Annuities Explained - Protected Income (2024)

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Whether you’re planning for retirement or retired, we all have our bucket list of things to pursue and accomplish in our next chapter of life. Whatever is on your list, most of it will involve spending some money.

That’s why millions of Americans use annuities to protect and grow their retirement savings to help cover their basic monthly expenses – things like a mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries, or transportation – so they have the peace of mind and freedom to live the retirement they want.

Annuities have protected the retirement of millions of Americans over the centuries. Benjamin Franklin saw the power of annuities by giving them to the cities of Philadelphia and Boston in his will. In 2007, then Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke disclosed that his largest financial assets are annuities.

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Check out the timeline below to learn more about how annuities have been a reliable and trusted option for decades.

Annuities Explained - Protected Income (1)

In simple terms, an annuity is a contract between an individual (or married couple) and a life insurance company. Depending on the type of annuity, you purchase an annuity with a portion of your retirement savings in either a single payment or with multiple payments over time.

There are many annuity types available today, with different features, benefits, and costs, but they basically fall into three main categories:

Fixed

An annuity that protects your principal from market downturns and offers a fixed rate of interest for growth and guaranteed monthly payments.

Fixed Index

An annuity that protects your principal from market downturns, offers a minimum crediting rate with potential for additional interest based on market indexes, and guaranteed monthly payments.

Annuities Explained - Protected Income (2)

Variable

An annuity that offers the potential to grow your money through various market investments, but with the potential for market loss, and the option of receiving guaranteed monthly income payments.

There are also two main types of payout options:

Deferred

You delay receiving monthly income payments to a future date, giving your money in the account time to grow.

Immediate

Monthly income payments begin shortly after purchasing the annuity.

But don’t just take it from us – hear from some American retirement savers on the benefits of annuities in their planning journey:

  • Dale “Opie” Skjerseth Testimonial
    Testimonial of Dale Skjerseth (also known as “Opie”), Production Director for the Rolling Stones. Hear how Dale uses his annuity to eliminate risk in his own life, amid the risky environment of rock n’ roll.

    Getstarted today! Click below to emailyour financial advisor and ask howan annuity can protect yourretirement.​

    EMAIL YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR

  • Following his Yellow Brick Road By Protecting His Retirement
    Mike Gomez, Elton John’s head production rigger, tells us how an annuity gives him the certainty and peace of mind to pursue what’s next in life.

  • Dr. Benjamin LaBrot Testimonial
    Testimonial of Dr. Benjamin LaBrot, Founder of the Floating Doctors Medical Team. Hear how Dr. LaBrot sees his annuity as a “life preserver.”

  • Dr. Rosaly Lopes Testimonial
    Testimonial of Dr. Rosaly Lopes, Volcanologist. Hear how Dr. Lopes equates managing risk of volcanos to managing risk in her financial planning.

Alliance for Lifetime Income Protected Income TV

For more Alliance video content, visit our videos page at Protected Income TV.

Interested in learning more about how an annuity might be right for you? Check out our resources below and find a financial professional who can help get you started.

ELTON JOHN’S ‘FAREWELL YELLOW BRICK ROAD TOUR’Whatever your passion, it all starts with having a retirement plan that includes protected income to cover your basic expenses, an essential foundation to avoid outliving your money and living the life you want. Because when your basics are covered, you’ll have the freedom follow your own Yellow Brick Road.Learn More
ArticlesDebunking Annuity MythsMuch of the perceived complexities and negative information available on annuities are based on misinterpretations of how annuities actually work.Learn More

PROTECTED INCOME FOR THE BEST OUTCOME: THIS IS WHAT AN ANNUITY CAN DO

*“Annuities are long-term financial products designed for retirement purposes. Early withdrawals may be subject to withdrawal charges. Partial withdrawals may reduce benefits available under the contract. Withdrawals of taxable amounts are subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken prior to age 59½, an additional 10% federal tax may apply. Optional income protection features are subject to additional fees, requirements and other limitations. Keep in mind, for retirement plans and accounts (such as IRAs and 401(k)s), an annuity provides no additional tax-deferred benefit beyond that provided by the retirement plan or account itself. Contract and optional benefit guarantees are backed by the financial strength of the issuing insurer.”

