Certain annuities and life annuities are two forms of periodic income paid in exchange for an initial investment. Although they share the same objective of providing regular income, they differ in how they are calculated and their duration.
Certain annuities are periodic payments of a fixed sum over a specified period of time. They are often used in situations where one wishes to guarantee a constant flow of income over a given period, for example to supplement retirement income or to finance medium-term projects. The amount of payments is generally determined in advance based on the capital invested, the interest rate and the duration of the annuity. Once the specified period has passed, payments stop, regardless of the recipient’s status.
On the other hand, life annuities guarantee a regular income for the entire life of the beneficiary, regardless of their length of life. They provide long-term financial security by ensuring a stable income until the end of the beneficiary’s life, making them a popular choice for retirement planning. The amount of payments in a life annuity depends on various factors, such as the age of the beneficiary when the annuity is purchased, the amount of principal invested, and the prevailing interest rates. Life annuities can be simple, with regular payments until the beneficiary’s death, or indexed, meaning the payments increase periodically to account for inflation or other factors.
Each of these forms of annuities has its advantages and disadvantages. Certain annuities provide certainty of payments for a set period of time, but they do not guarantee lifetime income. Life annuities provide long-term security, but they can be more expensive and offer lower upfront payments. The choice between an annuity certain and a life annuity depends on individual financial needs, risk tolerance and long-term financial planning goals. Ultimately, whether to provide regular short-term income or to ensure lifelong financial security, annuities remain an important tool in managing personal finances and retirement planning.
Katie Lefebvre
Partner of your financial success