Payouts on income annuities were down slightly in December as the pricing for some of the top insurers on our platform decreased. The bond market was mostly unchanged month-over-month. Top fixed annuity payouts held steady.
This past Wednesday, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25% to a targeted range of 1.50% – 1.75%. The move was widely expected by financial markets and the reaction was muted. This is the third straight rate cut. On October 30, the Fed cut rates, continuing the downward pattern in short-term interest rates that … <a href="https://www.blueprintincome.com/resources/retirement-101/january-2020-annuity-rates-and-market-update/">Continued</a>
The beneficiary to an annuity acquires rights upon the death of the owner. In most cases, the beneficiary will receive a lump sum cash refund of the contract, although, with certain annuity contracts, the beneficiary can take over the policy as the owner for the remainder of the term. Annuities typically avoid the probate process … <a href="https://www.blueprintincome.com/resources/retirement-101/january-2020-annuity-rates-and-market-update/">Continued</a>
Deciding what the best company for annuities is depends on what you’re looking for in an annuity. Some companies offer better rates for one type of annuity than another. And, some companies that offer annuities have higher financial ratings than others, but they might offer lower rates. Blueprint Income is a marketplace that distributes simple … <a href="https://www.blueprintincome.com/resources/retirement-101/january-2020-annuity-rates-and-market-update/">Continued</a>
What happens to the money in an annuity when you die depends on the type of annuity and the options chosen. If you have an immediate or longevity annuity and pass away, the contract will terminate unless you include a refund at death (a.k.a. cash refund or death benefit). Including the refund at death ensures … <a href="https://www.blueprintincome.com/resources/retirement-101/january-2020-annuity-rates-and-market-update/">Continued</a>
The best annuity depends on your goals. If you’re looking for a pension-like monthly income stream for life, an income annuity is likely the best fit. If you’re looking for a CD-like guaranteed return for a set number of years, a fixed annuity is likely the best fit. If you’re looking for something that changes … <a href="https://www.blueprintincome.com/resources/retirement-101/january-2020-annuity-rates-and-market-update/">Continued</a>
You should not buy an annuity if Social Security or pension benefits cover all of your regular expenses, you’re in below average health, or you are seeking high risk in your investments. Take our quiz here to decide if an annuity makes sense for you. If you’re interested in reading more, here are several articles … <a href="https://www.blueprintincome.com/resources/retirement-101/january-2020-annuity-rates-and-market-update/">Continued</a>
Putting a portion of your 401(k) savings into an annuity makes sense if you’re looking to diversify your retirement savings and add a guaranteed piece to your portfolio. Your 401(k) is a basket of savings tied to market performance that does not protect you from the risk of living longer than expected (and needing an … <a href="https://www.blueprintincome.com/resources/retirement-101/january-2020-annuity-rates-and-market-update/">Continued</a>
You should consider investing in an annuity if you’re saving for retirement, consider yourself to be a moderate to conservative risk investor, and are interested in guaranteed income or growth. If, on the other hand, you’re looking to access funds for a near-term purchase, only want to invest in higher risk/higher return potential assets, an … <a href="https://www.blueprintincome.com/resources/retirement-101/january-2020-annuity-rates-and-market-update/">Continued</a>
Fixed income annuities are a good investment for those looking for guaranteed lifetime income in retirement. An income annuity is a lifetime income guarantee (typically paid monthly for the rest of your life) that you purchase from an insurance company as a way to reduce the risk that you run out of money in retirement. … <a href="https://www.blueprintincome.com/resources/retirement-101/january-2020-annuity-rates-and-market-update/">Continued</a>