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Things You Should Know About Income Annuities

Who guarantees my income?

Your income is guaranteed by the company issuing the annuity. Make sure that company is financially sound. You can obtain this information from major independent rating agencies: AM Best, Fitch, Moody's, and Standard & Poor's. 

How can an income annuity benefit me?

An income annuity can help protect against the risk of outliving savings. Your monthly amount is guaranteed, and payments continue throughout your life. 1

Remember that income annuities are not liquid, and your premium is returned only through income payments. 

What other advantages does an income annuity offer?

An income annuity is not subject to stock market performance. Regardless of financial market ups and downs, its income amount is fixed and guaranteed.

What is an income annuity's rate of return?

An income annuity is not an investment providing a rate of return over a fixed period, like a CD. It is an income product providing fixed monthly income guaranteed for life, regardless of market performance. 

Your total payout depends on how long you live. The longer you live, the more total income you receive over your lifetime.

How soon can income payments begin?

Depending on the income annuity you buy, payments can begin immediately or be postponed. With a single-premium immediate annuity, income begins within 12 months of purchase: one month afterward for monthly payments, one quarter afterward for quarterly payments, and so on.

With a deferred income annuity, payments begin anywhere from two to 40 years in the future. As with a single-premium immediate annuity, you can choose monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual payments.

Are there age or health restrictions? 

It depends on the annuity type and the tax qualification of the funds used to purchase it. Additional age restrictions may apply depending on benefits selected at purchase. No medical history is required.

What funds can I use to buy an income annuity?

You can use various sources, including checking or savings accounts, investments, inheritances, or other retirement savings. You can even combine assets to fund an income annuity.

How much money should I allocate to an income annuity?  

This is a very personal decision. An income annuity is usually part of an overall portfolio, and the allocation depends on factors including interest rates, age, and market conditions. 

Keep in mind that minimum and maximum purchase restrictions may apply.

What happens to my money if I die unexpectedly?  

Income annuities usually offer some form of death benefit. One available option is a cash refund. If you select it and die before income payments equal the full annuity purchase price, your beneficiary receives the difference.

Additional payment features are also available. Your financial professional can explain every option and help determine what works best for you.

Can I ever withdraw more than my monthly income?  

Money used to purchase an income annuity is permanently locked into the contract and can be returned only as income payments. However, if you are at least 59½, you may access future payments through optional features carrying a charge, which can be useful in an emergency. 

When purchasing an income annuity, discuss with your financial professional which optional riders may benefit you.