Annuities

Annuities are financial contracts between an individual and an insurance company designed to provide a guaranteed stream of income, typically for retirement. Unlike standard savings accounts, annuities are specifically engineered to manage “longevity risk”—the danger of outliving your savings—by converting a lump sum or series of premiums into steady payments that can last for the rest of your life.

The “Risk Reality”: The Retirement Gap

Retirement planning has shifted from defined benefit pensions to personal responsibility, creating significant uncertainty. Market volatility can erode a nest egg just when you need it most. According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), annuities offer a unique layer of tax-deferred growth and protection against market downturns, ensuring you have a baseline of income that covers essential expenses regardless of how the stock market performs.

Annuities Coverage

We structure annuity portfolios to match your retirement horizon, whether you need immediate income or long-term growth.

Annuities Cost

“How much does an annuity cost?” Annuities are purchased via premiums, which can be a single lump sum or flexible payments over time.

• Minimum Premiums: Industry market data indicates that many carriers accept initial investments as low as $5,000 to $10,000 for non-qualified annuities.
• Fees & Expenses: Variable annuities often carry mortality and expense fees (averaging around 1.25%), while Fixed annuities typically have no direct annual fees, as the carrier makes money on the interest spread.
• Surrender Charges: If you withdraw more than the allowed amount (usually 10% annually) during the early years, you may face a surrender charge that decreases over time.

The “Independent Difference”: Why Dream Assurance?

Annuity products are complex and vary wildly between companies. “Independent Means Multiple Choices.” We do not work for the insurance companies; we work for you.

• Carrier Stability: We only work with highly-rated carriers to ensure your long-term income is secure.
• Rate Shopping: We compare payout rates and caps across the market to find the product that maximizes your accumulation potential.
• Holistic Planning: Our agents help you fit the annuity into your broader financial picture, ensuring it complements your Social Security and other assets.