Can I Take My Annuity as a Lump Sum?

Annuity adoption is less than would be expected in traditional economic models, as economists have shown that purchasing an annuity can lead to higher retirement income than a self-managed portfolio. Reframing annuities as a mechanism to improve consumption in retirement can improve utilization of annuity products. 

Can We Solve the Annuity Puzzle by Reframing Annuities?

Should I Put My 401(k) into an Annuity?

An annuity can provide guaranteed lifetime income that reduces the likelihood that you’ll run out of money in retirement. Income from an annuity is predictable, steady, and cannot be outlived. This Annuities 101 article provides an overview of annuities and links to resources that will help you decide if an annuity is right for you.

Thumb - Annuities 101 — Annuity Basics for Beginners

Annuities 101 - Annuity Basics for Beginners

At Blueprint Income, we're working to make the annuity market a simpler and easier space to navigate. Each day we're focused on offering a better service and product that makes sense for you. 

Thumb - We've Created a Better Annuity Buying Process

We've Created a Better Annuity Buying Process

Should I Annuitize My Annuity?

An annuity is a lifetime income guarantee that you purchase from an insurance company, who is overseen by state-based guaranty funds that insurers your annuity purchases. In this article, we discuss this important protection, as well as provide some helpful resources that you should be aware of.

State Guaranty Associations for Annuity Contracts

Not all annuity websites are created equal. Do your homework.

Online Annuities: How (and How Not) to Buy an Annuity Online

A classic, good annuity is one that provides guaranteed income for as long as you live. It’s a way to diversify your portfolio, and make sure that your basic retirement expenses will be covered. But beware of market-based annuities that promise too much and don't deliver good value.

Good Annuities

Should you hate annuities? Yes, some types. Others? No, not if you believe the federal government, trusted academics or Ken Fisher himself.

Should You Hate Annuities like Ken Fisher?

Qualified and non-qualified income annuities have differing tax treatment, meaning that once your retirement income has begun you will receive different tax forms reporting the amount of income generated from your qualified or non-qualified annuity. Here are the tax forms for your annuity and when you can expect to receive them. 


Annuity Tax Forms for Qualified and Non-Qualified Income Annuities

Are There Any Good Annuities?

There are two things you need to know if you’re an annuity owner or considering a purchase if you want to understand whether you can lose money. First, what kind of annuity do you own or are you considering purchasing? Second, what is the financial strength rating of the insurer? 

Can You Lose Money In An Annuity? Know These Two Things To Figure It Out

A fixed annuity also known as a MYGA can be a smart investment choice for those looking to diversify their portfolios while earning higher than bank deposit rates. 

Why Investors Should Consider Fixed Annuities in their Portfolios

To make the process of buying an annuity as seamless as possible, prepare to go through the following steps and be familiar with the following terminology. In addition to providing free, real-time annuity quotes, Blueprint Income will take care of the rest of the annuity buying process for you.

Ready to Buy an Annuity? Here's How the Process Works

Are Fixed Annuities a Good Investment?

You have options at the end of your multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA) guaranteed term. Read on to learn more and contact us if you have any questions.

What Are My Options at the End of My Fixed Annuity Guaranteed Term?

What Is the Best Annuity?

If one's goal is to avoid running out of money in retirement while leaving the largest possible legacy behind at death, then income annuities play a crucial role. In Blueprint Income's recent white paper, we demonstrate that portfolios made up of just stocks and annuities produce the best outcomes.

Optimizing a Retirement Portfolio Using Annuities

We answer some of the most common questions we get from potential clients regarding CDs and fixed annuities.

9 Key Differences Between Fixed Annuities and CDs

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Are Annuities Insured?

A flattening yield curve (one where the difference between short-term and long-term Treasury yields is smaller than usual) suggests two annuity buying strategies. Either buy a fixed rate annuity now, and wait for rates to rise before buying an income annuity. Or, start buying income now but do so in small pieces over time.

The Yield Curve Is Flattening - Here's What It Means for Annuities

The Federal Reserve recently raised short term interest rates by 0.25%, but how does this impact annuity payouts? Learn what factors, in addition to changes in interest rates, can affect your annuity payout.

Impact of the Fed's Interest Rate Increase on Annuity Rates

Should I Invest in an Annuity?

Should I Put My Money in an Annuity?

At What Point Does the Beneficiary to an Annuity Acquire Rights?

If you're thinking about an annuity purchase, keep these 9 things in mind when evaluating the financial strength of the annuity issuer.

9 Things You Need To Know About Annuity Issuers' Financial Strength Ratings

Inflation risk in retirement captures the possibility that the prices of goods will increase beyond what your retirement income and savings can handle. Annuities do not do a good job protecting you from that risk, and instead are built to protect you from the other two big risks: market risk and longevity risk.

Annuities & Inflation Risk in Retirement

An annuity is a way to turn your savings into guaranteed income you can’t outlive, no matter what happens in the market or how long you live.

Fixed and Income Annuities Overview

A summary of rate lock procedures for income annuities and fixed annuities.

Understanding Rate Lock and How It Differs Between Income Annuities and Fixed Annuities

An income annuity isn’t a good fit for everyone. Use the following strategies if an annuity isn’t the best fit for your retirement saving plan.

Annuities 101