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  1. eHow
  2. Real Estate & Investment
  3. Annuities
  4. Fixed Annuities

Fixed Annuities

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  • What Licenses Do Bankers Have to a Sell Fixed Annuity?

    An employee at a bank may offer to show you how an annuity can earn you more interest and save on taxes. An annuity is not a banking product, but the function of annuities make them appropriate savings vehicle for some bank customers. A bank employee who sells annuities must have an insurance license.

  • What Percent of Non-Qualified Fixed Annuity Can I Borrow?

    Non-qualified annuities might offer loan provisions for you when you need the money in the contract prior to your retirement. The non-qualified annuity is taxed very differently from qualified and government annuities. Qualified annuities also allow pretax or tax-deductible contributions, depending on the specific investment account. For example, 403b plans allow pretax contributions right from your paycheck, while annuities in an IRA only allow tax deductible contributions which are accounted for on your tax return. Non-qualified annuities only allow after-tax contributions.

  • Can You Borrow Against Your Annuity?

    An annuity is a retirement product with tax-deferred growth. Annuities are either deferred or immediate. When you have an immediate annuity, you begin to take payments but no longer have access to the principal. A deferred annuity is one that you allow to grow until you need it later. If you class annuities by investments, there are three main types of annuities. These are fixed, variable and indexed, but the annuity rules are the all same.

  • Criticism of Fixed Annuities

    Fixed annuity policies are insurance policies that act as a savings account with an insurance company. The fixed annuity policy pays a fixed rate of return on all money deposited into the annuity. These annuities are generally regarded as safe, but they are not without fault. Some criticisms of fixed annuities exist, which make them unsuitable for some investors.

  • DJ AIG Commodities Index Components

    When retail investors are advised to participate in the commodities market, perhaps to diversify their portfolios or to join in hot commodity price trends, index funds are generally recommended as an easy, low-risk way to gain exposure to a broad basket of commodities. Fund participants should realize exactly what they're buying. The DJ-UBS Commodity Index (CI), for instance, offers an excellent variety of markets.

  • State Guaranteed Amounts for Annuities

    Every state has a life and health insurance guaranty fund that provides insurance coverage for policy holders in the event that an insurance company becomes insolvent. State guaranty funds insure various types of insurance policies, including annuities, but the extent to which these contracts are protected varies from state to state.

  • The Disadvantages of Deferred Indexed Annuities

    Deferred indexed annuities pay interest in a different way than most other annuities. The indexing feature only pays interest based on the upward movement of the stock market that the annuity tracks. All stock market losses are ignored. The insurer manages this by investing in a precise mix of bonds and index call options. Nevertheless, this type of annuity has some serious disadvantages.

  • What Is the Penalty of Annuity?

    Annuity penalties encourage you to keep money in your annuity policy. The insurance company assesses these penalties on your annuity, but they are only charged in certain situations. Make sure you don't get hit with these penalties, because they may dramatically reduce your retirement savings in the policy.

  • Are Fixed Annuities Safe From Creditors in North Carolina?

    Fixed annuities in North Carolina are regulated by the state's insurance commissioner. The insurance commissioner sets the rules for how policies must be designed and sold. The commissioner, along with other state regulators, also decides on penalties for noncompliance. North Carolina's laws on creditor protections for annuities apply for bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy related lawsuits. Those protections are limited, however, so you should understand how they impact you.

  • What Happens If I Have a Surrender Penalty in My Annuity?

    Buying an annuity is a step that many take when planning for their retirement. An annuity is an investment contract which you can purchase from an insurance company. This contract can provide a monthly payment once you retire. During the process of paying for an annuity, you might decide to take your money out and put it into another investment. When you do this, you may have to pay a surrender penalty to the annuity provider.

  • The Disadvantages of Deferred Annuities

    Investors often use deferred annuities as a way of creating an income stream for their retirement years. The funds you invest in the account grow for a number of years, and if you die during that time your family receives a life insurance payout. However, despite the many benefits, deferred annuities also have a number of drawbacks that range from a lack of liquidity to taxation issues.

  • The Best Annuities

    Some types of annuities provide something that other retirement plans and investments cannot: a guaranteed income. Annuities are insurance policies designed and sold by life insurance companies. There are several different kinds of annuities contracts that can be purchased, and the best policy really depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance.

  • How Are Annuities Guaranteed?

    Retirement savings is a coveted set of assets that must be invested wisely to preserve retirement income resources. Annuities are commonly recommended to investors in or near retirement age. While any investment has inherent risk, understanding where the protections lie with annuities can help you weigh all options for a balanced retirement portfolio.

  • Should I Withdraw From Deferred Annuities?

