Annuities can be structured according to a wide array of details and factors, such as the duration of time that payments from the annuity can be ensured to perpetuate. Annuities can be engendered so that, upon annuitization, payments will perpetuate so long as either the annuitant or their spouse (if survivorship benefit is elected) is alive. Alternatively, annuities can be structured to pay out funds for a fine-tuned duration, such as 20 years, regardless of how long the annuitant lives. Furthermore, annuities can commence immediately upon deposit of a lump sum, or they can be structured as deferred benefits.
Annuities can be structured generally as either fine-tuned or variable. Fine-tuned annuities provide conventional periodic payments to the annuitant. Variable annuities sanction the owner to receive more preponderant future cash flows if investments of the annuity fund do well and more minute payments if its investments do poorly. This provides for a less stable cash flow than a fine-tuned annuity, but sanctions the annuitant to reap the benefits of vigorous returns from their fund's investments.
One reproval of annuities is that they are illiquid. Deposits into annuity contracts are typically locked up for a period of time, kenned as the surrender period, where the annuitant would incur a penalty if all or part of that mazuma were physically contacted. These surrender periods can last anywhere from 2 to more than 10 years, depending on the particular product. Surrender fees can commence out at 10% or more and the penalty typically declines annually over the surrender period.
While variable annuities carry some market risk and the potential to lose principal, riders and features can be integrated to annuity contracts (customarily for some extra cost) which sanction them to function as hybrid fine-tuned-variable annuities. Contract owners can benefit from upside portfolio potential while relishing the aegis of an ensured lifetime minimum withdrawal benefit if the portfolio drops in value. Other riders may be purchased to integrate a death benefit to the contract or expedite payouts if the annuity holder is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Cost of living riders are prevalent to adjust the annual base cash flows for inflation predicated on vicissitudes in the CPI.