after your death unless your spouse (as defined by federal tax law) becomes Successor Owner.

E6004108NW -5-

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This Endorsement is part of the Contract. It is not a separate contract. It changes the Contract only as and to the extent stated. It supersedes all prior Individual Retirement Annuity endorsements. In all cases of conflict with the other terms of the Contract, the provisions of this Endorsement shall control.

Signed for us at our office as of the date of issue.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [ ![LOGO](g459546g0203060059511.jpg) ] | [ ![LOGO](g459546g0203060059745.jpg) ] |
| **[MARK F. MUETHING]** | **[JOHN P. GRUBER]** |
| **[PRESIDENT]** | **[SECRETARY]** |

---

E6004108NW -6-

## Ex-4.(B)(4)

**Exhibit 4(b)(4)** 

**[ ![LOGO](g459546g0203061834477.jpg) ]** 

Home Office: Cincinnati, Ohio

Administrative Office: [P.O. Box 5420, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-5420]

**SAVINGS INCENTIVE MATCH PLAN FOR EMPLOYEES** 

**INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITY** 

**ENDORSEMENT** 

The annuity contract is changed as set out below to make it a SIMPLE Individual Retirement Annuity.

**APPLICABLE TAX LAW RESTRICTIONS.** This annuity contract is intended to receive contributions under a Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees of Small Employers ("SIMPLE IRA plan") that qualify for deferred tax treatment under Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 408(p). It is restricted as required by federal tax law. We may change the terms of this annuity contract or administer this annuity contract at any time as needed to comply with that law. Any such change may be applied retroactively.

**EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT.** This annuity contract is established for the exclusive benefit of you and your beneficiaries. Your interest in this annuity contract is nonforfeitable.

**NON-PARTICIPATING.** This annuity contract does not pay dividends or share in our surplus.

**NO ASSIGNMENT OR TRANSFER.** You cannot assign, sell, or transfer your interest in this annuity contract. You cannot pledge it to secure a loan or the performance of an obligation, or for any other purpose. The only exceptions to these rules are:

1) an interest in this annuity contract may be transferred to a spouse or former spouse under a divorce or separation instrument described in IRC Section 71(b)(2)(A); and

2) you may designate another person to receive payments with you based on joint lives or joint life expectancies, but any such designation shall not give that other person any present rights under the annuity contract during your lifetime.

**CONTRIBUTIONS.** This annuity contract does not require fixed premiums, purchase payments, or other contributions, but we may decline to accept any contribution of less than $50. This annuity contract will not lapse if contributions are not made for you. This annuity contract will remain subject to cancellation under any involuntary surrender or termination provision of this annuity contract; provided, however, that in no event shall any such cancellation occur unless, at a minimum, contributions have not been made for at least two (2) full contract years and the value of this annuity contract (increased by any guaranteed interest) would provide a benefit at age 70-1/2 of less than $20 a month under the regular settlement option.

E6004202NW -1- (Rev. 10/22)

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All contributions to us must be made in cash BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER MADE PAYABLE TO US.

This annuity contract will only accept contributions made by an employer under a SIMPLE IRA plan that meets the requirements of IRC Section 408(p), and rollover contributions and transfers from another SIMPLE IRA owned by you. No other contributions to this annuity contract will be accepted.

**ANNUAL REPORT.** Following the end of each calendar year, we will send you a report concerning the status of your annuity contract. This report will include (i) the amount of all regular contributions received during or after the calendar year which relate to such calendar year; (ii) the amount of all rollover contributions received during such calendar year; (iii) the contract value(s) determined as of the end of such calendar year; (iv) such information concerning required minimum distributions as is prescribed by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue; and (v) such other information as may be required under federal tax law.

If contributions to this annuity contract are paid directly by your employer under a SIMPLE IRA plan, we will provide your employer with the summary description required by IRC Section 408(l)(2)(B).

**DESIGNATED FINANCIAL INSTITUTION.** If we are the designated financial institution for your employer's SIMPLE IRA plan, as defined in IRC Section 408(p)(7), then you may direct that contributions paid on your behalf be transferred without cost or penalty to another SIMPLE IRA owned by you or to an IRA or other eligible retirement plan described in IRC Section 402(c)(8)(B), provided that you elect such a transfer either before the beginning of the calendar year to which such contribution relates or within the 60-day election period which includes the date you first become eligible to participate in the SIMPLE IRA plan.

**LIMITS ON ROLLOVERS AND TRANSFERS; ADDITIONAL TAXES.** During the first two (2) years that you participate in the SIMPLE IRA plan of your employer, any rollover or transfer otherwise permitted under this annuity contract must be made to another SIMPLE IRA owned by you. In some cases, any distribution to you during this two (2)-year period may be subject to a twenty-five (25) percent additional penalty tax if you do not roll over the amount distributed into a SIMPLE IRA. After the end of this two (2)-year period, a rollover or transfer otherwise permitted under this annuity contract may be made to another SIMPLE IRA owned by you or to an IRA or other eligible retirement plan described in IRC Section 402(c)(8)(B).

**REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS DURING LIFE.** All distributions made hereunder shall be made in accordance with the requirements of IRC Section 408(b)(3) and the regulations thereunder. If distributions are not made in the form of an annuity on an irrevocable basis (except for acceleration), then distribution of your entire interest in this annuity contract must satisfy the requirements of IRC Section 408(a)(6) and the regulations thereunder instead of the requirements set out herein.

The Required Beginning Date for distributions under this annuity contract is April 1 following the calendar year in which you reach age 70-1/2. No later than the Required Beginning Date, your entire interest in this annuity contract must begin to be distributed over (i) your life or the lives of you and your designated beneficiary, or (ii) a period certain not to exceed your life expectancy or the joint and last survivor expectancy of you and your designated beneficiary. Payments must be made in periodic payments at intervals of no longer than one year, and must be either nonincreasing or they may increase only as provided in Q&A-1 and Q&A-4 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations. In addition, any distribution must satisfy the incidental benefit requirements specified in Q&A-2 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations.

E6004202NW -2-

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The distribution period described above cannot exceed the period specified in Section 1.401(a)(9)-6T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations. The first required payment can be made as late as the Required Beginning Date and must be the payment that is required for a single payment interval. The second payment need not be made until the end of the next payment interval.

Your interest in this annuity contract includes the amount of any outstanding rollover, transfer, or recharacterization under Q&A-7 or Q&A-8 of Section 1.408-8 of the Income Tax Regulations, and the actuarial value of any other benefits provided under the IRA, such as guaranteed death benefits, to the extent required by regulations.

For purposes of this provision, your designated beneficiary is an individual designated under this annuity contract to receive payments after your death and who qualifies as a designated beneficiary under Section 1.401(a)(9)-4 of the Income Tax Regulations.

**REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS AFTER DEATH.** If you die after required distributions begin, the remaining portion of your interest in this annuity contract will continue to be distributed under the contract option chosen.

If you die before required distributions begin, your entire interest in this annuity contract will be distributed as least as rapidly as follows:

1) If an individual other than your surviving spouse is your designated beneficiary, then your entire interest will be distributed over the remaining life expectancy of that individual, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of your death. The life expectancy of the designated beneficiary will be determined using his or her age as of his or her birthday in the year following the year of your death. Alternatively, if elected, your entire interest in this annuity contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of your death. 

2) If your surviving spouse is your sole designated beneficiary, then your entire interest will be distributed over such spouse's life, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of your death, or if later, by the end of the calendar year in which you would have reached age 70-1/2. Alternatively, if elected, your entire interest in this annuity contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of your death. 

If your surviving spouse dies before required distributions begin to him or her, the remaining interest will be distributed over the remaining life expectancy of your spouse's designated beneficiary, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of your spouse's death. The life expectancy of your spouse's designated beneficiary will be determined using his or her age as of his or her birthday in the year following the death of your spouse. Alternatively, if elected, the remaining interest in this annuity contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of your surviving spouse's death.

If your surviving spouse dies after required distributions begin to him or her, any remaining interest will continue to be distributed under the contract option chosen.

3) If there is no designated beneficiary, then your entire interest in this annuity contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of your death.

E6004202NW -3-

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Life expectancy is determined using the Single Life Table in Q&A-1 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-9 of the Income Tax Regulations. If distributions are being made to your surviving spouse as your designated beneficiary, your spouse's remaining life expectancy for a year is the number in the Single Life Table corresponding to such spouse's age on his or her birthday in the year. In all other cases, remaining life expectancy for a year is the number in the Single Life Table in the year such individual's life expectancy is first determined, reduced by one (1) for each subsequent year.

Required distributions are considered to begin on your Required Beginning Date or, if applicable, on the date distributions are required to begin to a surviving spouse. However, if distributions under this annuity contract start prior to such date on an irrevocable basis (except for acceleration) in a form meeting the requirements of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations, then required distributions are considered to begin on the annuity starting date.

Your interest in this annuity contract includes the amount of any outstanding rollover, transfer, or recharacterization under Q&A-7 or Q&A-8 of Section 1.408-8 of the Income Tax Regulations, and the actuarial value of any other benefits provided under the IRA, such as guaranteed death benefits, to the extent required by regulations.

For purposes of this provision, a designated beneficiary is an individual designated under this annuity contract to receive payments after your death (or the death of your surviving spouse) and who qualifies as a designated beneficiary under Section 1.401(a)(9)-4 of the Income Tax Regulations.

If your surviving spouse is the sole designated beneficiary, he or she may elect to treat this annuity contract as his or her own IRA. This election will be deemed to have been made if he or she becomes Successor Owner of this contract or fails to take distributions from this contract otherwise required by this provision. No contribution or rollover to this annuity contract may be made after your death unless your spouse becomes Successor Owner.

This is part of your annuity contract. It is not a separate contract. It changes the annuity contract only as and to the extent stated. In all cases of conflict with the other terms of the annuity contract, the provisions of this Endorsement shall control.

Signed for us at our office as of the date of issue.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [ ![LOGO](g459546g0203061835883.jpg) ] | [ ![LOGO](g459546g0203061836118.jpg) ] |
| **[MARK F. MUETHING]** | **[JOHN P. GRUBER]** |
| **[PRESIDENT]** | **[SECRETARY]** |

---

E6004202NW -4-

## Ex-4.(B)(5)

**Exhibit 4(b)(5)**![LOGO](g459546g0202192018813.jpg)

Home Office: Cincinnati, Ohio

Fixed Administrative Office: [P.O. Box 5420, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-5420]

Variable Administrative Office: [P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-5423]

**INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITY ENDORSEMENT** 

**FOR INHERITED IRA** 

The annuity contract is changed as set out below to make it an inherited Individual Retirement Annuity.

**Inherited IRA** 

This annuity contract is an inherited IRA under Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 408(d)(3)(C). It is maintained to hold qualified funds acquired by the Owner by reason of the death of an individual (the "Decedent") that is identified with the name of the Owner. The Owner is the designated beneficiary of the Decedent, as defined in Section 1.401(a)(9)-4 of the Income Tax Regulations, for all funds held under this annuity contract. The Owner is not the surviving spouse of the Decedent.

**Applicable Tax Law Restrictions** 

This annuity contract is restricted as required by federal tax law. We may change the terms of this annuity contract or administer this annuity contract at any time as needed to comply with that law. Any such change may be applied retroactively.

**Decedent** 

We may require you to provide Due Proof of Death for the Decedent. We may require you to provide such other information about the Decedent as needed to administer this contract.

**Exclusive Benefit** 

This annuity contract is established for the exclusive benefit of you and your beneficiaries. Your interest in this annuity contract is nonforfeitable.

**Non-Participating** 

This annuity contract does not pay dividends or share in our surplus.

**No Assignment or Transfer** 

You cannot assign, sell, or transfer your interest in this annuity contract. You cannot pledge it to secure a loan or the performance of an obligation, or for any other purpose.

E6014420NW 1 (Rev. 10/22)

------

**Contributions** 

Contributions to this annuity contract must be made as a rollover made in accordance with IRC Section 402(c)(11), or as a trustee-to-trustee transfer from another Inherited IRA of the Decedent held for your benefit.

No amount may be contributed as rollover under IRC Section 402(c)(11) if it is a required minimum distribution under IRC Section 401(a)(9) for the year in which the contribution is made or for any prior year.

**Annual Report** 

Following the end of each calendar year, we will send you a report concerning the status of this annuity contract. This report will include (i) the amount of all contributions made as a rollover in accordance with IRC Section 402(c)(11) during such calendar year; (ii) the contract value(s) determined as of the end of such calendar year; (iii) such information concerning required minimum distributions as is prescribed by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue; and (iv) such other information as may be required under federal tax law.

**Required Minimum Distributions** 

The entire interest in this annuity contract will be distributed as least as rapidly as required by IRC Section 401(a)(9)(B) (other than clause (iv)) and the related regulations. The rules for determining the required minimum distributions for the designated beneficiary under the eligible retirement plan also apply to this contract.

If the Decedent has died before his or her required beginning date as determined under IRC Section 401(a)(9)(C), then:

1) For all calendar years following the calendar year of the Decedent's death, distributions must be made over your remaining life expectancy starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of the Decedent's death. Your life expectancy will be determined using your age as of your birthday in the year following the year of the Decedent's death. 

2) Alternatively, no amount is required to be distributed until the fifth calendar year following the year of the Decedent's death. In that year, the entire interest in this annuity contract must be distributed. 

If the Decedent has died on or after his or her required beginning date as determined under IRC Section 401(a)(9)(C), then for all calendar years following the calendar year of the Decedent's death, distributions shall be made over the longer of:

1) your remaining life expectancy, determined using your age as of your birthday in the year following the year of the Decedent's death; or

2) the Decedent's remaining life expectancy, determined using his or her age as of his or her birthday in the year of his or her death.

Life expectancy is determined in accordance with Q&A-5 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-5 of the Income Tax Regulations. It is determined using the Single Life Table in Q&A-1 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-9 of the Income Tax Regulations. The remaining life expectancy for a year is the number in the Single Life Table in the first year for which the life expectancy is to be determined, reduced by one (1) for each subsequent year.

If paid in the form of an irrevocable annuity, payments must be made in periodic payments at intervals of no longer than one year, and must be either nonincreasing or they may increase only as provided in Q&A-1 and Q&A-4 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6 of the Income Tax Regulations.

The entire interest in this annuity contract includes the amount of any outstanding rollover under IRC Section 402(c)(11) or transfer under Q&A-8 of Section 1.408-8 of the Income Tax Regulations, and the actuarial value of any other benefits provided under the IRA, such as guaranteed death benefits, to the extent required by regulations.