    Deferred annuities are supplemental retirement savings programs. Perhaps you bought the annuity anticipating the need for a regular income at some future point in time or simply wanted the tax-deferred growth to build more retirement assets. Explore both the need for money as well as the tax ramifications before withdrawing funds from the annuity.

  • The Safest Annuities

    Annuities are insurance policies that guarantee you an income when you retire. You may elect to convert your annuity to a monthly payment or keep the annuity as a savings. Regardless, some annuities are safer than others. Before you invest a dime with an insurance company, you should understand the safest annuities on the market.

  • The Best and Safest Annuities

    Annuities can be an important part of your long-term retirement savings. In particular, annuities are the only financial product that guarantees an income for your entire life. But, when choosing an annuity, you might be concerned with getting the best and safest annuities. This is often a tricky proposition, but there are some basic guidelines you can follow to ensure that you get an annuity that will help you achieve your financial goals.

  • Investment Risk Measures

    Virtually all forms of investment involve a level of risk. In many ways, a return on investment can be seen as compensation for tolerating a certain level of risk. In general, the riskier an investment, the greater the potential financial gain. Before an investor can weigh potential financial gain against financial risk, however, he must have a way to measure that risk. Fortunately, there are a number of tools designed to help measure the level of risk in a particular investment.

  • How Secure Are Annuities?

    Saving and investing for retirement is important to maintain a high standard of living after you stop working. Workers utilize a variety of different savings and investment products to provide income for themselves during retirement, including annuities. Annuities are financial products offered by insurance companies in which the insurance company pays you in retirement in exchange for a lump sum or series of payments that you give the insurance company before you retire.

  • Can Creditors Collect From an Annuity?

    When you owe money the creditor will attempt to secure your property for the payment of the debt. A bank or some other organization can legally place a lien on your assets, including an annuity contract. However, the laws on how this works vary by state.

  • What Are Fixed-Income Indexes?

    Similar to stock indexes that measure the total performance of particular groups of stocks, such as the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average, fixed-income indexes are used to track average market returns of different segments of the fixed-income market. The meaning of a fixed-income index is twofold: the index is a list of fixed-income securities with performances to be measured; the index is also the aggregate value of individual returns of all the securities assembled. Fixed-income indexes serve as performance benchmarks for individual fixed-income investments comparable in security characteristics to those of the composite securities in respective indexes.

  • How Annuities Affect the Value of Money

    When you invest in an annuity, you have to consider the time value of money. The time value of money refers to how time affects the value of the money you have. With inflation, your money becomes worth less over time, so understanding how your annuity affects the time value of money is important, especially if you want to be able to make enough money to survive during your retirement years.

  • Fixed Annuities Definition

    A fixed annuity is an insurance policy in which the insurance company makes fixed payments to a policyholder for either the life of the policyholder or for a set period of time. The insurance policy may indefinitely defer these payments , keeping the annuity as a savings, or start immediately making payments.

  • How Fixed Annuities Work

    When you are saving money for retirement, you have many choices to choose from in terms of investment and savings vehicles. An annuity is just one choice. Fixed annuities provide safety and security for your retirement money. But, before you rush into a purchase, you should understand how these products work and how they impact your retirement.

  • What Is a Fixed Rate Annuity?

    A fixed rate annuity is a supplemental retirement savings investment. Insurance companies sell these investments to conservative consumers looking to get tax-deferred growth on money to use after age 59 1/2. Some fixed rate annuities are qualified retirement plans like IRAs while others are non-qualified accounts serving exclusively to supplement retirement savings.

  • What Pays More, a Fixed Annuity or CD?

    When considering investments for your future, you may be confronted with a choice to make for your fixed interest investments. An annuity and a bank CD seem to offer similar interest rate returns. But, these product differ significantly in what they are able to offer. Make sure you understand which pays more so that you can choose the best investment for you.

  • The Best Annuities for Seniors

    The best annuities for seniors depend on how the senior intends to use the annuity. Some people don't want extra income and simply want a tax-deferred method of saving. Others want an immediate income. Factors such as age and the underlying contract specifics also make a difference on the best type of annuity for seniors.

  • A Good Alternative to a Fixed Annuity

    A fixed annuity is an insurance policy that guarantees an income to you during retirement. But fixed annuities don't always pay high interest rates. Still, you might like the guarantees that are found in a fixed annuity. Before you buy another investment consider an alternative to a fixed annuity that might provide the guarantees you are looking for with additional potential for growth.

  • Can Annuity Be Used for Education?

    An annuity is designed to provide retirement income. However, the annuity can also be used to provide money for other purposes, like to fund your education (or your child's education). But, you should understand how using your annuity's savings impacts you and your family.

