There are a large number of annuity products available today. One of these popular products is the fixed
annuity, which has proven to be a valuable tool in retirement planning. Fixed annuities come in two
primary forms; those that have a deferred payout and those that have an immediate payout. Immediate
annuities seek to payout income upon inception, while deferred annuities defer payment until a later
date. For the purposes of this article we will focus on the deferred fixed annuity that's so often utilized as
a savings vehicle these days.

Fixed annuities are most commonly compared to certificates of deposit (CDs) by those investors
seeking safety. And rightfully so, as they both are considered lower-risk investments, though they really
are quite a bit different. The one-size-fits-all philosophy does not apply here. Much like other financial
products you must weigh the pros and cons in determining which may be more appropriate for your
financial needs. Evaluating the following should help in determining whether a deferred fixed annuity is
suitable for your unique needs.

Rate of Return
Both CDs and fixed annuities generally base their rates on current market conditions and time to
maturity. Typically, the longer you wait to maturity, the higher the yield you'll receive. Fixed annuity rates
have been traditionally higher than CD rates due to longer maturities and rate conditions. Fixed annuities
may have the edge in longer-term returns, but they are not short-term investments. The typical deferred
fixed annuity ranges in periods from 3 to 10 years. If you have short-term investment objectives, a CD is
probably more appropriate for your situation.

Liquidity
It's important that you understand the liquidity issues as they may relate to your
CD or fixed annuity investing. CDs may provide for a shorter time horizon, but
that doesn't mean they're liquid. When purchasing a CD you're obligated to
that CD's time period, most commonly a year. If you withdrawal any amount of
your principle prematurely, you'll be subject to interest penalties. Also,
remember that when your CD does come due, you'll have to deal with
fluctuating rollover rates.

Fixed annuities also have restrictions, though they are more flexible, in that
you can usually access a portion of your principle without penalty. They
commonly provide penalty-free access of up to 10 percent of your purchase
price annually, while some may make it cumulative up to a certain percent.
Accessing all of your funds early may result in a surrender charge. These
surrender charges decline over the annuities term, ultimately going to zero.
Fixed annuities also come with some age restrictions. Withdrawals made
prior to age 59 1/2 are subject to a 10% tax penalty.

Tax Treatment
Tax deferred fixed annuities are exactly that—deferred from tax. This means
that earnings within your annuity are not taxable until they're withdrawn. This
comes with a number of advantages, such as tax control and more potential
for growth. Over time tax deferred growth outpaces taxable investments since
earnings compound without current income taxation, year after year. It's
important to note that investments like CDs are taxable each year, whether
withdrawn or not. Depending on your tax bracket, this can have a detrimental
affect on your CD returns. It's important to note that annuities are taxed as
regular income, so withdrawals are best taken when income taxes are lower,
such as retirement.

Safety
Both fixed annuities and CDs are considered to be safe investments. It's
important to understand their differences, though. Most CDs are backed by
the government through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
The current FDIC insurance limits are set at $250,000 per depositor. If your bank fails, you are protected
up to that amount.

Fixed annuities are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the issuing insurance company, and are not
limited or backed by the government. This is why you should only consider those financial institutions
rated "A" or better. You can determine the financial strength of these companies by reviewing the ratings
at the prevalent rating agencies, such as Moody's or A.M. Best. The higher rated insurance companies
must meet stringent capital requirements to back up annuity and life insurance obligations. Always
choose the higher rated company when comparing fixed annuity rates. Going with a lower rated annuity
company for an insignificant increase in rate just isn't worth the extra risk.

Fixed Annuity Rates
Thanks to the Internet you can get a number of competitive fixed annuity quotes with a click of the mouse.
This is a great way to find the best fixed annuity rate, but you must proceed with extreme caution.
Working with a trusted independent agent is recommended here, as they can provide the much-needed
guidance, along with the top fixed annuity rate you're looking for. Due to the inherit intricacies of
annuities, there's more to it than just getting the highest fixed annuity quote. You'll want to work with
someone you can put your trust in, while receiving the service you deserve. Finding a reputable financial
or insurance advisor can fill this role.

Caution
Unfortunately, the fixed annuity industry has had some abuses in recent years. This can be blamed on a
number of factors like limited agent license requirements and greed. This doesn't mean you should shy
away from good opportunities, however. Amongst the few unscrupulous agents out there, there are even
a larger number of very well intentioned agents with your best interests in mind, offering quality products.
Much like what Wall Street has taught us recently, we should always proceed with caution when dealing
with any and all financial products. Make sure you completely understand the product you're purchasing
before signing. There are a number of products classified as fixed annuities that can be quite
complicated. Products like the index annuity have been widely abused by agents that don't understand
them, or don't care to. Don't buy anything you don't understand or your agent can't completely explain.
Watch out for "teaser rates." Many fixed annuities offer a great rate the first year, and then drop them on
you in the years following. In most cases you are best suited to go with a true fixed (CD type) annuity that
provides a fixed rate for your entire contract period.

This article was submitted by Robert Valentine of Financial and Retirement Management.Robert Valentine is a well-known expert in the matters concerning investors. His articles on financial planning matters that concern investors have been published by several publications throughout the United States.