Understanding Annuity Types and Features: EDU #2524

The Retirement and IRA Show

Chris’s Summary:
Jim and I discuss annuity types and features during Annuity Awareness Month, focusing on immediate vs. deferred annuities and fixed vs. variable structures. We cover how each type works, what they offer, and where caution is warranted.

Jim’s “Pithy” Summary:
Chris and I continue our Annuity Awareness Month series by diving into the foundational aspects of annuities—what they are, how they work, and what to watch out for when buying one. We explain the four primary annuity types and features—immediate, deferred, fixed, and variable—and share why understanding the difference between a noun and a verb matters in this world. When you annuitize, that’s the verb; you’re locked in, and there’s no getting out. That’s why we call deferred income annuities a big commitment—once you’re in, there’s no divorce clause!

I share my concerns with the tax deferral hype, especially when annuities are held inside IRAs. Many folks mistakenly believe they’re gaining tax advantage, but in reality, they might just be compounding future tax headaches. We talk about how annuities can offer principal protection and guaranteed lifetime income—but not all annuities do both. And we dive into what happens if you die early or live long, covering things like period-certain options, cash refunds, and installment refunds.

We also walk through the origin of single premium immediate annuities as a modern-day answer to tontines—yes, those ancient, now-outlawed mortality pools where surviving members collected increasingly larger checks. Mortality credits are still alive and well, just repackaged into today’s SPIAs. And if you’ve ever been pitched a variable annuity with enhanced death benefits or living benefits, we explain how those work, what they really cost, and why you need to read the fine print. From mortality and expense fees to revenue-sharing subaccounts, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes.

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