Annuities are classified as immediate or deferred, referring to when the contract is scheduled to annuitize. They are also classified as fixed, indexed, or variable, referring to how the contract’s funds are invested, how the funds grow, and whether the insurer guarantees the funds.Fixed and indexed annuities provide for guaranteed minimum rates of return and for current interest crediting, which is either declared in advance by the insurer (fixed annuities) or tied to an independent market index (indexed annuities).Variable annuities are distinguished by the manner in which their premium funds are invested and the many investment options that are available to the owner within a single contract.In contrast to fixed and indexed annuities, which are conservative accumulation and savings vehicles, variable annuities are purchased for their investment aspect and growth potential.Premiums deposited into the contract are directed into subaccount funds and are applied to purchase accumulation units. As the value of the investments within the subaccounts changes, so does the value of the accumulation units.Owners of (nonqualified) annuities can invest as much or as little into their contracts as they want.In addition to their accumulation properties, annuities include many features and benefits that set them apart from other investment options. We will examine these unique features in the next chapter.
Annuities are classified as immediate or deferred, referring to when the contract is scheduled to annuitize. They are also classified as fixed, indexed, or variable, referring to how the contract’s funds are invested, how the funds grow, and whether the insurer guarantees the funds.
Fixed and indexed annuities provide for guaranteed minimum rates of return and for current interest crediting, which is either declared in advance by the insurer (fixed annuities) or tied to an independent market index (indexed annuities).
Variable annuities are distinguished by the manner in which their premium funds are invested and the many investment options that are available to the owner within a single contract.
In contrast to fixed and indexed annuities, which are conservative accumulation and savings vehicles, variable annuities are purchased for their investment aspect and growth potential.
Premiums deposited into the contract are directed into subaccount funds and are applied to purchase accumulation units. As the value of the investments within the subaccounts changes, so does the value of the accumulation units.
Owners of (nonqualified) annuities can invest as much or as little into their contracts as they want.
In addition to their accumulation properties, annuities include many features and benefits that set them apart from other investment options. We will examine these unique features in the next chapter.