Annuities

An annuity allows conversion of all or part of the annuitant's retirement savings to a guaranteed stream of lifetime income. Annuities are not for everyone, but they can be very helpful in securing retirement income by letting an insurance company bear the risk that the annuitant will live many more years after retirement. No matter how long the annuitant lives, the insurance company will send payments every month, quarter, half-year, or year. There is a price for this security, however. Once the annuity contract is signed, the annuitant cannot take assets out of the insurance company in a lump sum. The amount of income an annuitant will receive is based on a number of factors, including age, sex, the income option selected, and interest rates at the time of purchase. The income payments can stay level or gradually increase to offset inflation.