The Details
Variable annuities can be an excellent way to increase your retirement savings while minimizing your tax bill. However, they do come with minimum required distributions, which can be frustrating or even a hardship for retirees with small balances.
Variable annuity fees can include a variety of fees for different services that are often overlooked. The fees will vary based on the company offering the annuity or the advisor selling you these fees. The best way to know what you are buying into is to read the fine print on all fees and request a prospectus. To save you time and headache, here is a summary of some of the most common fees you should watch out for:
Annuity acquisition fees (front-end loads): These fees are charged upon the initial purchase of the annuity. They vary based on the size of the annuity and are typically around 7%-8.5% on the initial investment.
Sales charge (back-end loads): This is a percentage of the annuity that is deducted from the management fees and earnings, designed to pay the dealer for their services.
Surrender charges: A surrender charge can be up to 7% and is deducted if you are not able to maintain the surrender level.
Minimum acquisition fees: An annual fee that is deducted from your account. It is typically waived if certain account value and minimum value conditions are met.
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Annuity X-Ray
Variable annuities are a type of investment, in which investors deposit money into an account that is then invested in a largely mutual fund portfolio. Variable annuities also come with a death benefit. The insurance company guarantees to return the funds in the account if an investo