A “fixed annuity” is an annuity contract in which the value is reckoned in fixed units (in the U.S., U.S. dollars). By contrast, the value of a “variable” annuity is determined by the dollar value of ...

A deferred annuity is a long-term contract with an insurance company that provides future income–often for life–in exchange for premium payments, with options like fixed, variable, and indexed types ...

A deferred annuity is a long-term investment that grows tax-deferred and provides income in retirement. Interest earnings accumulate without immediate taxes, allowing savings to grow. Taxes are paid ...

A fixed index annuity is a fixed deferred annuity in which interest crediting is done retroactively, at the end of the crediting period (which may be one year or more) and where the crediting rate is ...

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Laurie Sepulveda is a MarketWatch Guides team senior writer who specializes in writing about personal loans, home equity loans, mortgages and banking. She lives in North Carolina and has taught and ...