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Annuity or CD? New Report from Annuity Think Tank Sheds Light on the Risks and Benefits of Each for Investors
[December 18, 2012]

Annuity or CD? New Report from Annuity Think Tank Sheds Light on the Risks and Benefits of Each for Investors


Houston, TX, Dec 18, 2012 (PRWeb.com via COMTEX) -- As adverse market conditions force more investors into seeking alternatives that will provide more stability and certainty to their retirement portfolios, annuities have, once again, moved to the forefront of the investment landscape. Annuity sales topped $200 billion for the first time in 2011, and are expected to grow by double digit rates as tens of millions of Baby Boomers approach retirement. But, annuities, one of the oldest and most reliable financial instruments dating back centuries, are not without their controversy.



The financial planning community has long been divided on annuities and whether their benefits outweigh the costs. Critics point to high fees and commissions, questionable sales practices, and their unsuitability for older investors as the reasons why they should be avoided. Yet, according to an August 2012 survey by Cerulli Associates, financial advisors reported that clients requested annuities more than any other unsolicited product. And, 92 percent of Baby Boomers who own an annuity report a much higher degree of confidence in their retirement future.

Any debate over the benefits of annuities inevitably invites comparisons to alternatives with similar attributes that may be less costly, or more liquid, and, generally, more suitable for one's retirement savings needs. Most notable among the alternatives are bank certificates of deposits (CDs) touted for their absence of fees, their safety (FDIC), and their relative liquidity (when purchased in shorter maturities).


Anytime a question is posed as "are XYZs better than ABCs " it invites controversy especially when it involves a comparison of "apples and oranges". No one will argue against the notion that annuities, or, for that matter, any particular investment vehicle, isn't for everybody. This presupposes that, using the same rationale in reverse, CDs are also not for everybody. The only way the question can be answered meaningfully is when it's posed in the context of any one person's personal financial situation. Only with a good understanding of your client's financial objective, needs, priorities and tolerance for risk, can you truly make the comparison.

As with any investment, the answer lies not in the investment itself; rather in the way and in the situation in which it is applied. That is the only context in which annuities or CDs can be evaluated. It also requires an understanding of how the investment actually works. While it is true that annuities are more complex than CDs, it is through their complexity that their unique properties can provide unparalleled benefits in the form of tax savings, guaranteed returns, and guaranteed income. But, as with CDs, annuities may not be right for everybody.

This report provides an in depth look at annuities from several vantage points for a comprehensive understanding of how they work and how they can compare to CDs. The reporst has been made available as a free download at http://www.annuitythinktank.com About Annuity Think Tank Annuity Think Tank's vision is to be the first place advisors and consumers come to for innovative annuity solutions, unbiased annuity education, annuity research, and the most comprehensive annuity information on the web. Advisors and financial professionals, please visit our site designed for you at Annuitythinktank.com. For further questions contact us toll free at (855) 888-6494 or email us at info(at)annuitythinktank.com. We appreciate any and all feedback including new video ideas, blogs, and annuity concepts.

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/AnnuityVS/CD/prweb10225293.htm PRWeb.com

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