Annuities

What are Annuities?
An annuity is a contract between an individual and an insurance company. The investor contributes a sum of money either up front or over time and the insurer promises to pay the investor a regular stream of income in return. Read on to see potential pros and cons to annuities.
Pros
- Continuous Income Stream from Insurer
- Tax Deferral of Annuity Earnings
- Potential Guaranteed Rates of Return from Fixed Annuities
- Death Benefits May be Available
Cons
- Annuities, Especially Variable Annuities, can be Pricey
- The Guaranteed Returns May not Match Long Term Investment Returns
- Annuities Tend to Have Surrender Periods, where your Investment can be Locked in for Several Years.

Is an Annuity Right for You?
There are several circumstances where an annuity would be an appropriate investment vehicle for clients. These include:
- Very Low Risk Tolerance or Aversion to Equity Markets, but Looking for a Decent Return
- Looking for Tax Deferral of Investment Earnings Especially after Maxing out Retirement Contributions
- Concern that Savings will Run Out During Retirement

Immediate vs. Deferred Annuities
Looking forward to retirement? It's critical to understand the difference between immediate and deferred annuities.
Learn More

Retirement Income and the Traditional Portfolio
Experiencing negative returns early in retirement can potentially undermine the sustainability of your assets.
Learn More