Annuities Explained
3 minute read
Annuities are Protected Income
Whether you’re planning for retirement or retired, we all have our bucket list of things to pursue and accomplish in our next chapter of life. Whatever is on your list, most of it will involve spending some money.
That’s why millions of Americans use annuities to protect and grow their retirement savings to help cover their basic monthly expenses – things like a mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries, or transportation – so they have the peace of mind and freedom to live the retirement they want.
Annuities have protected the retirement of millions of Americans over the centuries. Benjamin Franklin saw the power of annuities by giving them to the cities of Philadelphia and Boston in his will. In 2007, then Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke disclosed that his largest financial assets are annuities.
Get started today! Click below to email your financial advisor and ask how an annuity can protect your retirement.
Check out the timeline below to learn more about how annuities have been a reliable and trusted option for decades.
In simple terms, an annuity is a contract between an individual (or married couple) and a life insurance company. Depending on the type of annuity, you purchase an annuity with a portion of your retirement savings in either a single payment or with multiple payments over time.
There are many annuity types available today, with different features, benefits, and costs, but they basically fall into three main categories:
Fixed
An annuity that protects your principal from market downturns and offers a fixed rate of interest for growth and guaranteed monthly payments.
Fixed Index
An annuity that protects your principal from market downturns, offers a minimum crediting rate with potential for additional interest based on market indexes, and guaranteed monthly payments.
Variable
An annuity that offers the potential to grow your money through various market investments, but with the potential for market loss, and the option of receiving guaranteed monthly income payments.
There are also two main types of payout options:
Deferred
You delay receiving monthly income payments to a future date, giving your money in the account time to grow.
Immediate
Monthly income payments begin shortly after purchasing the annuity.
Alliance for Lifetime Income Protected Income TV
For more Alliance video content, visit our videos page at Protected Income TV.
Interested in learning more about how an annuity might be right for you? Check out our resources below and find a financial professional who can help get you started.
PROTECTED INCOME FOR THE BEST OUTCOME: THIS IS WHAT AN ANNUITY CAN DO
*“Annuities are long-term financial products designed for retirement purposes. Early withdrawals may be subject to withdrawal charges. Partial withdrawals may reduce benefits available under the contract. Withdrawals of taxable amounts are subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken prior to age 59½, an additional 10% federal tax may apply. Optional income protection features are subject to additional fees, requirements and other limitations. Keep in mind, for retirement plans and accounts (such as IRAs and 401(k)s), an annuity provides no additional tax-deferred benefit beyond that provided by the retirement plan or account itself. Contract and optional benefit guarantees are backed by the financial strength of the issuing insurer.”