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.
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.
"Stocks: A Hard Sell," the cover story by Ellen Uzelac, details how client enthusiasm for equities has taken a hit in recent years. The Annuity Analytics column, by Prof. Moshe Milevsky, offers advice on how to make the most of guaranteed living benefits in annuity contracts.
The Tax Facts Online experts break down what an annuity contract is and what general rules govern the income taxation of payments received under annuity contracts.