Immediate Annuities – a retirement income tool

Stability and safety are important to many seniors, and these are only two of the reasons why immediate annuities are popular retirement income choices. A check arrives every month and part of the annuity income is considered a tax-free return of your principal. As long as the immediate annuity company is financially sound, the payments will continue for the life of the contract (annuities are guaranteed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing company).  You can get an estimate of monthly income using the immediate annuity calculator. However, consumers sometimes believe that immediate annuities are illiquid, irreversible investments, and cannot provide for future lifestyle changes. Nonetheless, there are some immediate annuities with options that may add flexibility to your financial plan. Immediate annuities can possibly include an option that would allow you to receive extra cash at specific anniversary dates. For example, this might be at the 5th, 10th, or 15th anniversary of your investment. Exercising this option will reduce your current payments (the distribution may be fully taxable, so consult with your tax professional). Suppose you needed money to cover an emergency, like paying for caregivers or a home repair. Some immediate annuity companies will let you take up to [...]

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