Take the mystery out of annuities: start with your financial goals and needs.

Planning for retirement today is more difficult than it used to be. Health care costs are rising, corporate pension plans are on the wane and Social Security now provides only
39%¹  of an average retiree’s income. That means you’ll need to provide for most of your retirement needs yourself through savings and investments.

But even the most carefully crafted plan — one that takes into account the effects of inflation, has reasonable withdrawal assumptions and is positioned to survive market volatility — could potentially be undermined by the greatest unknown of all: longevity. People are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. That fact increases the chances of retirees outliving their assets.

Regardless of whether you are approaching retirement or you are already there, the decisions you make today on how to invest and manage your money may affect the quality of life and choices available to you in the years ahead.

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