Learn About Annuities
Explore clear guides to annuity types, rates, income options, and the tradeoffs that matter in retirement planning.
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Core annuity guides
What is an annuity?
Start with the longevity simulator, then skim the plain-English guide.
Types of annuities
Rank MYGA, FIA, SPIA, and DIA by goal, liquidity, age, and premium.
Fixed index annuity
See how caps, participation rates, spreads, triggers, and the 0% floor work.
The Complete Guide to Annuities
Definitions, types, costs, taxes, suitability, and live-rate comparison paths.
How annuities are taxed
Estimate the taxable split, then skim qualified, non-qualified, RMD, penalty, and beneficiary rules.
175 published articles
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How to Read and Understand an Annuity Prospectus
Learn how to read a variable annuity prospectus, understand key sections, fees, risks, and payout options before making investment decisions.
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How to Read and Understand an Annuity Statement
Learn to interpret your annuity statement clearly—understand fees, values, and performance for smarter retirement planning.
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Can You Retire Comfortably with Just an Annuity?
Explore if an annuity alone can provide a comfortable retirement and what factors to consider for lasting financial security.
Beginner Guides
Can You Buy an Annuity with Cryptocurrency?
Can you use Bitcoin or Ethereum to buy an annuity? Learn how crypto fits into retirement planning and what steps to take before converting your assets.
Beginner Guides
What Are Digital Annuities?
Explore how digital annuities work, their benefits, risks, and what to consider before investing. Learn about the future of annuities online.
Beginner Guides
Annuities for Beginners: What to Ask Your Financial Advisor
Learn what to ask your financial advisor about annuities to make smart, informed decisions that support your long-term retirement goals.
Beginner Guides
Annuitization in Annuities: Turning Your Savings into Lifetime Retirement Income
Learn how annuitization turns your annuity into guaranteed retirement income, including how it works, payout options, pros, cons, and examples.
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2025 Market & Policy Trends (Part 6)
New California rule requires annuity advisors to act in clients’ best interest. Learn what this means for buyers, sellers, and insurers in 2025.
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2025 Market & Policy Trends (Part 5)
Over 4.2M Americans turn 65 in 2025. Learn how annuities are evolving to meet their retirement needs.
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2025 Market & Policy Trends (Part 4)
Facing a shaky market in 2025? Discover how annuities can protect income, reduce risk, and bring peace of mind to your retirement plan.
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2025 Market & Policy Trends (Part 3)
Explore how QLACs offer tax deferral, RMD relief, and guaranteed income in late retirement under SECURE Act 2.0 rules updated for 2025.
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2025 Market & Policy Trends (Part 2)
SEC scrutiny of Fixed Indexed Annuities grows in 2025. Learn what new regulations could mean for advisors, retirees, and product transparency.
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2025 Market & Policy Trends (Part 1)
Explore how potential Fed rate cuts in 2025 may impact fixed annuity products like MYGAs and FIAs—and what advisors should do right now.
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Working Part-Time in Retirement: How It Can Complement Your Annuity Income
Discover how part-time work can supplement annuities, fight inflation, and support a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.
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How to Create a Budget for Retirement
Learn how to track income, control expenses, and plan for emergencies to build a retirement budget that ensures financial security.
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Trump Tariffs and Annuities
Explore how Trump-era tariffs may affect annuity rates, premiums, and investment decisions amid shifting economic and trade policies.
Beginner Guides
Annuities vs. Bonds
Learn about tax rules and risks when investing in annuities as part of a balanced financial portfolio.
Beginner Guides
Common Annuity Pitfalls to Avoid
Discover common annuity pitfalls and learn strategies to avoid costly mistakes when planning your retirement income.
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Annuity Options for Younger vs. Older Investors
Discover annuity options tailored for younger and older investors based on risk tolerance and retirement goals.
Beginner Guides
Annuity Due vs. Ordinary Annuity
Explore the differences between annuity due and ordinary annuity, and understand their impact on your financial decisions.
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What Is an Annuity Ladder?
Discover how an annuity ladder helps manage interest rate risk and secure diverse retirement income streams.
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Income Riders: A Comprehensive Guide to Enhancing Retirement Income Security
Learn how income riders supplement retirement income, shield from market fluctuations, and their pros and cons. Enhance your financial security.
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Are Annuities the Solution to IRMAA? An Analysis
Explore how annuities can mitigate rising Medicare and IRMAA costs for high-income retirees and those relying on Social Security.
Beginner Guides
An Introduction to Annuity Riders: What They Are and How They Work
Learn about annuity riders, how they work, and their types (income and death riders). Discover the benefits and drawbacks to make informed decisions.
Best Rates
Annuity Rate Factors: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Influential Variables
Discover how age, gender, health, and economic factors impact annuity rates, guiding your retirement income decisions.
Beginner Guides
Annuity FAQs
Discover the features, benefits, and risks of fixed, variable, and indexed annuities. Make informed decisions about your retirement planning.
Best Rates
Guaranteed vs. Non-Guaranteed Annuities- Balancing Security and Potential Returns
Explore the differences between guaranteed and non-guaranteed annuities, their benefits, risks, and suitability for retirement planning.
Best Rates
Guaranteed vs. Non-Guaranteed Annuity Rates
Explore the differences between guaranteed and variable annuity rates, factors influencing them, and essential considerations for retirement planning.
Best Rates
How to Get the Best Annuity Rates in 2026: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how to maximize annuity rates with expert strategies. Compare offerings, work with advisors, and secure your retirement income.
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How do I avoid paying taxes on annuities?
Minimize taxes on annuities with strategic withdrawals, conversions, and exchanges. Make informed decisions for a tax-efficient retirement.
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Minimize IRMAA with Roth Conversions and Annuities: A Guide
Learn strategies to reduce IRMAA surcharges using Roth conversions and annuities for optimized retirement income planning.
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Immediate vs. Deferred Annuities: Which is Better for IRMAA and Medicare Costs?
Explore how immediate and deferred annuities affect IRMAA and Medicare costs to optimize your retirement income strategy.
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Beginner Guides
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit (GMIB) Riders: Everything You Need to Know
Learn how GMIB riders in annuities offer a safety net, ensuring a minimum income regardless of market fluctuations.
Beginner Guides
A Brief History of Annuities
Explore the rich history of annuities from Ancient Rome to today's financial landscape, tracing their evolution and resurgence in modern investments.
Beginner Guides
Comparison of Annuities with Other Retirement Vehicles
Learn about the various retirement vehicles, their benefits, risks, and how to choose the right one for your financial future.
Beginner Guides
Maximize Your Annuity's Potential: Understanding Annuity Riders and Their Benefits
Learn how annuity riders can customize your retirement plan. Explore living and death benefit options to secure your financial future.
Beginner Guides
What You Need to Know About Long-Term Care (LTC) Riders on Annuities
Learn how annuities with LTC riders can help you plan for long-term care, protect your retirement savings, and minimize financial impacts.
Beginner Guides
Annuity Risks
Learn about annuities, their types, risks, and benefits for retirement planning. Make informed decisions about your financial future.
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Most-searched annuity comparison guides
Start with the common question, then use the comparison page to separate live rates from structural account and contract rules.