Learn what annuities are, how fixed, variable, indexed, immediate, and deferred annuities work, and how they can help provide steady retirement income.

David Rodeck is a financial journalist based in New York City specializing in banking, investing and financial planning. Before writing full-time, David was a financial adviser and passed the Series 6 ...

Sales of immediate annuities and whole-life insurance policies will increase this year as boomers nearing retirement seek reliable income streams that aren't subject to the whims of the market. “The ...

An immediate annuity is a financial product sold by insurance companies that allows you to convert a lump sum of money into a stream of guaranteed income payments. Most people who purchase immediate ...

A variable annuity is a form of annuity that provides consistently timed payments to the annuity holder in potentially varying amounts. A variable annuity is a type of annuity that provides periodic ...

As more Boomers retire and seek guaranteed sources of income for life, sales of immediate annuities are picking up—primarily fixed immediate annuities. First quarter fixed immediate annuities sales ...

An annuity can provide a reliable stream of income in retirement — but isn't right for everyone. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us ...

When planning for retirement, annuities often enter the conversation as a way to secure a steady income stream. Look under the hood of an annuity, though, and you’ll find many moving parts, often with ...

An index immediate annuity caps both your potential gains and losses, so there is less volatility in your income than you’d have with a variable annuity. As a result, you’ll earn less in good years ...