Is an Annuity right for you?

Fixed annuities help stabilize income from investments and are most commonly used by people who are not fully participating in the workforce, are about to retire or have retired. Fixed annuities are insurance contracts that offer the annuitant-the person who owns the annuity-a set amount of income paid at regular intervals until a specified period has ended or event has occurred.

There are advantages and disadvantages to purchasing a fixed annuity, and there are many types of options that, for a fee, can be added to a basic fixed annuity. Peak Insurance Agency can assist in purchasing a fixed annuity. These annuities can be purchased with a lump-sum payment or they can be paid for on a periodic basis while the annuitant is working. The money that is invested in the annuity is guaranteed to earn a fixed rate of return throughout the accumulation phase of the annuity. During the annuitization phase, the money invested less payouts will continue to grow at this fixed rate. 

A variable annuity is similar to a fixed annuity in that you make an investment into the annuity, either in a lump-sum or through payments over time, and at a specified date you will begin to receive payments from the annuity as a stream of income. However, a variable annuity differs in that the performance of the annuity is dependent upon the chosen investment options. A variable annuity offers a range of investment options. The investment options for a variable annuity are typically mutual funds that invest in stocks, bonds, money market instruments, or some combination of the three.

Variable annuities are very complex in nature and require a great deal of product knowledge. They are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and are sold by individuals who are properly licensed. Peak Insurance Agency's sister company, Peak Wealth Management, can answer your questions regarding variable annuities and execute your purchase of a variable annuity.