According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, inflation is currently surging at the fastest rate in over 40 years. The 2022 Consumer Price Index (CPI) is up over 8% from 2021. Annuities mitigate risk from market declines and provide inflation protection for retirement savings….(read more)

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If you are planning on investing in an annuity or currently own one, it is important to understand the concept of inflation protection. An annuity is a financial product that provides a guaranteed income stream for a certain period, typically for the rest of your life. However, the value of the income stream can be eroded over time due to inflation, which is the rise in the price of goods and services over time.

Inflation protection is a feature of some annuities that increases the income payments over time to keep up with inflation. There are two main types of inflation protection: fixed and variable. Fixed inflation protection provides a set percentage increase in income payments each year. Variable inflation protection is tied to an inflation index, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and adjusts the income payments accordingly.

It is important to note that inflation protection comes at a cost. An annuity with inflation protection will typically have a lower starting income payment compared to an annuity without inflation protection. This is because the insurance company must set aside more money to cover the potential increase in income payments.

Another important factor to consider is the inflation rate itself. Inflation rates can fluctuate over time and can be unpredictable. While inflation protection can help offset the effects of inflation, it may not fully protect against inflation if the inflation rate is particularly high.

Inflation protection can be a valuable feature for those who want to ensure their income payments keep up with the rising cost of living. However, it is important to carefully consider the cost of this feature, as well as the potential effects of inflation on your overall financial plan.

In summary, inflation protection is a feature of some annuities that can help protect the value of your income payments over time. It comes at a cost and may not fully protect against high inflation rates. If you are considering an annuity with inflation protection, be sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons and consult with a financial professional to determine if it is the right choice for your financial goals.