E6014420NW 2

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Notwithstanding the foregoing rules, no amount is required to be distributed until the tenth calendar year following the year of the Decedent's death, and the entire interest in this annuity contract must be distributed by the end of that tenth year, if:

1) the Decedent died on or after January 1, 2020;

2) the Decedent died before his or her required beginning date as determined under IRC Section 401(a)(9)(C); and

3) the annuity contract holds only funds from an individual retirement arrangement of the Decedent or defined contribution plan of the Decedent.

In any event, the entire interest in this annuity contract must be distributed by the end of the tenth year following the year of the Decedent's death if:

1) the Decedent died on or after January 1, 2020;

2) the annuity contract holds any funds from an individual retirement arrangement of the Decedent or defined contribution plan of the Decedent; and

3) the Owner is not a eligible designated beneficiary as determined under IRC Section 401(a)(9)(E)(ii).

The entire interest in this annuity contract must be distributed by the end of the tenth year following the year that the Owner reaches the age of majority if:

1) the Decedent died on or after January 1, 2020;

2) the annuity contract holds any funds from an individual retirement arrangement of the Decedent or defined contribution plan of the Decedent; and

3) the Owner is an a eligible designated beneficiary as a minor child of the Decedent as determined under IRC Section 401(a)(9)(E)(ii)(II).

The entire interest in this annuity contract must be distributed by the end of the tenth year following the year that the Decedent's designated beneficiary dies if:

1) the Decedent's designated beneficiary died on or after January 1, 2020;

2) the annuity contract holds any funds from an individual retirement arrangement of the Decedent or defined contribution plan of the Decedent.

This is part of your annuity contract. It is not a separate contract. It changes the annuity contract only as and to the extent stated. In all cases of conflict with the other terms of the annuity contract, the provisions of this Endorsement shall control.

Signed for us at our office as of the date of issue.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202192018985.jpg) ] | [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202192019078.jpg) ] |
| [Mark F. Muething] | [John P. Gruber] |
| [President] | [Secretary] |

---

E6014420NW 3

## Ex-4.(B)(6)

**Exhibit 4(b)(6)**![LOGO](g459546g0202192018813.jpg)

Home Office: Cincinnati, Ohio

Administrative Office: [P.O. Box 5420, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-5420]

**GOVERNMENTAL SECTION 457 PLAN** 

**ENDORSEMENT** 

The annuity contract is changed as set out below to add provisions for a governmental Section 457 plan. This endorsement and the annuity contract to which it is attached are not valid without additional endorsement(s) defining the Plan and Plan Administrator.

**APPLICABLE TAX LAW RESTRICTIONS.** This annuity contract is intended to receive contributions pursuant to an eligible deferred compensation plan as defined under Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 457(b) that is maintained by a state, a political subdivision of a state, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or political subdivision of a state. It is restricted as required by federal tax law. We may change the terms of this annuity contract or administer this annuity contract at any time as needed to comply with that law. Any such change may be applied retroactively.

**ANNUITANT.** "Annuitant" means the designated person covered under the Plan for whose benefit this annuity contract was purchased. If the owner of this annuity contract is the Employer or Plan trustee, then any reference in this annuity contract to the owner's life, age, death, or spouse shall be treated as a reference to the Annuitant's life, age, death, or spouse.

**EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT.** This annuity contract is established for the exclusive benefit of the Annuitant and his or her beneficiaries. No amounts held under this annuity contract may be used for or diverted to any purpose other than the provision of Plan benefits except as permitted by the Plan after the complete satisfaction of all liabilities to persons covered by the Plan and their beneficiaries. Until distributed, the Plan retains all legal ownership rights and controls over the Annuitant's interest in the annuity contract except as provided by the Plan Administrator.

**NO ASSIGNMENT OR TRANSFER.** No interest in this annuity contract may be assigned, sold, or transferred. No interest in this annuity contract may be pledged to secure a loan or the performance of an obligation, or for any other purpose. The only exceptions to these rules are:

1) if this annuity contract is owned by the Employer or Plan trustee, it may be transferred to a successor Employer or Plan trustee, or to the Annuitant or another person entitled to Plan benefits through the Annuitant; 

2) the Annuitant's interest in this annuity contract may secure a loan made to the Annuitant under any loan provisions of this annuity contract;

E6004505NW -1- (Rev. 10/22)

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3) all or part of the Annuitant's interest in this annuity contract may be transferred under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order as defined in IRC Section 414(p); and

4) payments may be made based on the joint lives or joint life expectancies of the Annuitant and another person, but such other person shall have no present rights under this annuity contract during the lifetime of the Annuitant.

Except as elected under the ***Direct Rollover*** provision, any distributions under this annuity contract shall be paid either to the Plan trustee or to the Annuitant or other person entitled to Plan benefits through the Annuitant, as may be directed by the Plan Administrator.

**LIMITS ON CONTRIBUTIONS.** Contributions to this annuity contract that represent contributions to the Plan must not exceed the limits set forth in IRC Section 457(b) and (c). Catch-up contributions may be made to the full extent permitted by IRC Section 414(v). No elective contributions may be made by the Annuitant with respect to any month unless the Annuitant has entered an agreement for deferral before the first day of that month. However, an elective contribution may be made for the first month of employment of the Annuitant if the agreement for deferral is made on or before the date that service with the Employer begins. Additional limits may apply under the terms of the Plan. The Plan Administrator shall ensure compliance with these IRC limits and any Plan limits.

**DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS.** As required under IRC Section 457(d), no distributions from this annuity contract can be made until:

1) the calendar year in which the Annuitant reaches age 70-1/2; or

2) the Annuitant has a severance from employment with the Employer; or

3) the Annuitant is faced with an unforeseeable emergency as defined under the IRC; or

4) the conditions are met for an in-service distribution under IRC Section 457(e)(9).

For this purpose, a direct transfer to a defined benefit governmental plan as defined in IRC Section 414(d), that is made to purchase permissive service credit as defined in IRC Section 415(n)(3)(A) or as a repayment described in IRC Section 415(k)(3), shall not be treated as a distribution.

Additional limits may apply under the terms of the Plan. The Plan Administrator shall determine when a distribution is allowed under this IRC section and the Plan.

**DIRECT ROLLOVERS.** To the extent required under IRC Section 401(a)(31), the Annuitant or his or her surviving spouse may elect to have any portion of an eligible rollover distribution, as defined in IRC Section 403(b)(8), paid directly to an Individual Retirement Annuity or Individual Retirement Account, as defined in IRC Section 408, or, if allowed, to another governmental Section 457 plan or other eligible retirement plan described in IRC Section 402(c)(8)(B), specified by the Annuitant or surviving spouse and which accepts such distribution. Any direct rollover election must be made on our form, and must be received at our office before the date of payment.

**REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS DURING LIFE.** All distributions made hereunder shall be made in accordance with the requirements of IRC Section 401(a)(9) and Section 1.401(a)(9)-6T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations. If distributions are not made in the form of an annuity on an irrevocable basis (except for acceleration), then distribution of the Annuitant's entire interest in this annuity contract must satisfy the requirements of IRC Section 401(a)(9) and Section 1.401(a)(9)-5 of the Income Tax Regulations instead of the requirements set out herein.

E6004505NW -2-

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The Required Beginning Date for distributions under this annuity contract is April 1 following the later of the calendar year in which the Annuitant reaches age 70-1/2 or the calendar year in which the Annuitant retires. No later than the Required Beginning Date, the Annuitant's entire interest in this annuity contract must begin to be distributed over (i) the Annuitant's life or the lives of the Annuitant and his or her designated beneficiary, or (ii) a period certain not to exceed the Annuitant's life expectancy or the joint and last survivor expectancy of the Annuitant and his or her designated beneficiary. Payments must be made in periodic payments at intervals of no longer than one (1) year, and must be either nonincreasing or they may increase only as provided in Q&A-1 and Q&A-4 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations. In addition, any distribution must satisfy the incidental benefit requirements specified in Q&A-2 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations.

The distribution period described above cannot exceed the period specified in Section 1.401(a)(9)-6T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations. The first required payment can be made as late as the Required Beginning Date and must be the payment that is required for a single payment interval. The second payment need not be made until the end of the next payment interval.

The Annuitant's interest in this annuity contract includes the amount of any outstanding rollover or transfer, and the actuarial value of any other benefits provided under the annuity contract, such as guaranteed death benefits, to the extent required by regulations.

For purposes of this provision, the Annuitant's designated beneficiary is an individual designated under the Plan to receive payments after the Annuitant's death and who qualifies as a designated beneficiary under Section 1.401(a)(9)-4 of the Income Tax Regulations.

**REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS AFTER DEATH.** If the Annuitant dies after required distributions begin, the remaining portion of the Annuitant's interest in this annuity contract will continue to be distributed under the contract option chosen.

If the Annuitant dies before required distributions begin, the Annuitant's entire interest in this annuity contract will be distributed as least as rapidly as follows:

1) If an individual other than the Annuitant's surviving spouse is his or her designated beneficiary, then the Annuitant's entire interest will be distributed over the remaining life expectancy of that individual, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of the Annuitant's death. The life expectancy of the designated beneficiary will be determined using his or her age as of his or her birthday in the year following the year of the Annuitant's death. Alternatively, if elected, the Annuitant's entire interest in this annuity contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of the Annuitant's death. 

2) If the Annuitant's surviving spouse is his or her sole designated beneficiary, then the Annuitant's entire interest will be distributed over such spouse's life, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of the Annuitant's death, or if later, by the end of the calendar year in which the Annuitant would have reached age 70-1/2. Alternatively, if elected, the Annuitant's entire interest in this annuity contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of the Annuitant's death. 

E6004505NW -3-

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If the Annuitant's surviving spouse dies before required distributions begin to him or her, the remaining interest will be distributed over the remaining life expectancy of the spouse's designated beneficiary, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of the spouse's death. The life expectancy of the spouse's designated beneficiary will be determined using his or her age as of his or her birthday in the year following the death of the Annuitant's spouse. Alternatively, if elected, the remaining interest in this annuity contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of the surviving spouse's death.

If the Annuitant's surviving spouse dies after required distributions begin to him or her, any remaining interest will continue to be distributed under the contract option chosen.

3) If there is no designated beneficiary, then the Annuitant's entire interest in this annuity contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of the Annuitant's death.

Life expectancy is determined using the Single Life Table in Q&A-1 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-9 of the Income Tax Regulations. If distributions are being made to the Annuitant's surviving spouse as the designated beneficiary, the spouse's remaining life expectancy for a year is the number in the Single Life Table corresponding to such spouse's age on his or her birthday in the year. In all other cases, remaining life expectancy for a year is the number in the Single Life Table in the year such individual's life expectancy is first determined, reduced by one (1) for each subsequent year.

Required distributions are considered to begin on the Required Beginning Date or, if applicable, on the date distributions are required to begin to a surviving spouse. However, if distributions under this annuity contract start prior to such date on an irrevocable basis (except for acceleration) in a form meeting the requirements of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations, then required distributions are considered to begin on the annuity starting date.

The Annuitant's interest in this annuity contract includes the amount of any outstanding rollover or transfer, and the actuarial value of any other benefits provided under the annuity contract, such as guaranteed death benefits, to the extent required by regulations.

For purposes of this provision, a designated beneficiary is an individual designated under this annuity contract to receive payments after the Annuitant's death (or the death of the Annuitant's surviving spouse) and who qualifies as a designated beneficiary under Section 1.401(a)(9)-4 of the Income Tax Regulations.

This is part of the annuity contract. It is not a separate contract. It changes the annuity contract only as and to the extent stated. In all cases of conflict with the other terms of the annuity contract, the provisions of this Endorsement shall control.

Signed for us at our office as of the date of issue.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202192018985.jpg) ] | [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202192019078.jpg) ] |
| **[MARK F. MUETHING]** | **[JOHN P. GRUBER]** |
| **[PRESIDENT]** | **[SECRETARY]** |

---

E6004505NW -4-

## Ex-4.(B)(7)

**Exhibit 4(b)(7)** 

**[ ![LOGO](g459546g0202193526631.jpg) ]** 

Home Office: Cincinnati, Ohio

Fixed Administrative Office: [P.O. Box 5420, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-5420]

**TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY ENDORSEMENT** 

The annuity contract ("Contract") is changed by this Tax-Sheltered Annuity Endorsement (this "Endorsement") to add the following additional provisions:

**APPLICABLE TAX LAW RESTRICTIONS.** This Contract is intended to receive contributions that qualify for deferred tax treatment under Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 403(b). It is restricted as required by federal tax law. We may change the terms of this Contract or administer this Contract at any time as needed to comply with that law. Any such change may be applied retroactively.

**APPLICABLE PLAN RESTRICTIONS.** To the extent required to satisfy the Income Tax Regulations under IRC Section 403(b):

1) this Contract is subject to the terms of the 403(b) retirement plan under which contributions were made (the "Plan") that is sponsored or maintained by an eligible employer (the "Employer"); in the event of any conflict, the terms of the Plan control, provided that such terms do not require us to provide benefits not otherwise provided under this Contract; 

2) we will share with the Employer, a Plan administrator, or other vendor under the Plan, any information necessary for this Contract, or any other annuity contract or custodial account to which contributions have been made by the Employer, to satisfy IRC Section 403(b), including the following: (i) the Employer providing information as to whether your employment with the Employer is continuing, and notifying us when you have had a severance from employment (for purposes of the distribution restrictions under the Plan); (ii) our notifying the Employer of any hardship withdrawal under the Plan if the withdrawal results in a 6-month suspension of your right to make elective deferrals under the Plan; and (iii) our providing information to the Employer and other vendors concerning your interests in annuity contracts or qualified plan benefits (to enable a vendor to determine the amount of any plan loans and any rollover accounts that are available to you under the Plan in order to satisfy the financial need under the hardship withdrawal rules); and 

3) we will share with the Employer, a Plan administrator, or other vendor under the Plan, any information in order of this Contract or any other annuity contract or custodial account to which contributions have been made for you by the Employer, to satisfy other tax law requirements, including the following: (i) the amount of any plan loan that is outstanding to you for a vendor to determine whether an additional plan loan satisfies the loan limitations of the Plan, so that any such additional loan is not a deemed distribution under IRC Section 72(p)(1); and (ii) information concerning your after-tax employee contributions in order for a vendor to determine the extent to which a distribution is includible in gross income. 

E6004308NW -1- (Rev. 10/22)

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The Plan may require that no distribution, loan, contract exchange, plan-to-plan transfer, or rollover contribution involving this Contract be made without specific instructions from the Employer or a Plan administrator. We may rely on representations, instructions, and information provided by the Employer or a Plan administrator. We may rely on representations and information provided by other vendors under the Plan.

