indexed annuities

Lincoln National Fixed and Immediate Annuities

by Annuities Explained on May 22, 2010


Lincoln has carved out a reputation as one of the best financial service organizations in the United States after undergoing dramatic realignment 20 years ago. Lincoln National is well aware that the best way for planning the future is to grow retirement savings. This can however only be achieved through annuities, which are basically long-term savings avenues designed to protect individual’s money on the way to retirement. The money is then turned into an income stream that’s hard to outlive.

Lincoln offers a wide array of annuities tailored to ensure that old people are well cushioned when it comes to retirement. One option is fixed annuities which provide a monthly pay out for a stipulated period of time and the best thing about them is that the earnings are not taxed until they are paid out. This option is best for investors seeking wealth preservation and those with low risk tolerance. There are also fixed indexed annuities which is are also tax differed and is primarily meant to protect against market downturns. This means that the account cannot fall with market fluctuations. It is however not an investment but an insurance product that best fits investors with immense growth potential.

Immediate annuities are also in offing whereby income payments can be fixed or adjusted annually depending on the outside index. The variable annuity also offered by Lincoln is one that offers multiple options for payout, which includes the income stream of life. This option is best for investors with a knack for risk tolerance and who seek maximum growth potential. The annuity also offers a monthly payout based on the variable interest rate, which depends on market performance of the portfolio one chooses.

Lincoln National always bears in mind that one’s financial security could more greatly affect one’s loved ones than it could the individual himself. Lincoln’s life insurance offers protection from any unforeseen risks while giving one the power to leverage assets so that one is in a position to accomplish more. The types of life insurance offered are term life, universal life, link benefit life and variable universal life. Universal life allows one to set the amount of death benefit while the policy is still in operation, through the underwriting approval. The linked benefit covers long term care expenses if one needs it and also provides death benefit or a return on the initial premium. The variable universal life is a policy that has a potential to grow the cash value depending on market performance of the underlying portfolio.

Lincoln National keeps in mind millions of citizens working in small, mid-size and large companies in the country by offering a good selection of group retirement plans to help them create their retirement nest eggs early in life. Lincoln also offers a wide array of non-medical group insurance solutions to help employees make the most optimal use of assets while preparing for retirement. The plans are highly flexible and include Short-term and long-term liability, voluntary products, Vision, Employee assistance programs, Group Administrative Guidelines, Dental, as well as Exec-U-Care.

Indexed Annuities

by Annuities Explained on April 28, 2010


The difference between indexed annuities and other annuities

An annuity that is tax-deferred in nature and tied to an equity index such as the S&P 500 is known as in indexed annuity. They were once referred to as equity-indexed annuities, but equity was dropped from the terminology so as not to imply being tied to the stock market. This type of annuity typically carries a guaranteed rate of interest between 1% and 3% if it is held until the end of the surrender period. Additionally, one is protected against losing the principal with indexed annuities.

This type of annuity is normally a contract between the annuitant and either an annuity company or an insurance company. The returns realized with indexed annuities is typically greater than that of bonds, CD’s, and money market accounts. However, they are not as great as stock market returns. One thing that you want to be aware of is that the guarantees of an indexed annuity are only as good as the issuer. In other words, should the annuity or insurance company fail, the guarantees are worthless.

Functions of indexed annuities

Indexed annuities are basically an investment option and provide the investor with guaranteed gains and minimal levels of risk. There are 3 basic characteristics of this type of annuity as follows:

Periodic payments or lump sum – one of the better functions of indexed annuities is the payment option. You can choose to have periodic payments (usually monthly) so as to replace your income or supplement your retirement income. However, most individuals contribute into this type of annuity throughout their working lives. Usually, there is a minimum investment made up front, and then further contributions can be made.

The other payment option is the lump sum option wherein the payout is made with only one payment. You purchase an indexed annuity with a lump sum. Most individuals who have saved money over their working years will invest in the annuity once they reach retirement age. Unfortunately, this can involve giving the annuity or insurance company hundreds or thousands of dollars all at one time.

Guaranteed minimums – the benefit of indexed annuities is that they do not always involve full exposure to the stock market, therefore minimizing your risk of loss of principal. The benefit here is that no matter what direction the stock market goes in, there is a guaranteed minimum that you will earn. Even though you are still trying to profit based on upwards movement in the different markets, there is still a safety level that you are provided with when investing in indexed annuities.

Investment caps – despite the ability to profit based upon financial index increases, there are earnings caps on what you have the potential to earn. For instance, an indexed annuity may have an earnings cap of 7%. Even if the financial index earns twice that, you will only realize 7% earnings. So what this means is that your earnings potential is somewhat limited with these types of annuities.

Pros and Cons of Indexed Annuities

April 28, 2010

Indexed annuities are a class of annuities wherein the returns on them are yielded on your contributions and are based on specific equity-based indexes. They are typically purchased from insurance companies and are similar to other types of annuities. The payout conditions and terms depend on how they are defined in the annuity [...]

Read the full article →