Why are people investing in annuities?
After years of hard work, protecting your retirement income is just as important as growing your savings. With market volatility, longer life expectancy, and uncertainty around Social Security, many Americans are turning to annuities to create a more predictable and stable retirement.
Guaranteed income for life
One of the biggest reasons people invest in annuities is the promise of steady income. Certain annuities can provide guaranteed payments for life, helping retirees avoid the risk of outliving their savings.
Protection from market volatility
While some annuities offer growth tied to the market, many include downside protection. This can be especially appealing during economic downturns, when traditional investments may fluctuate sharply.
Tax-deferred growth
Money invested in an annuity grows tax-deferred, meaning you don't pay taxes on earnings until you begin taking withdrawals. This allows your savings to compound more efficiently over time.
How do annuities work?
An annuity is a financial product issued by an insurance company that allows you to convert a portion of your savings into future income. You can fund an annuity with a lump sum or a series of payments, and in return, the insurance company agrees to provide income either immediately or at a later date.
There are several types of annuities—such as fixed, indexed, and variable—each designed to meet different financial goals and risk tolerances. We've compared the best annuity companies and providers to help you understand your options and choose a solution that aligns with your retirement plan.
Once you select an annuity provider, their licensed specialists can walk you through the details, explain payout options, and help you decide which annuity type best fits your needs.
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Step 1: Choose the right type of annuity
The first step is deciding which annuity structure makes sense for your retirement goals:
Fixed annuities offer predictable, guaranteed interest and stable income.
Indexed annuities provide growth potential linked to a market index, with built-in protection against losses.
Variable annuities allow for higher growth potential but come with market risk.
Many retirees work with top-rated annuity companies that offer personalized guidance to ensure they understand fees, income riders, and payout timelines before moving forward.
Step 2: Fund your annuity
You can fund an annuity using savings from a variety of sources, including cash, brokerage accounts, or by rolling over funds from an existing retirement account such as a Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). When done properly, rollovers are typically tax-free, allowing you to reposition your retirement savings without triggering immediate taxes.
Once funded, your annuity begins accumulating value based on its structure. When you're ready, you can turn that value into a reliable stream of income—helping provide financial confidence and peace of mind throughout retirement.
Gainbridge® FastBreak™ Annuity Key Features:
Issued by: Gainbridge Life Insurance Company
Interest Rate & Terms: Up to 5.15% guaranteed with 3-10 year terms¹ available
Minimum Deposit: $1,000 – $1M
Taxes: Interest taxable as earned
Withdrawals: Up to 10% of account value each year²
Pros, Cons, and How it Compares:
The FastBreak™ annuity, offered by Gainbridge, is a non-tax-deferred savings product with a guaranteed annual percentage yield (APY) up to 5.15%.¹ It is available in terms ranging from three to ten years and requires a minimum investment of $1,000.
Unlike tax-deferred annuities, FastBreak™ requires you to pay income tax on the gains credited to your account each year. While this means you don’t receive the tax-deferred growth common with other annuities, it offers the advantage of flexibility. You can access your funds before age 59 ½ without incurring early withdrawal penalties, which is typically not an option with tax-deferred products.
Who It’s Best For:
According to Gainbridge, the FastBreak™ annuity is ideal for individuals focused on medium to long-term savings goals who want the flexibility to access their money if needed, before reaching retirement age. With its competitive APY and penalty-free early withdrawal feature, it’s a good fit for those seeking steady growth with financial flexibility.
Gainbridge® SteadyPace™ Annuity Key Features:
Issued by: Gainbridge Life Insurance Company
Interest Rate & Terms: Up to 5.20% guaranteed with 3-10 year terms¹ available
Minimum Deposit: $1,000 – $1M
Taxes: Earnings grow tax-deferred; taxes are due upon withdrawal
Withdrawals: Up to 10% of account value can be withdrawn annually without penalty²
Pros, Cons, and How it Compares:
The Gainbridge® SteadyPace™ annuity is a tax-deferred savings option offering a competitive 5.20% APY and flexible term lengths ranging from three to ten years. With a minimum deposit requirement of $1,000, this annuity is accessible to a wide range of investors. Earnings grow tax-deferred, allowing potential tax savings, and you can withdraw up to 10% of your account value annually without penalty, starting in the first contract year.
Upon maturity, you have the flexibility to receive your funds as a lump sum, opt for regular payments over five to ten years, or renew your contract for continued growth under the prevailing terms. However, withdrawals before age 59½ may incur a 10% federal tax penalty on earnings in addition to ordinary income taxes.
Who It’s Best For:
The Gainbridge® SteadyPace™ annuity is ideal for individuals seeking secure, tax-deferred growth with guaranteed returns. It suits those with medium- to long-term savings goals, including pre-retirees and retirees who value flexibility, predictable income, and low-risk investment options.