Annuities can be a good way to ensure a steady stream of income in retirement if -- and that's a big IF -- you choose the right kind for your needs.
There are a whole range of products labeled annuities, and some are much better than others. A few new developments make some more appealing than they have been in the past. But sales people continue to tout both the good and bad. So you need to be really careful before you jump into an annuity.
THE BASICS
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
What to Ask Before Buying an Annuity
If more people understood these confusing products, fewer probably would be sold. Find out what you need to know.
Guarantee Income in Retirement
If you're worried you might outlive your savings, consider an annuity.
Choose an Annuity You Can Ride for Life
An array of new products offer death benefits, inflation protection, emergency cash and more.
Giving a Charitable Gift Annuity
This annuity won't give you the highest payout, but it will help you support a charity, receive lifetime income and get some big tax breaks, too.
NEW TWISTS
Now dozens of insurers are offering a new way to get lifetime income, but with opportunities to cash out and for payouts to increase.
Retirement Income You'll Never Outlive
New longevity insurance policies promise a big payoff -- if you live long enough to collect.
Indexed Annuities: Too Good to be True?
The sales pitches for these annuities are enticing, but few -- if any -- are a good place to put your money.
WHEN ANNUITIES ARE WRONG
Unscrupulous agents take advantage of seniors with risky investments that cost too much.
Consider these three things if you want to get rid of an annuity you no longer want or need.
-
Stocks Chop as the Unemployment Rate Jumps: Stock Market TodayNovember job growth was stronger than expected, but sharp losses in October and a rising unemployment rate are worrying market participants.
-
Should You Renew Your CD?With rate cuts impacting earnings, we examine if now is a wise time to renew CDs.
-
7 Ways to Plan Now to Save on Medicare IRMAA Surcharges LaterUnderstand the critical two-year lookback period and why aggressive planning before you enroll in Medicare is the most effective way to minimize IRMAA.
-
457 Plan Contribution Limits for 2026Retirement plans There are higher 457 plan contribution limits in 2026. That's good news for state and local government employees.
-
Medicare Basics: 12 Things You Need to KnowMedicare There's Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans and so on. We sort out the confusion about signing up for Medicare — and much more.
-
The Seven Worst Assets to Leave Your Kids or Grandkidsinheritance Leaving these assets to your loved ones may be more trouble than it’s worth. Here's how to avoid adding to their grief after you're gone.
-
SEP IRA Contribution Limits for 2026SEP IRA A good option for small business owners, SEP IRAs allow individual annual contributions of as much as $70,000 in 2025, and up to $72,000 in 2026.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2026 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits for 2026simple IRA For 2026, the SIMPLE IRA contribution limit rises to $17,000, with a $4,000 catch-up for those 50 and over, totaling $21,000.
-
457 Contribution Limits for 2024retirement plans State and local government workers can contribute more to their 457 plans in 2024 than in 2023.
-
Roth 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2026retirement plans The Roth 401(k) contribution limit for 2026 has increased, and workers who are 50 and older can save even more.
