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Should you get a fixed annuity in your early retirement years?

As opposed to businesses or the government, individuals are increasingly responsible for covering the cost of a comfortable retirement. Therefore, annuities are another tax-advantaged retirement option you might wish to consider in addition to the contributions many individuals make to IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans.  Fixed annuities can be beneficial for those who will soon be retiring and have a lot they want to see, do, and accomplish in the initial few years of retirement. Individuals tend to spend more money during the first few years of retirement, particularly on activities, hobbies, and travel, so it’s critical to assist them in making an appropriate plan. A safety-oriented product, such as a fixed annuity, might make it simpler to plan and provide customers with alternatives that will enable them to meet their financial goals. Advisors may assist their customers in preserving their savings and maximizing their financial resources with fixed annuities, allowing them the freedom and resources to pursue their interests. There are a few things advisors need to think about to do this.       What is an annuity?   An annuity is a long-term contract that an insurance company sells that is made to give the holder income at certain intervals, often after retirement. It may be bought in one big sum or over time in periodic installments.   A fixed annuity provides a guaranteed interest rate for a predetermined period, and the pension paid out at retirement also has a fixed amount. This function can aid in budgeting for the later years as you will know your expected monthly income beforehand. However, the buyer of a fixed annuity gives up the possibility of a higher investment return in exchange for reduced risk. In contrast, a variable annuity allows the purchaser to select investments that vary in value, providing the potential for greater growth in exchange for increased investment risk. 
A balanced view on annuities   Tax benefits  The opportunity to accumulate wealth while postponing taxes is one of the key benefits of holding an annuity. It implies that the annuity’s profits are tax-free until you “annuitize” or start receiving payments at a time when you could be in a reduced tax band. 
Generous investment guidelines  Annuities often don’t have contribution caps. So if you’ve fallen behind in retirement savings or want to invest as tax-efficiently as possible but have already maxed out other tax-advantaged alternatives, this might be highly beneficial. In addition, unlike other retirement plans, annuities could let you keep making contributions whether or not you’re working or retired.      Estate planning benefits  If you pass away before receiving an annuity payment, your beneficiary may still be eligible for a death benefit; however, they will be liable for paying taxes.     Fees and penalties  As with other tax-advantaged retirement plans, you may be required to pay an additional 10% in taxes if you withdraw money from an annuity before age 59. If you cancel your contract early, the issuing insurance company may also charge a “surrender” fee. Earnings withdrawals are subject to regular income tax as well.     Fixed annuities after retirement   Even after retirement, you can purchase a fixed instant annuity. When you invest a lump sum in a fixed annuity, you can immediately receive income payments for a specific time. It might be helpful for a retired person in excellent health or those concerned about outliving their resources.  The regulations of annuities vary significantly from one to the next. However, a fixed annuity may provide benefits worth considering if you wish to pursue consistent income and principal protection goals. You might want to think about having a meeting with a financial expert to go through your circumstances. 
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Kathy Hollingsworth

Kathy Hollingsworth – Federal Employee Benefits Specialist Originally from Birmingham, Kathy received her advanced education at Birmingham-Southern College. Kathy’s professional career began with 30 years in the media industry (radio and television), but will end serving senior citizens. As director of a senior center for five-and a half years at the largest senior center in central Alabama, Kathy has devoted her life to meeting the needs of senior citizens. Due to continuing education and working with companies that specialize in finding the best financial products, Kathy stands ready to help her clients find solutions to the problems that arise while in retirement and planning for retirement retirement. For the last eighteen years, Kathy, a Federal Employee Benefits Specialist, has assisted in helping federal employees make wise, frugal retirement decisions. Kathy also became a Registered Rep in 2018 (CRD 6832692) and an Investment Advisor Representative (Fiduciary) in 2021. In addition, Kathy is a licensed mortgage originator (License #212553), specializing in VA, FHA and Conventional mortgage loans. Kathy has written many articles for the Montgomery Area Council on Aging, Montgomery Advertiser, and Alabama Gerontological Society on the subject of seniors. Kathy was the keynote speaker at Alabama’s State Capitol in Montgomery for the State Combined Campaign Salute to Seniors in 2005. Kathy also writes articles on Federal Benefits and Insurance subjects. A Certificate of Recognition was awarded to Kathy in 2005 by Governor Bob Riley for her service to state, family and community. Every free moment Kathy gets is spent with her grandson Konner and two dogs, Sallie, and Sassy.

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