This provision does not apply if:

1) this Contract is funded solely with amounts transferred from another Section 403(b) annuity contract or from a custodial account described in IRC Section 403(b)(7); 

2) each transfer was qualified as a tax-free direct transfer described in Revenue Ruling 90-24; and

3) each transfer was made on or before September 24, 2007.

**NO ASSIGNMENT OR TRANSFER.** You cannot assign, sell, or transfer your interest in this Contract. You cannot pledge it to secure a loan or the performance of an obligation, or for any other purpose. The only exceptions to these rules are:

1) this Contract may secure a loan made to you under any loan provisions of this Contract;

2) all or part of your interest in this Contract may be transferred under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order as defined in IRC Section 414(p); and

3) payments from this Contract may be based on the joint lives or joint life expectancies of you and another person, but such other person shall have no present rights in this Contract during your lifetime.

**LIMIT ON SOURCE OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS.** Purchase Payments for this Contract are limited to:

1) contributions made by or through the Employer under the Plan;

2) rollover contributions described in IRC Sections 402(c), 402(e)(6), 403(a)(4), 403(b)(8), 403(b)(10), 408(d)(3), or 457(e)(16), to the extent permitted under the Plan;

3) annuity contract and custodial account exchanges described in Section 1.403(b)-10(b)(2) of the Income Tax Regulations; and

4) plan-to-plan transfers described in Section 1.403(b)-10(b)(3) of the Income Tax Regulations.

**DESIGNATED ROTH CONTRIBUTIONS.** To the extent permitted under the Plan, Purchase Payments may include:

1) contributions that are designated Roth contributions within the meaning of IRC Section 402A(c)(1);

2) rollover contributions that are described in IRC Section 402A(c)(3) from a designated Roth account under an applicable retirement plan described in IRC Section 402A(e)(1);

3) contract and custodial account exchanges from designated Roth accounts under the Plan; or

4) plan-to-plan transfers from designated Roth accounts under an applicable retirement plan described in IRC Section 402A(e)(1).

All amounts that are attributable to designated Roth contributions must be maintained in a separate account. Separate records will be kept for each such account.

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**LIMITS ON AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTIONS.** Except for catch-up contributions permitted by IRC Section 414(v):

1) contributions made to this Contract and any other plan, contract, or arrangement under salary reduction agreement(s) with an employer cannot exceed the limits of IRC Section 402(g), and we may distribute any contributions in excess of this limit, together with the income allocable thereto and net of any loss thereon, to you as permitted by law; and 

2) contributions to this Contract cannot exceed the limit of IRC Section 415.

These limits do not apply to rollover contributions.

**DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS FOR ELECTIVE DEFERRALS.** Amounts attributable to IRC Section 403(b) elective deferrals (including any designated Roth contributions) cannot be distributed from this Contract unless:

1) you have reached age 59-1/2;

2) you have had a severance from employment with the Employer;

3) you have died;

4) you have become disabled as defined in IRC Section 72(m)(7);

5) you have incurred a hardship by reason of an immediate and heavy financial need as defined in Section 1.401(k)-1(d)(3)(iii)(B) of the Income Tax Regulations, to the extent a distribution is necessary as determined under Section 1.401(k)-1(d)(3)(iv)(E) of the Income Tax Regulations ; or

6) you qualify for a distribution as a reservist called to active duty as described in IRC Section 72(t)(2)(G).

A withdrawal made by reason of a hardship cannot include any income attributable to salary reduction contributions. These distribution restrictions do not apply to 403(b) elective deferrals made before January 1, 1989, and to earnings credited prior to such date.

**DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS FOR CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT TRANSFERS.** Amounts attributable to transfers from a custodial account described in IRC Section 403(b)(7), other than amounts attributable to 403(b) elective deferrals, cannot be distributed from this Contract unless:

1) you have reached age 59-1/2;

2) you have had a severance from employment with the Employer;

3) you have died; or

4) you have become disabled as defined in IRC Section 72(m)(7).

**DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS FOR OTHER AMOUNTS.** Amounts other than those attributable to 403(b) elective deferrals or to transfers from a custodial account described in IRC Section 403(b)(7) cannot be distributed from this Contract unless:

1) you have had a severance from employment with the Employer; or

2) upon the occurrence of some event specified in the Plan, such as after a fixed number of years, the attainment of a stated age, or disability.

This provision does not apply to an annuity contract that is issued before January 1, 2009.

E6004308NW -3-

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**ABSENCE OF SEPARATE ACCOUNTING.** If a separate account has not been maintained for 403(b) elective deferrals, custodial account transfers, rollovers, and other amounts, then no amount shall be distributed until the later of:

1) the date that amounts attributable to 403(b) elective deferrals may be distributed; or 

2) the date that amounts attributable to a custodial account transfer may be distributed, or the date that other amounts may be distributed, whichever is applicable. 

**DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS FOR EXCHANGES AND TRANSFERS.** Amounts attributable to transfers from another Section 403(b) annuity contract or from a custodial account described in IRC Section 403(b)(7) by means of a contract exchange or plan-to-plan transfer shall be subject to distribution restrictions that are at least as stringent as those imposed by the contract being exchanged or by the plan making the transfer.

**EXCEPTIONS TO DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS.** The distribution restrictions that otherwise apply to this Contract shall not apply to:

1) a correction of excess deferrals as provided in Section 1.403(b)-4(f) of the Income Tax Regulations; 

2) a distribution required by the Employer on termination of the Plan as provided in Section 1.403(b)-10(a) of the Income Tax Regulations; 

3) a permissible withdrawal of eligible automatic contributions as provided in IRC Section 414(w);

4) payments to an alternate payee under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order as provided in Section 1.403(b)-10(c) of the Income Tax Regulations; or 

5) amounts attributable to rollover contributions, provided that they are maintained in a separate account. 

**TRANSFERS AND EXCHANGES NOT CONSIDERED DISTRIBUTIONS.** For purposes of applying the distribution restrictions to this Contract, the following are not considered to be distributions:

1) direct transfers to a defined benefit governmental plan as defined in IRC Section 414(d), that are made to purchase permissive service credit as defined in IRC Section 415(n)(3)(A) or as a repayment described in IRC Section 415(k)(3);

2) contract or custodial account exchanges that are described in Section 1.403(b)-10(b)(2) of the Income Tax Regulations; or

3) plan-to-plan transfers that are described in Section 1.403(b)-10(b)(3) of the Income Tax Regulations.

**DIRECT ROLLOVERS PERMITTED.** To the extent required under IRC Section 401(a)(31), you or your surviving spouse (as defined by federal tax law) may elect to have any portion of an eligible rollover distribution, as defined in IRC Section 403(b)(8), paid directly to an Individual Retirement Annuity or Individual Retirement Account, as defined in IRC Section 408, or, if allowed, to another Tax Sheltered Annuity or other eligible retirement plan described in IRC Section 402(c)(8)(B), specified by you or your surviving spouse and which accepts such distribution. To the extent permitted under IRC Section 402(c)(11), your nonspouse beneficiary may elect to have any portion of a distribution paid directly to an inherited Individual Retirement Annuity or Individual Retirement Account, as defined in IRC Section 408(d)(3)(C). Any direct rollover election must be made on our form, and must be received at our office before the date of payment.

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**REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS DURING LIFE.** All distributions made hereunder shall be made in accordance with the requirements of IRC Section 403(b)(10) and Section 1.401(a)(9)-6 of the Income Tax Regulations, as modified by Sections 1.408-8 and 1.403(b)-6(e) of the Income Tax Regulations. If distributions are not made in the form of an annuity on an irrevocable basis (except for acceleration), then distribution of your entire interest in this Contract must satisfy the requirements of IRC Section 403(b)(10) and Section 1.401(a)(9)-5 of the Income Tax Regulations, as modified by Sections 1.408-8 and 1.403(b)-6(e) of the Income Tax Regulations, instead of the requirements set out herein.

The Required Beginning Date for distributions of your interest in this Contract is April 1 following the later of the calendar year in which you reach age 70-1/2 or the calendar year in which you retire from the Employer. No later than the Required Beginning Date, your entire interest in this Contract must begin to be distributed over (i) your life or the lives of you and your designated beneficiary, or (ii) a period certain not to exceed your life expectancy or the joint and last survivor expectancy of you and your designated beneficiary. Payments must be made in periodic payments at intervals of no longer than one year, and must be either nonincreasing or they may increase only as provided in Q&A-1 and Q&A-4 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6 of the Income Tax Regulations. In addition, any distribution must satisfy the incidental benefit requirements specified in Q&A-2 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6 of the Income Tax Regulations.

The distribution period described above cannot exceed the period specified in Section 1.401(a)(9)-T of the Income Tax Regulations. The first required payment can be made as late as the Required Beginning Date and must be the payment that is required for a single payment interval. The second payment need not be made until the end of the next payment interval.

Your interest in this Contract includes the amount of any outstanding rollover or transfer, and the actuarial value of any other benefits provided under this Contract, such as guaranteed death benefits, to the extent required by regulations.

For purposes of this provision, your designated beneficiary is an individual designated under this Contract to receive payments after your death and who qualifies as a designated beneficiary under Section 1.401(a)(9)-4 of the Income Tax Regulations.

**REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS AFTER DEATH.** If you die after required distributions begin, the remaining portion of your interest in this Contract will continue to be distributed under the contract option chosen.

If you die before required distributions begin, your entire interest in this Contract will be distributed as least as rapidly as follows:

1) If an individual other than your surviving spouse (as defined by federal tax law) is your designated beneficiary, then your entire interest will be distributed over the remaining life expectancy of that individual, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of your death. The life expectancy of the designated beneficiary will be determined using his or her age as of his or her birthday in the year following the year of your death. Alternatively, if elected, your entire interest in this Contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of your death. 

2) If your surviving spouse (as defined by federal tax law) is your sole designated beneficiary, then your entire interest will be distributed over such spouse's life, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of your death, or if later, by the end of the calendar year in which you would have reached age 70-1/2. Alternatively, if elected, your entire interest in this Contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of your death. 

E6004308NW -5-

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If your surviving spouse dies before required distributions begin to him or her, the remaining interest will be distributed over the remaining life expectancy of the spouse's designated beneficiary, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of the spouse's death. The life expectancy of the spouse's designated beneficiary will be determined using his or her age as of his or her birthday in the year following the death of the spouse. Alternatively, if elected, the remaining interest in this Contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of the surviving spouse's death.

If your surviving spouse dies after required distributions begin to him or her, any remaining interest will continue to be distributed under the contract option chosen.

3) If there is no designated beneficiary, then your entire interest in this Contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of your death.

Life expectancy is determined using the Single Life Table in Q&A-1 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-9 of the Income Tax Regulations. If distributions are being made to your surviving spouse (as defined by federal tax law) as the designated beneficiary, the spouse's remaining life expectancy for a year is the number in the Single Life Table corresponding to such spouse's age on his or her birthday in the year. In all other cases, remaining life expectancy for a year is the number in the Single Life Table in the year such individual's life expectancy is first determined, reduced by one (1) for each subsequent year.

Required distributions are considered to begin on your Required Beginning Date or, if applicable, on the date distributions are required to begin to a surviving spouse. However, if distributions of your interest in this Contract start prior to such date on an irrevocable basis (except for acceleration) in a form meeting the requirements of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6 of the Income Tax Regulations, then required distributions are considered to begin on the annuity starting date.

Your interest in this Contract includes the amount of any outstanding rollover or transfer, and the actuarial value of any other benefits provided under this Contract, such as guaranteed death benefits, to the extent required by regulations.

For purposes of this provision, a designated beneficiary is an individual designated under this Contract to receive payments after your death (or the death of a surviving spouse) and who qualifies as a designated beneficiary under Section 1.401(a)(9)-4 of the Income Tax Regulations.

This Endorsement is part of the Contract. It is not a separate contract. It changes the Contract only as and to the extent stated. It supersedes all prior Tax-Sheltered Annuity endorsements. In all cases of conflict with the other terms of the Contract, the provisions of this Endorsement shall control.

Signed for us at our office as of the date of issue.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202192018985.jpg) ] | [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202192949327.jpg) ] |
|  **[MARK F. MUETHING]** | **[JOHN P. GRUBER]** |
|  **[PRESIDENT]** | **[SECRETARY]** |

---

E6004308NW -6-

## Ex-4.(B)(8)

**Exhibit 4(b)(8)** 

**[ ![LOGO](g459546g0202193526631.jpg) ]** 

Home Office: Cincinnati, Ohio

Administrative Office: [P.O. Box 5420, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-5420]

**QUALIFIED PENSION, PROFIT SHARING,** 

**AND ANNUITY PLAN ENDORSEMENT** 

The annuity contract is changed as set out below to add provisions for a qualified pension, profit sharing, or annuity plan. This endorsement and the annuity contract to which it is attached are not valid without additional endorsement(s) defining the Plan and Plan Administrator.

**APPLICABLE TAX LAW RESTRICTIONS**. This annuity contract is intended to receive contributions pursuant to a pension, profit sharing, or annuity plan qualified under Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 401(a) or 403(a). It is restricted as required by federal tax law. We may change the terms of this annuity contract or administer this annuity contract at any time as needed to comply with that law. Any such change may be applied retroactively.

**ANNUITANT**. "Annuitant" means the designated person covered under the Plan for whose benefit this annuity contract was purchased. If the owner of this annuity contract is the Employer or Plan trustee, then any reference in this annuity contract to the owner's life, age, death, or spouse shall be treated as a reference to the Annuitant's life, age, death, or spouse.

**EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT**. This annuity contract is established for the exclusive benefit of the Annuitant and his or her beneficiaries. No amounts held under this annuity contract may be used for or diverted to any purpose of then the provision of Plan benefits except as permitted by the Plan after the complete satisfaction of all liabilities to persons covered by the Plan and their beneficiaries. Until distributed, the Plan retains all legal ownership rights and controls over the Annuitant's interest in the annuity contract except as provided by the Plan Administrator.

**NO ASSIGNMENT OR TRANSFER**. No interest in this annuity contract may be assigned, sold, or transferred. No interest in this annuity contract may be pledged to secure a loan or the performance of an obligation, or for any other purpose. The only exceptions to these rules are:

1) if this annuity contract is owned by the Employer or Plan trustee, it may be transferred to a successor Employer or Plan trustee, or to the Annuitant or another person entitled to Plan benefits through the Annuitant; 

2) the Annuitant's interest in this annuity contract may secure a loan made to the Annuitant under any loan provisions of this annuity contract;

E6004405NW -1- (Rev. 10/22)

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3) all or part of the Annuitant's interest in this annuity contract may be transferred under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order as defined in IRC Section 414(p); and

4) payments may be made based on the joint lives or joint life expectancies of the Annuitant and another person, but such other person shall have no present rights under this annuity contract during the lifetime of the Annuitant.

