A fixed annuity is a long-term investment that provides a predictable income stream. Offered by insurance companies, banks and other financial institutions, it guarantees a fixed interest rate and ...

An annuity is an insurance product. It provides a long-term stream of income in exchange for an upfront premium. There are many types, including immediate, deferred, fixed, variable and indexed.

An annuity offers guaranteed income for a set period. There are several types of annuities to choose from, with fixed annuities and indexed annuities being two of the most popular options. While both ...

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. Yarilet Perez is an experienced multimedia journalist and fact-checker with a Master of ...

Many people near retirement age are looking to secure a reliable source of income post-retirement. And many people blindly buy the annuity plans that their insurance agents suggest. But is this the ...

How to know whether annuities fit into your retirement plan.

Annuities are often marketed as a secure way to earn a retirement income. But do they live up to their hype? One major concern for investors is the frequently hidden costs associated with these ...