Consumers have a variety of options available to them as they approach their retirement years. Not only do consumers have to choose between different investment strategies, but within those strategies lie another series of options available to the consumer. This is especially true when it comes to retirement annuities, a very popular option for many consumers. Retirement annuities offer several unique benefits to the consumer. However, there are several different annuities from which to choose, which can present a challenge to the consumer as they choose between their options. Each retirement annuity offers unique advantages to the consumer and with so many options there is one available for every unique consumer situation

Conventional Annuities

Conventional annuities work best for those consumers who are most focused on stability. This retirement annuity guarantees a level of income for the rest of the consumer’s life, regardless of any performance in the financial markets.

Variable Annuities

Variable annuities are a form of the retirement annuity that works best for those consumers interested in taking a risk. These income payments are typically lower than a conventional annuity but can pay out higher return as they are linked to investments in the financial markets.

Investment-linked Annuities

This retirement annuity is linked to specific underlying investments and can offer large payments to the consumer. Similar to variable annuities, this type of retirement annuity is a best fit for those consumers who are willing to take a risk with their retirement and pension savings.

Enhanced Annuities

Enhanced Annuities are a very unique kind of retirement annuity. This annuity is perfect for those consumers who are looking to take advantage of a higher annuity payment, based on their health or lifestyle status. This retirement annuity does require a specific eligibility requirement but can be worthwhile the assessment process for those who qualify, as payments are  usually increased since the insurer assumes that given the health condition, the consumer will have a shortened lifespan.

Fixed Term Annuities

Consumers who are looking for some more flexibility with their investment will benefit from a fixed term annuity. This retirement annuity offers a set income amount over the course of a predetermined period of time. This retirement annuity allows the consumer to budget for the period of time in which they are receiving payments, without having to worry about any impact from the financial markets, as the income is guaranteed for the predetermined time period.