01/27 A Response To “Retirement Income? Annuities Come Up Short.”
This is a sample of someone who has nothing to write about and tries to jump on the bandwagon like hundreds of other people who like to write on a topic that has been in the public eye for quite some time now. Unfortunately most all of them never tell the whole truth if any truth about annuities and always are very generic and never specific about any one annuity. Most of the time Annuities are what they are bashing and no specific annuity. Which seems to be the case here.
The article starts out by saying Fixed annuity, then automatically jumps into income for life annuity. First of all fixed annuities interest rates have dropped, but are still paying 2.5% -3.4% for 3-5 year fixed annuities today. That is much better than your bank CD. Fixed annuities come in a 1,3,5,7 10 year terms usually. The consumer has total control over picking the term that is right for them. Lets tell the truth that there are many different types of annuities, different types of annuities for different folks. Most all of them could find an annuity that fits there financial needs like a glove. Many mix and match annuities to fit their needs, and all done without risk.
If we are to concentrate on income for life annuities as the article states, then lets compare.
Even though there are inflation adjusted income for life annuities, I would choose a different route for my 65 year old client if fixed rates are low. I would choose an Fixed indexed annuity with an income for life rider that compounds at 7% annually. This would allow the client to take up to 10% a year penalty free withdrawals up to 100% of their money after the 1st year, and earns interest in a variety of ways, fixed interest account, Tracking a certain index and receive upside market potential up to a certain cap, or 7% compounding income for life. Most of my clients take advantage of the penalty free withdrawals each year and only take 6-7% for additional income. For them they have the security of the guaranteed account compounding @7% annually for up to 20 years while the income for life is not turned on, and take the free withdrawals each year for income. Keep in mind each account the accumulation side and the income for life side account balance is reduced dollar for dollar when withdrawals are taken. The reasoning for this type of income promotion strategy is to be able to take income off your premium and never touch the principal, and YES the 7% compounding account does go to your spouse upon death.
In addition, tracking a certain index and having upside potential is great because the have the opportunity to make much more than 7% annually if the market takes off…They get to choose whichever account is higher when they decided to turn on income for life. The 7% Income for life rider usually costs .40-.60 basis points per $100,000. ($400- $600 dollars per year) a small price to pay to have the best of both worlds. And remember all fixed indexed annuity companies that I offer never charge any sales or management fee’s ever.
So what you net is what you net.
Keep in mind income for life annuity is not for everyone, this is why people choose a combination of annuities to fit their financial goal setting theorys. A combination of immediate for 5-10 years the provides tax advantaged income. Short term fixed annuities for interest income and never touch the principal, Fixed indexed to have upside market potential (up to a certain cap without the risk of losing their nest egg, Many different allocation strategies to maximize their yearly earning potential.) Or, they can choose a 7% compounding income for life account as a piece of mind safety net in case the market does not do well during their retirement.
Check out the Wharton Financial Institutions report on Fixed Indexed Annuities dated October 5th, 2009
Learn what the experts say about annuities.
See more: language skills.