History of Variable Deferred Annuities

Back in 1952, TIAA Cref introduced the first variable deferred annuity to help teachers save while having the potential to grow their retirement funds with a hedge against inflation. This new type of annuity, being a mixture of insurance and investment, had to be regulated by state insurance and investment regulatory authorities, which slowed its early development. Regulatory agencies finally embraced this investment-oriented annuity in the seventies, possibly due to the pressure felt by higher than normal inflation. Since then the variable deferred annuity has become a staple in the financial planning world. It works especially well for younger professionals seeking moderate to aggressive growth with tax deferral.

Deferred Variable Annuity vs. Deferred Fixed Annuity

All annuities other than immediate annuities have a characteristic known as deferral. The purpose of deferral is twofold: First, it refers to money being left in a savings-growth stage over a period of time, also referred to as the accumulation stage. Second, deferral refers to the tax characteristics of deferral, allowing money to grow tax-free until it is withdrawn for income. Thus, an immediate annuity is neither deferred for growth nor tax deferral and is therefore not considered a deferred annuity.

So, what is the distinction between variable deferred and fixed deferred? It is very simple: Fixed is when the insurance institution assumes the risk for your principal and accumulation, and variable deferred is when you assume the risk for the underlying investments, principal and accumulation.

Deferred Variable Annuity Characteristics

Deferred variable annuities^# originated in the U.S. approximately 60 years ago
They can be purchased in periodic, systematic or lump sum payments
Deferral in variable annuities^# allows the value of the annuity to increase
After a deferral period, variable annuities^# may produce more income
Deferred variable annuities^# have the added advantage of tax deferral
They can be annuitized providing a lifetime of income; however, it may fluctuate
Deferred variable annuities^# are the opposite of immediate annuities since immediate annuities begin income soon after they are purchased in a lump sum
Variable deferred annuities are typically invested in the securities market and the purchaser assumes the market risk
Deferred variable annuities^# are creditor-protected in most states
Deferred variable annuities^# are first **guaranteed by the claims paying ability of the insurer. The underlying invested assets are owned by the client and are not at risk if the insurer defaults
Check out our deferred variable annuity^# calculator

Deferred Variable Annuity Summary

All deferred variable annuities^# enjoy tax deferral with no income tax requirement until withdrawal. This is a definite advantage over many investments like CDs, mutual fund^{^}s and securities oriented investments when considering a long term retirement plan. A long term variable annuity^# investment may outperform CDs, bonds and treasuries. Reinvesting money that would otherwise be paid out in tax over an extended period of years is always an advantage. In addition, deferred variable annuities^# have several benefits that may be beneficial for retirement planning.

Question: When you annuitize a variable deferred annuity does your income for life remain level or does it fluctuate?

Answer: Your income fluctuates based on the underlying investments linked to your number of annuity units. Income can go up or down based on market conditions.