  • Fixed Annuity Benefits

    A fixed annuity is an insurance policy that guarantees a retirement income to you when you retire. This income may be paid in one of several ways. But, you may also use a fixed annuity as a long-term savings vehicle. Before you choose a fixed annuity, make sure you understand the benefits of such annuities.

  • Are Fixed Annuities Good?

    Fixed annuities are insurance products that are designed and sold by insurance companies. An annuity might help you retire comfortably due to the guarantees and income features inherent in all annuities. But annuities aren't right for everybody. Make sure you understand how they work before you decide if they're right for you.

  • Does The State of Arizona Guarantee Fixed Annuities?

    Although insurance company failures are rare, they do happen. If you live in Arizona, and your insurer is suffering financial troubles, you will be glad to know the state does guarantee your fixed annuity policy. You must understand the nature of the guarantee, though, and the limitations imposed by the state.

  • Is a Fixed IRA a CD?

    Fixed Individual Retirement Accounts often contain certificates of deposit but not all fixed IRAs are CDs. Fixed IRAs are any accounts in which funds are invested in instruments paying a fixed rate of return. Generally, fixed IRAs are multi-year investment instruments that appeal to conservative investors who are concerned about principal preservation.

  • Can an Annuity Be Used for Education Without a Penalty?

    Sometimes, the focus on saving for retirement shadows the need for college education savings. Whether you are trying to pay college expenses for yourself, a spouse, child or grandchild, you may have no other financial resources other than your annuity. The type of annuity you own determines whether you are penalized if you take a distribution for education expenses.

  • When Can I Cash an Annuity Without a Penalty?

    An annuity is a tax-deferred investment vehicle that helps consumers save for retirement. Different annuities fulfill different investment objectives, with fixed annuities designed for conservative investors and variable annuities offering more diversity for more aggressive investors. Taking money out of an annuity, before you are allowed to, results in either contract or tax penalties.

  • Does an Annuity Have a Fixed Interest?

    Insurance companies sell various types of annuities, but generally the annuities fall into two broad categories: immediate annuities and deferred annuities. Immediate annuities involve converting a lump sum into pension style payments. Deferred annuities involve investing a lump sum for a period of years during an accumulation phase before creating an income stream. Fixed annuities are one type of deferred annuity that uses a fixed interest rate during the accumulation phase.

  • Fixed Income Index Description

    In investing, the term index refers to a specified group of underlying securities and the numerical value of the aggregate market price of all individual securities within the index. Thus, a fixed-income index is a composite list of various fixed-income securities and represents the collective value of the total market performance of those fixed-income securities. A fixed-income index serves as a relevant performance benchmark for fixed-income investors who invest in certain fixed-income securities comparable to what are in the index. A fixed-income index is, in effect, the average return of all fixed-income securities the index intends to measure.

  • Is an Annuity a Safe Bet?

    Financial advisers recommend annuities to investors seeking to prepare for retirement or continue to gain tax-deferred growth while in retirement. While an annuity is a financial investment product, it has several variations that define its risk. Protecting your hard earned money is paramount the closer you get to retirement and need the confidence in accessing your funds when you need them.

  • Can Creditors Attach a Fixed Annuity?

    Owing money to a creditor could mean the end of your personal savings. Creditors can legally attach certain assets of yours to satisfy a debt. This could be devastating if it happens to your retirement savings. Annuities provide some measure of protection against creditor claims. However, you must understand how you are protected, and the limitations on these protections.

  • Surrendering Fixed Annuities As a Tax Liability

    Fixed annuities are insurance policies that provide a guaranteed income to you during retirement. These annuities may also function like savings vehicles during your working years, allowing you to accumulate funds that will be used later. Should you decide to surrender the annuity, either because you need the money or would like to invest it elsewhere, you need to understand the tax consequences.

  • What Is a Fixed Income Index?

    There is no single fixed-income index. Rather, there are many indexes that provide a benchmark for various types of fixed-income products. Standard and Poor's has indexes that cover municipal bonds, treasuries, credit default swaps, global bonds, leveraged loans, and money market products. Each index gives investors an overview of the performance of each fixed-income product group.

  • Solid Advice for Those Deeply in Debt

    Many people carry debt through their mortgage, auto loan, student loan or credit cards. A job loss, sudden illness or unexpected family emergency can leave a consumer unable to pay down their debts. After time, the consumer's debt may become overwhelming. Fortunately, consumers can pay down their debts no matter how large through payment plans, credit counseling, debt consolidation loans or bankruptcy.

