With our ShareBuilder TM product, it's simple, flexible, and affordable to invest directly in the stock market. Annuities An annuity is a contract between an individual and an insurance company. The individual buys an income stream in the form of annuity payments for a specified period of time. Annuities can be immediate or deferred , depending on when the individual wants to begin receiving annuity payments. During the accumulation phase of a deferred annuity, investment growth is tax-deferred.
Annuities are also either fixed or variable .
Fixed annuities offer a guaranteed rate of return, and variable annuities offer investment choices that will fluctuate in value over time. You can enjoy the security of a fixed annuity or match your risk tolerance profile with a variable annuity. To view your account information, visit Account Services . The investor should focus on the benefits offered by a variable annuity to assess if a variable annuity is right for them. All Rights Reserved.