Historically, annuities have gotten a bad reputation – they carry a misconception of being expensive and hard to understand. But like other financial solutions that are available, it’s important to review annuities in the context of your overall financial plan and what purpose they can serve to help you meet your financial goals. We’ll review some common myths and misconceptions, and how you can assess if annuities may be a fit for your wealth plan.

What is an annuity?

Let’s start with a basic definition: An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company in which you make a lump-sum payment or a series of payments; in return, you receive regular disbursements beginning either immediately or in the future.

There are many types of annuities, such as fixed, variable, indexed, immediate, and deferred. A fixed annuity is very stable and earns basic interest, while a variable annuity has underlying investments known as “sub-accounts” that fluctuate with the market. Generally, a variable annuity can be volatile and have stock market exposure through the investment sub-accounts. A deferred annuity earns interest and can provide for future income while an immediate annuity provides income now. An indexed annuity, also known as a fixed-index annuity, can provide growth and income payments at some point in the future.

Some annuities allow for the protection of principal, while a variable annuity involves market risk and the potential for loss. There are two things all annuities have in common:

1. They are tax deferred – meaning you do not pay taxes on the earnings or growth until you start to receive income or take withdrawals from the annuity.
2. They provide a guaranteed income stream to the annuitant (the person receiving income from the policy) for life, or other payout options, subject to the financial strength of the insurance company that issued the policy.

Common myths and misconceptions about annuities

So why do annuities get such a bad rep? Here are some common myths and misconceptions:

• Annuities are complicated. On the surface, this may seem to the case. There are often sub-accounts or index options to select where your money is allocated inside of the annuity. Also, some annuities offer multiple riders (optional add-ons) or benefits, depending on what you’re trying to accomplish. But not all annuities are complicated. For example, with a fixed annuity, you earn interest and convert it into an income stream.
• Annuities are expensive. The cost of some annuities can be high, especially if you add riders to the policy. Some are cheaper than others or come with specific features and options that you may want. Annuities have early withdrawal penalties, called surrender charges, that typically reduce over time. It’s important to note that annuities are not the only asset that penalize you for early withdrawals – you also will incur tax penalties for taking out money from your 401(k) or other retirement accounts prematurely. There are tax implications to consider when taking money out of an annuity and deciding whether you use after-tax money or qualified money (similar to tax implications in your retirement accounts) that will directly affect the tax treatment of the annuity and potentially your beneficiaries.
• I can get lifetime income from my retirement accounts. While the goal is to have enough money in your retirement, besides Social Security and pensions, an annuity is the only financial instrument that can provide a guaranteed income stream for as long as you’re alive. According to Vanguard’s “How America Saves 2021” report, the average retirement account balance for someone age 65 and up is $255,151.¹ While saving for retirement is an essential financial goal for most people, it’s safe to say that many fall short of this goal. Annuities can help provide income protection and provide a cushion against market volatility and longevity risk.
• If I die early, all the money in the annuity is lost. Similar to life insurance or an IRA, you name beneficiaries to your annuity policy. Depending on the type of annuity, your beneficiaries may inherit some or all of the value of your annuity, less any withdrawals, at death. Many annuities also offer joint income options that provide the surviving spouse with lifetime income. With an immediate annuity, you may select from various payout options depending on your unique income needs.

Should I consider annuities?

Let’s consider some positives and benefits annuities may provide. Many of the characteristics that give annuities a bad name are the same ones that can make them an attractive and viable option to consider. For example, you can achieve diversification by properly allocating to multiple sub-accounts or index allocations in a variable or indexed annuity respectively. There are a number of riders you can add to the annuity contract that can provide significant benefit to you as the owner and annuitant of a policy.

Are you looking for a lifetime income stream? A tax-deferred growth vehicle that could provide income in the future? A stable rate of return over a shorter time period? Annuities may help you save and defer taxes if you’ve already maxed out other retirement accounts. If you’re retired and want to generate income, a fixed and/or immediate annuity might be a viable option and a relatively safe alternative to bonds. Annuities may also help to protect your legacy and what you want to leave for your beneficiaries. Since an annuity is designed to provide a stable stream of income, you could be withdrawing less money out of your portfolio  allowing your investments more time to grow.

An annuity, like any other financial asset, has its place and should serve as a function of your wealth plan. Ultimately, your overall financial objectives and goals will help determine whether an annuity is right for you. In the financial planning process, annuities, like stocks, bonds, life insurance, and trusts can play a critical role. We encourage you to speak with your advisor to learn if and how an annuity may fit into your wealth plan.