annuities has been so marked that 25,000 investment-linked annuities were sold [in 2001] - 9.5% of all annuity business,” reports Peter Quinton is managing director of The Annuity Bureau, adding that “it's likely that the popularity of these annuity will continue to increase as they are the only at-retirement products that offer retirees a half-way house between the two extremes of purchasing a safe conventional annuity and opting for a investment-linked income drawdown plan, where the cross-subsidy system does not apply.” Source: Pensions Management; 12/1/2002

Wider Choices

Although long part of well-diversified financial portfolios, annuities have continued to evolve. Recent developments have included features such as adding checkbook access to Variable Annuity funds, more attractive "bonus" rates, shorter maturity periods, and guaranteed death benefits.

But consumers now have wider choices of annuity types, plus more investment options and guarantees to fit their investment and income goals. For example, some annuities offer guaranteed bonus interest rates for the first few years or guaranteed returns for the life of the contract. Other annuities guarantee beneficiaries the return of principal if the annuitant dies and the annuity stock market investments have lost value.

Although annuities have evolved, their primary objective remains the same. That is, being able to lock in a guaranteed payout that cannot be outlived. As people live longer, healthier lives--and the equities markets remain subject to unsettling fluctuations--financial products offering safety, flexibility and guaranteed returns are increasingly appealing to older consumers. However, investors of all ages are drawn to variable annuities whose return is tied to the stock market, but which also offer guaranteed minimum returns not tied to market performance.

Annuities are accessible. Because there are no contribution limits, people can invest as much or as little as they chose in annuities no matter what their income levels. And this money grows on a tax-deferred basis until the accumulated earnings are distributed, usually at retirement.

Moreover, unlike other tax-deferred investments during the distribution phase, annuities’ tax-deferred earnings are not counted in determining a person’s income taxes on Social Security benefits. At the same time, while annuitants cannot outlive their guaranteed benefits, properly structured annuity contracts and beneficiary designations can:

1) avoid probate,

2) protect assets held in trust from mismanagement by a parent of guardians, and

3) continue benefits to the annuitant’s heirs, thus making annuities effective multigenerational planning vehicles.

Market Overview

With their unique advantages, a growing market for annuities has grown among individuals with longer-term wealth accumulation and retirement planning needs, as well as individuals with immediate income needs. Let's consider how two types of annuities can be used to address the wealth accumulation and retirement planning problems we all face. These are:

• Non-qualified Annuities

• Qualified Annuities

Non-Qualified Annuities -- Non-qualified annuities are purchased with after-tax dollars to meet longer-term wealth accumulation or retirement planning needs--with emphasis on longer-term.

As noted, deferred annuities may not be appropriate for shorter-term wealth accumulation purposes — generally those that will materialize before age 59½; while immediate annuities are designed to provide long-term income — that is, income guaranteed for life.

Non-qualified annuities are used to fund cash accumulation programs that do not qualify for a front-end tax deduction; but whether an annuity is qualified or non-qualified, premiums always accumulate interest that is free of current income tax until withdrawn. But non-qualified annuities also allow owners to continue tax deferral beyond the age 70, the mandatory withdrawal age for traditional IRA's and qualified retirement plans.

Qualified Annuities-- Annuities can also accommodate tax-qualified money. A qualified annuity is used to fund a tax-qualified retirement plan such as a traditional IRA or an HR-10. Thus in most cases, premiums paid to qualified annuities are tax-deductible. For instance, when people change jobs and have 401(k) funds to move or already have IRAs and are seeking a more diversified portfolio. They can reduce their portfolio exposure by rolling the money over into an annuity without losing tax advantages.

Or suppose Alice inherits $20,000. If she doesn’t need the money right away and wants to build a long-term nest egg, she might consider putting the inheritance into an annuity. By doing so, she’ll gain the advantage of tax-deferral, and when it’s time to withdraw funds from her non-qualified annuity, Alice will only be taxed on the accumulated interest, not the principal.

Generally, annuities are not suitable estate planning vehicles, but are useful in meeting immediate and retirement income needs. Thus, iif you’re a candidate for wealth accumulation and retirement planning, remember: "The only person who can take care of the older person we will someday be is the younger person we are now."

Want More? Send questions and comments to w.willard3@knology.net

Bill Willard has been writing high-impact marketing and sales training for the financial services industry for over 30 years. Through interactive, Web-based "Do-While-Learning™" programs, e-Newsletters and straight-talking articles, Bill helps agents and advisors get the job done: profitably improving performance, skipping expensive mistakes, and making the journey to success faster, smoother, easier. And fun!

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