Types of annuity insurance options and finding one that fits your needs.

By Roger Mckenzie

Investors have a number of different options available to them when it comes to annuities; each with different interest rates, costs and other advantages and disadvantages. Keep reading to find out more about annuity options which you may be interested in.

Immediate Annuity: Just as the name suggests, the investor starts receiving their payout from an immediate annuity right away. The payout might continue for the life of the investor or for a specified period of time as set in the annuity contract's terms. If you withdraw money from your annuity prematurely (in the US, this is before you're 59 years and six months of age) there are tax penalties, which makes the immediate annuity an option which is largely limited to persons who are of this age or older.

Alternatively, you can receive a deferred annuity insurance in which the payouts are deferred until some specific time or date in the future. Here the principal sum is invested and is let to grow in to a tax deferred income over some time. These are an extremely common type of annuity insurance and are most preferred by people who need a tax deferred investment opportunity in order to save up for their retirement days as with a retirement annuity or even an index annuity. Of course, if you're younger than 60, this is your only option. The terms "immediate" and "deferred" only related to an annuities payment schedule. Both options are open to investors regardless of whether they choose a variable, fixed, or indexed annuity.

Fixed annuities are the most popular of any type of annuity, even more so than variable annuities. These investment provide an interest rate which is locked in, making it a safe investment. Fixed annuities are particularly popular when the stock markets are in a decline, since there are fixed annuities with interest rates as high as 8%; very good compared to bonds and CDs.

Variable annuities are the second most popular type of annuity. These investments allow investors to put their principal into the stock market or other investments. There is a higher degree of risk associated with variable annuities, though a well informed investor can exercise some influence on exactly how much risk they're exposed to.

When attempting to purchase the best annuity option, consider consulting with a professional. - 31884

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