Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Fixed and fixed indexed annuities vs. other financial instruments

Simple table comparing most important features everyone should consider:

FIXED AND FIXED INDEX ANNUITIES VS. OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Feature
Annuity
CD
Taxable
Bond
Municipal
Bond
 Stocks,
Mutual Funds
Money
Market
Free from market risk. Principal and interest protection.
Y
Y
N
N
N
N
Earnings free from current taxation while in instrument
Y
N
N
Y4
N5
N5
Interest earnings reinvested automatically with no current income taxation
Y
N
N
N
N
N
Ability to make additional deposits
Y1
N
N
N
Y
Y
Tax liability on Social Security income eliminated on deferred accumulation
Y
N
N
N
N3
N3
 Liquid
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Flexible
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Penalty Free Withdrawals
Y
N
Y3
Y3
Y3
Y3
Funds not reduced by commissions
Y
Y
N
N
N
Y
Probate Avoidance
Y
N
N
N
N
N
 Guaranteed lifetime income with tax benefits
Y
N
N
N
N
N
Totals
11
4
3
4
4
5
1 Tax-Deferred Annuity is a Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity versus a Single Premium  

Deferred Annuity, additional deposits are allowed.

2 Some tax deferral can take place to the extent that capital gains take place.  Dividend

income and capital gain distributions are taxable, and cause tax liability to Social Security

income in certain circumstances.

3 Sales commissions and/or market risk losses may occur.

4 Interest from qualified municipal bonds is usually save in a taxable account, thus  

diluting, degree of taxation does occur and the effect of compounding is reduced.

5 Capital gains taxation may occur.



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