What is an Annuity?

Your Complete Guide to Annuities and How They Can Help with Your Retirement

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What is an Annuity?

Annuity Definition: An annuity is a financial product sold by insurance companies. It guarantees reliable income to the purchaser (annuitant) for life or a predetermined period of time. The most serious risk you face in retirement is: Living longer than your assets. There are many different types of annuity contracts (term, lifetime, fixed, variable, etc...). A fixed lifetime annuity is the type of annuity used most often in retirement. A fixed lifetime annuity guarantees income in a predetermined amount so you don’t run out of money – no matter how long you live.

Annuities Pros and Cons

Annuities offer some considerable benefits over other kinds of retirement investments, especially for those not able or willing to risk losing a portion of their retirement savings. One downside is that costs are too high. So, are annuities good or bad? Read more...

How Do Annuities Work?

Annuities are insurance products that guarantee income. You pay a lump sum and – in return – get guaranteed monthly payments. Lifetime annuities guarantee that income for life – no matter how long you live. Read more...

Types of Annuities

There are many different types of annuities. You can:

  • Start receiving income now (immediate annuities)
  • Defer the start of income (deferred annuities)
  • Guarantee income payments for life (lifetime annuity
  • Set a specific time period to receive income (term annuities)
  • Get income based on investment returns (index annuities)
  • Determine upfront how much income you want (fixed annuities)
  • Guarantee your income grows with inflation (COLA)
  • Insure that your spouse receives income even after you die

Read more about types of annuities on the annuity calculator page...

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