A clearer view of
income, access, and time.
An annuity conversation starts with a job you need money to do. It should also explain what you give up to obtain a particular benefit.
Income
When would payments begin, how long could they continue, and what does the contract guarantee?
Access
How much needs to remain available for emergencies, large purchases, or changes in your plans?
Tradeoffs
What charges, withdrawal limits, crediting rules, and tax questions apply to the specific contract?
Explore a monthly income gap.
Enter your own estimates. This simple subtraction does not recommend an annuity, calculate investment returns, or establish how much you should buy.
Illustrative starting values only. Include taxes and future changes in a full review. Figures stay in this page and are not submitted or saved.
Know what the
contract says.
- Guaranteed benefits versus nonguaranteed illustrations
- Surrender charges, withdrawal allowances, and any market value adjustment
- Rider costs and conditions for income benefits
- Crediting limits such as caps, spreads, or participation rates where applicable
- Tax treatment, beneficiary choices, and the issuing insurer
An income-benefit value is not necessarily cash you can withdraw. “No market loss” language does not mean there are no fees, surrender charges, withdrawal effects, or insurer risks.
Questions about annuities
Are annuities appropriate for everyone age 60 or older?
No. Age and assets alone do not establish suitability. Income needs, time horizon, liquidity, existing coverage, financial circumstances, and the specific contract all matter.
Is steady growth guaranteed?
Only the benefits explicitly guaranteed by the contract are guaranteed, subject to the issuing insurer’s claims-paying ability. Index-linked credits, illustrated values, or future renewal rates may vary.
What does indexed mean?
Certain insurance contracts calculate interest credits using an external index and contract formulas. That does not mean you own shares in the index or receive its full return.
Can I access all my money whenever I want?
Access depends on the contract. Withdrawals or surrender may trigger charges, adjustments, benefit reductions, and tax consequences. Review the terms before committing funds.