Monday, February 26, 2007
Written by www.naic.org
A must read for any senior looking to buy an annuity!
Annuities and Senior CitizensSenior Citizens Should Be Aware Of Deceptive Sales Practices When Purchasing Annuities.
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.
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/.
A must read for any senior looking to buy an annuity!
Annuities and Senior CitizensSenior Citizens Should Be Aware Of Deceptive Sales Practices When Purchasing Annuities.
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.
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/.
Monday February 26th Annuity Rates
www.legacyannuities.com
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 10 (100k)
10 Yr.
4.75%
Midland National Life
MNL Guarantee Plus 9
9 Yr.
4.85%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 8 (100k)
8 Yr.
5.00%
Midland National Life
MNL Guarantee Plus 7
7 Yr.
4.85%
Beneficial Financial
Guaranteed Advantage 6
6 Yr.
5.14%
Beneficial Financial
Guaranteed Step-Up 5
5 Yr.
5.01%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 4 (100k)
4 Yr.
4.65%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 3 (100k)
3 Yr.
4.50%
Not Available
Not Available
2 Yr.
0.00%
Beneficial Financial
Advantage 1
1 Yr.
5.02%
www.legacyannuities.com Annuity CD Type Annuities Equity Indexed Annuity
www.legacyannuities.com
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 10 (100k)
10 Yr.
4.75%
Midland National Life
MNL Guarantee Plus 9
9 Yr.
4.85%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 8 (100k)
8 Yr.
5.00%
Midland National Life
MNL Guarantee Plus 7
7 Yr.
4.85%
Beneficial Financial
Guaranteed Advantage 6
6 Yr.
5.14%
Beneficial Financial
Guaranteed Step-Up 5
5 Yr.
5.01%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 4 (100k)
4 Yr.
4.65%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 3 (100k)
3 Yr.
4.50%
Not Available
Not Available
2 Yr.
0.00%
Beneficial Financial
Advantage 1
1 Yr.
5.02%
www.legacyannuities.com Annuity CD Type Annuities Equity Indexed Annuity
Friday, February 23, 2007
Annuity Rates 2/23/2007
www.legacyannuities.com
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 10 (100k)
10 Yr.
4.75%
Midland National Life
MNL Guarantee Plus 9
9 Yr.
4.85%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 8 (100k)
8 Yr.
5.00%
Midland National Life
MNL Guarantee Plus 7
7 Yr.
4.85%
Beneficial Financial
Guaranteed Advantage 6
6 Yr.
5.14%
Beneficial Financial
Guaranteed Step-Up 5
5 Yr.
5.01%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 4 (100k)
4 Yr.
4.65%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 3 (100k)
3 Yr.
4.50%
Not Available
Not Available
2 Yr.
0.00%
Beneficial Financial
Advantage 1
1 Yr.
5.02%
Annuity- Cd Annuity -Fixed Annuity- Immediate Annuity-Equity Index Annuity
www.legacyannuities.com
www.legacyannuities.com
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 10 (100k)
10 Yr.
4.75%
Midland National Life
MNL Guarantee Plus 9
9 Yr.
4.85%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 8 (100k)
8 Yr.
5.00%
Midland National Life
MNL Guarantee Plus 7
7 Yr.
4.85%
Beneficial Financial
Guaranteed Advantage 6
6 Yr.
5.14%
Beneficial Financial
Guaranteed Step-Up 5
5 Yr.
5.01%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 4 (100k)
4 Yr.
4.65%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 3 (100k)
3 Yr.
4.50%
Not Available
Not Available
2 Yr.
0.00%
Beneficial Financial
Advantage 1
1 Yr.
5.02%
Annuity- Cd Annuity -Fixed Annuity- Immediate Annuity-Equity Index Annuity
www.legacyannuities.com
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Annuity:What is a 1035 exchange?
1035 refers to a provision in the tax code which allows for the direct transfer of accumulated funds in a life insurance policy, endowment policy or annuity policy to another life insurance policy, endowment policy or annuity policy, without creating a taxable event.
Title 26, Subtitle A, Chapter 1, Sub chapter O, Part III, Section 1035states that "no gain or no loss shall be recognized on the exchange" of a life insurance policy for another life insurance policy or endowment or annuity policy.
An endowment for another endowment with a maturity no later than the maturity date of the endowment being replaced.
An annuity policy for that of another annuity policy.
