What are annuities?
Annuities are a type of financial product with many different options and features. Generally, annuities can help you save for retirement. Certain annuities can offer index-linked growth opportunities as well as some protection against market downturns, and some types of annuities may provide a stream of guaranteed income payments. Guaranteed income payments can be set up to last for either a specific number of years or the rest of your life and can start right away or on a future date.
An annuity is a contract with an insurance company and can generally only be purchased through a financial professional.
What are some common types of annuities?
Finding the right annuity for your financial goals starts by understanding the main types, each of which has specific characteristics and offers some protection, either for the investments or the income being paid. Some common types of annuities include:
- Index-linked annuities that allow you to participate in growth opportunities up to a certain percentage by tracking the performance of one or more market indices, such as the S&P 500® Index, while offering a level of protection for a portion of your portfolio.A
- Variable annuities that provide investment options you may choose from to potentially grow your retirement savings, depending on market performance. These annuities may also offer other features (typically for an additional fee) that can provide benefits like guaranteed income for life.
- Fixedindexed annuities thatprovide principal protection in down markets while offering the opportunity for growth by tracking the performance of market indices.
- Income annuities thatprovide an immediate or future guaranteed stream of income payments.
- Fixed annuities thatprovide growth at a guaranteed interest rate with no risk of market loss.
Why should I consider an annuity?
Annuities can help address common concerns that today’s retirees face, such as:
- Living longer: “Will I run out of money?”
Some annuitiesmay provide guaranteed income that you can’t outlive.
- Unpredictable markets: “What will happen to my savings if there’s market volatility?”
Certain types of annuities can offer a level of protection for a portion of your portfolio.
- Changes to traditional retirement income planning:“Without a pension, how else can I create a steady stream of income?”
Some annuities canhelp supplement other income sourcessuch as Social Security to help cover everyday expenses in retirement.
- Rising health care expenses: “Do I have enough to cover the cost of care for myself and my family?”
While your specific health care costs may be unpredictable, certain annuities can provide monthly income payments that may help with expenses not otherwise covered by insurance and Medicare.
Brighthouse Financial Annuity Products
Brighthouse Financial can help you meet your financial needs through a variety of annuities, including:
INDEX-LINKED ANNUITY
Brighthouse Shield® Level Annuities
A Shield Level annuity uses a portion of your retirement assets to participate in market growth opportunities with a level of downside protection other investment products may not provide – all with no annual fees.2
Learn More About Shield Level Annuities
INDEX-LINKED ANNUITY WITH INCOME RIDER
Brighthouse Shield Level Pay Plus® Annuities
Shield Level Pay Plus annuities are index-linked annuities that provide market growth opportunities coupled with a level of downside protection and, when you’re ready, guaranteed income that lasts for life.3
Learn More About Shield Level Pay Plus Annuities
How to Buy a Brighthouse Financial Annuity
Annuity products from Brighthouse Financial can only be purchased through a financial professional. Some questions that can help you begin a conversation with your financial professional are:
- Do I have a diverse balance of income sources that’s right for the retirement I want?
- Will my essential expenses be covered with my current income sources, or could there be a gap I need to address?
- If an annuity is recommended for me, which type would complement my portfolio?
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Brighthouse Financialis on a mission to help people achieve financial security.
Trusted by over 2 million customers and with over 2 million annuity contracts and life insurance policies in force,5 Brighthouse Financial® is proud to be a Fortune® 500 company6 and one of the largest providers of annuities and life insurance in the U.S.7
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A The S&P 500® is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates (“SPDJI”) and has been licensed for use by Brighthouse Financial, Inc. S&P®, S&P 500®, US 500, The 500, iBoxx®, iTraxx® and CDX® are trademarks of S&P Global, Inc. or its affiliates (“S&P”); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”); and these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Brighthouse Financial products are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, or their respective affiliates; and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such products, nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the S&P 500®.
1 National Retirement Security Month Fact Sheet, 2021. Secure Retirement Institute, October 2021.
2 Withdrawals may be subject to withdrawal charges.
3 Guaranteed lifetime income depends upon staying within the parameters of the applicable rider.
4 The purchase payment will be reduced by withdrawals, which may be subject to withdrawal charges and a Market Value Adjustment if applicable. All guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability and financial strength of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company.
5 Data as of September 30, 2022.
6 From FORTUNE © 2023 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. FORTUNE and FORTUNE 500 are registered trademarks of Fortune Media IP Limited and are used under license. FORTUNE and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse the products or services of, Brighthouse Financial.
7 Ranked by 2022 admitted assets. Best’s Review®: Top 200 U.S. Life/Health Insurers. AM Best, 2023.
This material is for general informational purposes only, does not purport to be complete or cover every situation, and should not be construed as legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice. It is not, and should not be regarded as, investment advice or as a recommendation regarding a course of action. Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries did not consider any individual’s circ*mstances in preparing this information. Clients should seek advice from their tax, legal, and accounting professionals in addition to consulting with a financial professional.
