Fixed Annuities Offer Security
Insurance companies offer annuities as a retirement planning option through Insurance brokers. In this mode of wealth accumulating investment, investors pay an amount, which is returned by the annuity after a fixed time period. The principal amount is guaranteed with fixed annuities. Annuities allow investors to create safe, tax-deferred retirement savings plans.
You can purchase a fixed annuity either with one lump sum payment or in installments. The traditional fixed annuity offers regular growth that does not rely on external, volatile factors such as stock market values or equity growth funds. Their return is in the form of regular interest payments compounded within the contract or made to the annuity owner.
Annuities can be structured in a number of ways; varying accumulation period, length of income payments and other factors. Investors get the security of a fixed interest rate when they choose a “fixed annuity” option. Issuing insurance companies guarantee a minimum interest rate for a set period of time with a fixed annuity option. Most of the companies also pay a minimum benefit. Since the payout is fixed over a period of time, investors are aware of the expected income over the payout period.
One option for an individual with fixed annuities is to choose an immediate income annuity. After making a lump sum payment, the investor then receives immediate fixed monthly income, thus turning a lump sum into a retirement income stream.
With tax-deferred annuities, the investor either deposits a lump sum and accumulates interest over time, or makes payments into the annuity, with the returns being paid out after a set period of time. This kind of fixed fixed annuity is often used as a retirement savings plan. Many individuals fail to plan for their income needs in retirement. In many cases a fixed immediate income annuity can fill the gap.
- Gary Denison
