Facts + Statistics: Annuities

Annuities

Annuities are contracts in which one party agrees to make a series of payments to another party at a future date, typically in exchange for a lump sum of money at the time of the agreement. Individuals may purchase an annuity directly from a life insurer or through an intermediary, such as a broker, financial advisor, bank, or other qualified distributors, but the insurer holds and guarantees the contract.