June is Annuity Awareness Month, a time to educate individuals on the benefits and importance of annuities. If you’re new to annuities or need a refresher, keep reading to understand the basics of annuities.

Basically, an annuity is a financial product that can provide a steady stream of income during retirement. With people living longer and the uncertainty of Social Security, annuities can be a reliable source of income in retirement.

These insurance-based financial products come in different forms, such as fixed, indexed, and variable annuities. Fixed annuities provide a guaranteed rate of return, while indexed annuities offer the potential for higher returns based on the performance of a market index. Variable annuities allow individuals to invest in a variety of mutual funds and other investments, with the potential for higher returns but also higher risk.

One of the primary benefits of annuities is their tax-deferred growth. This means that earnings on the annuity are not taxed until they are withdrawn, allowing individuals to potentially earn more money over time. Annuities can also provide a death benefit to beneficiaries, ensuring that loved ones are taken care of even after the annuity holder passes away.

It is important to note that annuities are not for everyone. They can be complex and often come with fees and surrender charges if money is withdrawn before a certain date. That’s why it is important to fully understand the terms and conditions of an annuity before investing.

Annuity Awareness Month is a great opportunity to educate yourself or talk to a financial professional about the benefits and potential drawbacks of annuities. By increasing your knowledge of these financial products, you can make more informed decisions about your retirement and financial future.

Annuities can be a great option for retirement given that they can provide you with steady income the way Social Security might. However, annuities can be complex and aren’t for everyone. A regularly maintained, comprehensive retirement strategy can make the difference in fitting annuities into your strategy.

Securities offered through DAI Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.  Advisory services offered through DAI Wealth, Inc.., an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. DAI Securities, LLC and DAI Wealth, Inc. are separate, but affiliated, entities. This document is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. One should consult a legal or tax professional regarding their own personal situation. Any comments regarding safe and secure investments and guaranteed income streams refer only to fixed insurance products offered by an insurance company. They do not refer in any way to securities or investment advisory products. Insurance policy applications are vetted through an underwriting process set forth by the issuing insurance company. Some applications may not be accepted based upon adverse underwriting results. Death benefit payouts are based upon the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company. The firm providing this document is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any other government entity.

 

Sources: https://www.iamsinc.com/annuity-awareness-month-marketing-tips/

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/annuity.asp