Except as elected under the ***Direct Rollover*** provision, any distributions under this annuity contract shall be paid either to the Plan trustee or to the Annuitant or other person entitled to Plan benefits through the Annuitant, as may be directed by the Plan Administrator.

**LIMITS ON CONTRIBUTIONS.** Contributions to this annuity contract that represent contributions to the Plan must not exceed the limits set forth in IRC Section 415. Contributions to this annuity contract that represent elective deferrals cannot exceed the limits of IRC Section 402(g). Catch-up contributions may be made to the full extent permitted by IRC Section 414(v). Additional limits may apply under the terms of the Plan. The Plan Administrator shall ensure compliance with these IRC limits and any Plan limits.

**DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS ON ELECTIVE CONTRIBUTIONS.** Any portion of this annuity contract that represents elective contributions under a qualified cash or deferred arrangement described in IRC Section 401(k), and any income attributable to such amounts, cannot be distributed any earlier than allowed under IRC Section 401(k)(2)(B). Additional limits may apply under the terms of the Plan. The Plan Administrator shall determine when a distribution is allowed under this IRC section and the Plan.

**DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS ON PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS.** Any portion of this annuity contract that represents contributions to a money purchase pension plan or a defined benefit pension plan, and any income attributable to such amounts, cannot be distributed any earlier than allowed under Section 1.401(b)(1)(i) of the Income Tax Regulations. Additional limits may apply under the terms of the Plan. The Plan Administrator shall determine when a distribution is allowed under this regulation and the Plan.

**DIRECT ROLLOVERS.** To the extent required under IRC Section 401(a)(31), the Annuitant or his or her surviving spouse may elect to have any portion of an eligible rollover distribution, as defined in IRC Section 403(b)(8), paid directly to an Individual Retirement Annuity or Individual Retirement Account, as defined in IRC Section 408, or, if allowed, to another qualified pension, profit sharing, or annuity plan or other eligible retirement plan described in IRC Section 402(c)(8)(B), specified by the Annuitant or surviving spouse and which accepts such distribution. Any direct rollover election must be made on our form, and must be received at our office before the date of payment.

**DATE BENEFITS TO BEGIN.** Unless the Annuitant elects to delay the payment of his or her benefits, distribution of the Annuitant's interest in this annuity contract shall begin no later than 60 days after the end of the Plan year in which the last of the following occurs:

1) the Annuitant has reached the earlier of age 65 or the normal retirement age stated in the Plan;

2) the 10th anniversary of the date that the Annuitant joined the Plan; or

3) the date that the Annuitant has a severance from employment with the Employer.

The Plan Administrator shall make any determination required under this provision.

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In no event can the payment of benefits be delayed beyond the Required Beginning Date stated in the ***Required Minimum Distributions During Life*** provision of this Endorsement.

**REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS DURING LIFE.** All distributions made hereunder shall be made in accordance with the requirements of IRC Section 401(a)(9) and Section 1.401(a)(9)-6T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations. If distributions are not made in the form of an annuity on an irrevocable basis (except for acceleration), then distribution of the Annuitant's entire interest in this annuity contract must satisfy the requirements of IRC Section 401(a)(9) and Section 1.401(a)(9)-5 of the Income Tax Regulations instead of the requirements set out herein.

The Required Beginning Date for distributions under this annuity contract is April 1 following the later of the calendar year in which the Annuitant reaches age 70-1/2 or the calendar year in which the Annuitant retires. For any 5% owner of the Employer, the Required Beginning Date is April 1 following the calendar year in which the Annuitant reaches age 70-1/2. No later than the Required Beginning Date, the Annuitant's entire interest in this annuity contract must begin to be distributed over (i) the Annuitant's life or the lives of the Annuitant and his or her designated beneficiary, or (ii) a period certain not to exceed the Annuitant's life expectancy or the joint and last survivor expectancy of the Annuitant and his or her designated beneficiary. Payments must be made in periodic payments at intervals of no longer than one (1) year, and must be either nonincreasing or they may increase only as provided in Q&A-1 and Q&A-4 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations. In addition, any distribution must satisfy the incidental benefit requirements specified in Q&A-2 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations.

The distribution period described above cannot exceed the period specified in Section 1.401(a)(9)-6T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations. The first required payment can be made as late as the Required Beginning Date and must be the payment that is required for a single payment interval. The second payment need not be made until the end of the next payment interval.

The Annuitant's interest in this annuity contract includes the amount of any outstanding rollover or transfer, and the actuarial value of any other benefits provided under the annuity contract, such as guaranteed death benefits, to the extent required by regulations.

For purposes of this provision, the Annuitant's designated beneficiary is an individual designated under the Plan to receive payments after the Annuitant's death and who qualifies as a designated beneficiary under Section 1.401(a)(9)-4 of the Income Tax Regulations.

**REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS AFTER DEATH.** If the Annuitant dies after required distributions begin, the remaining portion of the Annuitant's interest in this annuity contract will continue to be distributed under the contract option chosen.

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If the Annuitant dies before required distributions begin, the Annuitant's entire interest in this annuity contract will be distributed as least as rapidly as follows:

1) If an individual other than the Annuitant's surviving spouse is his or her designated beneficiary, then the Annuitant's entire interest will be distributed over the remaining life expectancy of that individual, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of the Annuitant's death. The life expectancy of the designated beneficiary will be determined using his or her age as of his or her birthday in the year following the year of the Annuitant's death. Alternatively, if elected, the Annuitant's entire interest in this annuity contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of the Annuitant's death. 

2) If the Annuitant's surviving spouse is his or her sole designated beneficiary, then the Annuitant's entire interest will be distributed over such spouse's life, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of the Annuitant's death, or if later, by the end of the calendar year in which the Annuitant would have reached age 70-1/2. Alternatively, if elected, the Annuitant's entire interest in this annuity contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of the Annuitant's death. 

If the Annuitant's surviving spouse dies before required distributions begin to him or her, the remaining interest will be distributed over the remaining life expectancy of the spouse's designated beneficiary, with payments starting by the end of the calendar year following the calendar year of the spouse's death. The life expectancy of the spouse's designated beneficiary will be determined using his or her age as of his or her birthday in the year following the death of the Annuitant's spouse. Alternatively, if elected, the remaining interest in this annuity contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year that contains the fifth anniversary of the surviving spouse's death.

If the Annuitant's surviving spouse dies after required distributions begin to him or her, any remaining interest will continue to be distributed under the contract option chosen.

3) If there is no designated beneficiary, then the Annuitant's entire interest in this annuity contract will be distributed by the end of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of the Annuitant's death.

Life expectancy is determined using the Single Life Table in Q&A-1 of Section 1.401(a)(9)-9 of the Income Tax Regulations. If distributions are being made to the Annuitant's surviving spouse as the designated beneficiary, the spouse's remaining life expectancy for a year is the number in the Single Life Table corresponding to such spouse's age on his or her birthday in the year. In all other cases, remaining life expectancy for a year is the number in the Single Life Table in the year such individual's life expectancy is first determined, reduced by one (1) for each subsequent year.

Required distributions are considered to begin on the Required Beginning Date or, if applicable, on the date distributions are required to begin to a surviving spouse. However, if distributions under this annuity contract start prior to such date on an irrevocable basis (except for acceleration) in a form meeting the requirements of Section 1.401(a)(9)-6T of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations, then required distributions are considered to begin on the annuity starting date.

The Annuitant's interest in this annuity contract includes the amount of any outstanding rollover or transfer, and the actuarial value of any other benefits provided under the annuity contract, such as guaranteed death benefits, to the extent required by regulations.

E6004405NW -4-

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For purposes of this provision, a designated beneficiary is an individual designated under this annuity contract to receive payments after the Annuitant's death (or the death of the surviving spouse) and who qualifies as a designated beneficiary under Section 1.401(a)(9)-4 of the Income Tax Regulations.

This is part of the annuity contract. It is not a separate contract. It changes the annuity contract only as and to the extent stated. In all cases of conflict with the other terms of the annuity contract, the provisions of this Endorsement shall control.

Signed for us at our office as of the date of issue.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202192018985.jpg) ] | [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202193204416.jpg) ] |
| **[MARK F. MUETHING]** | **[JOHN P. GRUBER]** |
| **[PRESIDENT]** | **[SECRETARY]** |

---

E6004405NW -5-

## Ex-4.(B)(9)

**Exhibit 4(b)(9)** 

**[ ![LOGO](g459546g0202193526631.jpg) ]** 

Home Office: Cincinnati, Ohio

Fixed Administrative Office: [191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202]

**EMPLOYER PLAN** 

**ENDORSEMENT** 

The annuity contract is changed as set out below to adapt it for use with an employee benefit plan:

**PLAN.** "Plan" means the employee benefit plan named on your application or any successor plan.

**EMPLOYER.** "Employer" means the employer sponsoring the Plan and named on your application, or any other employer which succeeds to its rights under the Plan.

**PLAN ADMINISTRATOR.** "Plan Administrator" means the person designated as such to us in writing by the Employer. If no person has been designated, "Plan Administrator" means the Employer.

**PLAN INTERPRETATION.** For purposes of this annuity contract, the Plan Administrator shall interpret the Plan and decide all questions about what is allowed or required by the Plan. We have no duty to review or interpret the Plan, or to review or approve any decision of the Plan Administrator. We are entitled to rely on the written directions of the Plan Administrator on such matters.

**APPLICABLE RESTRICTIONS.** This annuity contract may be restricted by federal and/or state laws related to employee benefit plans. We may change the terms of this annuity contract or administer this annuity contract at any time as needed to comply with such laws.

**PLAN DISTRIBUTION PROVISIONS.** Distributions allowed under this annuity contract may be made only at a time allowed by the Plan or required by this annuity contract. The form of any distribution shall be determined under the Plan from among those forms of distribution available under this annuity contract. No distribution may be made without the written direction of the Plan Administrator unless required by this annuity contract. Distributions may be made without your consent when required by the Plan.

**FORFEITURE OF NON-VESTED AMOUNTS.** Any amount under this annuity contract attributable to contributions by the Employer (excluding any contributions made under a salary reduction agreement with your employer) is subject to the vesting provisions of the Plan. If at any time the Plan provides for a forfeiture of an amount that is not vested, then such amount may be withdrawn and paid as directed by the Plan Administrator.

**RETURN OF EXCESS CONTRIBUTIONS.** Contributions made to this annuity contract for you are subject to any limits on contributions and nondiscrimination provisions of the Plan. If the Plan Administrator determines that excess or discriminatory contributions were made, then amounts attributable to such contributions may be withdrawn and paid as directed by the Plan Administrator.

**ENTITLEMENT TO DEATH BENEFITS.** The person or persons entitled to any amount remaining payable under this annuity contract after your death shall be determined under the Plan. No distribution of any such amount shall be made without the written direction of the Plan Administrator.

EPLAN(Rev. 2/98)-1 -1- (Rev. 10/22)

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**INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS AND TRANSFERS.** If this annuity contract provides that amounts held under it are allocated among separate investment funds or fixed accounts, then any such allocations and/or subsequent transfers shall be made only as required or allowed by the Plan, or as required by this annuity contract to secure a loan. No such allocation or transfer shall be made without the written direction of the Plan Administrator unless required by this annuity contract to secure a loan. Allocations or transfers may be made without your consent when required by the Plan or the annuity contract.

**PLAN LOAN PROVISIONS.** If loans are allowed under this annuity contract, no such loan may be made unless also allowed by the Plan. Any such loan will be subject to any additional limits and conditions which apply under the Plan. No loan may be made without the written direction of the Plan Administrator. The rate of interest to be paid by you on any such loan will be fixed by the Plan Administrator, but we may require that it be at least three percentage points higher than the minimum guaranteed rate of interest, if any, that applies to your interest in this annuity contract used as security for the loan.

**QUALIFIED JOINT AND 50% SURVIVOR ANNUITY OPTION.** In addition to the other payment options available under this annuity contract, payments may be made in the form of a Qualified Joint and 50% Survivor Annuity. Under this payment option, we will make equal payments to you for life at least once per year. If the person who is your spouse at the time payments commence survives you, then after your death we will make payments to such spouse at the same intervals equal to one-half of the amount of the prior payments, with such payments continuing to such spouse until his or her death. The first payment under this payment option will be made on the effective date of the payment option. The amount of the payments we will make under this payment option is based on the intervals for payments, which are subject to our approval. Amounts vary with the ages, as of the first payment date, of you and your spouse. We will require proof of the ages of you and your spouse. Monthly payments that we will make under this payment option for each $1,000 of proceeds applied will be furnished at your request. Once payments begin under this payment option, the value of future payments may not be withdrawn as a commutation of benefits.

This is a part of your annuity contract. It is not a separate contract. It changes the annuity contract only as and to the extent stated. In all cases of conflict with the other terms of the annuity contract, the provisions of this endorsement shall control.

Signed for us at our office as of the date of issue.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202193526788.jpg) ] | [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202193527085.jpg) ] |
| **[MARK F. MUETHING]** | **[JOHN P. GRUBER]** |
| **[PRESIDENT]** | **[SECRETARY]** |

---

EPLAN(Rev. 2/98)-1 -2-

## Ex-4.(C)(1)

**Exhibit 4(c)(1)**![LOGO](g459546g0202193813197.jpg)

Home Office: Cincinnati, Ohio

[Administrative Office: P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-5423]

**[1-YEAR DECLARED RATE STRATEGY]** 

**Crediting Strategy Endorsement** 

**Interest Subject to a Guaranteed Minimum Interest Rate** 

**Term** 

Each Term for this Strategy is one year long.

**Interest Crediting** 

Interest is credited daily on amounts held under this Crediting Strategy based on a fixed interest rate with annual compounding.

**Interest Rate** 

The fixed interest rate for this Crediting Strategy is declared by the Company, at its discretion, before the start of the Term. It is guaranteed for the entire Term. The Company, at its discretion, may declare a new interest rate for each subsequent Term. For a Term, different rates may apply with respect to amounts attributable to Purchase Payments received on different dates.

**Guaranteed Minimum Interest Rate** 

In any event, the fixed interest rate for a Term shall never be less than an annual rate of [1%].

This is part of your Contract. It is not a separate contract. It changes the Contract only as and to the extent stated. In all cases of conflict with the other terms of the Contract, the provisions of this Endorsement shall control.

