An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company, under which you make a lump-sum payment or series of payments. In return, the insurer agrees to make periodic payments to you beginning immediately or at some future date. Annuities typically offer tax-deferred earning and may include a death benefit that will pay your beneficiary a guaranteed minimum amount, such as your total purchase payments.
Unlike retirement plans, however, there is no limit as to how much you can invest in annuities! The number of annuity products on the market today can make selecting the most suitable annuity a confusing process. In fact, there are essentially three types of annuities.
Important Considerations
Investors need to understand the annuity into which they may invest. Finally, consider the following:
Unlike retirement plans, however, there is no limit as to how much you can invest in annuities! The number of annuity products on the market today can make selecting the most suitable annuity a confusing process. In fact, there are essentially three types of annuities.
- Timing of payout – immediate or deferred: In an immediate annuity, the investor begins to receive payments immediately upon investing. This is for investors who need immediate income from their annuity. In a deferred annuity, the investor receives payments starting at some later date, usually at retirement.
- Investment type – fixed or variable: Fixed annuities are invested primarily in government securities and high-grade corporate bonds. They offer a guaranteed rate, typically over a period of one to ten years. Variable annuities enable you to invest in a selection of sub- accounts, such as securities portfolios, fixed interest accounts, and money market securities.
- Liquidity options – Most annuities allow you to withdraw either your interest earnings or up to 15% per year without a penalty (although any withdrawal from an annuity may be subject to taxes and a 10% federal penalty if taken before age 59).
- Fixed annuity: The insurance company guarantees that you will earn a minimum rate of interest during the time that your account is growing. Plus, it guarantees that the periodic payments will be a set amount. These periodic payments may last for a definite period, such as 20 years, or an indefinite period, such as your lifetime or the lifetime of you and your spouse.
- Equity-indexed annuity is a special type of annuity. During the accumulation period – when you make either a lump sum payment or a series of payments – the insurance company credits you with a return that is based on changes in an equity index, such as the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index. The insurance company typically guarantees a minimum return. After the accumulation period, the insurance company will make periodic payments to you under the terms of your contract, unless you choose to receive a lump sum.
Important Considerations
Investors need to understand the annuity into which they may invest. Finally, consider the following:
- The rating of the insurance company issuing the annuity, particularly in the case of a fixed annuity.
- Understand the fees paid to the brokers that market the annuities on behalf of the insurance company.
- Any withdrawal from an annuity may be subject to taxes and a 10% federal penalty if taken prior to 59 years of age
