When you think about building a strong retirement plan, most people focus on a mix of stocks, bonds, and cash. But for many retirees and pre-retirees, there’s another tool that can add stability, predictability, and confidence: annuities.
Annuities aren’t “one-size-fits-all,” and they’re not right for everyone. But when used appropriately, they can play an important role in a diversified financial strategy—especially for people who want to reduce income uncertainty in retirement.
What Is an Annuity?
An annuity is a contract with an insurance company designed to help you accumulate money and/or create a stream of income, often for retirement. Depending on the type of annuity, it may offer:
Income you can’t outlive (in some cases)
Protection from market losses (in certain products)
Tax-deferred growth
Optional benefits like income riders or legacy features
The key is matching the annuity’s purpose to your financial goals.
Why Some Investors Add Annuities to Their Portfolio
1) Predictable Retirement Income
One of the biggest concerns in retirement is:
“Will my money last?”
Certain annuities can provide guaranteed income you can rely on, helping to cover essential expenses like housing, utilities, food, and insurance. This can complement Social Security and pension income (if you have one), filling gaps and reducing stress.
Common fit: People who want a “paycheck” style retirement.
2) Protection From Market Volatility (When Designed That Way)
Many retirees don’t mind market swings as much when they’re still working. But once you’re withdrawing from your savings, volatility matters more.
Some annuity types can be structured to help reduce downside risk, which may help avoid selling investments at the wrong time during a market downturn.
Common fit: Investors who want growth potential but with guardrails.
3) Tax-Deferred Growth
Annuities typically grow tax-deferred, meaning you don’t pay taxes on gains each year like you might in a taxable brokerage account. This can be useful for people who have already maxed out other tax-advantaged options (like 401(k)s and IRAs) and are looking for additional ways to grow savings.
Note: Withdrawals are taxed based on how the annuity is funded (qualified vs. non-qualified), and early withdrawals may trigger penalties.
4) Longevity Risk Management
People are living longer—which is great—but it creates a real planning challenge. Retirement might last 25–35 years (or more).
Some annuities are designed specifically to address longevity risk, helping provide income even if you live well beyond average life expectancy.
Common fit: People worried about outliving their assets.
5) Portfolio Diversification Beyond Traditional Investments
Diversification isn’t just about owning different stocks or adding bonds. It can also mean diversifying income sources and risk types.
Annuities may provide benefits that are not tied directly to the stock market in the same way traditional investments are. That can help stabilize a plan—especially when paired thoughtfully with other assets.
Types of Annuities (Quick Overview)
There are several kinds, and the right one depends on your goals:
Fixed Annuities: Generally offer a set rate for a period of time.
Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs): Tie potential growth to a market index with rules (caps/participation rates), often with downside protection.
Variable Annuities: Invest in sub-accounts (market-based). Can offer higher potential but may include more risk and fees.
Immediate Annuities: Convert a lump sum into income that can begin right away.
Deferred Income Annuities / Longevity Annuities: Income starts later, often used to ensure against living a very long time.
When Annuities May Make Sense
An annuity may be worth considering if you:
Want more predictable retirement income
Prefer stability and risk management over maximum upside
Are close to retirement and concerned about sequence-of-returns risk
Want to supplement Social Security with another guaranteed income source
Have a conservative portion of your portfolio you want structured differently
Important Considerations Before Buying
Annuities can be valuable, but they’re also contracts—so details matter. Before purchasing, it’s smart to review:
Fees and costs (especially on variable annuities)
Surrender periods and liquidity options
Income rider details (how income is calculated, restrictions)
Insurer strength (claims-paying ability matters)
How it fits your overall plan (not just the product features)
The goal isn’t to “buy an annuity.” The goal is to solve a specific planning problem—like income certainty, risk reduction, or longevity protection.
Bottom Line: Annuities Are a Tool—Not a Strategy by Themselves
A well-designed retirement plan often blends growth, stability, and income. For the right person, an annuity can be a strong component of that plan—helping reduce uncertainty and create a more confident retirement.
If you’re curious whether an annuity could fit your situation, it may be worth a planning conversation to compare options, costs, and how it integrates with the investments you already own.
Want to see if an annuity makes sense for you?
A quick review can help determine whether adding guaranteed income or downside protection could strengthen your retirement plan. Reach out to schedule a consultation.