Variable Annuity

Definition

A variable annuity is a type of annuity contract that allows the contract owner to invest their payments in a variety of investment options, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The value of the annuity will fluctuate based on the performance of the underlying investments, providing the potential for growth but also carrying investment risk.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Variable annuities offer the potential for higher returns than fixed annuities, but also carry more investment risk.
2. The contract owner can typically choose from a variety of investment options, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, to allocate their payments.
3. Variable annuities often have higher fees than other investment products, including mortality and expense charges, administrative fees, and investment management fees.
4. Variable annuities may offer optional features, such as guaranteed minimum income benefits or death benefits, which can provide additional protection but also come with additional costs.
5. Variable annuities are typically used for long-term retirement planning, as they provide tax-deferred growth and the ability to convert the accumulated funds into a lifetime income stream.

Review Questions

• Explain how a variable annuity differs from a fixed annuity in terms of investment risk and potential returns.
  • A variable annuity differs from a fixed annuity in that the value of the annuity is tied to the performance of the underlying investments, rather than a guaranteed fixed interest rate. With a variable annuity, the contract owner bears the investment risk, as the potential for higher returns is accompanied by the risk of losses. In contrast, a fixed annuity provides a guaranteed stream of payments and a minimum return, but the potential for growth is typically lower than a variable annuity.
• Describe the key features and potential benefits of a variable annuity that make it a useful retirement planning tool.
  • Variable annuities can be a useful retirement planning tool for several reasons. First, they offer the potential for higher returns than fixed annuities, which can help grow the account value over time. Second, they provide tax-deferred growth, allowing the contract owner to defer paying taxes on the investment gains until retirement. Third, variable annuities can be converted into a lifetime income stream, providing a guaranteed source of income in retirement. Additionally, some variable annuities offer optional features, such as guaranteed minimum income benefits or death benefits, which can provide additional protection and security for the contract owner.
• Analyze the potential drawbacks and risks associated with investing in a variable annuity, and explain how these factors should be considered when evaluating this product as part of a retirement planning strategy.
  • The primary drawback of a variable annuity is the investment risk. Since the value of the annuity is tied to the performance of the underlying investments, the contract owner bears the risk of potential losses. Additionally, variable annuities often have higher fees than other investment products, including mortality and expense charges, administrative fees, and investment management fees. These fees can eat into the potential investment returns, reducing the overall value of the annuity. When evaluating a variable annuity as part of a retirement planning strategy, it is important to carefully consider the investment options, fees, and optional features, and weigh the potential benefits against the risks. The contract owner's risk tolerance, investment horizon, and overall retirement goals should also be taken into account to determine if a variable annuity is the most appropriate choice.

Related terms

Annuity: An annuity is a financial product that provides a stream of payments at regular intervals, typically for a specified period of time or for life.

Fixed Annuity: A fixed annuity provides a guaranteed stream of payments, with a fixed interest rate and a guaranteed minimum return on the investment.

Investment Risk: Investment risk refers to the possibility of losing money or not achieving the expected return on an investment.