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Annuities Explained - Protected Income (2024)

FAQs

Annuities Explained - Protected Income? ›

Annuities offer protected lifetime income, but that guarantee is dependent upon the financial strength of the insurance company. It's a good idea to speak with a financial professional who can guide you before making any decisions.

What is the protected income payment in an annuity? ›

An income annuity can help protect against the risk of outliving your savings. The amount you receive each month is guaranteed, and payments will continue for as long as you live.

What is the protected income value of an annuity? ›

What is the protected income value in an annuity? The protected income value in an annuity is the guaranteed minimum income you will receive for the rest of your life, no matter how long you live.

Is your money protected in an annuity? ›

Annuities function differently from comparable options in that they are not investments but insurance products. Depending on the product type, they typically are not exposed to market risk like stocks or bonds. Your principal is also protected, meaning there is no risk of losing your initial investment.

What is an income protector benefit on an annuity? ›

If you determine that your client will have an income gap in retirement, Portfolio Income Protector is an optional living benefit available with Pacific Advisory Variable Annuity that's designed to help clients increase future income in the years leading up to retirement, in all market conditions, followed by a ...

What is protected income? ›

Types of protected income include social security, SSI, SSDI, and veterans' benefits. These income sources cannot be taken out of a bank account by a creditor.

What are the three sources of protected income? ›

Now work with a financial professional to develop a plan to cover those expenses with sources of protected income, such as Social Security, a pension or an annuity.

How much does a $250000 annuity pay per month? ›

Estimated Monthly Payments from a $250,000 Annuity

At age 65, monthly payments range from $1,387 for a single life with cash refund to $1,465 for a single life-only option.

How much does a $100,000 annuity pay per month? ›

A $100,000 immediate income annuity purchased at age 65 could provide around $614 per month. With a 5% interest rate and a 10-year payout period, the same annuity might pay approximately $1,055 monthly. At age 70, a similar annuity could offer a lifetime payout of around $613 per month.

Who should not buy an annuity? ›

So, if you have experience and success managing your funds on your own and can convert your assets into an income, there is no reason to buy an annuity. 2. Don't buy an annuity if you're sure you have enough money to meet your income needs during retirement (no matter how long you may live).

What is the biggest disadvantage of an annuity? ›

High expenses and commissions

Cost is one of the biggest drawbacks of annuities.

Why are people against annuities? ›

Annuities can be a bad choice for some people—they have higher fees and less flexibility than some savings options. And depending on the type you choose, your heirs may get nothing after you die even if far less was paid out than you had contributed. but for others they are a great option to help save for retirement.

Are annuities 100% safe? ›

Yes. Unlike stocks and bonds, annuities are insurance products designed to give you guaranteed income in retirement. You fund your annuity with premiums (either a one-time lump sum or multiple premiums over time) and your premium grows over a number of years.

What is the protected withdrawal value? ›

The highest amount becomes your retirement income base, which we call your Protected Withdrawal Value. Your guaranteed annual lifetime income is 5% of this amount— even if your actual account value goes to zero in your lifetime.

What is the protected payment base amount? ›

Protected Payment Base – An amount used to determine the Protected Payment Amount. Initially, this amount is equal to the Initial Purchase Payment, if this Rider is effective on the Contract Date; or the Contract Value, if this Rider is effective on a Contract Anniversary.

What is protected income value for Allianz? ›

Protected Income Value– Equal to the premium you invest plus the premium bonus, plus interest earnings on the contract that are increased by an additional 50% annually. The resulting value is used to calculate the amount of guaranteed lifetime income you will receive.

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