Investing without risk often seems like a financial fantasy. Yet, an annuity promises just that — turning a lump sum into a steady income stream, typically for retirement. An annuity is essentially a financial product sold by insurance companies that guarantees a fixed or variable payment to the purchaser at regular intervals. It’s a favored option for those looking to stabilize their financial future post-retirement.

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For those considering an annuity, understanding how much it pays out monthly is crucial. With a $600,000 annuity investment, the returns can vary significantly depending on several factors including the type of annuity, the age at which you start receiving payments, and your gender.

Types of Annuities and Their Impact on Payments

Annuities come in various forms, each affecting payout differently:

• Immediate Annuities: These start paying out soon after the initial investment. For instance, investing $600,000 in an immediate annuity could yield different outcomes depending on when payments begin. As of May 2024, starting payments at age 60 could result in an annual income of $43,200, which breaks down to approximately $3,600 per month. Starting at age 65 could increase this to $47,580 annually, or about $3,965 per month. By delaying until age 70, the payout rises to $51,300 per year or around $4,275 monthly.

• Deferred Annuities: These involve a waiting period before payments start, allowing the investment to grow. The longer you wait, the higher the potential monthly payments, as the money has more time to accumulate interest.

Gender’s Role in Annuity Payments

Interestingly, gender can also influence annuity payouts. Historically, since women tend to live longer than men, they might receive slightly lower monthly payments over a longer duration, assuming the same age and investment amount. This is because the insurer’s risk assessment and actuarial calculations predict a longer payment period.

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What Happens If You Die Early?

A common concern with annuities is the scenario of dying earlier than expected. Say a purchaser starts receiving annuity payments at 65 but passes away at 69. Depending on the type of annuity chosen, there might be different implications:

Life Annuity: No further payments would be made and the insurer keeps the remaining funds.

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Annuity with a Guarantee Period: If the annuity was set with a guaranteed period (e.g., 10 years), and the purchaser dies four years in, the payments would continue to the designated beneficiary until the end of the 10 years.

Fees Associated with Annuities

Annuities often come with various fees that can impact your overall returns. These fees can vary depending on the insurance company and the specific annuity product. Therefore, you’ll want to read the fine print and ask questions before purchasing an annuity.

Below are some common fees associated with annuities:

Surrender Charges: These are fees imposed if you withdraw money from your annuity before a specified surrender period, which typically lasts several years. The surrender charge usually decreases over time until it disappears.

Mortality and Expense Risk Charges (M&E): These charges compensate the insurance company for the risk they take by guaranteeing your lifetime income. M&E charges typically range from 0.50% to 2% of your contract value.

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Administrative Fees: These cover the costs of maintaining your annuity account, such as record-keeping and customer service. Administrative fees are often charged annually as a flat fee or a percentage of your account value.

Underlying Fund Expenses: If your annuity invests in mutual funds, you will also be subject to the underlying fund expenses, which cover the costs of managing the investments. These fees can vary widely depending on the specific funds.

Rider Fees: Some annuities offer optional riders that provide additional benefits, such as guaranteed minimum income or death benefits. These riders often come with additional fees.

Exploring Annuity Scenarios

If you’re considering an annuity as part of your retirement plan, it’s worth having a thorough discussion with a financial advisor. Together, you can explore different scenarios and payout options to see if an annuity truly aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle.

Remember, annuities aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. In some cases, other investment strategies or retirement products might be a better fit for your individual needs.

By carefully considering all your options and working with a financial advisor, you can ensure that your retirement income plan is tailored to your specific needs and provides you with the financial security you deserve.

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This article How Much Cash Can A $600,000 Annuity Pay You Monthly? originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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