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7 common annuity mistakes and how to avoid them

7 common annuity mistakes and how to avoid them

Annuities offer one of the more stable and reliable guaranteed income options in a person’s post-retirement phase. Annuities come with several benefits, such as monetary assurance for self and family, an income source immune to recession, and others. The positivity around annuity can be negatively affected when people who wish to apply for it make certain mistakes during or after the application process. So, identifying and avoiding these mistakes is imperative.

Choosing the wrong insurance/annuity provider
An annuity is of 5 types. For example, fixed dollar amounts, variable, guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits, and inflation-adjusted are the types of annuities. Each type of annuity comes with its own set of pros and cons. Financial advisors recommend that people go for certain annuities based on their personal requirements and financial position. Choosing the “wrong” kind of annuity can prevent users from getting the full scope of benefits of the scheme.
Apart from the type of annuity, the insurance company in question must be checked before people sign up for annuity plans with them. One must research the credibility and popularity of annuity providers. After the research phase, people need to select the insurance companies that are among the most reputed ones.

Not understanding how an annuity works
Knowing the metaphorical ABCs of any investment option is critical for people looking to sign up for it. So, suppose someone wishes to purchase a life insurance policy. In that case, they need to check aspects of the service, such as the maturity period, coverage costs, premiums payable across the insurance coverage phase, and so on. For annuities, people need to analyze the fees and costs involved in the process. Along with those, potential subscribers of these plans must also check how the payout will be calculated and ultimately delivered.

Not naming a beneficiary
As alluded to earlier, the benefits of annuities do not end with the person who purchases the plan. They extend to named family members as well. To get the benefit, people must name their beneficiary on their policy. One of the most common errors people make while subscribing to annuity plans is overlooking the importance of naming beneficiaries on the dotted line. This mistake is committed by agents and clients alike while they complete the annuity application.
In cases where somebody is named, the default beneficiary becomes the estate of the deceased owner. When they become a part of the estate, they will be subject to probate and distributed according to the terms of the deceased person’s will. Naming a beneficiary helps people avoid future inheritance issues for their family.

Putting excessive money on annuities
An annuity may be a steady and reliable source of income, but it also has its share of issues. Firstly, many financial experts subjectively call annuities an inflexible investment option. While immediate annuities pay much more than the interest amounts on fixed deposits and other fixed investment avenues, the downside is that people essentially give up control of their money once the extra income is earned.
After subscribers give a lump sum amount to their annuity service provider for immediate annuity, they are forbidden from returning it. So, if a person invests all of their life’s savings in an annuity plan, they will find themselves in trouble soon. Most investment advisors recommend people put no more than 30% of all their assets in an immediate and structured annuity plan.

Picking the wrong type of payout
Many of these points contain the term “immediate annuity,” meaning people make mistakes while subscribing to this plan. When a person buys an immediate annuity plan, they will receive the highest possible annual payout if they opt for a single-life version. This pays well until the subscriber is alive but stops paying their spouse or other dependents once they pass away.
To help the spouse make money after the subscriber has passed away, people must take a lower payout option that continues throughout their lifetime and creates a safe and reliable source of income for their loved ones. The only catch is that people will receive relatively less money by signing up for it.

Not comparing payout amounts
Different insurance companies and annuity policies provide different payout levels. Each permutation and combination comes with its fair share of pros and cons. Companies that offer higher payout amounts will offer benefits only up to the lifespan of the subscriber. As seen above, companies and plans that offer lower payout amounts will do so even after the subscriber’s demise. There is a little give-and-take everywhere, and investors are left with their requirements when choosing. After comparing each payout, people must select the annuity plans that strike the perfect balance for them. Not doing so can make people unable to get the best plan for them.

Not consulting family and friends
Annuities are products that must be purchased. So, one must consult their loved ones, peers, or friends to learn about their experiences purchasing certain plans. In this way, one will learn which plans work best for them. One can also learn about the various annuity options available and subsequently reach out to providers to discuss the best plans.

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