Annuities often become part of the retirement conversation during major life changes, yet many people still aren’t sure what they actually are or when they make sense.

In this episode, I begin a four-part series designed to help you understand annuities before you ever evaluate a specific product. We discuss what an annuity actually is, why insurance companies created them, how they can provide retirement income, and why every decision should begin with your retirement goals rather than product features. 

We also explore accumulation versus income phases, tax deferral, and the questions you should ask before deciding whether an annuity belongs in your retirement plan.

Key takeaways:

• How annuities work as insurance contracts that may provide retirement income now or later
• Why retirement planning should begin with your goals before discussing financial products
• How accumulation and income phases affect the way annuities function over time
• Why tax deferral should be viewed as one feature rather than the primary reason to buy
• Questions that help determine whether an annuity belongs in your retirement strategy
• And more!

Resources:

• Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roadmap 
• 2026 Tax and Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet
• Does an Annuity Fit Within My Financial Plan?

Connect with Eric Blake: 

• www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com
• Join the Simply Retirement Newsletter
• Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast
• Blake Wealth Management
• YouTube 

Annuities are insurance products issued by insurance companies and involve costs, fees, limitations, and contractual terms that vary by product. Guarantees are backed solely by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Before purchasing an annuity, investors should carefully consider their financial objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and contract features, and consult with their financial, tax, and legal professionals.

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