  • Financial Advice for Those Soon-to-Retire

    Soon-to-retire individuals may already have visions of long afternoons working in the garden, taking trips to Europe or baking with their grandchildren as retirement approaches. Crowded elevators, boring business meetings and working overtime will soon be relegated to the distant past, but for now, there's still financial planning to be done. Financial advice can help soon-to-retire individuals prepare for the life they've envisioned without undue worry or stress about how to pay for it.

  • How to Find an Annuity With Interest Rate

    Deferred annuities are retirement savings products that help you save supplemental retirement assets. Money placed into an annuity grows tax-free as long as assets remain within the annuity structure. Normal distributions occur after age 59 1/2 with the earnings added to income. Early distributions before this age have 10 percent paid in tax penalties. Annuities can have either a fixed rate or invest in variable return mutual funds. Fixed annuities guarantee an interest rate that usually adjusts on the anniversary date and can be found through most financial advisers.

  • General Information on Fixed Annuities

    The annuity you choose to purchase varies depending on what you want to do with the money you obtain from the annuity, and the risk you want to take. Fixed annuities are sold by insurance companies as either an immediate-fixed annuity or a deferred-fixed annuity.

  • How to Claim AIG Life Insurance

    Life insurance is very simple: It is simply the promise of dollars that step in the day the insured dies, when the family or business associates most needs them. Because life insurance is designed to provide immediate financial help to a cash-strapped widow or business during a crisis, life insurance generally bypasses probate and the court system, with the death benefit going to the beneficiary in a matter of days -- provided the proper paperwork is filed.

  • CD Vs. Fixed Annuity

    When you are investing for retirement, you have many choices open to you. If you are a conservative investor, you'll want to stick with investments that pay a guaranteed rate of return. Two such investments are bank CDs (Certificates of Deposit) and fixed annuities. Make sure you understand the differences between these investment products before you invest in them.

  • The Best Single Premium Deferred Fixed Annuities

    A single premium deferred fixed annuity, generally referred to as a "fixed annuity," is an insurance product that gives investors tax-deferred growth on contributions made. These products are sold by insurance companies with a variety of rates, durations and extra benefits. The "best" is contingent on finding a product that meets your specific investment objectives.

  • Risks & Fees for Fixed Annuities

    Fixed annuities are investment vehicles offered by insurance companies to provide income for retirement. They have options that can be adapted to each individual's cash flow and retirement income needs. The fees are relatively straight-forward and are incorporated into the stated interest rate. Fixed annuities have risks that must be considered by any potential investor.

  • Are Single Premium Fixed Annuities Insured?

    Single premium fixed annuities are contracts issued by insurance companies that provide purchasers with tax-deferred growth. The contracts are often sold through banks and financial institutions but are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, as they are not standard bank products. Annuities, like other insurance products, are protected by the financial strength of the issuing companies.

  • What Is the Difference Between a Fixed & Variable Rate CD?

    According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC), a certificate of deposit (CD) is a relatively low-risk investment that many investors use as an alternative to a traditional savings account. CDs provide a low rate of interest and, unlike many types of investments, are insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000. CDs come in two main types: fixed rate and variable rate.

  • How Can I Get My Money Early From a Deferred Fixed Annuity?

    Life insurance companies design and sell fixed, deferred, annuities as long-term savings contracts. A fixed, deferred, annuity defers the payment of a guaranteed income until you direct the company to convert your fixed annuity account to regular monthly payments. You don't always have to convert your deferred annuity to payments to access your money, but you need to be aware of any restrictions that apply.

  • What Are the Best Fixed Annuities or Equity Indexes?

    Standard retirement plans, like 401k plans and IRAs, offer one way to accomplish your retirement savings goals. Private contracts from insurance companies offer another way. These private contracts are called deferred annuities. Annuities are insurance products that guarantee an income to you for a fixed time period or for your entire life, depending on how you want payments to be structured. Deferred annuities act like long-term savings accounts and defer the guaranteed income payment. Two types of deferred annuities are fixed and equity indexed annuities.

  • How to Convert an IRA to a Fixed Annuity

    Annuities benefit from the same tax treatment as Individual Retirement Accounts and other retirement plans. Many people move IRA CDs or IRA mutual funds into annuities when nearing retirement because annuities allow contract-owners to turn assets into income streams. Annuities are insurance products that are regulated by state governments. The federal government oversees variable annuities in addition to the state officials because they contain underlying securities that the Securities and Exchange Commission regulates. Both Roth and traditional IRAs can be rolled into qualified annuities.

  • About Fixed & Guaranteed Annuities

    The uncertainty of the investment markets drives many investors towards fixed and guaranteed annuities with an insurance company. This type of investment is designed to provide security during your retirement years, but it may not be quite as safe as you think. Fixed annuities provide a regular payment during your retirement years, but they do have some limitations to consider.

