Learn what annuities are, how fixed, variable, indexed, immediate, and deferred annuities work, and how they can help provide steady retirement income.

A “fixed annuity” is an annuity contract in which the value is reckoned in fixed units (in the U.S., U.S. dollars). By contrast, the value of a “variable” annuity is determined by the dollar value of ...

A deferred annuity is a long-term contract with an insurance company that provides future income–often for life–in exchange for premium payments, with options like fixed, variable, and indexed types ...

A fixed annuity provides a guaranteed income stream. Payouts can be immediate or deferred. Drawbacks include limited upside. Annuities can help ensure your retirement savings last your entire life.

An annuity offers guaranteed income for a set period of time. There are several types of annuities to choose from-with fixed annuities and index annuities being two of the most popular options. While ...

If you’ve been wondering what is a deferred annuity, it’s essentially a retirement savings product that lets your money grow ...

Immediate fixed annuities and deferred fixed annuities are finding a growing market in the wake of the financial market meltdown. It’s no wonder. Their guaranteed payout rates are more than 8 percent ...

Adam B. Frankel is a personal finance writer and financial adviser with over 30 years of experience. When he’s not managing money in the stock market, he teaches financial topics and other core ...

Discover why a registered index-linked annuity offers the potential to enjoy stock market gains while also protecting you ...

A deferred annuity is a long-term investment that grows tax-deferred and provides income in retirement. Interest earnings accumulate without immediate taxes, allowing savings to grow. Taxes are paid ...

Laurie Sepulveda is a MarketWatch Guides team senior writer who specializes in writing about personal loans, home equity loans, mortgages and banking. She lives in North Carolina and has taught and ...