What is a Life Annuity?
A life annuity is a financial contract between you and an insurance company. In exchange for a lump sum payment or a series of payments, the insurer promises to make periodic payments to you for the rest of your life. Think of it as a reverse life insurance policy: instead of paying regular premiums to receive a lump sum upon death, you pay a lump sum upfront to receive regular payments for as long as you live.
Life Annuity Calculator
This annuity calculator uses guaranteed lifetime income riders that can help you predict the income you might receive each year for life during your retirement.
How Does a Lifetime Annuity Work?
The mechanics of a lifetime annuity are straightforward. Once you purchase the annuity, the insurance company invests your money. The returns on these investments, combined with the principal amount, are then distributed to you as annuity payments. These payments can be monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the life annuity option you choose.
Life Annuities Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Guaranteed Income for Life: The primary benefit of a life-only annuity is that it ensures you won’t outlive your savings.
- Predictability: Life annuity payments are consistent, allowing for better financial planning.
- Tax Benefits: Part of the annuity payment is considered a return of principal and is thus not taxable. (nonqualified annuities only)
Cons:
- No Death Benefit: One significant drawback is that most life annuities come with no death benefit. If you die shortly after purchasing, the insurance company keeps the remaining funds.
- Inflation Risk: Fixed annuity payments might not keep up with inflation, reducing purchasing power over time.
- Lack of Liquidity: Once invested, it’s challenging to access the lump sum without incurring penalties.
Life Annuity Options
There are several life annuity options to cater to different needs:
- Single-Life Annuities: These are solely for the purchaser. Payments cease upon their death.
- Joint-Life Annuities: Designed for couples. Payments continue until the death of the last surviving partner.
- Life Annuity with Period Certain: Guarantees payments for a specific period, even if the annuitant dies within that timeframe.
Annuitization vs. Guaranteed Lifetime Income Riders
Annuitization is the process of converting your annuity into periodic income payments. It’s irreversible. On the other hand, guaranteed lifetime income riders are optional benefits that can be added to an annuity contract. They offer income for life without giving up control of the principal amount. This flexibility comes at an additional cost but can be worth it for those seeking both income and potential inheritance for their heirs.
Next Steps
Life annuities can be a cornerstone of a robust retirement plan, offering the peace of mind that comes with guaranteed income. However, like all financial products, they come with both benefits and drawbacks. It’s essential to understand the nuances of life annuities, from the basic “what is a life annuity?” to the complexities of annuitization and income riders.
Your financial future is paramount. As you consider annuities for life, weigh the pros and cons, understand the various life annuity options, and always seek expert advice tailored to your unique situation. With the right knowledge and guidance, a life annuity can be valuable in achieving a secure and comfortable retirement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a life annuity benefit?
The primary benefit of a life annuity is the guarantee of a steady income for the remainder of the annuitant’s life. It provides financial security and peace of mind, especially in retirement, as it eliminates the risk of outliving one’s savings.
What does the annuity income for life mean?
Annuity income is the financial return you receive from an annuity, a contract you enter into with an insurance company. Simply put, you make an initial investment (or series of investments), and the company, in return, makes regular income payments to you for a certain period – often for the rest of your life. This is where the term “income for life annuity” comes from.
What is a pure life annuity?
A pure life annuity is a financial product that allows you to invest a lump sum, typically at the time of retirement, with the promise of receiving regular payments for the rest of your life. With its promise of steady income, this option can provide a level of security paramount in the uncertainty of our retirement years.
What is a single-life annuity?
A single-life annuity (SLA) is a type of annuity that pays out to the owner for their lifetime. The payout amount will depend on how much money was invested and when they start taking payments from the SLA.
What age do you draw from an annuity for life income?
Typically, at retirement, but it’s flexible based on your contract.
What is the best age to take annuity lifetime payments?
It depends on your financial situation. However, the day you start retirement is the typical age.
When does a life annuity end?
A life annuity typically ends upon the death of the annuitant, the individual whose life expectancy is used to determine the annuity payments.