
What is an Annuity?
income over time
An annuity is a financial product sold by insurance companies that provides guaranteed income over time, usually for retirement.
Think of it as: you pay money into an annuity now (either all at once or over time), and later the insurance company pays you back in regular installments (monthly, quarterly, yearly) for a set period or even for the rest of your life.

Key Features of Annuities
- Income stream: Provides steady payments, like a “paycheck” in retirement.
- Tax-deferred growth: Money inside an annuity grows tax-deferred until you withdraw it.
- Longevity protection: Some annuities guarantee income for as long as you live.

Types of Annuities
1. By Payout Timing
- Immediate Annuity: You pay a lump sum, and payments start right away (good for retirees needing income now).
- Deferred Annuity: You invest now, and payments start later (good for people planning for future retirement).
2. By Investment Style
- Fixed Annuity: Pays a guaranteed interest rate and predictable payments. Low risk.
- Variable Annuity: Payments depend on investments (like mutual funds). Higher risk, higher growth potential.
- Indexed Annuity: Growth tied to a market index (like the S&P 500), with some guarantees but also limits on gains.
3. By Duration
- Life Annuity: Pays for as long as you live (can be single life or joint life with a spouse).
- Period Certain Annuity: Pays for a set number of years (e.g., 10 or 20 years), even if you die early.

Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Guaranteed income in retirement.
- Protects against outliving your savings.
- Tax-deferred growth.
Disadvantages:
- Can have high fees (especially variable annuities).
- Less flexible—you’re locking your money away.
- Inflation may reduce the value of fixed payments.

Quick Example
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You invest $100,000 in an immediate fixed annuity at age 65.
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The insurance company pays you $500/month for the rest of your life.
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Even if you live to 100, you keep receiving payments.
An annuity is like buying yourself a pension—trade money now for guaranteed future income. Contact us to get started today.