Annuities

A fixed annuity can be a good fit if you want a contractually guaranteed interest rate and can leave that money alone through the surrender period. It is a poor fit if you need easy access, want this same money to provide long-term market growth, or are uncomfortable relying...

No. A personally owned non-qualified annuity generally does not have required minimum distributions (RMDs) during the owner's lifetime. But an annuity held inside a Traditional IRA, 403(b), 401(k), or another retirement-plan wrapper can still be subject to the RMD rules that apply to that account. The easiest way to get...

An immediate annuity, often called a single premium immediate annuity (SPIA), is an insurance contract that turns one lump sum into scheduled income that typically begins within a year. It can pay for a set period or for life, depending on the contract you choose. The easy question is, “How...

Variable annuity pros and cons are not really a contest between “market growth” and “high fees.” The better question is whether the specific insurance guarantees in the contract are valuable enough to justify its costs, restrictions, and tax treatment. After nearly 30 years as a financial planner, that is the...

Greetings, readers! My name is Michael Ryan, and after over 25 years as a financial planner, I've seen firsthand how confusing topics like annuities can be. But I'm here to tell you - having a solid grasp on annuities and related concepts can transform your retirement planning for the...

Have you ever wondered if annuities deserve a place in your retirement portfolio? Picture opening your 401(k) statement and seeing terms like "fixed indexed annuity," "surrender charges," and "guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit." If those phrases make your head spin, you're not alone. But here's what matters: annuities can deliver...

Whether you're a baby boomer approaching retirement or already living off your savings, you need straight answers about annuities – not sales pitches disguised as advice. Annuities have become one of the most hotly debated topics in retirement planning, with strong opinions on both sides. But the truth isn't as...

The straight answer: An annuity rider is an optional feature you can add to an annuity contract to provide specific benefits, like guaranteed lifetime income or long-term care coverage, in exchange for an annual fee. While these riders can be a powerful tool for securing your retirement, they come with...