Annuity Education
Not all annuities are created equal. Each type serves a different purpose — guaranteed income, tax-deferred growth, market participation with downside protection, or legacy planning. Our expert-reviewed guides break down how each one works and who it's best for.
A deferred income annuity (DIA) converts a lump sum into guaranteed monthly income starting at a future date you choose — 2 to 40 years from now. Because the insurer invests your premium longer, a DIA pays significantly more per dollar than an immediate annuity. It’s pension-like income you design yourself.
Read the guideA fixed annuity guarantees a minimum interest rate on your money, protects your principal from market losses, and grows tax-deferred. There are three subtypes — traditional fixed, MYGA, and fixed indexed — each designed for a different savings profile. This guide covers all three.
Read the guideA fixed indexed annuity (FIA) credits interest based on how a market index performs — but guarantees your account never drops due to market losses. In good years, you earn a portion of the gain. In bad years, you earn zero — not negative. This guide explains exactly how caps, participation rates, spreads, and income riders work.
Read the guideA single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) converts a lump sum into guaranteed monthly income starting within 30 days. You choose the payout option, the insurance company guarantees the payments — for a set period or for the rest of your life, no matter how long you live.
Read the guideLock in a guaranteed rate with no annual fees and principal protection when held to maturity. The simplest annuity on the market — and today’s rates are near 15-year highs.
Read the guideA Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract (QLAC) is a deferred income annuity purchased inside your IRA or 401(k) that does something no other financial product can: it removes up to $200,000 from your RMD calculation while guaranteeing lifetime income starting at the age you choose — up to 85.
Read the guideA variable annuity invests your premium in market-based subaccounts with tax-deferred growth. Your account goes up and down with the market — there is no floor. Variable annuities carry the highest fees of any annuity type (2–3%+ per year) but offer full market participation and optional insurance guarantees no other product provides.
Read the guideAnnuities are contracts with insurance companies that convert your savings into guaranteed income — often for life. This guide covers how they work, the seven main types, real costs, tax treatment, and who should (and shouldn’t) consider one.
Read the guideAn independent, licensed advisor can help you compare options from 60+ carriers and find the annuity that fits your retirement goals — no obligation, no pressure.