In these turbulent times, as the market struggles to find its footing, the annuity industry is quick to promise a safe haven for your investments. They claim that annuities will make everything alright. But before you buy into the pitch, let’s talk about why annuities might not be the answer.
Annuities are often touted as a solution, but the truth is, they can be one of the worst investments you can make. Here’s why:
Caps on Your Upside: Annuities come with a catch. While they promise to protect you from market downturns, your gains are usually capped. Even if the market soars, your returns might be limited. For instance, you could be capped at 8% gains, even if the market rises by 20%. There’s no such thing as a free lunch on Wall Street.
High Fees: Annuities come with annual fees that can eat into your investment. These fees can range from 1% to 3% of your initial investment. Over the long term, this could add up to a significant portion of your capital.
Steep Commissions: On top of annual fees, annuities often involve hefty commission fees. Depending on the type of annuity, you might pay anywhere from 1% to 8% in commission fees. For example, if you have $100,000 in capital, only $95,500 of it will be invested, as $4,500 goes to the agent who sold you the product.
Early Withdrawal Penalties: Most annuities come with strict rules about cashing out early. If you need access to your money before the contract is up, you’ll pay dearly for it.
Furthermore, it’s essential to be aware of the historical context. In 2016, a rule designated financial advisors as fiduciaries, requiring them to act in their clients’ best interests. This resulted in a drop in annuity sales. But in 2018, the rule was rescinded by former US president Donald Trump, and annuity sales soared again.
So, what should you do in these uncertain times? Instead of falling for the allure of annuities, consider the following:
Invest in Safe Assets: In times of market instability, consider purchasing Treasuries or investment-grade corporate bonds. These are low-risk investments that provide a reliable source of income.
Explore Dividend Stocks: Invest in Perpetual Dividend Raisers, stocks that increase their dividends annually. They not only provide income but also tend to be more stable because of their cash flow generation.
While annuity salespeople may prey on the chaos of the market, offering stability and reliability, they often neglect to mention the high costs and limited access to your capital. In uncertain times, it’s essential to make informed decisions about your investments. Stay away from annuities and consider more transparent and cost-effective alternatives to secure your financial future.
Sven Franssen