Ten Things the Average Person Does Not Know About Annuities

Deferred annuities possess characteristics found nowhere else. They play an important part in seniors’ portfolios.

Seniors hold billions of dollars in deferred annuities. However, my experience is that the average person knows little about the unique advantages of deferred annuities, much less the options they have during the holding period.

When you mention the term, “annuity”, it typically conjures up thoughts of getting a small check in the mail every month from some insurance company. It is viewed as an income.

The vast majority, however, of annuities are of the “deferred annuity” variety. They are accounts designed to grow money over a period of time in a safe environment. Over 90% of deferred annuities are never “annuitized”, that is, converted to that monthly check in the mail.

So let’s take a look at some of the attributes of annuities and, in the process, clear up many misunderstandings about this vehicle.

Tax Deferred Earnings

Deferred annuities provide “triple compound interest.” There is interest on principal, interest on interest and interest on the taxes you would have paid on an investment in a non-tax deferred environment.

For example, 6% which is taxable is equivalent to an 8% non-taxed return assuming a combined federal and state tax bracket of 25%.

Safety

While deferred annuities are not FDIC insured, like a CD with a bank, they are backed by the generally billions of dollars of the insurance company’s assets. No big risks here.

A Competitive Interest Rate

Insurance companies normally set the interest rate for a deferred annuity contract annually. You will find that it is usually one to two points above CD rates. So not only do you get a higher rate but the interest is tax-deferred, unlike a CD where you pay taxes on the interest each year.

Some deferred annuities offer a rate that is guaranteed for a number of years, such as five. If you think interest rates will fall, you can lock in today’s rate.

Minimum Interest Guarantee

When you get to the end of your annuity time frame, if your annuity has not given you at least a minimum of (generally) 3% interest per year, then the insurance company will apply their minimum guaranteed rate. Nothing to get excited about, but at least you know that you can't lose money and there is a minimum interest rate that is guaranteed no matter what.