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

Laurie Sepulveda is a MarketWatch Guides team senior writer who specializes in writing about personal loans, home equity loans, mortgages and banking. She lives in North Carolina and has taught and ...

An annuity is an insurance product. It provides a long-term stream of income in exchange for an upfront premium. There are many types, including immediate, deferred, fixed, variable and indexed.

Lindsey Crossmier has been a financial writer since 2022, and has been regularly quoted as an expert in outlets such as U.S. News, GOBanking Rates and Yahoo! Finance. She leverages her Yale financial ...

As you approach retirement, one of the most important considerations is securing reliable income streams that will support you through the remainder of your life. Alongside Social Security, pensions, ...

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. But while it's imperative to have a solid plan in place for your ...

Annuities have a bad reputation due to their complexity, lack of transparency, and limited flexibility. However, for retirees focused on maximizing their spending in retirement, the simplest annuities ...

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A deferred annuity is a long-term contract with an insurance company that provides future income–often for life–in exchange for premium payments, with options like fixed, variable, and indexed types ...

Brittany Brown is a full-time copywriter writing covering real estate and personal finance topics like budgeting, investing, credit cards, and more. She is currently working to become an accredited ...

A deferred annuity is a popular way to structure an annuity for those seeking retirement income. An annuity pays out money over a period of time, typically during retirement, helping ensure that ...