Understanding Fixed Annuities

Annuities are issued by Insurance companies as a type of investment contract. They use Insurance agents to offer these contracts to investors, who pay into the annuities. After a set period of time, the investor gets a return on his investment. When the annuity is fixed, the principle is guaranteed. Annuities are a safe way of investing to accumulate wealth, they are tax-friendly and are often used as retirement savings plans.

A fixed annuity can be funded with one large payment, or with a series of payments over time. Returns on traditional fixed annuities do not rely on increases in the stock market or other equity investments and funds are guaranteed to grow. There is a stable interest return and future cash flow from the annuity to the investor.

Annuities can be structured by varying the duration of the accumulation period, the length of payments and various other factors. One of these options is fixed annuities which provide security to the investor. In the case of fixed annuities, the investor is guaranteed a minimum interest rate for a fixed time period. In addition, there can also be a minimum benefit paid. This makes it predictable for the investor, ensuring the amount of return he will get during the term of the contract.

There are options for how fixed annuities are paid out. With immediate payment annuities, the investor makes a lump sum premium deposit and immediately receives fixed monthly income payments. This is a good way for an individual to turn a lump sum into a retirement income stream.

With deferred payment annuities, investors have an option of either depositing a lump sum which accumulates interest over time, or make payments into their annuities, with the maturity value being paid out after a fixed time. This is a form of investment which is popularly used as a retirement savings plan to fill the income gap created after leaving regular employment.

- Gary Denison