Sep
14

More About Annuities

By Janet L. Critchley

Although annuities come at a significant cost, they may be a suitable insurance product. Given that retirement funds may need to provide income for 30+ years, longevity is a big risk. An annuity can provide you with a flow of income that you cannot outlive. Plus, its internal growth is on a tax-deferred basis.

You can select an annuity to cover your life only, and at additional cost, have a percentage of your benefits continue to your spouse after your death. This provides your spouse with a baseline of guaranteed lifetime income. Read More→

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An annuity is a way to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis and be provided an income stream over your life and, optionally, the life of your spouse. An annuity can be looked at in two ways; as an insurance vehicle to secure lifetime income; and as an investment. Your needs will determine whether or not an annuity is right for you.

Annuities are products, sold by insurance companies that typically provide a stream of future income in return for an up-front cash outlay. You can choose a lifetime income payout, among other options. Thus, as an insurance vehicle, the annuity can provide you with a flow of income that you cannot outlive (provided the insurance company remains solvent).

There are many fees associated with annuities. Read More→

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Jun
09

Annuity or Lump-sum?

By Jeremy T. Welther

Most employer retirement plans give retiring employees choices as to how they can withdraw their money. One option is an annuity which provides a fixed income stream.  The income can be paid to you (or you and a beneficiary) over your lifetime(s) – i.e., this is paid to you during your lifetime and then a percentage (e.g., 50% or 100%) continues to be paid to your beneficiary for his or her life. Annuities can also be paid over a fixed number of years (“period certain”) or a combination of fixed years with a survivorship component. Another option is a lump-sum distribution which is a total withdrawal from your account. It can be deposited in full to your bank/brokerage account or, in some cases, it can be rolled over directly to an IRA. The distribution option you select is a very important decision as it is irrevocable. You are locked in for life!

How do you decide if it is better to take an annuity or a lump-sum distribution? The following questions can help. Read More→

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