Meredith Dietz is Lifehacker’s Senior Staff Writer. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from Northeastern University, where she graduated as valedictorian of her college.

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. Annuities can play a key role in retirement planning by offering ...

Learn what annuities are, how fixed, variable, indexed, immediate, and deferred annuities work, and how they can help provide steady retirement income.

We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. But annuities don't function like most other retirement tools, which can ...

Annuities are complicated. And the jargon that professionals use to discuss them does not help. That’s because the word “annuity” actually refers to a broad range of financial products. To help ...

Annuities are designed to provide you with a consistent stream of income for retirement. If you're interested in adding an annuity to your financial plan, you may be wondering when you should consider ...

Planning for retirement today is a lot more complicated than it once was. With the average lifespan a lot longer, and with sticky inflation eating into people's savings at a time when markets remain ...

Annuities can be a valuable tool for retirement income planning, but determining the best time to buy one requires careful consideration. If you buy one too soon, you’ll lock up your money for years ...