Annuities Are Back in demand

Posted by juliabennet on September 11th, 2012

There are many investment tools available on the market. Annuities, which were once a very popular investment option, but suffered at the hands of share markets and some other investment tools, are now once again gaining popularity. They provide people with an investment option that promises a steady income stream after retirement. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg as there are many more attractive features of these investment devices that will be revealed in this article for the benefit of all readers.

Add Annuity to Your Portfolio
Annuities are agreements between individuals and insurance companies, though they are not backed by government securities. If you are planning to buy a financial product to help you after retirement, you can add Bloomington IL annuities to make your portfolio diverse and more fruitful. The reason why people are opting for annuities in place of retirement plans such as 401k is that growth in fund value is not taxed as it is the case with retirement plans, offered by employers. This means that inflation will not eat up the fund growth which is seen with 401k.

Get a Monthly Income for Life
Income for life is one feature that makes Bloomington IL annuities very attractive. Investing in a CD provides an investor with a lump sum after maturity and he has to reinvest the money into any other scheme. On the other hand, investing in an annuity is enough for a steady income for a lifetime and one can  rest assured of a steady income even if he lives to be hundred. Do not forget to make your wife your beneficiary, as the sum on maturity will automatically go to her if you die during the period of the annuity.

One feature of Bloomington IL annuities that makes them flexible is that there is no upper limit of the amount that can be invested through these investment tools. This is a relief as there are contribution limits imposed by 401k and other retirement plans offered by employers. There are variable payment options in the case of annuities being offered by insurance companies these days. One can choose from a lump sum payment which is a onetime payment upon maturity or one can opt for monthly or quarterly payments that are fixed. However, there is also a provision of fixed and variable payment to suit your requirements.

Withdrawal Before Maturity Attracts Penalty
IRS supports  annuities as investment vehicles for one’s retirement. It imposes a penalty tax of 10% on withdrawal from the fund before the age of 59 1/2. However, the same penalty is imposed on people investing in retirement plans. As such this feature is not a deterrent and people realize the reason behind this penalty.

There are many insurance companies providing Bloomington IL annuities and you must choose a company that is experienced and reputable. However, there is nothing to worry about as there is a provision for the contract to be honored by other insurance companies in case your insurance company goes bankrupt.

Annuities are back in vogue so go and get your annuities from Bloomington IL annuities.