Investors have a love-hate relationship with annuities.
1. Annuities offer guaranteed income
I often meet with people who have no guaranteed income for retirement other than their Social Security benefits. They might have other savings, but it’s in the stock market or other investments with some risk.
So, let’s say a couple comes in with living expenses of $4,000 a month, and their Social Security checks will cover only $2,000 of that. Neither spouse has a pension, and they need and want another income stream guaranteed to pay out the remaining $2,000 every month.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
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.
That’s where an annuity comes in. By positioning a portion of their savings into an annuity, they can potentially generate the extra $2,000 a month and bridge that income gap. Once that need is covered, they may be able to take some risk with the rest of the money in their portfolio — or they can use it any way they please through the years, for whatever need comes up.
If the same couple came in with plenty of fixed income — Social Security and a pension … and a desire to keep the rest in the market — we wouldn’t necessarily recommend an annuity, because they wouldn’t need it. But in this case, it serves a purpose, and they don’t have to worry that the ups and downs of the market will upend their lifestyle in retirement.
2. Annuities offer protection
Sometimes we have clients who have the guaranteed income they need, but they still don’t want their money in the stock market. They prefer to focus on preservation over accumulation, and they don’t want to take a risk with any part of their nest egg. They just want to put the money in a safe place where it can grow at a reasonable rate.
We often find a fixed indexed annuity is right under these circumstances. It’s designed to grow safely, and may earn anywhere from 3% to 6%. The purpose behind the purchase is a little different. It’s designed to help keep your money protected. But again, an annuity is a viable retirement planning vehicle.
Annuities can offer the protection and income many people need. You can’t lose your principal, and you’ll have guaranteed income coming from it. What’s not to like about that?
Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article.
Annuities are insurance contracts designed for retirement or other long-term needs. They provide guarantees of principal and credited interest, subject to surrender charges. Annuity guarantees and protections are backed by the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing insurer. The article is for general information only and is not intended to provide advice or recommendations for any individual. We suggest that you consult your accountant, tax, or legal adviser with regard to your individual situation.
Cornerstone Wealth Management offers securities through Kalos Capital, Inc. and investment advisory services through Kalos Management, Inc., both at 11525 Park Woods Circle, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005, (678) 356-1100. Cornerstone Wealth Management is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Kalos Capita, Inc. or Kalos Management Inc.
-
Claiming the Standard Deduction? Here Are Five Tax Breaks for Retirement in 2025Tax Tips If you’re retired and filing taxes, these five tax credits and deductions could provide thousands in relief (if you qualify).
-
QUIZ: Test Your Retirement IQQuiz Are you smarter than…everyone else? Test your retirement smarts with this quiz.
-
Where There's a Will, There's a Way Your Assets Will Be Distributed as You WishYour will is the backbone of a strong, adaptable estate plan that ensures what you leave behind goes to your selected beneficiaries. Without a will, state laws determine who gets your assets.
-
I'm a Financial Adviser: This Is What You're Really Losing if You Cut Back on Your 401(k) ContributionsMissing out on the benefits of the employer match and compounding growth could force you to work longer and lower your standard of living in retirement. Here are some alternative options.
-
Preferred Bank Stocks: The Investment Retirees (and Others) May Be Missing Out OnMost large banks issue preferred stocks that pay out fixed dividends, often with higher yields than bonds. Should you make room for them in your portfolio?
-
Don't Let Your Equity Compensation Trip You Up: A Financial Expert's GuideStock options, RSUs and other executive perks can come with some serious strings attached. To avoid a nasty tax surprise, you need a plan.
-
The Spendthrift Trap: Here's One Way to Protect Your Legacy From an Irresponsible HeirA spendthrift clause in an estate plan can protect an inheritance from a financially irresponsible child's debts and poor decisions.
-
Adapting to AI's Evolving Landscape: A Survival Guide for BusinessesLike it or not, AI is here to stay, and opting out could be disastrous for your organization. Instead, focus on what you can control and be flexible, as AI is still evolving.
-
Striking Gold (or Gas): A Financial Pro Unpacks the Nuances of Energy InvestingInvesting in the energy industry, particularly oil and gas, involves understanding the facts about how projects generate returns through cash flow and long-term asset building, while also being aware of the risks.
-
Escaping the New Golden Handcuffs: A Financial Expert Has a Plan for Today's ExecutivesFeeling stuck in your job? It could be your complicated compensation package, but it also could be where you live, your family or even how you view yourself.
