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

Annuities have become an increasingly popular option for people who want to diversify their retirement funds. With an annuity, you make investments and then receive money in a series of payments that ...

A variable annuity can offer you tax-deferred growth, a wider range of investment options and guaranteed income. However, it comes with potential risks. And the success of your investment will hinge ...

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. But if you've started exploring your annuity options, you've likely run ...

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. Roger Wohlner is an experienced financial writer, ghostwriter, and advisor with 20 years of ...

A variable annuity is a form of annuity that provides consistently timed payments to the annuity holder in potentially varying amounts. A variable annuity is a type of annuity that provides periodic ...

Variable annuities can offer income in retirement and the potential for higher returns, but those perks come with trade-offs, including higher fees, limited liquidity and market risk. Before you ...

Variable annuities are complex insurance products — so complex that what people actually buy and what they think they’re buying may be quite different. Those misunderstandings can end up costing them, ...

Annuities are often purchased to help secure a reliable stream of income in retirement. Life insurance companies are the primary provider of annuities. Each company on our list offers a variety of ...