The 1035 exchange is one of the few parts of the tax code that works in your favor. For example, when you sell shares of stock to buy shares of a different company, the profits on your investment are subject to taxes. With annuities, you can exchange one company's product for another's with the earnings from your original investment still tax-deferred until you take money out of annuities for good.
www.legacyannuities.com annuity annuity quotes
1035 refers to a provision in the tax code which allows for the direct transfer of accumulated funds in a life insurance policy, endowment policy or annuity policy to another life insurance policy, endowment policy or annuity policy, without creating a taxable event.
Title 26, Subtitle A, Chapter 1, Sub chapter O, Part III, Section 1035states that "no gain or no loss shall be recognized on the exchange" of a life insurance policy for another life insurance policy or endowment or annuity policy.
An endowment for another endowment with a maturity no later than the maturity date of the endowment being replaced.
An annuity policy for that of another annuity policy.
The 1035 exchange is one of the few parts of the tax code that works in your favor. For example, when you sell shares of stock to buy shares of a different company, the profits on your investment are subject to taxes. With annuities, you can exchange one company's product for another's with the earnings from your original investment still tax-deferred until you take money out of annuities for good.
www.legacyannuities.com annuity annuity quotes
Annuity Rates Thursday February 22,2007
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 10 (100k)
10 Yr.
4.75%
Midland National Life
MNL Guarantee Plus 9
9 Yr.
4.85%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 8 (100k)
8 Yr.
5.00%
Midland National Life
MNL Guarantee Plus 7
7 Yr.
4.85%
Beneficial Financial
Guaranteed Advantage 6
6 Yr.
5.14%
Beneficial Financial
Guaranteed Step-Up 5
5 Yr.
5.01%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 4 (100k)
4 Yr.
4.65%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 3 (100k)
3 Yr.
4.50%
Not Available
Not Available
2 Yr.
0.00%
Beneficial Financial
Advantage 1
1 Yr.
5.02%
www.legacyannuities.com annuity rates/annuity quotes
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 10 (100k)
10 Yr.
4.75%
Midland National Life
MNL Guarantee Plus 9
9 Yr.
4.85%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 8 (100k)
8 Yr.
5.00%
Midland National Life
MNL Guarantee Plus 7
7 Yr.
4.85%
Beneficial Financial
Guaranteed Advantage 6
6 Yr.
5.14%
Beneficial Financial
Guaranteed Step-Up 5
5 Yr.
5.01%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 4 (100k)
4 Yr.
4.65%
American National Insurance Company
Palladium MYG Annuity 3 (100k)
3 Yr.
4.50%
Not Available
Not Available
2 Yr.
0.00%
Beneficial Financial
Advantage 1
1 Yr.
5.02%
www.legacyannuities.com annuity rates/annuity quotes
Monday, February 19, 2007
How do I select a fixed annuity?
Research and educate yourself.
Annuities were designed with conservative investors to participate in long term savings plans within tax friendly vehicles that guarantee no loss to principal or earnings.
Annuities provide many real advantages, ranging from competitive guaranteed interest rates, to guaranteed monthly income payments for life, to the often cited tax deferral advantages of compounding both principal and interest rates over long periods of time in preparation for future retirement distributions.
www.legacyannuities.com
Research and educate yourself.
Annuities were designed with conservative investors to participate in long term savings plans within tax friendly vehicles that guarantee no loss to principal or earnings.
Annuities provide many real advantages, ranging from competitive guaranteed interest rates, to guaranteed monthly income payments for life, to the often cited tax deferral advantages of compounding both principal and interest rates over long periods of time in preparation for future retirement distributions.
www.legacyannuities.com
Sunday, February 18, 2007
What are the highest CD Annuity Rates? 2/16/07
10 Yr.
4.85%
9 Yr.
4.85%
8 Yr.
5.00%
7 Yr.
4.85%
6 Yr.
5.14%
5 Yr.
5.01%
4 Yr.
4.65%
3 Yr.
4.50%
2 Yr.
0.00%
1 Yr.
5.02%
Contact www.legacyannuities for details
10 Yr.
4.85%
9 Yr.
4.85%
8 Yr.
5.00%
7 Yr.
4.85%
6 Yr.
5.14%
5 Yr.
5.01%
4 Yr.
4.65%
3 Yr.
4.50%
2 Yr.
0.00%
1 Yr.
5.02%
Contact www.legacyannuities for details
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