See where annuities fit in a broader retirement mix, understand their fees, and match them to predictable income needs.
Immediate vs Deferred
Immediate annuities begin payouts now, while deferred ones grow tax-deferred until retirement.
Choose immediate payout only if you need guaranteed income today; otherwise, let deferred annuities accumulate interest for future stability.
Fee Transparency
Review mortality and expense charges, plus surrender penalties, before buying.
Ask for a clear illustration showing how fees affect your income stream over time.
Match to Goals
Use annuities to cover fixed spending in retirement while keeping other assets flexible.
Treat annuities as part of a diversified retirement income plan, not your entire nest egg.
Action Steps
- List steady expenses you want covered by guaranteed income.
- Request multiple quotes and compare fee structures before committing.
- Keep liquidity elsewhere for emergencies—annuity payments shouldn’t be your only reserve.