Signed for us at our office as of the Contract Effective Date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202193813306.jpg) ] | [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202193813415.jpg) ] |
| [Mark F. Muething] | [John P. Gruber] |
| [President] | [Secretary] |

---

E1825318NW (Rev. 10/22)

## Ex-4.(C)(12)

**Exhibit 4(c)(12)** 

**[ ![LOGO](g459546g0202192018813.jpg) ]** 

Home Office: Cincinnati, Ohio

Administrative Office: [P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-5423]

**FIRST TRUST BARCLAYS EDGE** 

**1-YEAR** 

**10% BUFFER WITH UPSIDE PARTICIPATION RATE** 

**INDEXED STRATEGY** 

**Crediting Strategy Endorsement** 

**Index Loss Subject to a 10% Buffer for Each Term** 

**Index Gain Subject to an Upside Participation Rate for Each Term** 

**Performance Lock Feature** 

**Term** 

Each Term for this Strategy is one year long.

**Gain or Loss** 

Each day, the value of the Strategy includes the Gain or Loss for the Term.

Gain or Loss is calculated on the remaining investment base for the Term. For this purpose, the investment base starts with the amount applied to that Strategy at the start of the Term. It is then reduced to pay for each withdrawal or charge that is taken from the Strategy during the Term.

**Gain or Loss at the End of a Term** 

After the final Market Close of a Term, unless you have elected a Performance Lock, any Gain or Loss is determined based on the increase or decrease in the First Trust Barclays Edge Index since the start of the Term. This increase or decrease is expressed as a percentage of the value of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index at the start of the Term. It is measured from the index value at the last Market Close on or before the first day of the Term to the index value at the final Market Close of the Term. The index value is the value of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index as published by [Barclays Bank PLC or its agent].

Any Gain for the Term is subject to the Upside Participation Rate. Any Loss for the Term is subject to the Buffer.

**Gain or Loss before the End of a Term** 

Before the final Market Close of a Term, unless you have elected a Performance Lock, the Gain or Loss for the Term is a percentage equal to:

1) the net option value for the Strategy as of the most recent Market Close of the Term; minus

2) the amortized option cost as of the most recent Market Close of the Term; and minus

3) Trading Cost.

The net option value as of a Market Close is a percentage equal to:

1) the value of the ATM Call Option at the Market Close, multiplied by the Upside Participation Rate; minus

2) the value of the OTM Put Option at the Market Close.

E1849122NW 1

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The amortized option cost is a percentage equal to:

1) the net option value for the Strategy at the beginning of the Term; multiplied by

2) the number of days remaining until the final Market Close of the Term divided by 365.

**Performance Lock** 

A Performance Lock is an election to lock in the Gain or Loss for the remainder of a Term. You may make a Performance Lock election for a Term by a Request in Good Order. Once we receive your Request in Good Order, a Performance Lock election for a Term cannot be changed or revoked.

A Performance Lock election for a Term is effective on the second Market Close following our receipt of your Request in Good Order. After the second Market Close, the Gain or Loss before the end of the Term and the Gain or Loss at the end of the Term is based on the net option value, amortized option cost, and Trading Cost as determined for that second Market Close.

**ATM Call Option** 

The ATM Call Option is a hypothetical call option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage increase, if any, in the First Trust Barclays Edge Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term.

**OTM Put Option** 

The OTM Put Option is a hypothetical put option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage decrease, if any, in the First Trust Barclays Edge Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term, but only to the extent the percentage decrease exceeds the Buffer for the Term.

**Option Values** 

The ATM Call Option and OTM Put Option are valued by us using a market standard model for valuing an option. Each value is stated as a percentage of the option value at the last Market Close on or before the first day of the Term.

**Upside Participation Rate** 

The Upside Participation Rate is the portion of the increase in the First Trust Barclays Edge Index for a Term taken into account to determine the Gain for the Term. We will set the Upside Participation Rate for each initial or renewal Term of this Strategy before the first day of that Term. For a given Term, we may set a different Upside Participation Rate for amounts attributable to Purchase Payments received on different dates.

**Buffer** 

The Buffer is the decrease in the value of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index for a Term that is disregarded when determining the Loss for the Term. The Buffer for each Term of this Strategy is 10%.

**Trading Cost** 

Trading Cost is the estimated cost of selling the hypothetical option before the end of a Term. It is a percentage set by us from time to time to reflect the average difference between the Option Values and market bid prices.

**Market Close** 

A Market Close for this Strategy is the close of the core trading session of the New York Stock Exchange Arca on each day that is a Market Day.

**Index Information** 

The First Trust Barclays Edge Index is a combination about 250 stocks selected by First Trust from its Capital Strength Index and Value Line<sup>®</sup> Dividend Index, 2, 5, and 10-year U.S. Treasuries to the extent indicated by a bond switch signal, an efficient frontier allocation to optimize long-term volatility and correlation, and a varying investment exposure to control volatility.

E1849122NW 2

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**[The First Trust Barclays Edge Index ("FTIS Index") is a product of FT Indexing Solutions LLC ("FTIS") and is administered and calculated by Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates (collectively, "Bloomberg"). FIRST TRUST<sup>®</sup> is a trademark of First Trust Portfolios L.P. (collectively, with FTIS and their respective affiliates, "First Trust"). The foregoing index and trademark have been licensed for use for certain purposes by Barclays, Bloomberg, and MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company ("MassMutual Ascend") in connection with the FTIS Index and [the Approved Product].** 

**The Capital Strength Index ("Nasdaq Index") is a product of Nasdaq, Inc. (collectively, with its affiliates, "Nasdaq"). NASDAQ<sup>®</sup>, CAPITAL STRENGTH INDEXTM, and NQCAPSTTM are trademarks of Nasdaq. The foregoing index and trademarks have been licensed for use for certain purposes by FTIS and MassMutual Ascend in connection with the FTIS Index and [the Approved Product].** 

**The Value Line Dividend Index ("Value Line Index") is a product of Value Line, Inc. ("Value Line"). VALUE LINE<sup>®</sup> and VALUE LINE DIVIDEND INDEXTM are trademarks or registered trademarks of Value Line. The foregoing index and trademarks have been licensed for use for certain purposes by FTIS and MassMutual Ascend in connection with the FTIS Index and [the Approved Product]. The FTIS Index is not sponsored, endorsed, recommended, sold or promoted by Value Line and Value Line makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the FTIS Index.** 

**[The Approved Product] is not issued, sponsored, endorsed, sold, recommended, or promoted by First Trust, Bloomberg, Nasdaq, Value Line, or their respective affiliates (collectively, the "Companies"). Bloomberg's relationship to First Trust and Barclays is only (1) in the licensing of the FIRST TRUST<sup>®</sup>, BARCLAYS<sup>®</sup>, and FIRST TRUST BARCLAYS EDGE INDEX<sup>TM</sup> trademarks and (2) to act as the administrator and calculation agent of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index. The Companies have not passed on the legality or suitability of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to [the Approved Product]. The Companies make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of any product based on the FTIS Index, Barclays Indexes, Nasdaq Index, or Value Line Index, or to any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in products based on the FTIS Index, Dow Index, Nasdaq Indices, or Value Line Index particularly, or the ability of the FTIS Index, Dow Index, Nasdaq Indices, or Value Line Index to track general stock market performance. The Companies' only relationship to MassMutual Ascend is in the licensing of the certain trademarks, trade names, and service marks and the use of the FTIS Index, Dow lndex, Nasdaq Indices, and Value Line Indices, which are determined, composed and calculated without regard to MassMutual Ascend or [the Approved Product]. The Companies have no obligation to take the needs of MassMutual Ascend, or the owners of [the Approved Product], or the sponsors or owners of products based on the FTIS Index, Barclays Indexes, Nasdaq Index, or Value Line Index into consideration when determining, composing, or calculating the FTIS Index, Barclays Indexes, Nasdaq Index, and Value Line Index. The Companies are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination or calculation of [the Approved Product]. There is no assurances from the Companies that products based on the FTIS Index, Barclays Indexes, Nasdaq Index, or Value Line Index will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. The Companies are not investment advisors. Inclusion of a security or financial instrument within an index is not a recommendation by the Companies to buy, sell, or hold such security or financial instrument, nor is it considered to be investment advice.** 

E1849122NW 3

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**THE COMPANIES DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, COMPLETENESS, AND/OR UNINTERRUPTED CALCULATION OF [THE APPROVED PRODUCT], FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDEXES, NASDAQ INDEX, VALUE LINE INDEX, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR ANY COMMUNICATION WITH RESPECT THERETO, INCLUDING, ORAL, WRITTEN, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS. THE COMPANIES SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS IN [THE APPROVED PRODUCT], FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDEXES, NASDAQ INDEX, OR VALUE LINE INDEX. THE COMPANIES MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY OWNERS OF [THE APPROVED PRODUCT] OR OF PRODUCTS BASED ON THE FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDEXES, NASDAQ INDEX, OR VALUE LINE INDEX, OR BY ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDEXES, NASDAQ INDEX, OR VALUE LINE INDEX, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE COMPANIES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO [THE APPROVED PRODUCT], FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDEXES, NASDAQ INDEX, VALUE LINE INDEX, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANIES BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME, OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN MASSMUTUAL ASCEND AND THE COMPANIES.** 

**Neither Barclays Bank PLC ('BB PLC'') nor any of its affiliates (collectively 'Barclays') is the issuer or producer of [the Approved Product(s)] and Barclays has no responsibilities, obligations or duties to investors in [the Approved Product(s)]. The Barclays US 2Y Treasury Futures Index, Barclays US 5Y Treasury Futures Index, Barclays US 10Y Treasury Futures Index, and Barclays US 30Y Treasury Futures Index (collectively, the "Indices"), together with any Barclays indices that are components of the Indices, are trademarks owned by Barclays and, together with any component indices and index data, are licensed for use by MassMutual Ascend as the issuer or producer of [the Approved Product(s)] (the 'Issuer').** 

**Barclays' only relationship with the Issuer in respect of the Indices is the licensing of the Indices, which are administered, compiled and published by BB PLC in its role as the index sponsor (the 'Index Sponsor') without regard to the Issuer or the [Approved Product(s)] or investors in the [Approved Product(s)]. Additionally, MassMutual Ascend as issuer or producer of [the Approved Product(s)] may for itself execute transaction(s) with Barclays in or relating to the Indices in connection with [the Approved Product(s)]. Investors acquire [the Approved Product(s)] from MassMutual Ascend and investors neither acquire any interest in the Indices nor enter into any relationship of any kind whatsoever with Barclays upon making an investment in [the Approved Product(s)]. The [Approved Product(s)] is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Barclays and Barclays makes no representation regarding the advisability of the [Approved Product(s)] or use of the Indices or any data included therein. Barclays shall not be liable in any way to the Issuer, investors or to other third parties in respect of the use or accuracy of the Indices or any data included therein.** 

E1849122NW 4

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**Barclays Index Administration ("BINDA"), a distinct function within BB PLC, is responsible for day-to-day governance of BB PLC's activities as Index Sponsor.** 

**To protect the integrity of Barclays' indices, BB PLC has in place a control framework designed to identify and remove and/or mitigate (as appropriate) conflicts of interest. Within the control framework, BINDA has the following specific responsibilities:** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **oversight of any third party index calculation agent;** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **acting as approvals body for index lifecycle events (index launch, change and retirement); and** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **resolving unforeseen index calculation issues where discretion or interpretation may be required (for example: upon the occurrence of market disruption events).** 

**To promote the independence of BINDA, the function is operationally separate from BB PLC's sales, trading and structuring desks, investment managers, and other business units that have, or may be perceived to have, interests that may conflict with the independence or integrity of Barclays' indices.** 

**Notwithstanding the foregoing, potential conflicts of interest exist as a consequence of BB PLC providing indices alongside its other businesses. Please note the following in relation to Barclays' indices:** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **BB PLC may act in multiple capacities with respect to a particular index including, but not limited to, functioning as index sponsor, index administrator, index owner and licensor.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **Sales, trading or structuring desks in BB PLC may launch products linked to the performance of a index. These products are typically hedged by BB PLC's trading desks. In hedging an index, a trading desk may purchase or sell constituents of that index. These purchases or sales may affect the prices of the index constituents which could in turn affect the level of that index.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **BB PLC may establish investment funds that track an index or otherwise use an index for portfolio or asset allocation decisions.** 

**The Index Sponsor is under no obligation to continue the administration, compilation and publication of the Indices or the level of the Indices. While the Index Sponsor currently employs the methodology ascribed to the Indices (and application of such methodology shall be conclusive and binding), no assurance can be given that market, regulatory, juridical, financial, fiscal or other circumstances (including, but not limited to, any changes to or any suspension or termination of or any other events affecting any constituent within the Index) will not arise that would, in the view of the Index Sponsor, necessitate an adjustment, modification or change of such methodology. In certain circumstances, the Index Sponsor may suspend or terminate the Indices. The Index Sponsor has appointed a third-party agent (the 'Index Calculation Agent') to calculate and maintain the Indices. While the Index Sponsor is responsible for the operation of the Indices, certain aspects have thus been outsourced to the Index Calculation Agent.** 

**Barclays** 

**1)** **makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Issuer or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in transactions generally or the ability of the Indices to track the performance of any market or underlying assets or data; and** 

**2)** **has no obligation to take the needs of the Issuer into consideration in administering, compiling or publishing the Indices.** 

E1849122NW 5

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**Barclays has no obligation or liability in connection with administration, marketing or trading of the [Approved Product(s)].** 

**The licensing agreement between MassMutual Ascend and BB PLC is solely for the benefit of MassMutual Ascend and Barclays and not for the benefit of the owners of the [Approved Product(s)], investors or other third parties.** 

**BARCLAYS DOES NOT GUARANTEE, AND SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY TO THE PURCHASERS AND TRADERS, AS THE CASE MAY BE, OF THE TRANSACTION OR TO THIRD PARTIES FOR THE QUALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INDICES OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR FOR INTERRUPTIONS IN THE DELIVERY OF THE INDICES. BARCLAYS MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDICES INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE INDICES, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. IN NO EVENT SHALL BARCLAYS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR ANY LOST PROFITS, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBLITY OF SUCH DAMAGES SAVE TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.** 

**None of the information supplied by Barclays and used in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the prior written permission of Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England No. 1026167. Registered office 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP.** 

**Bloomberg Index Services Limited is the official index calculation and maintenance agent of the Index, an index owned and administered by Barclays. Bloomberg Index Services Limited does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or completeness of the Index calculations or any data or information relating to the Index. Bloomberg Index Services Limited makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the Index or any data or values relating thereto or results to be obtained therefrom, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect thereto. To the maximum extent allowed by law, Bloomberg Index Services Limited, its affiliates, and all of their respective partners, employees, subcontractors, agents, suppliers and vendors (collectively, the 'protected parties') shall have no liability or responsibility, contingent or otherwise, for any injury or damages, whether caused by the negligence of a protected party or otherwise, arising in connection with the calculation of the Index or any data or values included therein or in connection therewith and shall not be liable for any lost profits, losses, punitive, incidental or consequential damages.]** 

**GAIN OR LOSS UNDER THIS CREDITING STRATEGY IS DETERMINED IN PART BASED ON THE FIRST TRUST BARCLAYS EDGE INDEX. HOWEVER, THIS CONTRACT DOES NOT DIRECTLY PARTICIPATE IN ANY EQUITY OR BOND INVESTMENTS.** 

E1849122NW 6

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This is part of your Contract. It is not a separate contract. It changes the Contract only as and to the extent stated. In all cases of conflict with the other terms of the Contract, the provisions of this Endorsement shall control.

