Everything you need to know about annuities — from basic concepts to advanced strategies. Compare types, carriers, and find the right product for your retirement income goals.
An annuity is a contract with an insurance company that exchanges a lump sum or a series of payments for guaranteed future income. We cover every kind of annuity sold in the U.S., from a 3-year MYGA earning 5.50% to a deferred income annuity that pays at age 80, plus the comparisons, riders, fees, and tax rules you need to understand before you buy. This page is the index. Use it to find the article you need, or start from the top.
The four primary annuity contract types differ in how they credit interest, who carries the investment risk, and how the income is calculated. Pick the type that matches your goal:
Side-by-side analyses of annuities versus the alternatives most retirees consider:
The fine print that separates a strong annuity from a mediocre one:
Annuities are taxed on a tax-deferred basis during accumulation and as ordinary income on the way out. Specifics depend on whether the contract is qualified, who owns it, and how income is taken:
If you already own a contract, these guides cover the moves you can make at maturity, during the surrender period, and at distribution:
For company-level due diligence, browse our annuity carrier reviews. To shop the actual rates available right now, see current annuity rates. To start fresh, our walkthrough on how to buy an annuity without getting ripped off covers the conversation you should have with any agent before you sign anything.
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