Annuities aren’t about chasing a number. They’re about locking in a guarantee that shows up when you need it most. This week, we’re covering three questions that every retiree should know:

• Should you fight inflation now or later?
• When’s the right time to lock in lifetime income?
• And what does “rate of return” on annuities really mean?

Inflation & Annuities: Act Now—or Hold Off?

If some agent tells you they’ve got the “perfect inflation annuity,” run. There isn’t one.

Here’s the truth:

• Social Security is the best inflation annuity on the planet. Period.
• COLA riders and “index-based increases” always come at a cost. Don’t fall for the pitch.
• The most efficient way to fight inflation is reverse-engineering income when you actually need it.

Smart Annuity Income Planning Explained

“Lock it in now or lose it forever!” That’s sales fluff. Lifetime income is priced on life expectancy, meaning the older you are, the higher the payout.

What that means for you:

• You don’t have to annuitize everything at once — you can wait.
• Laddering income contracts can keep your options open.
• Or use Income Riders as a “keep your powder dry” strategy while still securing future guarantees.

How to Calculate Lifetime Income Rate of Return on Annuities

Here’s a trick question: What’s the ROI on lifetime income? Answer: There isn’t one until you die.

Key takeaways:

• Lifetime income = return of principal + interest, priced by life expectancy.
• “7% return” quotes are misleading — that’s not yield, it’s math.
• The only number that matters is the contractual guarantee. Forget the rest.

Book a Free 30-Minute Call with The Annuity Man Team

‍Forget the hypotheticals. Forget the “maybe this, maybe that.” We’ll shop every carrier, strip it down to the contracts, and show you the highest guarantees for your situation.

Stan The Annuity Man
America’s Annuity Agent®