Selecting The Best Variable Annuity For You

Will you have enough money after retirement? This is a question invading the minds of millions of people at present

. The ongoing recession has made people all the more cautious about their future. They are willing to explore all possible investment options available to them. In this situation, a variable annuity is one of the best investment tools.

Variable annuities provide a steady return in the form of interest income. The rate of return varies from year to year, which is why it is called a variable annuity. It is a long-term investment alternative that can provide you a lifelong saving option and a steady stream of income.

There are several variable annuity schemes available for you to choose from. Not all of them are equal hence you need to learn how to choose the best one. Here are some factors that determine which variable annuity is best for you.

Ratings

The companies that offer variable annuities are given financial strength ratings based on their performance over the years. The ratings are a perfect barometer to determine the competence of a company. Moreover, the companies that receive the highest ratings are the ones that pay out the returns immediately. There are some companies that don't have a good reputation when it comes to paying claims.

Expenses

No insurance company offers variable annuities for free. There are certain charges and expenses that you have to bear in order to get their services. The fees are categorized under different headings and vary from company to company. Therefore you should check the fees charged by a number of companies so that you can make the right decision.

Withdrawal

While it is advised that you hold your investment for its entire duration, a situation can arise where you have to make a withdrawal. The need for money can arise at any stage. Hence, you need to find a scheme where the withdrawal process is straightforward. Some companies have a complicated procedure for withdrawal and they charge a special fee along with the appropriate taxes for early withdrawal.

Retirement

Not all variable annuities are designed to be beneficial for you after retirement. But you should explore as many schemes as possible so that you can check if there are any retirement benefits on offer. See whether your variable annuity can be placed in a retirement account. This ensures that you have a steady income stream post retirement. Already, you are allowed to defer your taxes on your variable annuity. The retirement benefits, if available, make the variable annuity plan ideal for you.

Flexibility

Since the rate of interest varies annually, there is a chance it falls below a level where you feel satisfied with your investment. This is where a flexible variable annuity comes in handy. You have the option of changing your investment strategy which means you don't have to agree to a lower rate of interest. You can alter your investment but only if the company offers subaccounts. Check this before making your decision.

These are five factors that determine which variable annuity is the best one for you. Keep them in mind when browsing through your options.

by: Sachin Kumar Airan

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