Signed for us at our office as of the Contract Effective Date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202194320582.jpg) ] | [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202194320707.jpg) ] |
| [Mark F. Muething] | [John P. Gruber] |
| [President] | [Secretary] |

---

E1849122NW 7

## Ex-4.(C)(13)

**Exhibit 4(c)(13)** 

**[ ![LOGO](g459546g0202194610685.jpg) ]** 

Home Office: Cincinnati, Ohio

Administrative Office: [P.O. Box 5423, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-5423]

**FIRST TRUST BARCLAYS EDGE** 

**1-YEAR** 

**50% DOWNSIDE PARTICIPATION RATE** 

**WITH UPSIDE PARTICIPATION RATE** 

**INDEXED STRATEGY** 

**Crediting Strategy Endorsement** 

**Index Loss Subject to a 50% Downside Participation Rate for Each Term** 

**Index Gain Subject to an Upside Participation Rate for Each Term** 

**Performance Lock Feature** 

**Term** 

Each Term for this Strategy is one year long.

**Gain or Loss** 

Each day, the value of the Strategy includes the Gain or Loss for the Term.

Gain or Loss is calculated on the remaining investment base for the current Term. For this purpose, the investment base starts with the amount applied to that Strategy at the start of the current Term. It is then reduced to pay for each withdrawal or charge that is taken from the Strategy during the current Term.

**Gain or Loss at the End of a Term** 

After the final Market Close of a Term, unless you have elected a Performance Lock, any Gain or Loss is determined based on the increase or decrease in the First Trust Barclays Edge Index since the start of the Term. This increase or decrease is expressed as a percentage of the value of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index at the start of the Term. It is measured from the index value at the last Market Close on or before the first day of the Term to the index value at the final Market Close of the Term. The index value is the value of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index published by [Barclays Bank PLC or its agent].

Any Gain for the Term is subject to the Upside Participation Rate. Any Loss for the Term is subject to the Downside Participation Rate.

**Gain or Loss before the End of a Term** 

1) Before the final Market Close of a Term, unless you have elected a Performance Lock, the Gain or Loss for the Term is a percentage equal to: 

2) the net option value for the Strategy as of the most recent Market Close of the Term; minus

3) the amortized option cost as of the most recent Market Close of the Term; and minus

4) Trading Cost.

E1849222NW 1

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The net option value as of a Market Close is a percentage equal to:

1) the value of the ATM Call Option at the Market Close, multiplied by the Upside Participation Rate; minus

2) the value of the ATM Put Option at the Market Close, multiplied by the Downside Participation Rate.

The amortized option cost is a percentage equal to:

1) the net option value for the Strategy at the start of the Term; multiplied by

2) the number of days remaining until the final Market Close of the Term divided by 365.

**Performance Lock** 

A Performance Lock is an election to lock in the Gain or Loss for the remainder of a Term. You may make a Performance Lock election for a Term by a Request in Good Order. Once we receive your Request in Good Order, a Performance Lock election for a Term cannot be changed or revoked.

A Performance Lock election for a Term is effective on the second Market Close following our receipt of your Request in Good Order. After the second Market Close, the Gain or Loss before the end of the Term and the Gain or Loss at the end of the Term is based on the net option value, amortized option cost, and Trading Cost as determined for that second Market Close.

**ATM Call Option** 

The ATM Call Option is a hypothetical call option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage increase, if any, in the First Trust Barclays Edge Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term.

**ATM Put Option** 

The ATM Put Option is a hypothetical put option that will pay the holder an amount equal to the percentage decrease, if any, in the First Trust Barclays Edge Index from the last Market Close on or before the start of the Term to the final Market Close of the Term.

**Option Values** 

The ATM Call Option and ATM Put Option are valued by us using a market standard model for valuing an option. Each value is stated as a percentage of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index at the last Market Close on or before the first day of the Term.

**Upside Participation Rate** 

The Upside Participation Rate is the portion of the increase in the First Trust Barclays Edge Index for a Term taken into account to determine the Gain for the Term. We will set the Upside Participation Rate for each initial or renewal Term of this Strategy before the first day of that Term. For a given Term, we may set a different Upside Participation Rate for amounts attributable to Purchase Payments received on different dates.

**Downside Participation Rate** 

The Downside Participation Rate is the portion of the decrease in the First Trust Barclays Edge Index for a Term taken into account to determine the Loss for the Term. The Downside Participation Rate for each Term of this Strategy is [50%].

**Trading Cost** 

Trading Cost is the estimated cost of selling the hypothetical option before the end of a Term. It is a percentage set by us from time to time to reflect the average difference between the Option Values and market bid prices.

E1849222NW 2

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**Market Close** 

A Market Close for this Strategy is the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day that is a Market Day.

**Index Information** 

The First Trust Barclays Edge Index is a combination about 250 stocks selected by First Trust from its Capital Strength Index and Value Line<sup>®</sup> Dividend Index, 2, 5, and 10-year U.S. Treasuries to the extent indicated by a bond switch signal, an efficient frontier allocation to optimize long-term volatility and correlation, and a varying investment exposure to control volatility.

**[The First Trust Barclays Edge Index ("FTIS Index") is a product of FT Indexing Solutions LLC ("FTIS") and is administered and calculated by Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates (collectively, "Bloomberg"). FIRST TRUST<sup>®</sup> is a trademark of First Trust Portfolios L.P. (collectively, with FTIS and their respective affiliates, "First Trust"). The foregoing index and trademark have been licensed for use for certain purposes by Barclays, Bloomberg, and MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company ("MassMutual Ascend") in connection with the FTIS Index and [the Approved Product].** 

**The Capital Strength Index ("Nasdaq Index") is a product of Nasdaq, Inc. (collectively, with its affiliates, "Nasdaq"). NASDAQ<sup>®</sup>, CAPITAL STRENGTH INDEXTM, and NQCAPSTTM are trademarks of Nasdaq. The foregoing index and trademarks have been licensed for use for certain purposes by FTIS and MassMutual Ascend in connection with the FTIS Index and [the Approved Product].** 

**The Value Line Dividend Index ("Value Line Index") is a product of Value Line, Inc. ("Value Line"). VALUE LINE<sup>®</sup> and VALUE LINE DIVIDEND INDEXTM are trademarks or registered trademarks of Value Line. The foregoing index and trademarks have been licensed for use for certain purposes by FTIS and MassMutual Ascend in connection with the FTIS Index and [the Approved Product]. The FTIS Index is not sponsored, endorsed, recommended, sold or promoted by Value Line and Value Line makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the FTIS Index.** 

**[The Approved Product] is not issued, sponsored, endorsed, sold, recommended, or promoted by First Trust, Bloomberg, Nasdaq, Value Line, or their respective affiliates (collectively, the "Companies"). Bloomberg's relationship to First Trust and Barclays is only (1) in the licensing of the FIRST TRUST<sup>®</sup>, BARCLAYS<sup>®</sup>, and FIRST TRUST BARCLAYS EDGE INDEX<sup>TM</sup> trademarks and (2) to act as the administrator and calculation agent of the First Trust Barclays Edge Index. The Companies have not passed on the legality or suitability of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to [the Approved Product]. The Companies make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of any product based on the FTIS Index, Barclays Indexes, Nasdaq Index, or Value Line Index, or to any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in products based on the FTIS Index, Dow Index, Nasdaq Indices, or Value Line Index particularly, or the ability of the FTIS Index, Dow Index, Nasdaq Indices, or Value Line Index to track general stock market performance. The Companies' only relationship to MassMutual Ascend is in the licensing of the certain trademarks, trade names, and service marks and the use of the FTIS Index, Dow lndex, Nasdaq Indices, and Value Line Indices, which are determined, composed and calculated without regard to MassMutual Ascend or [the Approved Product]. The Companies have no obligation to take the needs of MassMutual Ascend, or the owners of [the Approved Product], or the sponsors or owners of products based on the FTIS Index, Barclays Indexes, Nasdaq Index, or Value Line Index into consideration when determining, composing, or calculating the FTIS Index, Barclays Indexes, Nasdaq Index, and Value Line Index. The Companies are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination or calculation of [the Approved Product]. There is no assurances from the Companies that products based on the FTIS Index, Barclays Indexes, Nasdaq Index, or Value Line Index will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. The Companies are not investment advisors. Inclusion of a security or financial instrument within an index is not a recommendation by the Companies to buy, sell, or hold such security or financial instrument, nor is it considered to be investment advice.** 

E1849222NW 3

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**THE COMPANIES DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, COMPLETENESS, AND/OR UNINTERRUPTED CALCULATION OF [THE APPROVED PRODUCT], FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDEXES, NASDAQ INDEX, VALUE LINE INDEX, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR ANY COMMUNICATION WITH RESPECT THERETO, INCLUDING, ORAL, WRITTEN, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS. THE COMPANIES SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS IN [THE APPROVED PRODUCT], FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDEXES, NASDAQ INDEX, OR VALUE LINE INDEX. THE COMPANIES MAKE NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY OWNERS OF [THE APPROVED PRODUCT] OR OF PRODUCTS BASED ON THE FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDEXES, NASDAQ INDEX, OR VALUE LINE INDEX, OR BY ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDEXES, NASDAQ INDEX, OR VALUE LINE INDEX, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. THE COMPANIES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO [THE APPROVED PRODUCT], FTIS INDEX, BARCLAYS INDEXES, NASDAQ INDEX, VALUE LINE INDEX, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANIES BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME, OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN MASSMUTUAL ASCEND AND THE COMPANIES.** 

**Neither Barclays Bank PLC ('BB PLC'') nor any of its affiliates (collectively 'Barclays') is the issuer or producer of [the Approved Product(s)] and Barclays has no responsibilities, obligations or duties to investors in [the Approved Product(s)]. The Barclays US 2Y Treasury Futures Index, Barclays US 5Y Treasury Futures Index, Barclays US 10Y Treasury Futures Index, and Barclays US 30Y Treasury Futures Index (collectively, the "Indices"), together with any Barclays indices that are components of the Indices, are trademarks owned by Barclays and, together with any component indices and index data, are licensed for use by MassMutual Ascend as the issuer or producer of [the Approved Product(s)] (the 'Issuer').** 

**Barclays' only relationship with the Issuer in respect of the Indices is the licensing of the Indices, which are administered, compiled and published by BB PLC in its role as the index sponsor (the 'Index Sponsor') without regard to the Issuer or the [Approved Product(s)] or investors in the [Approved Product(s)]. Additionally, MassMutual Ascend as issuer or producer of [the Approved Product(s)] may for itself execute transaction(s) with Barclays in or relating to the Indices in connection with [the Approved Product(s)]. Investors acquire [the Approved Product(s)] from MassMutual Ascend and investors neither acquire any interest in the Indices nor enter into any relationship of any kind whatsoever with Barclays upon making an investment in [the Approved Product(s)]. The [Approved Product(s)] is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Barclays and Barclays makes no representation regarding the advisability of the [Approved Product(s)] or use of the Indices or any data included therein. Barclays shall not be liable in any way to the Issuer, investors or to other third parties in respect of the use or accuracy of the Indices or any data included therein.** 

E1849222NW 4

------

**Barclays Index Administration ("BINDA"), a distinct function within BB PLC, is responsible for day-to-day governance of BB PLC's activities as Index Sponsor.** 

**To protect the integrity of Barclays' indices, BB PLC has in place a control framework designed to identify and remove and/or mitigate (as appropriate) conflicts of interest. Within the control framework, BINDA has the following specific responsibilities:** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **oversight of any third party index calculation agent;** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **acting as approvals body for index lifecycle events (index launch, change and retirement); and** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **resolving unforeseen index calculation issues where discretion or interpretation may be required (for example: upon the occurrence of market disruption events).** 

**To promote the independence of BINDA, the function is operationally separate from BB PLC's sales, trading and structuring desks, investment managers, and other business units that have, or may be perceived to have, interests that may conflict with the independence or integrity of Barclays' indices.** 

**Notwithstanding the foregoing, potential conflicts of interest exist as a consequence of BB PLC providing indices alongside its other businesses. Please note the following in relation to Barclays' indices:** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **BB PLC may act in multiple capacities with respect to a particular index including, but not limited to, functioning as index sponsor, index administrator, index owner and licensor.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **Sales, trading or structuring desks in BB PLC may launch products linked to the performance of a index. These products are typically hedged by BB PLC's trading desks. In hedging an index, a trading desk may purchase or sell constituents of that index. These purchases or sales may affect the prices of the index constituents which could in turn affect the level of that index.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **BB PLC may establish investment funds that track an index or otherwise use an index for portfolio or asset allocation decisions.** 

**The Index Sponsor is under no obligation to continue the administration, compilation and publication of the Indices or the level of the Indices. While the Index Sponsor currently employs the methodology ascribed to the Indices (and application of such methodology shall be conclusive and binding), no assurance can be given that market, regulatory, juridical, financial, fiscal or other circumstances (including, but not limited to, any changes to or any suspension or termination of or any other events affecting any constituent within the Index) will not arise that would, in the view of the Index Sponsor, necessitate an adjustment, modification or change of such methodology. In certain circumstances, the Index Sponsor may suspend or terminate the Indices. The Index Sponsor has appointed a third-party agent (the 'Index Calculation Agent') to calculate and maintain the Indices. While the Index Sponsor is responsible for the operation of the Indices, certain aspects have thus been outsourced to the Index Calculation Agent.** 

**Barclays** 

**1)** **makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the Issuer or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in transactions generally or the ability of the Indices to track the performance of any market or underlying assets or data; and** 

**2)** **has no obligation to take the needs of the Issuer into consideration in administering, compiling or publishing the Indices.** 

E1849222NW 5

------

**Barclays has no obligation or liability in connection with administration, marketing or trading of the [Approved Product(s)].** 

**The licensing agreement between MassMutual Ascend and BB PLC is solely for the benefit of MassMutual Ascend and Barclays and not for the benefit of the owners of the [Approved Product(s)], investors or other third parties.** 

**BARCLAYS DOES NOT GUARANTEE, AND SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY TO THE PURCHASERS AND TRADERS, AS THE CASE MAY BE, OF THE TRANSACTION OR TO THIRD PARTIES FOR THE QUALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INDICES OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR FOR INTERRUPTIONS IN THE DELIVERY OF THE INDICES. BARCLAYS MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDICES INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE INDICES, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. IN NO EVENT SHALL BARCLAYS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR ANY LOST PROFITS, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBLITY OF SUCH DAMAGES SAVE TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.** 

**None of the information supplied by Barclays and used in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the prior written permission of Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England No. 1026167. Registered office 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP.** 

**Bloomberg Index Services Limited is the official index calculation and maintenance agent of the Index, an index owned and administered by Barclays. Bloomberg Index Services Limited does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or completeness of the Index calculations or any data or information relating to the Index. Bloomberg Index Services Limited makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the Index or any data or values relating thereto or results to be obtained therefrom, and expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect thereto. To the maximum extent allowed by law, Bloomberg Index Services Limited, its affiliates, and all of their respective partners, employees, subcontractors, agents, suppliers and vendors (collectively, the 'protected parties') shall have no liability or responsibility, contingent or otherwise, for any injury or damages, whether caused by the negligence of a protected party or otherwise, arising in connection with the calculation of the Index or any data or values included therein or in connection therewith and shall not be liable for any lost profits, losses, punitive, incidental or consequential damages.]** 

**GAIN OR LOSS UNDER THIS CREDITING STRATEGY IS DETERMINED IN PART BASED ON THE FIRST TRUST BARCLAYS EDGE INDEX. HOWEVER, THIS CONTRACT DOES NOT DIRECTLY PARTICIPATE IN ANY EQUITY OR BOND INVESTMENTS.** 

E1849222NW 6

------

This is part of your Contract. It is not a separate contract. It changes the Contract only as and to the extent stated. In all cases of conflict with the other terms of the Contract, the provisions of this Endorsement shall control.

