Sales of deferred income annuities grew to more than $1 billion in 2012. But they are still a minor portion of the overall market, representing less than one percent of total annuity sales.
Vanguard's John Ameriks says annuities carry much value, but real-world issues and other disincentives make the products undesirable for many retirees.
If you actually buy an annuity inside your IRA or Roth IRA, a whole new set of minimum distribution rules applies to that annuity , says noted retirement planner Natalie Choate.
Market trends have altered the benefits of several annuity products, and Morningstar's Kevin Loffredi examines what retirees should know before investing in these vehicles.