As you get older, you should keep an even closer eye on your money. With retirement looming, the decisions you make with your finances stand to impact the rest of your life in a fundamental way. This is why many older individuals look to purchasing an annuity when they begin planning for retirement.

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An annuity is a safe way to invest your money and have it returned to you through a steady stream of income to ensure you won’t outlive your financial assets.

But for many unfamiliar with this type of annuity, it’s natural to be hesitant. You’ve probably heard a lot about annuities, especially whether or not they’re a smart investment or if they could be a scam.

So, what’s the truth about annuities? Here, we’re taking a closer look at this common type of investment to help you determine if it would be a smart financial decision for you.

What is an Annuity?

Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is an annuity? An annuity is a type of insurance contract that pays out the invested funds in a fixed income stream throughout the duration of the agreed upon contract.

Annuities are offered by financial institutions and are ideal for older individuals, especially those nearing retirement, who want a safe, secure investment option that will protect their money and help to ensure you won’t outlive your funds.

Now, it’s natural to wonder: how do annuities work? The process is relatively simple, making it an even more appealing financial decision for many older individuals. An annuity goes through two major phases, the accumulation phase and the annuitization phase.

The accumulation phase is the period of time when you’re actively funding the annuity through payments and the payouts have not yet begun. This invested money will grow on a tax-deferred basis. Then, the annuitization phase is when payments officially begin.

What are the Benefits of Annuities?

There are many beneficial aspects to utilizing an annuity. When it comes to investing your money, an annuity is one of the safest options available. But what are some of the reasons why people invest in these products?

Here are some of the top benefits of annuities:

• Safe form of investment.
• Provides tax advantages.
• Helps you manage and regulate your money.
• Can grow tax-deferred over time.
• Zero contribution limits.

For more information about the benefits of annuities, reach out to a trusted annuity provider in your region.

What are the Disadvantages of Annuities?

While there are many benefits to annuities, this doesn’t mean that they’re ideal for everyone or every financial situation. In most cases, annuities are meant for those entering (or preparing for) their retirement years.

Annuities are designed to offer a steady stream of income that is consistent and safe as someone’s income level dramatically changes with retirement. The invested money in an annuity is illiquid, which means that it cannot easily be sold or exchanged for cash. Additionally, there tend to be financial penalties if you seek to withdraw your money early from an annuity. Thus, if you think you’ll need the money sooner rather than later, an annuity may not be the financial decision for you.

This is why it is not recommended that younger people invest in an annuity. You also want to be aware concerning the actual stipulations about your annuity. For example, if the individual investing in the annuity passes before all the money has been dispensed, you may lose the remaining funds—that is, unless you have specified a rider in your agreement that will then disperse the funds to a surviving partner or family member.

Like any financial agreement, it’s critical to understand the exact specifications of your annuity. Working with a trusted annuity provider is essential to ensure your money is safe and managed well.

Are Annuities a Scam?

When it comes to your financial livelihood, it’s always wise to be cautious about any type of contract, agreement, or investment. This is particularly true as you get older and need to be even smarter with your investments. For those just learning about this type of investment, you’ve probably heard a lot of different opinions.

Especially in our online world, there’s simply a wealth of information that could sway you one way or the other.

So, are annuities a scam? Or is this a safe, smart investment? To answer the question simply enough, no, annuities are not a scam. Annuities are legitimate financial products that are usually protected by state guaranty associations. Annuities are seen as one of your safest options when you’re looking for long-term financial planning.

However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t risks. Always be cautious about your annuity, specifically where you’re getting it from. Some insurance companies that offer annuities may try to force certain products on clients. This is particularly a concern if the agents are working off commission. While it’s not always true, these agents may not always have their clients best interests in mind and simply try to sell the highest value annuities.

The best way to protect yourself when finding the right annuity? Education. Do your own research so you’re informed before even beginning the conversation with an annuity agent. Being informed will keep you and your funds more secure for this long-term investment.

Conclusion – Are Annuities a Scam?

Do you ever worry about outliving your funds? Do you worry about where to safely invest your money as you get older and begin eyeing that prize of retirement? If so, an annuity could be a smart financial move for you. An annuity is a safe investment product that helps you regulate and manage your money in the golden years.

By purchasing an annuity, you’ll receive a steady stream of income over a fixed amount of time. This can be a great way to help you safely invest and manage your money, but be cautious about the type of annuity product you purchase.

Educate yourself on the different types of annuities before calling on an annuity agent. When purchasing an annuity, education and information, as usual, is your greatest asset.