An annuity is an insurance contract you purchase to receive payments for a specific period, such as 30 years, or for the rest of your life. By applying a mathematical formula consisting of variables ...

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. Dr. Melody Bell is a personal finance expert, entrepreneur, educator, and researcher. Melody ...

Investopedia contributors come from a range of backgrounds, and over 25 years there have been thousands of expert writers and editors who have contributed. Investopedia / Hilary Allison The present ...

These estimates are based on a single-life immediate fixed annuity, which begins paying out right after purchase and continues for the rest of your life. Generally, the older you are when you buy the ...

After you retire, your income will mainly come from savings and Social Security. However, annuities provide an additional steady income stream to help you enjoy your golden years with greater ...

A lot of retirees use annuities to simplify their income stream in retirement but that doesn’t mean annuities are simple. Beyond choosing what kind of annuity to purchase – immediate vs. deferred and ...

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. So, what could your payments look like if you're investing $500,000 in ...

Investing without risk often seems like a financial fantasy. Yet, an annuity promises just that — turning a lump sum into a steady income stream, typically for retirement. An annuity is essentially a ...

David Rodeck is a financial journalist based in New York City specializing in banking, investing and financial planning. Before writing full-time, David was a financial adviser and passed the Series 6 ...