Why have Americans invested over 3 Trillion Dollars into annuities?
I am not sure if annuities are right for you, but the information below will let you decide that for yourself. How open minded are you?
1. Safety - Insurance companies are forced to set aside $1 for every $1 invested into annuities. Banks fail many times because they take $1 and make $10 in loans that go bad. Annuities don't do this. A banker I used to work with had a huge penny on her desk. She used to tell bank customers that the penny was more than anyone ever lost in a fixed annuity.
2. Guaranteed income for life - Annuities can fill in the gaps when social security, pensions, and other retirement accounts don't provide enough retirement income. Annuities allow you to take a lump sum today and create a steady stream of income paid monthly, quarterly or yearly.
3. Reasonable returns - Traditional fixed annuities provide a safe alternative to bank CDs and savings accounts. Some uncapped index annuities have earned 7-17% in specific years. You earn a portion of market upside without risking your principal. Some of the gains, none of the losses.
4. Tax-deferred growth - Annuities offer triple compounding on your interest. Earn interest on your principal, interest on your interest, and interest on the money normally lost to taxes.
5. Long Term Care Benefits - Some annuities offer 200-300% of your initial deposit in long-term care benefits with an optional rider. There is no cost and everyone qualifies regardless of health.
6. Leave a Legacy - You can leave a lovely one a monthly, quarterly or annual check. This can be especially beneficial if you think they might not spend it wisely.
7. No fees - Many fixed, indexed and income annuities have no fees whatsoever.
Bonus Reason - Some annuities offer up-front bonuses on deposits up to 10%. Example, invest $100,000 and receive a $10,000 bonus. Bonuses are usually attached to longer-term products which may or may not be right for your situation.
There are many types of annuities. Some are designed for growth. Others are designed for income. Choose the right type for your situation.
• Invest in annuities for what they will do, not what they might do. Compare their contractual guarantees.
•The US Treasury and IRS have endorsed certain types of "income annuities" for those looking for retirement income.
• Several states have banned annuities with terms over 10 years. You should do the same.
• Income annuities (SPIA's) usually provide the highest payouts if you need income to start right away
- Considering an index annuity? Find out what the cap is and in plain english how the gain is calculated.
- Consider your situation if you need income. Some annuities are better for single men, single women or couples with a large age difference. Shop around as your situation matters.
• Seen annuity ads where they promise 12-15% returns without market risk? They come from uncapped index annuities. These returns are possible when the market goes up considerably but keep in mind these are not normal returns.
•If you purchase a traditional fixed annuity find a company with strong "renewal rates". This is important because the rates can change. MYGA annuities rates are locked in for the entire term and are sometimes called "CD Annuities"
• Diversify. Don't invest all of your savings with one company. Shop wisely and look for stable, highly rated companies.
• Shop around. Find the best products on the market. Don't settle for anything but the best. Look for research from third parties.
• Don't buy an annuity until you compare the rates, benefits and fees of all of the products available.
Reach out and schedule a 15 min chat to see if an annuity may be right for you.
Email: moneywithtess@gmail.com
Tess