Annuities are a type of investment that provides regular payments to the investor. They offer a variety of different benefits, including tax-deferred earnings and guaranteed lifetime income. This article will explore the types of annuities available and how they work.
Fixed immediate annuity
One of the most common types of annuities is the fixed immediate annuity. These require a lump sum payment from your client and have set interest rates that will be paid out over time. The amount you invest in this type of contract cannot change, so if market conditions decline or increase after you’ve invested it won’t impact the total return you receive. If you want to calculate the rate of return you can expect from a fixed immediate annuity, you can take the time to explore online sources where you may come across a helpful annuity calculator. You can use this to see how much your investment will be worth at the end of a certain timeframe.
There are many benefits to using this type of product. It’s great for anyone who wants a guaranteed fixed income that will never decrease over time and doesn’t want any chance that their money could become lost in market volatility or used by another person they name as a beneficiary. Perhaps the only downside is that you don’t have the opportunity to grow your money through investment, but if you want a consistent income stream this product is perfect for you.
Fixed indexed annuity
If what you’re looking for in an annuity is more risk and growth potential with interest earned from investments, then a fixed indexed annuity may be right for you. This type of annuity is very similar to a fixed immediate annuity, but it offers higher returns because your money will be invested in the market alongside other funds that are more volatile. The downside here is that if there’s a total loss on any investments made with this product for three years straight, you could lose all your money. So if you’re someone who wants stability and safety as well, this may not be the best option for you.
Deferred fixed annuity
The deferred fixed annuity is similar to the fixed immediate annuity as well, but it allows you to delay payments for a specific number of years or until you reach a certain age. This can be helpful if you want your income to start later in life when you may need it more. This type of annuity is often used as part of a retirement plan or to provide income for your heirs after your passing.
When it comes to deferred fixed annuities, you have a few choices to make. One is the length of time you want to delay payments for and the other is how your money will be invested. You can choose between a fixed rate where your earnings are guaranteed or a variable rate that may offer higher returns but could also come with more risk. In case you opt for the latter, be sure that you understand the potential consequences of a market downturn before making your decision. This means that if you are looking for a more secure option, the fixed rate may be best.
Immediate variable annuity
An immediate variable annuity is a type of annuity that starts making payments as soon as you invest in the product. Unlike other options, the amount you receive each month will vary depending on the underlying investments. This type of annuity is usually recommended for those who are already retired and want to use their money to supplement their income.
Since there is a higher degree of risk with this product, there are strict limits on the amount you can invest. You usually won’t be able to withdraw money from your annuity until at least five years after it has been invested, so once again this is not something that would work well for anyone who wants to access their funds sooner than later. It also means that if you have a variable annuity, you need to be comfortable with the idea of your payments fluctuating up and down over time.
Deferred variable annuity
Finally, a deferred variable annuity is very similar to the immediate variable annuity, but payments don’t start until a later date. This could be years down the line or after you reach a certain age, making it ideal for those who are still working and want to save for retirement. Just like with the immediate version, there are different ways that your money will be invested. You can choose to have it held in fixed investments, but there is always the risk of market volatility if you do this or you can go with a more risky investment that may offer higher returns over time.
One thing to note about variable annuities is that there’s often a surrender period in a place where you can’t access your money for a certain amount of time. This can be anywhere from three to ten years, and the longer you wait before withdrawing any funds may mean that there’s more growth in your account due to compound interest. In this case, it is a good idea to speak with a financial advisor to help you decide if this type of annuity is the right investment for you.
Nevertheless, there are several benefits to using a variable annuity. When your investments are performing well, you’ll have the option to withdraw some of that money or let it grow even more. This can help provide for both short-term and long-term needs as needed, but there is also the possibility of losing this income if markets are down during any given period. This means that you need to be comfortable with the idea of taking on some risk if you decide to go with this type of annuity.
There are a few different types of annuities, and each one has its own set of benefits and risks. Just keep in mind that when it comes to annuities, it’s important to consult with a professional to find the best product for your specific needs. There are many different types available so do your research before you invest.
Author: Allen Brown
Source: © 2022 The Southern Maryland Chronicle.
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Fixed Annuities are long term insurance contacts and there is a surrender charge imposed generally during the first 5 to 7 years that you own the annuity contract. Withdrawals prior to age 59-1/2 may result in a 10% IRS tax penalty, in addition to any ordinary income tax. Any guarantees of the annuity are backed by the financial strength of the underlying insurance company.
Indexed annuities are insurance contracts that, depending on the contract, may offer a guaranteed annual interest rate and some participation growth, if any, of a stock market index. Such contracts have substantial variation in terms, costs of guarantees and features and may cap participation or returns in significant ways. Any guarantees offered are backed by the financial strength of the insurance company. Surrender charges apply if not held to the end of the term. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken prior to 59 ½, a 10% federal tax penalty. Investors are cautioned to carefully review an indexed annuity for its features, costs, risks, and how the variables are calculated.
Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing in Variable Annuities. The prospectus, which contains this and other information about the variable annuity contract and the underlying investment options, can be obtained from the insurance company or your financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest.
The investment return and principal value of the variable annuity investment options are not guaranteed. Variable annuity sub-accounts fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The principal may be worth more or less than the original amount invested when the annuity is surrendered.