Types you will hear reference to are: Fixed, Variable, Equity Indexed, Immediate, Deferred, Single Premium, Flexible Premium, with withdrawal penalties, and without withdrawal penalties.
Fixed annuities provide guaranteed, fixed payments for the life of the contract. Variable annuities are tied to the market with minimal guarantees but potential for more growth.
Immediate annuities are payed with a single premium. Deferred annuities have an accumulation phase in which premiums are paid in periodically.
The two main types of annuities are immediate and deferred: The policy earning crediting methods are diverse with some annuities using interest rates for fixed annuities, indices for indexed annuities and separate sub accounts in variable annuities. Annuities can be qualified by using them in an ERSIA retirement plan or non qualified.
Fixed annuities provide guaranteed, fixed payments for the life of the contract. Variable annuities are tied to the market with minimal guarantees but potential for more growth.
Immediate annuities are payed with a single premium. Deferred annuities have an accumulation phase in which premiums are paid in periodically.