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

This article is part one in a series of articles, explaining the basic product features of several types of annuities. This first piece in the series focuses on traditional fixed deferred annuities.

Although annuity sales are still seeing record highs, investor interest may eventually shift away from fixed-rate deferred annuities and towards other annuities products that have more growth ...

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 ...

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.

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 ...

Annuities are a way to secure a steady income stream in retirement. But like many investments — including bonds, savings accounts and certificates of deposit — certain types of annuities are impacted ...

An annuity is a financial product designed to provide regular payments to an individual over a specified period. These are usually sold by insurance companies and can be purchased with a lump sum or a ...

If you’re nearing or already in retirement, the recent market volatility might be giving you pause. With economic uncertainty, rising inflation and stock market fluctuations, protecting your ...

A recent WSJ article recommended that annuities be a default option in retirement plans. The author responds to readers’ ...

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 ...