Annuities 101 : The Basics

Written by SE of The SE Agency

http://rolloversandannuities.com

An Annuity is a Financial Contract, generally sold by an Insurance Company.

Annuities are designed to provide payments to the holder (annuitant) at specified intervals.  These payments can begin immediately (Immediate or CD Type Annuity), or payments can be made at a later time or date, as specified in the contract ( Deferred Annuity).

Annuities are tax-deferred, meaning that earnings from investments within an annuity, are not taxed until withdrawn. This is commonly referred to as tax-deferred savings.

Annuities are classified based upon their specific financial characteristics.

We have briefly discussed Deferred or ImmediateIncome, above.

A Key Example of a Deferred Annuity, is a Retirement Plan.

You contribute money into your account, with the intention of obtaining investment income and creating a Savings Plan, to be withdrawn later during retirement.

In addition an Annuity can be Fixed or Variable. This pertains to thetype of funds you choose to create investment income.

Fixed Annuities guarantee a certain payment amount or interest rate.

Variable Annuities do not, but during stable financial times have the potential for greater returns.

Other Key Financial Characteristics of an Annuity Include:

Pay-Out: Fixed Period or Life Time.

Tax Status: Qualified (pre-tax) or Non-Qualified (after-tax).

Premium Payments: Single Premium or Flexible Premium.

Before deciding to invest in an Annuity, we strongly suggest sitting down and talking with a licensed professional.  Try to find a local broker, who offers a complimentary consultation.

Please make sure to also do your homework on the specific features of your annuity plan.

Take a good look at applicable Surrender Charge Tables, and ways to avoid these fees.

In addition, when considering a Fixed Annuity, inquire about Guaranteed Interest Rates, Cash Bonuses and Liquidity Options.

Sincerely,

The SE Agency