  • Is a Fixed Annuity a Good Investment?

    Annuities date back to ancient Rome, where they were used to guarantee an annual payment to citizens in exchange for a single payment made earlier on in life. This payment was meant to provide an income for elderly citizens when they could no longer work. Today, fixed annuities provide those same advantages.

  • What Is a Preferred Fixed Annuity?

    Preferred fixed annuities refer to an annuity offered by NY Life. NY Life is a life insurance company headquartered in New York City. NY Life is a mutual life insurance company. This means that the company works for the benefit of its policyholders and is not a publicly traded company.

  • Is a Surrender Penalty on a Fixed Annuity on Principal or Interest?

    An annuity is a financial product offered by a life insurance company. The annuity guarantees a fixed income for the annuitant---the individual buying the annuity---for a set number of years or for the life of the contract. The annuity contract is designed to mature over a set number of years. If you cash in the contract prior to the maturity date, there is a surrender penalty.

  • What Is a Fixed Annuity Investment?

    When you need retirement income, you may face many choices. Your retirement portfolio may include pensions, 401(k)s, savings accounts, stock funds and a myriad of other investment products. Because of the many variables involved in retirement planning, many financial advisers suggest using a fixed annuity. Before you invest in these products, however, understand what you're buying.

  • What Is the Meaning of Fixed Annuities?

    A fixed annuity is a popular option for people who desire a safe and stable solution toward retirement. Fixed annuities best suit those who want to ensure that they have a certain amount of money to carry them through retirement. A fixed annuity can be used to cover a retiree's bare minimum living costs or supplement one's savings.

  • Fixed Annuity Products

    An annuity is a financial contract in which an investor pays a sum which is then distributed back at some predetermined rate, according to a predetermined schedule. Interest is paid to the investor on this money. The interest paid on some annuities varies, but in the case of the fixed annuity this rate is set.

  • Problems With a Fixed Annuity

    Fixed annuities are tax-deferred savings accounts sold by insurance companies to retail investors. Fixed annuities are considered conservative investments with a fixed rate of return guaranteed for at least a one-year term, with adjusted rates renewing for another term. While fixed annuities are suitable investments for many investors, there are some problems to consider before investing.

  • Fixed Annuity Advantages

    Fixed annuities are retirement savings accounts offering tax deferral on all earnings within the account. This type of investment account is structured for normal distributions to start after age 59 1/2. Distributions taken prior to this age are added to income and also have a 10 percent tax penalty assessed. Fixed annuities offer investors advantages regarding supplemental retirement savings.

  • Who Would Most Likely Benefit From a Deferred Fixed Annuity?

    Deferred fixed annuities, which provide a regular income based on contributions made throughout the term of the contribution period, can benefit investors who are looking for long-range investments that offer regular payments and tax deferment.

  • Distribution Rules on Fixed Annuities

    Fixed annuities are a type of supplemental retirement savings account that allows investors to defer taxes on growth until distributions are taken. Fixed annuities are sold by insurance companies, thus the fixed income is insured by the company offering the investment with risk evaluated by the company's overall solvency. Regulations on annuity distributions are regulated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

  • How Can a Fixed Annuity Offer a Signing Bonus?

    Annuities are tax-deferred investments offered to consumers by insurance companies. Annuity owners seek the highest return on annuity investments. Each person's objective determines the type of annuity he invests in. Conservative investors often choose fixed annuities, whereas investors seeking growth may utilize the mutual fund subaccounts in variable annuities. In seeking the highest return, investors may consider an annuity that offers a signing bonus. Signing bonuses include a boost in the first year's interest rate or a dollar credit value added to the initial investment. Bonuses are determined by the insurance company or the broker.

  • How to Compare Fixed Annuities

    A fixed annuity is a savings vehicle that provides a guaranteed annual return and defers taxes on interest until distributions are made. There are many variations to the fixed annuity depending on the insurance company selling it.

  • How to Move Fixed Annuities to a Trust

    Establishing a family trust is an important estate planning step that defines how the assets will be passed on to heirs. A trust is useless if it isn't funded, meaning family assets are not transferred into the trust with the trust as the new owner. A fixed annuity is a retirement savings investment contract between an insurance company, an owner and an annuitant with assets transferred to beneficiaries upon the death of the annuitant. In most annuity contracts, the owner and annuitant are the same person, and the owner is responsible for premium payments as well as taxes. Moving the…

  • How to Get a Discovery Classic Fixed Annuity

    A Discovery Classic Fixed Annuity is a supplemental retirement savings product offered by Prudential Life Insurance. The fixed annuity is designed for conservative investors seeking to defer taxes while obtaining a fixed annual rate of return. Distributions are added to income, though there is a 10 percent tax penalty if the distribution is made prior to the owner being 59 1/2. The Discovery Classic Fixed Annuity is a six-year contract.

