Are Equity Indexed Annuities a Good Option for Retirement?
Are Annuities right for you?
With the current market turmoil and unparticularty, equity indexed annuities may be a good option for someone nervous about having their retirement savings being exposed to the volatility of the stock market. Equity indexed annuities were introduced in 1995 and have become gradually favorite ever since. Index annuities are underwritten by insurance companies that accommodate a minimum guaranteed return with excess interest crediting based on the performance of an outside index, such as the S&P 500, Russell 2000, etc.
So how do you know if you are suitable for such a product? That depends on a number of factors – most imperatively, the investor’s time frame and purpose of the investment. If you are a short term investor searching maximum return, then an equity indexed annuity is not for you. Annuities are indicated for long-term retirement savings. If you are searching double-digit returns on your investment, you are not going to find them in an index annuity. If you feel you need to adjust your portfolio on a traditional basis, an equity indexed annuity may not be for you. So who may be suitable for such an investment? Long term savers who have a low tolerance to risk when it comes to loss of principle and are more comfortable with a steady paced return on investment are great candidates for an index annuity. If you are seeking in reference to higher rates of return than a savings account or CD and protection of principle, an equity indexed annuity may accommodate that. Equity indexed annuities as well have the advantage of tax deferral of the income which make it a great retirement savings vehicle. Keep in mind, an annuity may only be one piece of your overall retirement plan portfolio.
Guaranteed Minimum Rates of Return
Regardless of market performance, an equity indexed annuity guarantees a minimum rate of return – typically 3% credited to some portion of the account value during the contract’s term.
The Stock Index
Equity-indexed annuities credit the return under particular circumstances based on the difference in the level of a stock price index such as the S&P 500 or other indices. Although, unlike an index mutual fund, dividends and capital gains are not included in the annuity interest calculation.e index difference (as well a percentage) to arrive at the interest rate to be credited to the policy. A 50% participation rate means the contract holder shares in, or ‘participates in’, half the index difference for the period.
Participation Rate
Participation Rate describes the extent to which the contract holder shares in an index enhance. The participation rate (a percentage) is multiplied by thCaps
A Cap is a ceiling or upward limit on the interest that may be credited to the annuity. A cap usually constitutes the maximum interest that can be credited to the annuity in any one period.
An investor have to be alert that equity indexed annuities have fees that will get you in the back-end if you access your money prior to the maturity of the contract. These fees, known as surrender fees, can be very high priced in some annuities. The surrender charges usually decline over a period of years, but not constantly. As stated earlier, equity indexed annuities are for long term investors so it is imperative to be able to commit your funds for the life of the contract.
Factors
There are a myriad of diverse factors when considering this type of investment. Annuities vary from contract to contract and insurance business to insurance business, which can become extremely confusing extremely quickly. Each contract has its own unusual fees, surrender charges, participation rate, cap, yearly reset, among other things. Equity indexed annuities have received a bad rap over the past few years. That is mostly because of inencounterd, unknowledgeable or unqualified sale agents marketing to clients who may be unsuitable for the product. It is greatly recommended that you speak with a knowledgeable investment advisor who has encounter working with equity indexed annuities and the ability to exactly assess your financial suitability before committing your money.
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