Financial Planning for Your Future
If we have learned anything over the past few years of turbulent financial times, it should be to diversify as best we can with the savings we have. Do you know how well your portfolio is balanced? It will vary according to your individual needs and most importantly your age or the number of years before you plan to retire. Your financial planner should be suggesting changes as time goes on, to avoid too many risks as you near your retirement age.
There are numerous types of investments that might complete your portfolio. Annuities are investments made with the long-term future in mind. They are sold by insurance companies, but are quite different from life insurance. Life insurance pays your dependents in the case that you die early, while an annuity provides income to you in your later years. For your investment, the insurance company returns fixed payments over a specified period of time.
Fixed or Variable?
You should discuss with your adviser whether a fixed or variable annuity is right for you. Fixed is a determined amount of money and variable is linked to the stock or bond market and is therefore more risky.
Immediate or Deferred?
How soon you need to begin receiving payments will determine whether you want an immediate or deferred annuity. It is important to understand the details of your policy thoroughly to avoid penalties and surrender fees, which are applied to early withdrawals.
What makes annuities unique?
Unlike a 401k, there is no limit to the amount of money you can put in. You also pay no taxes until you begin to receive payments.