A “fixed annuity” is an annuity contract in which the value is reckoned in fixed units (in the U.S., U.S. dollars). By contrast, the value of a “variable” annuity is determined by the dollar value of ...

A fixed index annuity is a fixed deferred annuity in which interest crediting is done retroactively, at the end of the crediting period (which may be one year or more) and where the crediting rate is ...

A deferred annuity is a long-term contract with an insurance company that provides future income–often for life–in exchange for premium payments, with options like fixed, variable, and indexed types ...

A fixed annuity provides a guaranteed income stream. Payouts can be immediate or deferred. Drawbacks include limited upside. Annuities can help ensure your retirement savings last your entire life.

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Laurie Sepulveda is a MarketWatch Guides team senior writer who specializes in writing about personal loans, home equity loans, mortgages and banking. She lives in North Carolina and has taught and ...

Experts say that retirees need 75% to 80% of their pre-retirement income after they retire. Social Security covers part of that, and pensions, interest, dividends and/or rental income contribute as ...