Annuities

For retirees, the most attractive feature of fixed annuities is the assurance that it’ll provide a fixed income for life. But all investments have their good and bad points; and fixed annuities are no different. Let’s overview some of their advantages and disadvantages summarized in the table.

Advantages
The three important features of an annuity are tax-deferred accumulation, guarantee of principal, and guaranteed life income.  The tax-deferred accumulation – in comparison to a similar taxable investment - allows for greater accumulation since earnings are not taxed away annually.

Annuities have been conservative vehicles for investment. Of course you should always check out the strength of any insurance company you’re considering buying from.   A good source is to get the Comdex rating of 80 or better from Vital Signs (see a financial professional) or a Weiss rating of B or better.

With the guaranteed life income payout option, you don’t have to worry about market downturns that could rob you of income. Also if you can put off your payout until later, you’re monthly payout will increase not only from increased earnings but from your reduced life expectancy.
 
Disadvantages
Because an annuity is a long-term investment with tax-deferred status, the IRS will levy a 10% excise tax penalty on any withdrawal before age 59 ½.

Annuity fees can significantly cut into any withdrawals taken early in the accumulation years. So plan on holding off for 10 years or so to let your earnings offset this effect.

Since your money is placed with an insurance company in an annuity contract, you have little control over the rate of return on your investment. When you buy, find a company that has a history of providing competitive returns If you ask for the interest rate history, you will get it).

Although with a fixed annuity you’ve eliminated the possibility of market risk on your investment you have created the risk of losing purchasing power. After beginning payments to you you’re not able to make any adjustments in case of higher inflation rates. However, if the rate history looked good, the company may be more reactive to raising rates when possible.

Choosing a lifetime income leaves generally leaves no residual investment for your heirs. You can choose options that remedy this, but at the cost of a lower monthly payout.

Annuities once annuitized cannot be surrendered for value.  Income from deferred annuities is taxed as ordinary income and withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ are subject to a 10% penalty.  Income from annuitization is taxed part as ordinary income and part as return of capital. Any guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the insurance company. Annuities should be considered long term investments. Annuities are insurance products and subject to insurance related fees and expenses.

–Bob Richards

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Retirees want to secure their future financial status. Fixed annuities can play a big part. Let’s consider how fixed annuities can help individuals and families create a future supplemental retirement income.

While fixed annuities provide several benefits in the form of increased rate of growth in savings through tax-deferred growth, competitive returns, and security (through various guarantees) they also offer another important benefit– insurance against financial instability. You can invest as much as you want in a fixed annuity, leave it there to grow as per the rate of interest promised to you, and withdraw money when you need it. Lastly, you have several choices about how and when to withdraw your money.

Here are several benefits that contribute to stability:

1.      A fixed annuity is often an appropriate choice for seniors because it offers the promise of a steady income when annuitized. Buy ‘term certain’ fixed annuities if you want to collect income over a particular time period only. Or buy a life annuity if you want to receive income for your entire life.

2.      Several fixed annuities offer special features that can be useful for seniors. You can receive systematic or flexible withdrawals. This gives you the freedom and pleasure of creating your own “pension.”

3.      Every fixed annuity provides a principal guarantee, so you can be assured of receiving at least the initial premium you paid (less potential surrender charges or other costs).

4.      You may choose a nursing home waiver feature. This would relieve you of paying surrender charges if you fall sick at any time during the annuity period where you are required to cash in your annuity to pay for your nursing home bills.

Note that the amount of “payback” you receive when you annuitize depends the amount you have invested, as well as on your life expectancy. But be vigilant about all the details of the annuity contract before you sign. Note that fixed annuities once annuitized cannot be surrendered for value.  Income from deferred annuities is taxed as ordinary income and withdrawals prior to age 59½ are subject to a 10% penalty.  Income from annuitization is taxed part as ordinary income and part as return of capital. Any guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the insurance company. Fixed annuities should be considered long-term investments. Riders such as nursing home waivers may have additional costs.

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