What are Annuities?
An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company that promises to pay you income. Different types of annuities are sold by a variety of institutions and professionals, such as insurance companies, banks, and financial advisors.

You can purchase an annuity by making a lump sum payment, or making multiple payments–called premiums–over time. In return, the insurance company invests your money and typically gives you a series of payments, which is called annuitization.

If your payments start right away, it’s called an immediate annuity; if they’re delayed until some time in the future, it’s a deferred annuity. The income you receive from an annuity can be paid out monthly, quarterly, yearly, or even as a lump sum payment.

A big advantage of annuities is that you can contribute as much as you want for retirement. Unlike other tax-deferred vehicles—such as a workplace 401(k) or an IRA—annuities have no annual contribution limits.

Having the option to put away more money is critical, especially if you’re close to retirement age and need to catch up. Annuities were created to provide an income stream that lasts a certain period of time, or even for as long as you live, so you never run out of money in retirement….(read more)

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Annuities are a popular retirement income option for many retirees. Annuities are contracts between an individual and an insurance company, in which the insurance company agrees to make periodic payments to the individual in exchange for a lump sum of money. Annuities are often used to supplement Social Security and other retirement income sources.

The Pros of Annuities

Annuities have several advantages for retirees. First, annuities provide a guaranteed stream of income for life. This means that retirees will never outlive their retirement income. Additionally, annuities offer tax advantages. Annuity payments are typically tax-deferred, which means that the income is not taxed until it is withdrawn. This can help retirees save money on taxes. Annuities can also be customized to meet the individual needs of retirees. For example, some annuities allow the retiree to choose how long they want to receive payments, or they can choose to receive payments for the rest of their life.

The Cons of Annuities

While annuities have many advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One of the biggest drawbacks is the cost. Annuities typically have high fees and commissions, which can significantly reduce the amount of money the retiree receives. Additionally, annuities are not liquid assets, which means that the retiree cannot access the money until the annuity matures or until the retiree dies. This can be a problem if the retiree needs access to the money before the annuity matures. Finally, annuities typically do not offer inflation protection, which means that the value of the payments may not keep up with inflation.

Overall, annuities can be a good option for retirees who are looking for a guaranteed stream of income. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Retirees should also consider other options, such as investments and Social Security, before deciding on an annuity.