  • Closing a Fixed Annuity

    A fixed annuity is a conservative investment product, offered by insurance companies, that gives investors the ability to defer taxes on earnings. There is no limit to the amount an investor can contribute to a non-qualified annuity. However, annuities designated as qualified retirement plans, such as IRAs or employer-sponsored plans, have contribution limits defined by IRS regulations. Closing an annuity is a simple process, but tax or product penalties might be associated with the closure.

  • Define Fixed Annuity

    The fixed annuity is a type of financial instrument which offers investors stable returns at very low risk. Because the risk is low, returns on fixed annuities are also low. Though there are alternatives to the fixed annuity, during unstable times fixed annuities gain favor with investors as a secure way to receive fixed income. Investors in annuities are often referred to as annuitants.

  • Tools to Compare Fixed Annuity

    Fixed annuities are conservative investment vehicles that offer tax-deferred growth while being 100 percent insured. The caveat is that not all fixed annuities are created equal because not all fixed annuities are written by the same financially sound insurance companies. Additionally, different time frame terms may alter the rates investors receive. Investors can use online tools to compare fixed annuities.

  • The Disadvantages of Tax Deferred Fixed Annuities

    Tax-deferred fixed annuities are a popular choice for retirement savings. Fixed annuities pay competitive rates of interest, and the interest earned is not taxable until withdrawals start. Annuities are insurance products sold by life insurance companies. There are some aspects of tax-deferred fixed annuities that need to be understood before money is invested in them.

  • Disadvantages of Fixed Annuities

    Fixed annuities are an enigma to many people who are not investment savvy. Investments that are more secure than stocks are often more appealing to people, especially in a market that can be extremely volatile. Fixed annuities offer investors an opportunity to invest in bonds. Although there are many advantages to them, there are also several disadvantages that people should be aware of prior to investing.

  • Three Characteristics of a Fixed Annuity

    Fixed annuities are popular retirement savings vehicles. Annuities can be used for additional tax-advantaged savings when an individual has reached the limits for his 401k and IRA savings plans. Annuities are also a retirement savings product where a single, large sum of money can be invested in a safe, tax-advantaged product to be used for retirement income when that time comes around.

  • Fixed Annuity Information

    An annuity is an agreement in which an insurance company agrees to make a series of periodic payments to a person in return for premiums paid to issue and keep the annuity in force. Insurance companies are the only financial institution that can issue an annuity because an annuity is considered to be a life insurance product.

  • The Risk of Buying Traditional Fixed Annuities

    Annuities are one of the most popular retirement investment vehicles. Compared to other account types and investment methods, annuities offer multiple benefits and protections not found elsewhere. Fixed annuities have long been viewed as one of the safest places for retirement money because the guarantees within these accounts provides investors with necessary peace of mind during a volatile market. However, fixed annuities do come with some risks, even if the investor's principle is not directly threatened by current economic trends.

  • Fixed Annuities & Taxation

    Fixed annuities are tax-deferred interest-bearing instruments offered by insurance companies that often provide the bearer guaranteed income options. Fixed annuities are considered particularly safe investments and therefore traditionally earn competitive returns. There are several advantages to investing in fixed annuities and should be a part of every investor's portfolio.

  • AIG Fixed Annuity Types

    An annuity is in effect an insurance policy to protect individual investors from the risk that assets will not be adequate to handle all future financial needs. A potential policy surrenders a sum of money to a company such as AIG, which in turn invests that money with the assurance to the policy holder that the account will grow. Once the account is again made available to the policy holder after its growth period, the policy holder's investment will have returned a profit.

  • How to Calculate the Return Rate on a Fixed Rate Annuity

    Fixed annuities are insurance investments that allow an investor to place money into a tax-deferred account and earn a fixed rate of return over time. The insurance company guarantees the assets over the duration of the annuity contract that can be used for lifetime income. This means that an investor has an income stream they are unable to outlive. Establishing the rate of return uses the present value and the future value of the annuity cash value.

  • What are Annuity Advantages?

    The advantage of an annuity is that it gives you a fixed income for the rest of your life. That means you have some security for the future.

  • How Can I Check on My Annuity?

    An annuity is a long-term investment that can serve as your primary retirement account or as a supplemental retirement account. Money in an annuity grows tax-deferred and can be invested in a variety of fixed or mutual fund accounts. Although this is a long-term investment, check on your annuity at least annually to make sure that your investment is performing according to your expectations and to make sure the insurance company is still a financially strong institution.

