A practical starting point
A retirement-income preparation guide that helps visitors ask better questions without presenting an annuity as a universal solution.
Your no-pressure checklist
- List expected income sources and essential expenses
- Separate liquid reserves from funds that may be committed long term
- Write down time horizon, beneficiary, and liquidity priorities
- Ask about surrender charges, guarantees, crediting, fees, and when income can begin
Related coverage questions
Common questions
Are annuities appropriate for everyone near retirement?
No. Suitability depends on objectives, liquidity needs, time horizon, tax situation, risk tolerance, existing assets, and the specific contract.
What should I read before signing an annuity contract?
Read the contract, disclosures, benefit riders, surrender schedule, and any illustration. Ask how the guarantees work and what assumptions are not guaranteed.
Primary consumer sourceSEC Investor.gov annuities guide ↗
Use the source and the policy contract for details. This guide does not recommend, quote, or guarantee a product.