Introduction
Welcome to the Ultimate Annuity Review Guide at AdvisorWorld.com! If you’re looking to explore the world of annuities and compare the top providers and products, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve spent countless hours researching, reviewing, and analyzing the annuity market to bring you the most comprehensive resource for understanding and comparing annuities.
In this master guide, you’ll find links to all our in-depth annuity reviews, the best annuity rates for different types of annuities, and expert advice to help you make informed decisions about your financial future.
Annuity Basics: What You Need to Know
Before diving into our annuity reviews and rates, it’s essential to understand what an annuity is and how it works. In this section, we’ll explain the basics of annuities and discuss their potential benefits and drawbacks.
What is an Annuity?
An annuity is a legal agreement between an individual and an insurance firm, where the latter provides financial security for the former. In exchange for payments made to the insurer, customers will receive regular payments for a specified duration of time – be it for their lifetime or a specified number of years. Thus, customers benefit from this arrangement, which provides financial security and peace of mind. Read How Annuities Work: An In-Depth Look at This Retirement Planning Tool.
Types of Annuities: Fixed, Variable, and Indexed
There are several types of annuities to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits.
Fixed Annuities: Fixed annuities offer a guaranteed interest rate for a predetermined period, providing a stable and secure income for retirees. Fixed Indexed Annuities consist of annuities like Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIAs), Traditional Fixed Annuities, Multi-year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs), Deferred Income Annuities, etc.
Variable Annuities: Variable annuities offer the potential for higher returns based on the performance of underlying investments, usually a selection of mutual funds. We generally don’t recommend investing in variable annuities because of the high costs associated with them.
Indexed Annuities: Indexed annuities provide a minimum guaranteed rate of return and the potential for higher returns linked to a market index. We generally recommend indexed annuities because they have the potential to earn higher returns with very low risk.
Annuity Reviews: Top Providers and Products
With so many annuity providers and products on the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your financial goals. That’s where our annuity reviews come in! We’ve evaluated the top providers and products in the industry to help you make an informed decision.
Traditional Fixed Annuities and MYGAs
Instruments like Fixed Annuities and MYGAs offer a guaranteed fixed rate of interest on the principal, resulting in a series of regular payments for the annuitant, either for a specified period or for the entirety of their life. Thus, they provide a steady, predictable stream of income to the annuitant. In case of these fixed instruments, usually, the company providing the best rates at the time you are making an investment is the ideal one to go with. We have made a dedicated blog on how to find the best annuity rates for different types of annuities and also listed the current best annuity rates – Best Annuity Rates for All Types of Annuities.
Fixed Indexed Annuities
Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs) are a unique and complex type of annuity that combines elements of both fixed and variable annuities. Due to their numerous variables and options, understanding the intricacies of FIAs can be challenging, and they deserve a dedicated review to fully grasp their potential benefits and drawbacks. Fixed-indexed annuities are one of our favorite annuities products because of a number of reasons. Read Why is a Fixed Indexed Annuity an Ideal Long-term “Investment”?
At AdvisorWorld.com, we regularly post detailed reviews of various fixed-indexed annuities. Also, you can let us know if you want a particular annuity reviewed in the comments.
Below is the list of all indexed annuities that we have reviewed until now:
| Company Name | Product Name | Remarks |
| Allianz | Allianz 222 Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | Ideal for lifetime income withdrawals. Offers features like premium/interest bonuses and Index-locking. But have a relatively low income-earning potential. |
| Allianz Core Income 7 Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | Offers a relatively higher fixed interest rate but has a low-income earning potential. Suitable for highly conservative investors. | |
| Athene | Athene AccuMax Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | Unique 7-Yr point-to-point and annual interval sum strategies that offer the potential to earn a higher return. |
| Athene Performance Elite Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | Allows growth, principal protection, and access to higher liquidity without incurring any adverse Market Value Adjustments (MVA) charges. | |
| Athene Ascent Pro Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | Ideal for growth and guaranteed lifetime income. | |
| Athene Agility Annuity Review | Offers free riders and has few options for uncapped strategies. | |
| American Equity | American Equity EstateShield 10 Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | Offers complimentary lifetime income benefit and wellbeing rider. Good for accumulation. |
| American Equity AssetShield Annuity Review | Optional performance rate rider that helps to increase cap or participation rate; potential for a higher return. | |
| American National | American National Strategy Indexed Annuity Plus Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | Option for an enhanced lifetime guaranteed income. |
| Nationwide | Nationwide Peak Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | Straightforward indexing options with decent caps; potential for higher returns. |
| Nationwide New Heights Select Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | An optional feature of lock-in of positive performance; earnings capture on withdrawal. | |
| Fidelity and Guaranty | F&G Accelerator Plus Annuity Review | Offers a premium bonus and has good, uncapped indexing options, good for accumulation. |
| Pacific Life | Pacific Life Index Foundation Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | Offers well-known indexes with decent potential to earn the market return. |
| MassMutual | MassMutual American Legend 7 Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | Offers higher caps and participation rates even on popular indexes like the S&P 500; potential to earn a higher income. |
| Jackson Life | Jackson MarketProtector Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | Offers well-known indexes with higher caps and declared rates. |
| Lincoln Financial | Lincoln OptiBlend Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | Offers good earning potential with a high guaranteed minimum surrender value |
| Global Atlantic | Global Atlantic ForeAccumulation II Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | Offers higher caps and participation rates even on popular indexes like the S&P 500; potential to earn a higher income. |
| Atlantic Coast | Atlantic Coast Retirement Plus Multiplier Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | Offers higher caps and participation rates even on popular indexes like the S&P 500; potential to earn a higher income. Low initial premium requirement |
| Delaware Life | Delaware Life Growth Pathway Fixed Indexed Annuity Review | Offers good earning potential with a high guaranteed minimum surrender value |
Conclusion
We hope this Annuity Review Guide serves as a valuable resource in your journey to find the right annuity product for your financial goals. At AdvisorWorld.com, we’re committed to providing you with comprehensive and unbiased annuity reviews to help you make informed decisions. Feel free to explore the various reviews linked throughout this guide, and visit our blog regularly for the latest annuity insights and updates.
