At Rezny Wealth Management, we prioritize transparency, education, and the long-term financial well-being of our clients. One area where we differ from many other financial firms is our approach to annuities. While annuities are often marketed as a way to provide a guaranteed income stream in retirement, we believe it's important for investors to understand the risks and dangers associated with these products before committing to them.
One of the primary risks of annuities is their complexity. There are several types of annuities, each with its own set of rules and features. Understanding these complexities can be challenging, and investors may not fully grasp what they're getting into.
Another risk is the potential for high fees. Annuities can come with various fees, including sales charges, administrative fees, and investment management fees. These fees can eat into the returns of the annuity and reduce the overall value of the investment.
Additionally, annuities can be illiquid. Once you purchase an annuity, it can be difficult or costly to access your money if you need it for unexpected expenses or emergencies. Surrender charges can apply if you withdraw funds early, further reducing your access to your investment.
There's also the risk of inflation eroding the purchasing power of your annuity payments over time. While some annuities offer inflation protection, it often comes at an additional cost and may not fully offset the effects of inflation.
Furthermore, annuities are not FDIC insured. Unlike bank accounts or CDs, which are backed by the government, annuities are not protected in the same way. If the insurance company issuing the annuity were to fail, there's a risk that you could lose some or all of your investment.
Lastly, annuities can have tax implications. While they offer tax-deferred growth, withdrawals are typically taxed as ordinary income. This can result in a higher tax bill, especially if you withdraw funds before reaching age 59 ½ and incur a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
At Rezny Wealth Management, we believe in providing our clients with clear, unbiased advice that is in their best interests.
We do not sell or recommend annuities because we believe there are better, more transparent investment options available that can help our clients achieve their financial goals without the risks and complexities associated with annuities.
General informational content only. Not tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult a financial professional before making investment decisions. Conduct due diligence.All investments involve risk, including potential loss of principal.