Performance of Variable Deferred Annuities

Since variable annuity^# performance is tied to the securities market, we have to look beyond the last ten years – which have not been so good. Instead, you should consider that over the last 50 or so years the total returns possible by investing in an index fund that mirrors, say the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial average, would have averaged in the vicinity of 9% annually!
  

The possibilities are open using investment diversification with potential growth, while harnessing the power of tax deferral made possible with variable annuities^#. Variable annuities operate similar to 401K plans and other qualified retirement plans that allow risk type investments for allocations within the plan. Unlike employer-sponsored plans, there are no limits on how much you can sock away using a variable annuity^#. One of the recent comparisons and complaints leveled at both variable annuities^# and many employer-sponsored plans are the high fees that tend to cut the overall return and growth of the retirement investments. From 1999 through 2009 variable annuities^# have generally not fared well based on a down stock market and not so well against market index funds, since variable annuity^# fees are typically up a couple of percents higher.

An approximation of fees that are customary on variable annuities^# are as follows: Administrative: .25%; Mortality: .75%; Income rider: .75%; Enhanced Death Benefit: .75%; Underlying Investment Expense: 1.5%. As you can see, minimum fees on a stripped out variable are around 2% and a fully featured variable annuity^# may run as high as 5%. The problem with fees is obvious. If your investments are down 20% and you add fees, you are down about 25%. So fees would actually comprise around 20% of your loss, which does a real number on your principal. In down markets the equation mostly does not work so well for variable annuities^#.

Deferred Variable Annuity vs Deferred Fixed Annuity

So, what is the distinction between variable deferred and fixed deferred? It is real simple: Fixed is when the insurance institution assumes the risk for your principal and accumulation and variable is when you assume the risk for the underlying investments, principal and accumulation.

Deferred Variable Annuity Performance & Facts

• Deferred variable annuities^# originated in the U.S. approximately 60 years ago
• They can be purchased in periodic, systematic or lump sum payments
• Deferral in variable annuities^# allows the value of the annuity to increase
• Variable annuities have the greatest potential for gain or loss
• After a deferral period, a variable annuity^# may produce more income
• Deferred variable annuities^# have the added advantage of tax deferral
• They can be annuitized providing a lifetime of income; however, it may fluctuate
• They are the opposite of immediate annuities, since immediate annuities begin income soon after they are purchased in a lump sum
• Variable deferred annuities are typically invested in the securities market and the purchaser assumes the market risk
• Deferred variable annuities^# are creditor-protected in most states.
• Deferred variable annuities^# are first **guaranteed by the claims paying ability of the insurer. The underlying invested assets are owned by the client and are not at risk if the insurer defaults
• Check out our deferred variable annuity^# calculator

Deferred Variable Annuity Performance Summary

All deferred variable annuities^# enjoy tax deferral with no income tax requirement until withdrawal. This may be an advantage over many investments like CDs, mutual fund^{^}s and securities-oriented investments when considering a long term retirement plan. A long term variable annuity^# investment may be able to outperform CDs, bonds and treasuries. Reinvesting money that would otherwise be paid out in tax over an extended period of years is always an advantage. In addition, deferred variable annuities^# have several benefits that may be beneficial for retirement planning.

Question: How are licensed agents or advisors compensated on variable annuities^#?

Answer: By commission, which is normally paid up front and in a trail as long as you own the variable annuity^#. This normally works out to around 1% per year so over 20 years the commission would likely be 20% of your account value on an annually increasing amount (hopefully increasing or ouch). Mutual funds and money management pay similarly. Fixed annuities generally pay a one-time commission or an initial set up administrative fee.