Annuity

An annuity is an insurance product that offers consumers a guaranteed lifetime income.

Annuities are financial contracts between an individual and an insurance company that offer a guaranteed stream of income in exchange for a lump-sum payment or series of payments. The income payments can start immediately or at a later date and can last for a specified period of time or the individual's lifetime.
Annuities are commonly used as a retirement savings vehicle and can provide a source of steady income in retirement, helping to ensure financial stability. They can be structured in different ways, including immediate annuities, which start paying out immediately, and deferred annuities, which build up value over time before payments begin.
Annuities can be designed to provide either a fixed or variable income stream and can offer various investment options, including bonds and stocks. The choice of annuity type and investment options depends on the individual's goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation.
While annuities can be structured for income generation or long-term growth, they are not ideal for short-term investment goals. They are attractive to individuals seeking long-term financial stability, retirement income, diversification, and preservation of their principal investment.