An annuity is an insurance contract where you, the purchaser, pay an insurance company to invest your money, allowing it to grow tax-deferred. In some instances, the annuity later provides a stream of income, which could cover a set length of time or be for life. Annuities can be complicated and they’re not for everyone. Before considering an annuity, there are some basics you should know, including what annuities are, what options they provide and how safe your money will be. Start with our beginner's guide: everything you should know about annuities then work your way through our other features and guides.
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I Want to Buy an Annuity, but I'm Scared I'll Get Ripped Off. Should I Get One Anyway?
An annuity is a way to achieve lifetime income in retirement, but you need to understand how this product works before making a purchase.
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How Much Income Can You Get From an Annuity? An Annuities Expert Gets Specific
Here's a detailed look at income annuities and the factors that determine your payout now and in the future.
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Engineering Reliable Retirement Income in 2025: An Expert Guide
For dependable income, consider using a bucket strategy and annuities in tandem to promote structure, flexibility and peace of mind.
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What if You Could Increase Your Retirement Income by 50% to 75%? Here's How
Combining IRA investments, lifetime income annuities and a HECM into one plan could significantly increase your retirement income and liquid savings compared to traditional planning.
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A Financial Adviser's Defense of Annuities: They're Just Misunderstood
Annuities can offer retirement income stability and security against market volatility, though some do have drawbacks. The key is to understand their features before buying.
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Annuities: Do You Need Guaranteed Income In Retirement?
Annuities are now an option in some 401(k)s but that doesn't mean they should be included in your retirement plan.
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What the HECM? Combine It With a QLAC and See What Happens
Combining a reverse mortgage known as a HECM with a QLAC (qualifying longevity annuity contract) can provide longevity protection, tax savings and liquidity for unplanned expenses.
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Watch Out for Annuity Surrender Charges: How to Avoid Them
Pulling money out of an annuity early can be a costly proposition. Here's how surrender charges work and one potential way around them — an annuity "ladder."
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Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Annuity Providers
Readers' Choice Awards In our 2025 Readers' Choice Awards survey, readers evaluated financial providers. Find out which annuity providers came out on top.
Readers' Choice Awards