  • How to Borrow Against a Fixed Annuity

    An annuity is designed to save money for the long-term goals of retirement. However, life being as it is, there may be times when you need to draw on your assets to make it through short-term hardships. In this cas,e you may seek to get a loan against your annuity. When dealing with loans and fixed annuities, there are many regulations you need to satisfy with the IRS in order to be compliant and not be assessed IRS penalties on the loan value.

  • How Can a Fixed Annuity Offer a Bonus?

    An intelligent consumer looks at "bonus," "extra" and other adjectives shrewdly. The question is, "Compared to what?" An annuity that offers a 3 percent rate of return, with an extra 4 percent "bonus" if you allow the annuity to mature, is no bonus compared to an annuity that pays 5 percent. The fine print of any contract must be read to determine if there are any "extras" in your investment and how those "extras" compare to other products.

  • Successful Fixed Annuity Sales Techniques

    A fixed annuity can be a great investment for someone close to retirement who wishes to receive income for life. Annuity payments are sent monthly by their respective companies and accumulate interest while these payments are being received. They also protect clients from market fluctuations by offering them a fixed amount of interest that is paid throughout their retirement through death.

  • How Can I Get My Money From My Deferred Fixed Annuity?

    An annuity is, at heart, a contract between a private or commercial party and generally an insurance company where the party gives the insurance company a lump sum and the company promises a rate of return and eventual payout after a fixed period of time. Since the insurance company's interest is to have the money now, to allow withdrawal defeats the purpose of the contract. Hence, most annuities will have high surrender charges (fees to take out the money).

  • What Is the Difference Between Fixed Annuity & Fixed Index Annuity?

    An annuity is a type of savings product that accumulates interest for a set period of time and then provides income in the form of one payment or multiple small payments. Fixed annuities and fixed indexed annuities both guarantee that you will earn some type of interest on your investment, but there are differences in the way the interest is determined.

  • What to Do When a Fixed Annuity Matures

    Annuities are one of several types of investment products that must be carefully researched before investing, while owned and before liquidated or partially liquidated. Fixed annuities offer a guaranteed rate of return for X amount of years and may guarantee the principal. Before age 59½, amounts withdrawn from an annuity may be subject to a 10 percent IRS penalty. Though a fixed annuity cannot be affected whether the market turns up or down, all guarantees within the contract are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

  • The Best Fixed Annuity Coverage

    A fixed annuity is a series of fixed payments in exchange for one lump sum payment at the beginning of the time period. They are designed primarily for retirement accounts and can be purchased from insurance or financial firms. The cash invested is guaranteed to earn a fixed rate of return. The key to buying the best fixed annuity coverage is finding the best insurer with the highest interest rates, most flexibility and the longest contract. In general, the longer the contract term, the less flexible, but the higher the rate.

  • Financial Advice for Those Over Sixty With a Shrinking Income

    Retirement on a fixed income can be a scary situation. If you are already retired and living off a shrinking income, there are things you can do to maximize your dollars. If you are over 60 but still working, this is the time to take retirement saving more seriously than ever.

  • Fixed Annuities Explained

    A fixed annuity is an investment tool that allows a person to receive fixed payments over a given period. Depending on the type of fixed annuity purchased, the period can be for a specified number of years in the case of a term-certain annuity, until the purchaser's death in the case of a life annuity or the death of both the purchaser and his spouse. Fixed annuities provide a guaranteed stream of income that can be used to supplement Social Security or a person's pension.

  • Risks of Fixed Annuities

    Annuities are contracts typically issued by insurance companies or financial entities that promise specific interest gains and payments to the buyer, who is called the annuitant. Typically, the annuitant pays a premium and receives a guaranteed monthly income for a set period of time. Fixed annuities are popular with people looking for a steady stream of income, such as retirees.

  • Early Withdrawal of a Fixed AIG Annuity

    AIG annuities are savings vehicles that allow you to defer taxes on the interest you earn. These are often used as supplemental retirement plans. AIG offers fixed annuities that have contract periods of three, five and seven years. If you need to withdraw funds during this "surrender period," you may be subject to penalties.

  • How to Compare Fixed Annuity Rates

    A fixed annuity is similar to a certificate of deposit (CD) in that it is based on prevailing interest rates. Fixed annuities are primarily used for retirement savings. For instance, $5,000 can be invested at 5 percent interest for five years. Like CD's, fixed annuities are great for the risk adverse investor, however, fixed annuities have more liquidity, are tax-deferred and usually offer higher rates of return. The following will help you to compare your options when researching fixed annuity rates.

  • Fixed Annuity & IRA Investment Advice

    An IRA is an Individual Retirement Arrangement that creates a tax shelter for money going into the account. These "arrangements" are often also referred to as "accounts" or "annuities." While you can have an annuity as your investment option for an IRA, there are some important considerations to make on both the advantage and disadvantage sides.

