Annuities

There are two parts to the fundamental structure of an annuity:

1. The phase of accumulation

As you would for a mutual fund or other financial product, you invest during accumulation.

2. Annuitization

At a later date, you can start to make steady payments based on the elected income options, product nature, and your overall value.

Most investors make use of an annuity for retirement savings. During their working life, they make investments and framework the annuity to pay them back after they turn 65. The organized nature of the returns of an annuity allows the investor to use it, if they choose, as a substitute for a paycheck.

Sure, these financial products can be complex, but they are also one of the few sources of life-sustainable retirement income. Most provide protection for the death benefit as well, but this may vary depending on the type of annuity purchased or may differ depending on the annuity plan chosen within that annuity in other types of annuities.

Upon retirement, you may consider purchasing an annuity using your retirement plan. You don’t have to buy an annuity but if you want a regular income, it may be the right solution for you and thus is worth exploring. Buying an annuity may contain options that are irreversible decision, so spending time looking at the options and shopping around is important.

Choosing an annuity means more than just getting the best market value.

An annuity broker who suggests an annuity will have to choose one they think is right for you, based on your information. There are lots of options out there. To make an appropriate suggestion they need full information about your life and financial situation.

Expect your broker to ask about:

1. Your Age

2. Your Financial Situation (assets, debts, income, tax status, how you plan to pay for the annuity)

3. Your Risk Tolerance

4. Your Financial Goals & Experience

5. How You Plan To Use The Annuity

If you are not comfortable with the annuity, ask the broker of your annuity to explain why they recommend it. Don’t purchase an annuity that you don’t understand or it doesn’t seem right for you.

Within the various types of annuities, you have several options for how you want the revenue to be paid. If you have decided to purchase an annuity after getting guidance or advice, you can explore the market to help make sure you can have the choices for yourself and family.

1. Annuitize

When you annuitize, you tell the insurance to start paying you, normally by filling out a form. When you provide these instructions, you will need to select from the available options to arrange payments to you. Once payments start you cannot take any more money out of the annuity. You can’t usually change the amount of your payments either. If you died before the payment period ends, you might not receive any payments for your survivors depending on the payout option you select.

2. Partial Withdrawal

Most tax deferred annuities allow you to take out a certain amount (usually up to 10 percent) annually without paying surrender fees on that amount. Check your disclosure and/or prospectus. You can also ask your agent  ways you may be able to withdraw money from the annuity without a surrender charge.

3. Full Withdrawal

In a lump-sum payment, you can withdraw the annuity’s money surrender value, and end your annuity. If it is during the surrender charge period, you will probably need to pay a charge to do this

4. Living Benefits For Fixed Annuities

Many fixed annuities, notably fixed indexed annuities, provide a guaranteed living benefit, usually at an additional charge. A common form is called a lifetime guaranteed withdrawal benefit that guarantees that as long as you survive you will receive income payments. Once you get payments, interest on the money left in your annuity continues to be paid. You may have to interrupt and restart payments or you may be able to receive extra money from your annuity. And if the payments decrease the annuity value to null at some point, you’ll continue to receive payments for the rest of your life. When you die when receiving payments any remaining account value may be left to your survivor or beneficiaries.

Some annuity contracts provide a means for retirement savings. You can convert your savings into a retirement income channel. Others continue to do so. If you use an annuity as a savings plan, you have a deferred annuity and the insurance provider is extending your payment for long term growth. If you use the annuity to establish a source of retirement income, you get an immediate annuity and your payments start right away.

A variety of annuities are available to fit your specific needs. There are fixed annuities, fixed indexed annuities, variable annuities and Medicaid compliant annuities.

Getting started is easy. Just fill out our short form to start the process and be on your way to a stable financial future.

General Resources

Updated Investor Bulletin | U.S. Securities and Exchange Comission

What is an Annuity? | Investopedia

Understanding Variable Annuities | Morgan Stanley

Variable Life Insurance | Investor.gov