An annuity is a financial product offered by insurance companies. It helps individuals grow their savings and convert them into predictable income payments, typically used for retirement planning.

Whether you’re looking to grow your savings or ensure income for life, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about annuities.

Two Primary Purposes: Accumulation & Distribution

Accumulation

  • Buyers deposit premiums into the annuity contract, which are invested and grow tax-deferred.
  • Growth options include:
    • Fixed annuities (MYGAs): Guaranteed interest rate. See our marketplace for fixed annuities with the highest rates.
    • Fixed index annuities (FIAs): Growth tied to an index like the S&P 500.

Distribution

  • Funds are converted into regular income payments or a lump sum.
  • Payments (annuitization) are calculated to last for a fixed period or the owner’s lifetime.

Why Are Annuities Great for Retirement?

  • Tax-deferred growth allows funds to compound faster.
  • Predictable income ensures financial security.
  • They serve as both a savings tool and a structured income source.

Key Players in an Annuity Contract: Understanding the Roles

Annuities are not just financial products—they are contracts that involve several key parties, each with distinct responsibilities. Understanding these roles helps you navigate how annuities function and make informed decisions. Here are the four primary parties involved in an annuity contract:

The Insurer

The insurer is the insurance company that issues the annuity. They manage the investment of premiums, track the contract’s growth, and pay out benefits or withdrawals. The insurer’s financial strength underpins the guarantees provided by the annuity contract, making their stability crucial to your investment.

The Owner

The owner holds the rights to the annuity contract and makes all key decisions, such as choosing beneficiaries, selecting payout options, and managing investments (for variable annuities). Owners also assume tax obligations on withdrawals or payouts. Joint ownership is common among spouses, offering shared decision-making.

The Annuitant

The annuitant is the individual whose life expectancy determines the payment structure. Payments are calculated based on the annuitant’s lifespan, ensuring income during retirement. Often, the annuitant and the owner are the same person.

The Beneficiary

The beneficiary is the person or entity designated to receive the death benefit. Annuities may be owner-driven (death benefits triggered by the owner’s death) or annuitant-driven (triggered by the annuitant’s death). Beneficiaries play a critical role in estate planning and ensure that remaining contract funds pass to loved ones or designated organizations.

Annuity Issue Ages

Insurers set minimum and maximum issue ages for annuity contracts, which can range from as low as 0 years old to as high as 90, depending on the contract type. Age limits may differ for owners and annuitants, and riders (optional add-ons) may have their own restrictions.

By understanding the roles of the insurer, owner, annuitant, and beneficiary, you can tailor an annuity to fit your financial and retirement goals.

Benefits of Annuities

Annuities are versatile financial tools that provide unique advantages for retirement planning. Below are some of the key benefits that make them a popular choice:

  • Tax-Deferred Growth: Funds in an annuity grow tax-deferred, allowing your savings to compound more efficiently over time.
  • Death Benefits: Many annuities include a guaranteed death benefit, ensuring a financial legacy for your loved ones.
  • Flexible Funding Options: Annuities can be purchased with a single premium or through flexible contributions, depending on your financial situation.
  • Lifetime Income: Annuities can provide income for life, ensuring you don’t outlive your retirement savings.
  • Probate Avoidance: Funds in an annuity pass directly to beneficiaries, bypassing the probate process.
  • No Contribution Limits: Unlike IRAs or 401(k)s, annuities do not impose annual contribution limits.
  • Crisis Waivers: Many contracts offer fee waivers for withdrawals during emergencies, such as terminal illness or long-term care needs.

Types of Annuities

Annuities are versatile financial products designed to help individuals achieve their income and savings goals. They can be categorized based on two fundamental factors:

  • When payments begin: Immediate vs. Deferred Annuities
  • How funds grow: Fixed, Indexed, or Variable Annuities

When Payments Begin: Immediate vs. Deferred Annuities

Immediate Annuities

Immediate annuities provide a guaranteed stream of income starting shortly after purchase, often within one month. They are ideal for individuals ready to turn savings into income. Key features include:

  • Single premium payment at purchase
  • Payments can last for a fixed term, the annuitant’s lifetime, or the joint lifetimes of two annuitants
  • Fixed or variable income streams
  • Also known as Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIAs)

Deferred Annuities

Deferred annuities are designed for long-term savings, allowing funds to grow during an accumulation phase before payments begin. Features include:

  • Flexibility to fund with a lump sum or multiple contributions
  • Tax-deferred growth during the accumulation period
  • Options at the end of the accumulation phase:
    • Withdraw funds
    • Continue accumulating
    • Convert to income (annuitize)
  • Often used for retirement planning

Deferred Income Annuities (DIAs)

DIAs are a hybrid of immediate and deferred annuities. While they are designed to provide guaranteed income like SPIAs, payments begin after a deferral period (typically 5–10 years). DIAs are ideal for individuals looking to lock in a future income stream today.

Annuities can be categorized based on when payments begin. Here’s a comparison:

Feature Immediate Annuities Deferred Annuities Deferred Income Annuities (DIAs)
Payment Start Shortly after purchase (within one month) After an accumulation phase After a deferral period (typically 5–10 years)
Purpose Converts savings into immediate income Focuses on long-term savings Provides future guaranteed income
Funding Single premium payment Single or flexible contributions Single or flexible contributions
Income Duration Fixed term, lifetime, or joint lifetime Flexible based on annuitization or withdrawals Guaranteed for lifetime or fixed term
Ideal For Retirees needing immediate income Individuals planning for future retirement Those locking in future income today

How Funds Grow: Fixed, Indexed, and Variable Annuities

Fixed Annuities

Fixed annuities offer predictable returns and guaranteed income. They are best for risk-averse individuals seeking stability. Features include:

  • Guaranteed interest during the accumulation phase
  • Fixed income payments during the payout phase
  • Minimum guaranteed interest rate protects against market fluctuations

Indexed Annuities

Indexed annuities provide growth tied to a market index, such as the S&P 500, while protecting against market losses. Features include:

  • Interest credited based on index performance
  • Minimum guaranteed rate ensures principal protection
  • Potential for higher growth compared to fixed annuities

Variable Annuities

Variable annuities allow funds to grow based on the performance of investment portfolios, such as stocks or bonds. These are suitable for those willing to accept higher risks for potentially greater rewards. Features include:

  • Investment risk borne by the contract owner
  • Higher growth potential compared to fixed and indexed annuities
  • Optional living benefit riders for added guarantees
  • Regulated as both insurance and securities products

Here’s a comparison of how different annuities grow:

Feature Fixed Annuities Indexed Annuities Variable Annuities
Growth Mechanism Guaranteed interest during the accumulation phase Growth tied to a market index (e.g., S&P 500) Growth based on performance of investment portfolios
Risk Level Low risk, suitable for stability seekers Moderate risk with principal protection Higher risk, suitable for growth-focused investors
Guarantees Minimum guaranteed interest rate Minimum guaranteed rate for principal protection No guarantees; depends on investment performance
Income Type Fixed income payments during the payout phase Potential for higher income tied to index performance Income varies based on portfolio returns
Regulation Regulated as insurance products Regulated as insurance products Regulated as both insurance and securities products
Additional Features Predictable and stable returns Potential for higher growth compared to fixed annuities Optional living benefit riders for added guarantees

Choosing the Right Annuity

Your choice of annuity depends on your financial goals: