Fixed Annuities: What They Are And How They Work
Fixed annuities offer a low-risk option for retirement planning. Individuals who want to receive regular payments throughout their retirement years can invest their money now, earn interest on these funds, and defer taxes until the annuity pays out. If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to provide for your needs during your retirement years, a fixed annuity is worth considering.
What Is a Fixed Annuity?
A fixed annuity guarantees an ongoing stream of income at a fixed rate of return for a set period of time. Individuals can make a single lump sum payment into their annuity or they can contribute to the annuity through a series of scheduled payments. Fixed annuities are most commonly used to generate retirement income. After you’ve fully funded the annuity, you’re guaranteed returns that have increased at the fixed rate over the life of the annuity.
How Does a Fixed Annuity Work?
Fixed annuities are a straightforward investment option that provides tax-deferred growth. They’re not indexed to stock market performance, so they provide a steady rate of return. This protects you against potential market losses, but it may limit possible gains when the market is up. The rate of return does not account for inflation, so you’ll need to consider projected inflation rates when evaluating your contributions and return.
Every annuity has slightly different terms. The annuity may begin to pay out immediately or the payments can commence at a future date.
Annuities with a lifetime payout option will deliver fixed payments until the investor passes away. Some will pay out through the lifetime of the investor’s spouse, allowing both partners to draw on the income. A period of a certain annuity provides a set number of payments. The investor may outlive these payments. If they do not, the annuity’s continuing payments can go to their estate or to a set beneficiary.
Fixed vs Variable Rate Annuities
Fixed annuities are low-risk products with a set rate of return, which protects you from the potential volatility of the stock market. These differ from variable rate annuities, which deliver returns based on the performance of the investments in the annuity’s portfolio.
A variable rate annuity has the potential to accelerate the growth of your holdings, but it comes with a higher rate of risk as well. A variable rate annuity is best used in conjunction with other lower-risk investments like an IRA.
Understanding Accumulation and Payout Terms
Annuities go through two phases. While you’re paying money into the annuity, it’s in its accumulation phase. When the annuity begins to deliver payments, it transitions into the payout phase, also known as the annuitization phase. It’s important to understand the terms associated with both phases so you can handle your finances appropriately.
The accumulation terms specify:
- The period of time over which contributions are made.
- The number of contributions the investor will make.
- How much each contribution will be.
- The rate of return on the investment.
The payout terms will specify:
- The minimum age at which you can start receiving payments.
- The withdrawal penalty for taking payments early.
- How long the payments will continue.
- Whether another beneficiary can receive payments in the event of the original investor’s death.
Types of Fixed Annuities
Fixed annuities can come in several different forms, each with slightly different terms.
- Traditional Fixed: A traditional fixed annuity, as discussed here, provides a fixed interest rate over a specific period of time.
- Fixed Index: A fixed index annuity bases some or all of the interest rate on the market index. Though the interest rate will never fall below zero, it can fluctuate. A fixed index annuity caps the maximum return at a percentage of the actual return rate on the index.
- Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA): An MYGA uses a fixed interest rate for a set period of time, which is typically between three and ten years. At this point, you can cash out the annuity or renew the contract under new terms.
Who Can Benefit From a Fixed Annuity?
A fixed annuity is a simple investment option that provides an effective way to fund your retirement.
This type of investment is ideal for:
- Risk-averse investors who prioritize stability and security.
- Individuals looking for a more profitable alternative to a CD or savings account.
- Those who want to make a predictable retirement budget.
- Investors who want tax-deferred growth for their money.
Whether you’re setting up your first retirement fund or looking for a low-risk way to round out your retirement investments, a fixed annuity can provide an excellent option.
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