Signed for us at our office as of the Contract Effective Date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202194610794.jpg) ] | [ ![LOGO](g459546g0202194610997.jpg) ] |
| [Mark F. Muething] | [John P. Gruber] |
| [President] | [Secretary] |

---

E1849222NW 7

## Ex-24.(A)

**Exhibit 24(a)** 

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY: RILA PRODUCT FILINGS</u>**

The Undersigned, Dominic L. Blue, director of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company ("MMALIC"), appoints John Gruber, General Counsel of MMALIC, and all persons succeeding him in the capacity of General Counsel, Mark Muething, President of MMALIC, and John Domaschko, Divisional Assistant Vice President, Legal (collectively referred to hereafter as "Attorneys"), as the Undersigned's true and lawful attorneys and agents, each with full power to act individually.

This Power of Attorney authorizes each such Attorney (a) to sign and cause to be filed registration statements of MMALIC under the Securities Act of 1933 for each of the MMALIC Contract Categories listed in the chart below, and all amendments, consents and exhibits thereto; (b) to withdraw such statements or any amendments or exhibits and make requests for acceleration in connection therewith; (c) to take all other action of whatever kind or nature in connection with such registration statements which said attorneys may deem advisable; and (d) to make, file, execute, amend and withdraw documents of every kind, and to take other action of whatever kind they may elect, for the purpose of complying with the laws of any state relating to the sale of securities of MMALIC, the Securities Act of 1933, and any rule, regulation, order or other requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all actions of said attorney and agent hereunder.

---

| |
|:---|
| **MMALIC Contract Categories** |
| **Index Frontier Contracts** |
| **Index Summit 6 Contracts** |
| **Index Frontier Pro Contracts** |
| **Index Summit 6 Pro Contracts** |
| **Index Achiever Contracts** |
| **New Registered Indexed Linked Annuity contract (Name TBD), to be filed by January 2023** |

---

This Power of Attorney hereby revokes any powers of attorney previously given by the Undersigned relating to the MMALIC registration statements listed above, provided that this revocation shall not affect the exercise of such power prior to the date hereof. This Power of Attorney shall not be affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the Undersigned.

The Undersigned has set his hand this 15<sup>th</sup> day of December, 2022, in the City of Springfield, State of Massachusetts.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Dominic L. Blue |
| **Dominic L. Blue, Director** |

---

## Ex-24.(B)

**Exhibit 24(b)** 

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY: RILA PRODUCT FILINGS</u>**

The Undersigned, Susan M. Cicco, director of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company ("MMALIC"), appoints John Gruber, General Counsel of MMALIC, and all persons succeeding him in the capacity of General Counsel, Mark Muething, President of MMALIC, and John Domaschko, Divisional Assistant Vice President, Legal (collectively referred to hereafter as "Attorneys"), as the Undersigned's true and lawful attorneys and agents, each with full power to act individually.

This Power of Attorney authorizes each such Attorney (a) to sign and cause to be filed registration statements of MMALIC under the Securities Act of 1933 for each of the MMALIC Contract Categories listed in the chart below, and all amendments, consents and exhibits thereto; (b) to withdraw such statements or any amendments or exhibits and make requests for acceleration in connection therewith; (c) to take all other action of whatever kind or nature in connection with such registration statements which said attorneys may deem advisable; and (d) to make, file, execute, amend and withdraw documents of every kind, and to take other action of whatever kind they may elect, for the purpose of complying with the laws of any state relating to the sale of securities of MMALIC, the Securities Act of 1933, and any rule, regulation, order or other requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all actions of said attorney and agent hereunder.

---

| |
|:---|
| **MMALIC Contract Categories** |
|  **Index Frontier Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Contracts** |
|  **Index Frontier Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Achiever Contracts** |
|  **New Registered Indexed Linked Annuity contract (Name TBD), to be filed by January 2023** |

---

This Power of Attorney hereby revokes any powers of attorney previously given by the Undersigned relating to the MMALIC registration statements listed above, provided that this revocation shall not affect the exercise of such power prior to the date hereof. This Power of Attorney shall not be affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the Undersigned.

The Undersigned has set her hand this 13<sup>th</sup> day of December, 2022, in the City of Boston, State of Massachusetts.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Susan M. Cicco |
| **Susan M. Cicco, Director** |

---

## Ex-24.(C)

**Exhibit 24(c)** 

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY: RILA PRODUCT FILINGS</u>**

The Undersigned, Geoffrey J. Craddock, director of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company ("MMALIC"), appoints John Gruber, General Counsel of MMALIC, and all persons succeeding him in the capacity of General Counsel, Mark Muething, President of MMALIC, and John Domaschko, Divisional Assistant Vice President, Legal (collectively referred to hereafter as "Attorneys"), as the Undersigned's true and lawful attorneys and agents, each with full power to act individually.

This Power of Attorney authorizes each such Attorney (a) to sign and cause to be filed registration statements of MMALIC under the Securities Act of 1933 for each of the MMALIC Contract Categories listed in the chart below, and all amendments, consents and exhibits thereto; (b) to withdraw such statements or any amendments or exhibits and make requests for acceleration in connection therewith; (c) to take all other action of whatever kind or nature in connection with such registration statements which said attorneys may deem advisable; and (d) to make, file, execute, amend and withdraw documents of every kind, and to take other action of whatever kind they may elect, for the purpose of complying with the laws of any state relating to the sale of securities of MMALIC, the Securities Act of 1933, and any rule, regulation, order or other requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all actions of said attorney and agent hereunder.

---

| |
|:---|
| **MMALIC Contract Categories** |
|  **Index Frontier Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Contracts** |
|  **Index Frontier Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Achiever Contracts** |
|  **New Registered Indexed Linked Annuity contract (Name TBD), to be filed by January 2023** |

---

This Power of Attorney hereby revokes any powers of attorney previously given by the Undersigned relating to the MMALIC registration statements listed above, provided that this revocation shall not affect the exercise of such power prior to the date hereof. This Power of Attorney shall not be affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the Undersigned.

The Undersigned has set his hand this 12<sup>th</sup> day of December, 2022, in the City of Boston, State of Massachusetts.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Geoffrey J. Craddock |
| **Geoffrey J. Craddock, Director** |

---

## Ex-24.(D)

**Exhibit 24(d)** 

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY: RILA PRODUCT FILINGS</u>**

The Undersigned, Roger W. Crandall, director of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company ("MMALIC"), appoints John Gruber, General Counsel of MMALIC, and all persons succeeding him in the capacity of General Counsel, Mark Muething, President of MMALIC, and John Domaschko, Divisional Assistant Vice President, Legal (collectively referred to hereafter as "Attorneys"), as the Undersigned's true and lawful attorneys and agents, each with full power to act individually.

This Power of Attorney authorizes each such Attorney (a) to sign and cause to be filed registration statements of MMALIC under the Securities Act of 1933 for each of the MMALIC Contract Categories listed in the chart below, and all amendments, consents and exhibits thereto; (b) to withdraw such statements or any amendments or exhibits and make requests for acceleration in connection therewith; (c) to take all other action of whatever kind or nature in connection with such registration statements which said attorneys may deem advisable; and (d) to make, file, execute, amend and withdraw documents of every kind, and to take other action of whatever kind they may elect, for the purpose of complying with the laws of any state relating to the sale of securities of MMALIC, the Securities Act of 1933, and any rule, regulation, order or other requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all actions of said attorney and agent hereunder.

---

| |
|:---|
| **MMALIC Contract Categories** |
|  **Index Frontier Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Contracts** |
|  **Index Frontier Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Achiever Contracts** |
|  **New Registered Indexed Linked Annuity contract (Name TBD), to be filed by January 2023** |

---

This Power of Attorney hereby revokes any powers of attorney previously given by the Undersigned relating to the MMALIC registration statements listed above, provided that this revocation shall not affect the exercise of such power prior to the date hereof. This Power of Attorney shall not be affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the Undersigned.

The Undersigned has set his hand this 13<sup>th</sup> day of December, 2022, in the City of Boston, State of Massachusetts.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Roger W. Crandall |
| **Roger W. Crandall, Director** |

---

## Ex-24.(E)

**Exhibit 24(e)** 

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY: RILA PRODUCT FILINGS</u>**

The Undersigned, Michael R. Fanning, director and Chief Executive Officer of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company ("MMALIC"), appoints John Gruber, General Counsel of MMALIC, and all persons succeeding him in the capacity of General Counsel, Mark Muething, President of MMALIC, and John Domaschko, Divisional Assistant Vice President, Legal (collectively referred to hereafter as "Attorneys"), as the Undersigned's true and lawful attorneys and agents, each with full power to act individually.

This Power of Attorney authorizes each such Attorney (a) to sign and cause to be filed registration statements of MMALIC under the Securities Act of 1933 for each of the MMALIC Contract Categories listed in the chart below, and all amendments, consents and exhibits thereto; (b) to withdraw such statements or any amendments or exhibits and make requests for acceleration in connection therewith; (c) to take all other action of whatever kind or nature in connection with such registration statements which said attorneys may deem advisable; and (d) to make, file, execute, amend and withdraw documents of every kind, and to take other action of whatever kind they may elect, for the purpose of complying with the laws of any state relating to the sale of securities of MMALIC, the Securities Act of 1933, and any rule, regulation, order or other requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all actions of said attorney and agent hereunder.

---

| |
|:---|
| **MMALIC Contract Categories** |
|  **Index Frontier Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Contracts** |
|  **Index Frontier Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Achiever Contracts** |
|  **New Registered Indexed Linked Annuity contract (Name TBD), to be filed by January 2023** |

---

This Power of Attorney hereby revokes any powers of attorney previously given by the Undersigned relating to the MMALIC registration statements listed above, provided that this revocation shall not affect the exercise of such power prior to the date hereof. This Power of Attorney shall not be affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the Undersigned.

The Undersigned has set his hand this 12<sup>th</sup> day of December, 2022, in the City of Boston, State of Massachusetts.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Michael R. Fanning |
| **Michael R. Fanning, Director** |

---

## Ex-24.(F)

**Exhibit 24(f)** 

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY: RILA PRODUCT FILINGS</u>**

The Undersigned, Paul A. LaPiana, director of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company ("MMALIC"), appoints John Gruber, General Counsel of MMALIC, and all persons succeeding him in the capacity of General Counsel, Mark Muething, President of MMALIC, and John Domaschko, Divisional Assistant Vice President, Legal (collectively referred to hereafter as "Attorneys"), as the Undersigned's true and lawful attorneys and agents, each with full power to act individually.

This Power of Attorney authorizes each such Attorney (a) to sign and cause to be filed registration statements of MMALIC under the Securities Act of 1933 for each of the MMALIC Contract Categories listed in the chart below, and all amendments, consents and exhibits thereto; (b) to withdraw such statements or any amendments or exhibits and make requests for acceleration in connection therewith; (c) to take all other action of whatever kind or nature in connection with such registration statements which said attorneys may deem advisable; and (d) to make, file, execute, amend and withdraw documents of every kind, and to take other action of whatever kind they may elect, for the purpose of complying with the laws of any state relating to the sale of securities of MMALIC, the Securities Act of 1933, and any rule, regulation, order or other requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all actions of said attorney and agent hereunder.

---

| |
|:---|
| **MMALIC Contract Categories** |
|  **Index Frontier Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Contracts** |
|  **Index Frontier Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Achiever Contracts** |
|  **New Registered Indexed Linked Annuity contract (Name TBD), to be filed by January 2023** |

---

This Power of Attorney hereby revokes any powers of attorney previously given by the Undersigned relating to the MMALIC registration statements listed above, provided that this revocation shall not affect the exercise of such power prior to the date hereof. This Power of Attorney shall not be affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the Undersigned.

The Undersigned has set his hand this 12<sup>th</sup> day of December, 2022, in the City of Park City, State of Utah.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Paul A. LaPiana |
| **Paul A. LaPiana, Director** |

---

## Ex-24.(G)

**Exhibit 24(g)** 

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY: RILA PRODUCT FILINGS</u>**

The Undersigned, Sears Merritt, director of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company ("MMALIC"), appoints John Gruber, General Counsel of MMALIC, and all persons succeeding him in the capacity of General Counsel, Mark Muething, President of MMALIC, and John Domaschko, Divisional Assistant Vice President, Legal (collectively referred to hereafter as "Attorneys"), as the Undersigned's true and lawful attorneys and agents, each with full power to act individually.

This Power of Attorney authorizes each such Attorney (a) to sign and cause to be filed registration statements of MMALIC under the Securities Act of 1933 for each of the MMALIC Contract Categories listed in the chart below, and all amendments, consents and exhibits thereto; (b) to withdraw such statements or any amendments or exhibits and make requests for acceleration in connection therewith; (c) to take all other action of whatever kind or nature in connection with such registration statements which said attorneys may deem advisable; and (d) to make, file, execute, amend and withdraw documents of every kind, and to take other action of whatever kind they may elect, for the purpose of complying with the laws of any state relating to the sale of securities of MMALIC, the Securities Act of 1933, and any rule, regulation, order or other requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all actions of said attorney and agent hereunder.

