WhatAre Fixed Annuities? 
Tax deferred annuities have differing crediting methods : indexed , separate sub accounts and guaranteed fixed interest rates . Fixed interest rates are generally offered for a time certain periods like 5 , 7 or 10 years . Interest rates have recently began to rise , so most advisers are not recommending long term periods like ten years . The fixed interest rates and the tax deferral feature of annuities generally have a greater economic impact for savers than the traditional CDs offered by banks . 