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Annuities and Senior Citizens Annuity sales to senior citizens have significantly increased in recent
years. However, as annuity sales have risen, so has a sense of confusion
among consumers. This is due, in part, to questionable or deceptive sales
practices employed by companies and agents looking to take advantage of
uninformed consumers. It is extremely important, when considering whether or
not to buy an annuity, to take the necessary precautions in order to make an
informed decision that is best for you. |
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What is an Annuity? An annuity is a
contract in which an insurance company makes a series of income payments at
regular intervals in return for a premium or premiums you have paid.
Annuities are most often bought for future retirement income, and can pay an
income that can be guaranteed to last as long as you live. What are the Different Kinds of
Annuities? There are
several types of annuities, all of which carry varying levels of risk and
guarantees. To get the most out of an annuity, it is imperative that you know
the different options available to you, as well as the benefits each type
provides. o
Single
Premium Annuity: An annuity in which you pay the insurance company
only one premium payment. o
Multiple Premium Annuity: An annuity in
which you pay the insurance company multiple premium payments. o
Immediate Annuity: An annuity in which
you begin to receive income payments no later than one year after you pay the
premium. o
Deferred Annuity: An annuity in which
you begin to receive income payments many years later. o
Fixed Annuity: An annuity in which your
money, less any applicable charges, earns interest at rates set by the
insurance company or in a way specified in the annuity contract. o
Variable Annuity: An annuity in which
the insurance company invests your money, less any applicable charges, into a
separate account based upon the risk you want to take. The money can be
invested in stocks, bonds or other investments. If the fund does not do well,
you may lose some or all of your investment. o
Equity-Indexed Annuity: A variation of
a fixed annuity in which the interest rate is based on an outside index, such
as a stock market index. The annuity pays a base return, but it may be higher
if the index increases. Is an Annuity Right for You? To find out if
an annuity is right for you, think about what your financial goals are for
the future. Analyze the amount of money you are willing to invest in an
annuity, as well as how much of a monetary risk you are willing to take. You
shouldn’t buy an annuity to reach short-term financial goals. When
determining whether an annuity would benefit you, ask yourself the following
questions: o
How much retirement income will I need in addition
to what I will get from Social Security and my pension plan? o
Will I need supplementary income for others in addition
to myself? o
How long do I plan on leaving money in the annuity? o
When do I plan on needing income payments? o
Will the annuity allow me to gain access to the
money when I need it? o
Do I want a fixed annuity with a guaranteed
interest rate and little or no risk of losing the principal? o
Do I want a variable annuity with the potential for
higher earnings that aren’t guaranteed and the possibility that I may
risk losing principal? o
Or, am I somewhere in between and willing to take some
risks with an equity-indexed annuity? |
Understand the Product You are
Buying When it comes
to annuities, inappropriate sales practices can occur in many ways and come
from a variety of sources. Anyone can be a victim, but senior citizens remain
a prime target. Here are a few ways to protect yourself: o Always review the contract before you decide to buy an annuity. Terms and conditions of each annuity contract will vary. o You should understand the long-term nature of your purchase. Be sure you plan to keep an annuity long enough so the charges don’t take too much of the money you invest. o Compare information for similar contracts from several companies. Comparing products may help you make a better decision. o Ask your agent and/or the company for an explanation of anything you don’t understand. o
Remember that the quality of service
you can expect from the company and the agent should be an important factor
in your decision. o
Verify that the company and agent are licensed. In
order to sell insurance in your state, companies and agents must be licensed.
To confirm the credibility of a company or agent, contact your state
insurance department. o
Check the company’s credit rating. Legitimate
insurers have their “creditworthiness” rated by independent
agencies such as Standard & Poor’s, A.M. Best Co. or Moody’s
Investors Services. An “A+++” or “AAA” rating is a
sign of a company’s strong financial stability. You can check a
company’s rating online or at your local library. o
The proof is in the paperwork. As you complete your
research and decide to purchase a particular policy, it’s important to
keep detailed records. Get all rate quotes and key information in writing.
Once you’ve made a purchase, keep a copy of all paperwork you complete
and sign, as well as any correspondence, special offers and payment receipts. Avoid Being Fooled by Deceptive
Sales Practices Watch for the
following red flags, which serve as warnings of possible deceptive sales
practices: o High-pressure sales pitch. If a particular group or agent has contacted you repeatedly, offering a “limited-time” deal that makes you uncomfortable or aggravated, trust your instincts and steer clear. o Quick-change tactics. Skilled scam artists will try to prey on your “time fears.” They may try to convince you to change coverage quickly without giving you the opportunity to do adequate research. o
Unwilling or unable to prove credibility. A
licensed agent will be more than willing to show adequate credentials. o Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is! o If you suspect you’ve been a victim of deceptive sales practices, or you have a specific question and can’t get the answers you need from an agent or the insurance company, contact your state insurance department. You can link to its Web site by visiting http://www.naic.org/. |
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The National Association of Insurance Commissioners |
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