Economic Experts Cite How Fixed Index Annuities Can Help You Save Less for Retirement and Still Achieve Your Income Goals
- Sean Ruehl
- Oct 29, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 4, 2024
Recent studies have shown that a staggering 55% of Americans feel they're behind on their retirement savings. This widespread concern about having enough money for retirement is not unfounded, given increasing life expectancies and the decline of traditional pension plans. However, there's a powerful financial tool that could potentially allow you to save significantly less for retirement while still achieving your income goals: the fixed index annuity (FIA).
Understanding Fixed Index Annuities
Fixed index annuities are insurance products that offer the potential for growth based on market index performance, while also providing principal protection from market downturns. As Dr. Wade Pfau, Professor of Retirement Income at The American College, explains, "Fixed index annuities can serve an important role in a retirement income plan by providing upside potential with downside protection" (Pfau, 2021).
The Power of Guaranteed Income
One of the most compelling features of FIAs is their ability to provide guaranteed lifetime income. This is crucial because, as retirement expert Michael Finke notes, "Guaranteed income in retirement has been shown to have a positive impact on retiree well-being" (Finke, 2018). By converting a portion of your savings into a guaranteed income stream, you can potentially reduce the total amount you need to save for retirement.
Saving Less with FIAs
Research suggests that using a fixed index annuity as part of your retirement strategy could allow you to save significantly less than you would need with a traditional investment portfolio. A study by economists David Babbel and Craig Merrill found that annuities can provide the same level of retirement income as a traditional stock and bond portfolio, but with 25-40% less capital (Babbel & Merrill, 2007).
This efficiency is due to several factors:
1. Mortality credits: Annuities pool risk among many individuals, allowing insurance companies to provide higher payouts than individuals could achieve on their own.
2. Principal protection: The downside protection offered by FIAs means you don't need as large a cushion to weather market volatility.
3. Guaranteed income: Knowing you have a guaranteed income stream can allow you to invest the rest of your portfolio more aggressively.
Real-World Impact
Consider this example: A 65-year-old retiree needs $50,000 in annual income, with $20,000 coming from Social Security. Using the traditional 4% withdrawal rule, they would need $750,000 in savings to generate the additional $30,000 per year. However, by using a fixed index annuity for half of their needed income, they might only need to save $375,000 - 50% less than with a traditional approach.
Economist Moshe Milevsky supports this concept, stating, "Annuities are one of the few financial products that can help retirees spend more than they otherwise would while simultaneously reducing the odds they'll run out of money" (Milevsky, 2013).
Considerations and Caveats
While FIAs offer significant benefits, they're not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's important to consider factors such as:
- Liquidity needs: FIAs typically have surrender charges for early withdrawals.
- Inflation protection: Some FIAs offer increasing income options, but many of them do this at a cost. There are some that do NOT charge extra for this. Make sure you know which ones these are.
- Creditworthiness of the insurer: The guarantees are only as strong as the company backing them, so reviewing their creditworthiness is vital.
Conclusion
For the 55% of Americans worried about and behind on their retirement savings, fixed index annuities offer a potential solution. By providing guaranteed income and downside protection, FIAs can allow you to save significantly less while still achieving your retirement income goals. As with any financial decision, it's crucial to consult with a qualified financial professional to determine if an FIA is right for your specific situation.
Remember, retirement planning isn't just about accumulating a large nest egg - it's about converting that nest egg into a reliable, sustainable income stream that will last throughout your retirement years. Fixed index annuities can be a powerful tool in achieving that goal, potentially allowing you to save less and worry less about your financial future.
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