In the current economy, when the inflation is high and products are becoming expensive day by day, a retirement plan has become a necessity. A good monthly income in the form of a pension is recommended in order to have a good financial support system. Post-retirement the sources of income become limited; hence, it becomes difficult for people to cope with inflation. Investment plans or annuities, which ensure monthly pension post-retirement, are available in a wide range of options to choose from.

Below is some information that would help you in understanding annuity and its rates better.

What is an annuity?

• An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company that provides you a monthly or annual income post-requirement.
• You can invest any amount that you would want to and get an annual income post-retirement.
• As this is a contract, you might have to pay some fines in case you plan to take out your money from the annuity before the term period.

How does annuity work?

• By buying an annuity the risk is transferred from the owner to the insurance company.
• The premium is paid by the owner and the insurance company bears all the associated risks.
• The premium can be paid either as a single lump sum amount or as a series of monthly or yearly payments.
• Adding heirs, triggering payments, pay-outs, etc. can easily be customized as per the owner’s requirement.

How is the annuity rate calculated?
The annuity rates vary based on the health and age of an individual. Some factors that play a role in the annuity rate are:

• Generally, men get a better annuity rate than women.
• If you are young then the payment time period is longer, and the payouts are less.
• Lifestyle and health also define the income coming from annuities. If you have a medical condition or have an unhealthy lifestyle then the income is higher.
• There are many other external factors that define the annuity rate. Generally, the money given to the insurance company is invested in the stock market, bonds, or gilts. Based on the performance of these entities the annuity rate is finalized.

The current annuity rate ranges from 6% to 10% depending on the risks involved in the investment.

What are the different types of annuities available?

• Fixed immediate annuities : These annuities provide a fixed income to the buyer for their lifetime. A mix of principal and earned interest is provided on a monthly basis in this annuity.
• Deferred-fixed annuity : These annuities work similar to a bank certificate of deposit. Generally, you can select a guaranteed income for a period of 3 to 10 years and the current annuity rates are also good.
• Deferred income annuity : This annuity has the combined features of the fixed and deferred annuities.
• Secondary market annuity rates : Sometimes people sell their income stream to get a lump sum pay-out because of personal requirements, and such pre-owned annuities are called secondary market annuities.
• Fixed index annuity rates : These annuities are similar to fixed deferred annuities; however, their growth depends on the stock index instead of a fixed rate.
• Variable annuity returns : The annuity rates in these annuities depend on the market performance; hence it is the riskiest option.

What are some tips when opting for an annuity?

• Depending on the amount of money that you want to invest for your retirement drives the choice of annuities.
• Get the details of the taxation that is being applied to the money earned from annuities. Pick the one that suits your requirement.
• Study the costs involved in the annuities and then pick the one that fits your budget.
• Check the amount of return that you would get in a particular annuity before buying the same.
• Pay only for the options that you would need. This would help you in getting the best retirement annuity rates.
• Never invest all your savings into a single type of annuity.
• Always buy annuities when the interest rates are higher.