• links

Blog


Is now the right time to buy an annuity?

19 Oct 2024
Author: Neil Helps

Is now the right time to buy an annuity?

What occurs when interest rates decrease?

Guaranteed types of annuities are a safe choice for people who want to turn their investment into a fixed income.

SA is now on the downside of what has been a historically high-interest rate cycle.

One major benefit of guaranteed annuities is that they transfer risk from the investor to the insurance company. When you buy a guaranteed annuity, you make a contract with the insurer. This contract promises to give you a set income for a certain time or for your whole life, based on the annuity's terms. This setup provides financial security, especially in an uncertain economy.

The insurer takes on the responsibility for managing investment risks from changing market conditions. This means that if interest rates go down, the insurance company must still meet its promise to the annuity holder. The insurer promises that the client will get their agreed payments. This will happen regardless of what occurs in the financial markets.

This risk assumption is especially helpful for people who lack the time or expertise to understand investment markets. For retirees or those close to retirement, guaranteed annuities offer important stability. This stability is a key part of a solid financial plan. It helps them budget with more confidence, knowing they will get a steady income no matter what happens in the economy.

Guaranteed annuities can help protect against market ups and downs. During tough economic times, stock markets can drop a lot. Having a guaranteed income can bring peace of mind.

This stability is especially important for retirees. They depend on their savings and investments to pay for living expenses.

In summary, the main benefit of guaranteed annuities is that they transfer risk from the individual to the insurer. These products guarantee income no matter what happens in the market. This provides a steady source of funds. As a result, individuals can enjoy their retirement without worrying about market changes affecting their finances.

The same is not true of a living annuity, where the client bears the risk of adverse market conditions.

This prompts the inquiry: Is it the appropriate moment to purchase an annuity?

No one can always get the timing right. However, if you buy a guaranteed annuity today, you can secure a good interest rate above 10.5%. This interest rate will decide how much income you receive for the life of the annuity.

Yes, this is still a good time to buy an annuity.

Since July 2021, guaranteed annuities have given a yearly income of at least 10.5% for a 60-year-old man. This calculation uses a purchase amount of R1 million. We calculated this by dividing the first year's income from the annuity by the purchase amount.

Interest rates are likely to drop more as global inflation slows down. Central banks around the world are starting lowering interest rates in response.

Annuity rates change every week. This is to reflect changes in long-term yields and other market conditions.

As the rate changes, the client’s possible income from an annuity also changes. However, once the client locks in a rate, it cannot change again.

A lot of uncertainty exists in financial markets right now. This is why guaranteed annuities are a safer choice. They help people turn their investments into a steady income.

These numbers are just examples. Actual income depends on many factors, like age and gender.

If someone is thinking about a guaranteed annuity for their financial plan, they should talk to a financial advisor. This will help them find the right structure for their needs.

Do you need a Quote for our Tax and Accounting Services?

Contact our team via any of the following channels to get a proposal for your accounting and tax services:

Subscribe to our newsletters.

Purchase Contract TEMPLATES and BUSINESS STATIONERY at www.ZEELIEONLINE.com

Disclaimer:

The views or opinions expressed on this site are solely those of the original authors and other contributors.

The material and information contained on this website is for general information purposes only.

This information is for general purposes only. Don't use this information for making business, legal and tax decisions without consulting a professional.

We do not make any express or implied representation, as to the completeness or accuracy of the information published.

Tax law regularly changes, so any tax information on this site could become outdated.

We are not responsible for any other websites that you may access through links on our website.

ZPA accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any material on this site.