An annuity is an insurance contract you purchase to receive payments for a specific period, such as 30 years, or for the rest of your life. By applying a mathematical formula consisting of variables ...

Greg Daugherty has worked 25+ years as an editor and writer for major publications and websites. He is also the author of two books. Vikki Velasquez is a researcher and writer who has managed, ...

An annuity is a financial product designed to provide a steady income stream during retirement. It is a contract between you and an insurance company, where you make a lump-sum payment or a series of ...

Life insurance policies and annuities are both tools that help ensure future financial security. While they have some similar characteristics, there are also some important differences. Understanding ...

In the past, annuities have been misunderstood as complex investment vehicles. After all, they’re known for their high commissions and opaque fees. Furthermore, these commissions often line the ...

Not all financial products are created — or regulated — equally. Stocks and mutual funds fall under federal securities laws, while savings accounts benefit from FDIC protection. But annuities? They’re ...

Retirees seeking financial stability should consider annuities, which offer a guaranteed lifelong income stream, unlike volatile market-linked investments. While not offering high returns, annuities ...

Investopedia contributors come from a range of backgrounds, and over 25 years there have been thousands of expert writers and editors who have contributed. Suzanne is a content marketer, writer, and ...