What is a Fixed Annuity and How Can it Benefit my Retirement?

Annuity insurance is an investment vehicle where an investor makes a lump sum payment, or numerous payments, and in return, receives regular payments at set intervals for their retirement. The insurance company provides annuity investors with a certain sum either for a specified duration or for the entire lifetime of the person.

Annuity insurance is used for retirement. There are a number of benefits to annuity insurance, but the often most noted benefit is that annuity investments are tax-deferred by the government. You are able to invest as much as you'd like in annuities (unlike 401k's) and you will not pay taxes on gains until you start withdrawing your investment.

The most purchased type of annuity is a fixed annuity. A fixed annuity is known as the safest type of annuity insurance, providing a guaranteed protection of principle as well as a secured interest rate. It will provide, "fixed" payments at (usually) monthly intervals during the recipient's retirement.

A fixed annuity provides investors with security against the on-going fluctuations of the marketplace. Negative gains are taken out of the equation, leading to a positive, steady cashflow at set intervals for retirement. On top of the security, fixed annuity investors receive tax-deferred interest, at a rate that is often higher than other "safe" investments such as CD's or low-risk bonds.

Fixed annuities can further be segmented by their payment schedule. An immediate fixed annuity provides immediate payments to the holder, as soon as the investment was made. In the US, annuity insurance investors cannot receive payments until the age of 59 and a half without penalty. Therefore immediate annuities are often used by investors already in retirement.

For annuity investors younger than 59 and a half, only one payment schedule option exists, a deferred annuity. A deferred annuity has a period until maturity (when payments occur). During this time a fixed annuity grows at the pre-agreed fixed rate of interest, and no tax is paid until withdrawals are made.

As with all insurance and investment products, there are various drawbacks. When considering a fixed annuity, or really any investment, always ensure you're getting both sides of the story. One concern with annuities is that they are not a very liquid investment. If you invest in an annuity and then require the money be returned before maturity, you face an IRS tax penalty, as well as possible penalties from your insurance company. Always consider your financial position and possible short-term needs, before investing in a long-term fixed annuity.

This article is an overview of a fixed annuity, but it is nowhere near a complete assessment. Always consider the financial implications, and your personal situation before making a decision on any investment or insurance product.

John C. Ryan writes content about annuity insurance, providing retirees with the knowledge they need to assess their fixed, variable, and index annuity options.