Due to the increase in human life spans, it is now common for people to live twenty years or more in retirement. A problem that arises from these long years of retirement is the ability for someone to outlive their assets. Annuities (like Social Security, employer pensions, 401(k) plans, etc.) help you guarantee your retirement security.

BASICS

• What is an annuity?
• Why should I consider purchasing an annuity?
• How are annuities different from life insurance?
• How much should I invest in an annuity?

BUYING AN ANNUITY

• How are annuities sold?
• How do I pick a life insurance company?
• How do I pick an insurance agent?
• What is a “free-look” provision?
• What are surrender fees?
• How will I receive my annuity payments?

TYPES OF ANNUITIES

• What are the different types of annuities?
• What is a lifetime annuity?
• What are deferred and immediate annuities?
• What is the difference between a fixed and variable annuity?

HELP!

• How often should I review my annuity portfolio?
• Where can I get additional information on annuities?
• How will I receive my annuity payments?
• What if I lose my annuity policy?

FACTS AND STATISTICS: Annuities

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