annuitás

Annuity is a financial product, typically offered by insurance companies, that provides a stream of regular payments to an individual, either immediately or in the future. These payments can be for a fixed period or for the rest of the annuitant's life. Annuities are often used for retirement planning, as they can offer a guaranteed income stream that supplements other retirement savings.

There are several types of annuities. Immediate annuities begin making payments soon after purchase, while deferred annuities start payments at a later date. Fixed annuities offer a guaranteed interest rate and a predictable payment amount. Variable annuities, on the other hand, have payments that fluctuate based on the performance of underlying investment options. Indexed annuities link their performance to a market index, such as the S&P 500, with some protection against losses.

The primary benefit of an annuity is the potential for a guaranteed income stream, which can provide financial security, especially during retirement. They can also offer tax-deferred growth, meaning that earnings are not taxed until they are withdrawn. However, annuities can be complex, and their fees and surrender charges can be significant. The value of variable and indexed annuities can also decrease if the underlying investments perform poorly. It is important for individuals to understand the terms and conditions of any annuity contract before purchasing one.