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Annuities have long been a part of retirement planning, but in recent years they have seen a bit of a comeback. In Episode 8 of the Retire Well with Wealth of Advice podcast, Chartered Financial Planners Joe and Matthew discuss how annuities work, who should consider them, and how they fit into modern retirement planning.
An annuity is a financial product that allows you to exchange a lump sum from your pension for a guaranteed income for life or a fixed period. While often associated with older retirement strategies, annuities can provide security for those who want certainty around their income in later life.
Recent years have seen renewed interest due to market volatility and the desire for predictable retirement income, alongside the flexibility offered by modern pension drawdown options.
When you purchase an annuity, a provider calculates the income you will receive based on several factors:
• Age: Older retirees generally receive higher payments.
• Postcode: If the life expectancy of your postcode is lower than the national average, you will get a higher annuity rate average.
• Health: Medical conditions or lifestyle factors (smoking, high blood pressure) may qualify you for enhanced annuity rates.
• Interest Rates: Prevailing market interest rates affect the level of income an annuity can provide.
The basic principle is simple: a lump sum is exchanged for regular, guaranteed payments, which can continue for life or for a specified period.
There are several types of annuities to suit different retirement needs:
• Lifetime Annuities: Provide income for the rest of your life.
• Fixed-Term Annuities: Provide income for a set number of years.
• Enhanced Annuities: Offer higher payments for individuals with health conditions or lifestyle factors that may reduce life expectancy.
Annuities come with a range of optional features that can affect the level of income you receive:
• Inflation-Linked vs Fixed: Inflation-linked annuities increase payments over time, protecting against rising living costs, whereas fixed annuities pay the same amount throughout.
• Guaranteed Periods: Ensure payments continue for a minimum period, even if the annuitant dies early.
• Spouse Protection: Provides income for a surviving spouse or partner after death.
• Purchased Life Annuities: Bought directly with personal savings outside a pension.
Annuities may be suitable for:
• Risk-averse retirees who value guaranteed income.
• Those without other guaranteed income, such as State Pension or defined benefit pensions.
• Those seeking a balance between guaranteed and flexible income in retirement.
The value of annuities depends on market conditions and personal circumstances:
• Inflation and interest rates directly affect annuity rates.
• Security vs flexibility: While annuities provide guaranteed income, they reduce access to lump sums for emergencies or investment opportunities.
One common misconception about annuities is that you need to use your entire pension pot: It is possible to purchase an annuity with part of a pension pot, combining guaranteed income with drawdown flexibility.
Annuities offer a reliable source of income in retirement, especially for those who value certainty and security. Understanding the types, options, and factors affecting rates can help you decide whether an annuity is right for your retirement strategy.
Wealth of Advice can guide you through annuity options, compare rates, and integrate guaranteed income alongside other retirement planning tools. Explore our free guides, blog posts, and calculators to make informed decisions about your retirement income.
If you want a better view of what your future could be, we'll have a chat and work out if we make a good fit for you and your financial picture.
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