---

| |
|:---|
| **MMALIC Contract Categories** |
|  **Index Frontier Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Contracts** |
|  **Index Frontier Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Achiever Contracts** |
|  **New Registered Indexed Linked Annuity contract (Name TBD), to be filed by January 2023** |

---

This Power of Attorney hereby revokes any powers of attorney previously given by the Undersigned relating to the MMALIC registration statements listed above, provided that this revocation shall not affect the exercise of such power prior to the date hereof. This Power of Attorney shall not be affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the Undersigned.

The Undersigned has set his hand this 13<sup>th</sup> day of December, 2022, in the City of Boston, State of Massachusetts.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Sears Merritt |
| **Sears Merritt, Director** |

---

## Ex-24.(H)

**Exhibit 24(h)** 

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY: RILA PRODUCT FILINGS</u>**

The Undersigned, Mark F. Muething, director and President of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company ("MMALIC"), appoints John Gruber, General Counsel of MMALIC, and all persons succeeding him in the capacity of General Counsel, and John Domaschko, Divisional Assistant Vice President, Legal (collectively referred to hereafter as "Attorneys"), as the Undersigned's true and lawful attorneys and agents, each with full power to act individually.

This Power of Attorney authorizes each such Attorney (a) to sign and cause to be filed registration statements of MMALIC under the Securities Act of 1933 for each of the MMALIC Contract Categories listed in the chart below, and all amendments, consents and exhibits thereto; (b) to withdraw such statements or any amendments or exhibits and make requests for acceleration in connection therewith; (c) to take all other action of whatever kind or nature in connection with such registration statements which said attorneys may deem advisable; and (d) to make, file, execute, amend and withdraw documents of every kind, and to take other action of whatever kind they may elect, for the purpose of complying with the laws of any state relating to the sale of securities of MMALIC, the Securities Act of 1933, and any rule, regulation, order or other requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all actions of said attorney and agent hereunder.

---

| |
|:---|
| **MMALIC Contract Categories** |
|  **Index Frontier Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Contracts** |
|  **Index Frontier Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Achiever Contracts** |
|  **New Registered Indexed Linked Annuity contract (Name TBD), to be filed by January 2023** |

---

This Power of Attorney hereby revokes any powers of attorney previously given by the Undersigned relating to the MMALIC registration statements listed above, provided that this revocation shall not affect the exercise of such power prior to the date hereof. This Power of Attorney shall not be affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the Undersigned.

The Undersigned has set his hand this 14<sup>th</sup> day of December, 2022, in the City of Cincinnati, State of Ohio.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Mark F. Muething |
| **Mark F. Muething, Director** |

---

## Ex-24.(I)

**Exhibit 24(i)** 

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY: RILA PRODUCT FILINGS</u>**

The Undersigned, Michael J. O'Connor, director of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company ("MMALIC"), appoints John Gruber, General Counsel of MMALIC, and all persons succeeding him in the capacity of General Counsel, Mark Muething, President of MMALIC, and John Domaschko, Divisional Assistant Vice President, Legal (collectively referred to hereafter as "Attorneys"), as the Undersigned's true and lawful attorneys and agents, each with full power to act individually.

This Power of Attorney authorizes each such Attorney (a) to sign and cause to be filed registration statements of MMALIC under the Securities Act of 1933 for each of the MMALIC Contract Categories listed in the chart below, and all amendments, consents and exhibits thereto; (b) to withdraw such statements or any amendments or exhibits and make requests for acceleration in connection therewith; (c) to take all other action of whatever kind or nature in connection with such registration statements which said attorneys may deem advisable; and (d) to make, file, execute, amend and withdraw documents of every kind, and to take other action of whatever kind they may elect, for the purpose of complying with the laws of any state relating to the sale of securities of MMALIC, the Securities Act of 1933, and any rule, regulation, order or other requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all actions of said attorney and agent hereunder.

---

| |
|:---|
| **MMALIC Contract Categories** |
|  **Index Frontier Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Contracts** |
|  **Index Frontier Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Achiever Contracts** |
|  **New Registered Indexed Linked Annuity contract (Name TBD), to be filed by January 2023** |

---

This Power of Attorney hereby revokes any powers of attorney previously given by the Undersigned relating to the MMALIC registration statements listed above, provided that this revocation shall not affect the exercise of such power prior to the date hereof. This Power of Attorney shall not be affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the Undersigned.

The Undersigned has set his hand this 12<sup>th</sup> day of December, 2022, in the City of Boston, State of Massachusetts.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Michael J. O'Connor |
| **Michael J. O'Connor, Director** |

---

## Ex-24.(J)

**Exhibit 24(j)** 

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY: RILA PRODUCT FILINGS</u>**

The Undersigned, Eric W. Partlan, director of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company ("MMALIC"), appoints John Gruber, General Counsel of MMALIC, and all persons succeeding him in the capacity of General Counsel, Mark Muething, President of MMALIC, and John Domaschko, Divisional Assistant Vice President, Legal (collectively referred to hereafter as "Attorneys"), as the Undersigned's true and lawful attorneys and agents, each with full power to act individually.

This Power of Attorney authorizes each such Attorney (a) to sign and cause to be filed registration statements of MMALIC under the Securities Act of 1933 for each of the MMALIC Contract Categories listed in the chart below, and all amendments, consents and exhibits thereto; (b) to withdraw such statements or any amendments or exhibits and make requests for acceleration in connection therewith; (c) to take all other action of whatever kind or nature in connection with such registration statements which said attorneys may deem advisable; and (d) to make, file, execute, amend and withdraw documents of every kind, and to take other action of whatever kind they may elect, for the purpose of complying with the laws of any state relating to the sale of securities of MMALIC, the Securities Act of 1933, and any rule, regulation, order or other requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all actions of said attorney and agent hereunder.

---

| |
|:---|
| **MMALIC Contract Categories** |
|  **Index Frontier Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Contracts** |
|  **Index Frontier Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Achiever Contracts** |
|  **New Registered Indexed Linked Annuity contract (Name TBD), to be filed by January 2023** |

---

This Power of Attorney hereby revokes any powers of attorney previously given by the Undersigned relating to the MMALIC registration statements listed above, provided that this revocation shall not affect the exercise of such power prior to the date hereof. This Power of Attorney shall not be affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the Undersigned.

The Undersigned has set his hand this 12<sup>th</sup> day of December, 2022, in the City of Boston, State of Massachusetts.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Eric W. Partlan |
| **Eric W. Partlan, Director** |

---

## Ex-24.(K)

**Exhibit 24(k)** 

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY: RILA PRODUCT FILINGS</u>**

The Undersigned, Arthur W. Wallace, director of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company ("MMALIC"), appoints John Gruber, General Counsel of MMALIC, and all persons succeeding him in the capacity of General Counsel, Mark Muething, President of MMALIC, and John Domaschko, Divisional Assistant Vice President, Legal (collectively referred to hereafter as "Attorneys"), as the Undersigned's true and lawful attorneys and agents, each with full power to act individually.

This Power of Attorney authorizes each such Attorney (a) to sign and cause to be filed registration statements of MMALIC under the Securities Act of 1933 for each of the MMALIC Contract Categories listed in the chart below, and all amendments, consents and exhibits thereto; (b) to withdraw such statements or any amendments or exhibits and make requests for acceleration in connection therewith; (c) to take all other action of whatever kind or nature in connection with such registration statements which said attorneys may deem advisable; and (d) to make, file, execute, amend and withdraw documents of every kind, and to take other action of whatever kind they may elect, for the purpose of complying with the laws of any state relating to the sale of securities of MMALIC, the Securities Act of 1933, and any rule, regulation, order or other requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all actions of said attorney and agent hereunder.

---

| |
|:---|
| **MMALIC Contract Categories** |
|  **Index Frontier Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Contracts** |
|  **Index Frontier Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Achiever Contracts** |
|  **New Registered Indexed Linked Annuity contract (Name TBD), to be filed by January 2023** |

---

This Power of Attorney hereby revokes any powers of attorney previously given by the Undersigned relating to the MMALIC registration statements listed above, provided that this revocation shall not affect the exercise of such power prior to the date hereof. This Power of Attorney shall not be affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the Undersigned.

The Undersigned has set his hand this 13<sup>th</sup> day of December, 2022, in the City of Springfield, State of Massachusetts.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Arthur W. Wallace |
| **Arthur W. Wallace, Director** |

---

## Ex-24.(L)

**Exhibit 24(l)** 

**<u>POWER OF ATTORNEY: RILA PRODUCT FILINGS</u>**

The Undersigned, Elizabeth A. Ward, director and Chief Financial Officer of MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company ("MMALIC"), appoints John Gruber, General Counsel of MMALIC, and all persons succeeding him in the capacity of General Counsel, Mark Muething, President of MMALIC, and John Domaschko, Divisional Assistant Vice President, Legal (collectively referred to hereafter as "Attorneys"), as the Undersigned's true and lawful attorneys and agents, each with full power to act individually.

This Power of Attorney authorizes each such Attorney (a) to sign and cause to be filed registration statements of MMALIC under the Securities Act of 1933 for each of the MMALIC Contract Categories listed in the chart below, and all amendments, consents and exhibits thereto; (b) to withdraw such statements or any amendments or exhibits and make requests for acceleration in connection therewith; (c) to take all other action of whatever kind or nature in connection with such registration statements which said attorneys may deem advisable; and (d) to make, file, execute, amend and withdraw documents of every kind, and to take other action of whatever kind they may elect, for the purpose of complying with the laws of any state relating to the sale of securities of MMALIC, the Securities Act of 1933, and any rule, regulation, order or other requirement of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all actions of said attorney and agent hereunder.

---

| |
|:---|
| **MMALIC Contract Categories** |
|  **Index Frontier Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Contracts** |
|  **Index Frontier Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Summit 6 Pro Contracts** |
|  **Index Achiever Contracts** |
|  **New Registered Indexed Linked Annuity contract (Name TBD), to be filed by January 2023** |

---

This Power of Attorney hereby revokes any powers of attorney previously given by the Undersigned relating to the MMALIC registration statements listed above, provided that this revocation shall not affect the exercise of such power prior to the date hereof. This Power of Attorney shall not be affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the Undersigned.

The Undersigned has set her hand this 12th day of December, 2022, in the City of Boston, State of Massachusetts.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Elizabeth A. Ward |
| **Elizabeth A. Ward, Director** |

---

## Ex-Filing

**Exhibit 107** 

**Calculation of Filing Fee Tables** 

Form S-1

(Form Type)

MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

<u>Table 1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward Securities</u> 

---

| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Security<br>Type | Security<br> Class<br> Title | Fee<br>Calculation<br>or Carry<br>Forward<br>Rule | Amount<br>Registered | Proposed<br>Maximum<br>Offering<br>Price Per<br>Unit | Maximum<br> Aggregate<br> Offering<br> Price | Fee<br>Rate | Amount of<br>Registration<br>Fee | Carry<br>Forward<br>Form<br> Type | Carry<br> Forward<br> File<br> Number | Carry<br>Forward<br> Initial<br> Effective<br> Date | Filing Fee<br>Previously<br> Paid in<br>Connection<br> with<br> Unsold<br>Securities<br> to be<br> Carried<br>Forward |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newly Registered Securities |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fees Previously Paid | Other | Individual<br>Index-<br>linked<br>Modified<br>Single<br>Premium<br>Deferred<br>Annuity<br>Contract<br>and<br>interests<br>therein | 457(o) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carry Forward Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carry Forward Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carry Forward Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carry Forward Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carry Forward Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carry Forward Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carry Forward Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carry Forward Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carry Forward Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carry Forward Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carry Forward Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carry Forward Securities | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carry Forward Securities |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carry Forward Securities | Other | Individual<br>Index-<br>linked<br>Modified<br>Single<br>Premium<br>Deferred<br>Annuity<br>Contract<br>and<br>interests<br>therein | 415(a)(6) | N/A | N/A | $150827733.47 | N/A | N/A | Form S-1 | 333-263740 | 7/15/2022 | $13981.73 |
|  | Total Offering Amounts | Total Offering Amounts | Total Offering Amounts | Total Offering Amounts |  | $150827733.47 |  | $0 |  |  |  |  |
|  | Total Fees Previously Paid | Total Fees Previously Paid | Total Fees Previously Paid | Total Fees Previously Paid |  |  |  | $0 |  |  |  |  |
|  | Total Fee Offsets | Total Fee Offsets | Total Fee Offsets | Total Fee Offsets |  |  |  | $0 |  |  |  |  |
|  | Net Fee Due | Net Fee Due | Net Fee Due | Net Fee Due |  |  |  | $0 |  |  |  |  |

---

## Cover

![LOGO](g459546g0202052133591.jpg)

February 3, 2023

**<u>VIA EDGAR</u>**

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE

Washington, DC 20549

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Re:** | **MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company**  |

---

**Registration Statement on Form S-1**

Commissioners:

MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company (the "Company") is filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), a registration statement (the "Registration Statement") for the Index Achiever Advisory Annuity and the Index Achiever Annuity, each a modified single premium deferred annuity contract (the "Contracts"). The Registration Statement includes a separate prospectus for each Contract and a single Part II.

The Company respectfully requests selective review of the Registration Statement in accordance with Securities Act Release No. 6510 (Feb. 15, 1984). Except for the changes discussed below, the disclosure in the Registration Statement is not substantially different from the disclosure included in Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the prior registration statement for the Contracts, as filed on July 15, 2022 (File No. 333-263740; Accession No. 0001193125-22-194748), which was reviewed by the Commission staff and declared effective by the Commission on July 15, 2022.

The changes made in the Registration Statement reflect:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The addition of two new strategies and one new index to the Index Achiever Advisory Annuity Contract.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The addition of a Performance Lock feature to each of the Contracts

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Clarification regarding the strategies a withdrawal will be taken from first

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Other nonmaterial revisions.

In addition, multiple exhibits are included with the filing. The purpose of most of the exhibits is clear, but the purpose of Exhibits 4(b)(1) through 4(c)(1) may not be self-evident. Those exhibits were filed to update the branding in the documents to incorporate the Company's new name.

The Company will separately provide a marked copy of the Registration Statement to facilitate the Commission Staff's review. Other than the new and revised disclosures in the Registration Statement reflecting the changes listed above, the Company believes that there are no other disclosures in the Registration Statement that warrant particular attention by the Commission staff.

------

Please direct any questions or comments regarding the Registration Statement to the undersigned at 513.361.9401 or at jdomaschko@mmascend.com.

---

| |
|:---|
| Sincerely, |
| /s/ John V. Domaschko |
| John V. Domaschko |
| Divisional Assistant Vice President |
| MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company |

---

cc: John V. Domaschko, MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company

John P. Gruber, MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company

Dodie Kent, Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP