A fixed deferred annuity is a deferred annuity (i.e., one in which regular annuity payments may be deferred), the value of which is represented in fixed units (U.S. Dollars) rather than variable units ...

A fixed index annuity is a fixed deferred annuity in which interest crediting is done retroactively, at the end of the crediting period (which may be one year or more) and where the crediting rate is ...

A fixed annuity provides a guaranteed income stream. Payouts can be immediate or deferred. Drawbacks include limited upside. Annuities can help ensure your retirement savings last your entire life.

This article is part one in a series of articles, explaining the basic product features of several types of annuities. This first piece in the series focuses on traditional fixed deferred annuities.

Laurie Sepulveda is a MarketWatch Guides team senior writer who specializes in writing about insurance, investing, personal loans, home equity loans, mortgages and banking. She lives in North Carolina ...

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Experts say that retirees need 75% to 80% of their pre-retirement income after they retire. Social Security covers part of that, and pensions, interest, dividends and/or rental income contribute as ...