Annuities Offer Security That Stock Market Lacks

by Jones Taylor on May 3, 2009

Due to the recent turmoil in the stock market, more and more people are realizing the secure advantages that are offered through annuities. People who had their retirement savings invested in stocks now see those savings drastically shrinking, increasing the demand for annuities.

People may have invested their savings for years only to see it washed away with the latest economic tide. Annuities, on the other hand, guarantee a continual flow of income that’s less subjected to market changes. Annuities are contracts with insurance companies that usually provide guaranteed income streams. They offer safer options for investors who are worried about the stock market or getting low returns on bonds.

There are two types of annuities, including an immediate annuity that pays similar to a pension, and a deferred annuity, which allows users to invest money on a tax deferred basis. Although deferred annuities are dependent on the stock market for their performance, there is usually insurance available to hedge against the investment taking a loss. Buy annuity, and you are taking a considerable lower risk than just investing money in the market.

Although rules and markets have changed recently, you were once faced with being stuck with the deal when you chose to buy annuity. You’d face high taxes and stiff penalties if you ever choose to try to sell the annuity early. However, over the last several years, selling annuity has enjoyed a strong market that’s been made even stronger due to the turmoil in the marketplace.

Many consider selling annuity just because they don’t need the payments anymore, or they’d like to take the money in a lump sum and invest it. Being able to put the annuity on the market makes annuities more appealing assets, as they are as good as cash but also a tax-free investment.

Any annuity can be put up for sale, providing its not held in a 401K or IRA account. You can even sell only part of the annuity if you just need a portion but not the entire package. The resulting cash can be invested towards health insurance or other investments.

You should be sure to understand how the gains will be calculated with the annuity. You should also check to see if there are any hidden penalties for taking the money out early. Older people should look for any rules that may prevent the money from being accessed for several years.

Annuity is a sound investment in the wake of the economic melt down. They enjoy strong demand, yet can easily be sold as a valuable commodity if you need the money in a lump sum for other investments.

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