Take Another Look at Annuities. Here's Why.

Barron's Retirement

Read in browser Sponsored By: By Elizabeth O'Brien | Sunday, February 8 Annuities make my head hurt. I wrote a big story on them earlier in my career and remember wading through prospectuses that rivaled phone books in size. Many annuities' complexity–plus the fat commissions they pay out to those who sell them–mean they should be approached with caution. But all annuities aren't created equal. Some are pretty simple. For example, with a fixed income annuity, you hand over a lump sum and receive guaranteed income for life. An increasing number of annuities are being sold commission-free, so consumers don't have to worry whether an advisor is steering them to the product that pays the biggest payout. This means that annuities can be recommended by fiduciary advisors who are required to put their client's interests first. Annuitizing a portion of your retirement savings can be a good way to help your money last, whether it's through a stand-alone contract or the new guaranteed income options in some 401(k) plans. Read more about annuities in today's edition. CONTENT FROM: FINANCE ADVISORS Firing Your Financial Advisor? Read This First You've worked hard to build a substantial portfolio. But if it's managed with the same cookie-cutter strategy everyone gets, it's time to reevaluate. Skilled advisors look to adapt your strategy based on new information, not reuse the same old playbook. Does Your Advice Still Fit? BARRON'S LATEST Commission-Free Annuities Are on the Rise. When They Make Sense. Consumers now have less to worry about conflicts of interest. Annuities Tied to Foreign Stock Indexes Are Now Being Sold Here's how the foreign index-linked RILAs work. It's a Time of Rapid Change. How to Protect Your Portfoliio. If possible, working longer is one way to shore up your nest egg. The Super Bowl Means Beer and Snacks These stocks are going for a touchdown. WHAT WE'RE READING What to Do (and Not Do) When Someone Is Having a Stroke Time is of the essence when you suspect someone is having a stroke. RESOURCES Social Security Medicare Required Minimum Distribution calculator Getting Ready to Retire? Here's a Planning Guide for the 5 Years Before Your Last Day. Finra's Guide to Social Isolation and the Risk of Investment Fraud The SEC's Guide to Identity Theft, Data Breaches, and Your Investment Accounts Sign up for more newsletters You are currently subscribed as aymentanaze.news@blogger.com Contact us   |   Privacy Notice   |   Cookie Notice Not a subscriber? Subscribe to Barron's now Forward 4300 Route 1 North, South Brunswick, NJ 08852 ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Unsubscribe