How to Find the Best Annuity Rates

Looking for a way to manage downside risk in retirement? If so, an annuity may be an effective strategy. Annuities are products offered by insurance companies for a variety of purposes. With one of those purposes being to manage volatility. They can also be used for tax-deferred growth or to generate a stream of lifetime income.

In order to find the best annuity rates and guaranteed income in retirement, it’s important to understand the options available to you. There are several different types of annuities available, so it’s important you research carefully and choose the option that best meets your needs and goals before you learn how to find the best annuity rates. Below are three of the most common types of annuities and how they may benefit you in retirement.

Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIA)

Single premium immediate annuities are an effective and popular way to create lifetime income. They require a lump sum of cash as a contribution. In return for this one-time premium, the insurance company will make periodic, regular payments for a predetermined amount of time, often for life. The payment amount is determined by a variety of factors, including the premium amount, the duration of the payment period and prevailing interest rates.

In most SPIAs, you are unable to access your premium once payments have started. While you may receive a guaranteed stream of lifetime income, you could lose liquidity and access to your funds. That’s an important consideration that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Fixed Deferred Annuities

A fixed deferred annuity, often referred to as simply a fixed annuity, is one in which you don’t receive annuity payments immediately. As the name suggests, those annuity payments are deferred to a later date, and they may not even happen at all.

Instead, your premium accumulates a fixed rate of interest over a predetermined period. The interest grows tax-deferred, meaning it isn’t taxed until you withdraw money from the contract.

Often, fixed annuities have interest rates that are locked-in for a set period of time. At the end of that period, the interest rate may be adjusted up or down, depending on a number of factors. However, most fixed annuities will have guaranteed minimum interest rates, so you always know the least amount of interest you can receive.

Fixed Indexed Annuities

Fixed indexed annuities have much in common with fixed deferred annuities. You receive annual interest that accumulates within the contract. Your earnings are tax-deferred, so you don’t pay taxes until you make a withdrawal. And, they eliminate much of the downside volatility that can come with investments in the stock market.

However, there is one major distinction between fixed indexed annuities and fixed deferred annuities. With a fixed indexed annuity, your interest rate is linked to the performance of a market index, such as the S&P 500. If the index performs well, you receive more interest. If it performs poorly, you receive little or no interest.

One appealing aspect of a fixed indexed annuity is that the minimum interest is often between 0 and 3 percent. That means even if the index has a bad year, you won’t lose money. In fact, you may even earn a modest amount of interest. That allows you to get returns that are linked to the market without being exposed to potential market losses.

Is an annuity right for you? That all depends on your unique retirement income goals and needs. An annuity may be a good strategy if you want to limit downside risk or generate a stream of retirement income. However, you may want to consult with a financial professional and review your financial situation before committing to an annuity. They can help you determine which type of annuity is best for you or how to find the best annuity rates.

Ready to get started on finding the best annuity rates? Download our complimentary e-book on retirement income planning and how an annuity may fit into your overall retirement income plan.

This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice.

Annuities are insurance products backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing company; they are not FDIC insured; are not obligations or deposits of, and are not guaranteed or underwritten by any bank, savings and loan or credit union or its affiliates; are unrelated to and not a condition of the provision or term of any banking service or activity.

Guaranteed lifetime income available through annuitization or the purchase of an optional lifetime income rider, a benefit for which an annual premium is charged. Annuities are long-term, tax-deferred vehicles designed for retirement and contain some limitations.

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