  • The Difference Between a CD & a Fixed Annuity

    Certificate of Deposits (CDs) are issued by banks, and annuities are issued by insurance companies. Understanding some differences may help you decide which one is best for you.

  • What is the Definition of a Fixed Annuity?

    A fixed annuity may be a good option depending on your personal financial situation. It offers safety of principal, competitive interest rates and other benefits.

  • What Are Deferred Fixed Annuities?

    Fixed deferred annuities can be a good option for investing, depending on your personal financial situation. There are benefits and drawbacks to fixed deferred annuities. Consult a professional financial adviser who can help explain how this investment vehicle works.

  • How Safe Is a Fixed Annuity?

    Fixed annuities are considered a "safe" investment. Issued by insurance companies, they are somewhat similar to CDs. They offer a fixed rate of return credited annually on a tax-deferred basis, allowing the investor a chance to earn a decent rate of return without risking principal.

  • How to Buy a Fixed Annuity

    Purchasing a fixed annuity is a complex decision. The purchaser must understand the function of the annuity, the benefits, liabilities, fees and penalties the investment carries. Fixed annuity also has many options and the credibility of the annuity varies by institution. Purchasing annuities should be made only after consulting personal financial advisers.

  • Fixed Annuity Payout Methods

    Fixed annuities are contracts issued by insurance companies that generate income the annuitant is guaranteed to never outlive. Fixed annuities are a very safe way to generate retirement income because they are guaranteed income and subject to the fluctuation of variable investments.

  • How Annuities Affect TMV Problems

    TMV stands for "time value of money," which is about both the present and future value that is placed on money. The basic concept behind TMV is that money placed in the hand today is worth more than money that you receive tomorrow or at an even later date, due to the fact that the sooner interest starts accruing, the more money you end up with ultimately. Many different factors influence and cause problems with TMV, including compounding interesting, interest rates, opportunity costs and annuities.

  • How Does a Fixed Annuity Work?

    There are two basic types of annuities, fixed and variable. The main difference between the two products is risk tolerance. A fixed annuity guarantees a fixed amount of interest in return for use of funds; the return is fixed. A variable annuity can have fluctuating returns, but might have a bigger payoff in return for this added risk; the return is variable. The fixed annuity is similar in payment structure and risk tolerance to a certificate of deposit (CD), while the variable annuity is similar to investing in a mutual fund.

  • What Is Fixed Annuity?

    A fixed annuity has a fixed rate of return and is not tied into the market. Invest in fixed annuities with tips from a registered financial consultant in this free financial planning video.

  • Deferred Fixed Annuity Investment Risk

    A fixed annuity is one of the safest investments people can purchase. A fixed annuity is not invested into the stock market or subject to market swings. However, a fixed annuity may pale in comparison to other savings investments, because of its longer maturation date. Other fixed-annuity considerations include liquidity risks, insurance risks and seller risks.

  • Definition of a Fixed Annuity

    A fix annuity is an agreement between two parties where one party will pay money or services at a future date. Research various fixed annuities to determine different restrictions and stipulations with information from a portfolio manager in this free video on finance.

  • About Fixed Annuity Rates

    Annuities are insurance policy contracts that pay out a certain rate of money annually after it matures and has been fully paid for. Fixed annuities are guaranteed by the insurance company to pay out a minimum interest rate while the account is still being paid for by the customer. These annuities invest premiums into bonds to guarantee a certain level of return to their customers.

  • About Fixed Annuities

    A fixed annuity is a contract that guarantees the payment of a specific amount for a length of time, usually ending with your death. Unlike other annuities, the insurance company assumes the risk to make those payments during your lifetime and it will guarantee the policy's interest rate. If you are looking for a guaranteed monthly payment, a fixed annuity is something you should consider.

  • How to Choose a Fixed Annuity

    A fixed annuity is a fairly straight forward investment. It is essentially a contract between an individual and an insurance company. The investor agrees to give a specified amount of cash to the company in exchange for guaranteed future payments for the period agreed to. It is a safe way to have a predictable income. The contract calls out the interest rate paid on the principal, the starting date of the payments and the length of time the payments will be made. Here's how to choose the fixed annuity that suits your needs.

  • How to Set Up a Fixed Period Annuity

    Many annuities (contracts between you and an insurance company) are set up to provide income for the lifetime of the annuitant. A fixed period annuity enables the contracting party to provide income for a pre-determined number of years and the annuitant may select an annuity with a guaranteed-minimum interest rate. Such an annuity will never drop in value, regardless of how the market affects the investments of the contracting company.

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