Life Annuity

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Life Annuity'

An insurance product that features a predetermined periodic payout amount until the death of the annuitant. These products are most frequently used to help retirees budget their money after retirement. Typically, the annuitant pays into the annuity on a periodic basis when he or she is still working. However, annuitants may also buy the annuity product in one large purchase. When the annuitant retires, the annuity makes periodic (usually monthly) payouts to the annuitant, providing a reliable source of income. When a triggering event (such as death) occurs, the periodic payments from the annuity usually cease.        
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Life Annuity'

Because of the complex nature of annuity products and their implications for the annuitant's standard of living, people are well advised to consult a reputable professional before purchasing any annuity product.

Due to the tax-preferred nature of annuities, very wealthy investors or above-average income earners often use these life insurance products to transfer large sums of money or to mitigate the effects of taxes on their annual income.

Related Definitions

  • Qualified Joint And Survivor Annuity - QJSA

    An annuity payment from a qualified plan or 403(b) account that provides a life annuity to the participant and a survivor annuity for the spouse after the participant’s death. QJSA rules ...
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  • Variable Annuity

    An insurance contract in which, at the end of the accumulation stage, the insurance company guarantees a minimum payment. The remaining income payments can vary depending on the ...
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  • Fixed Annuity

    An insurance contract in which the insurance company makes fixed dollar payments to the annuitant for the term of the contract, usually until the annuitant dies. The insurance company ...
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    • Deferred Annuity

      A type of annuity contract that delays payments of income, installments or a lump sum until the investor elects to receive them. This type of annuity has two main phases, the savings ...
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    • Annuitant

      1. A person who receives the benefits of an annuity or pension.2. The person upon whom a life-insurance contract is based.
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    • Certain And Continuous

      A type of annuity that guarantees a number of payments, even if the annuitant dies.If the annuitant passes away during the guaranteed period, a specified beneficiary will receive the ...
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    • Joint Life With Last Survivor Annuity

      An insurance product that, when annuitized, makes payments to the annuitant, the annuitant and his/her spouse, or the annuitant and another beneficial party until both the annuitant and ...
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    • Income Annuity

      Annuities designed to start paying income as soon as the policy is initiated. The income annuity is annuitized immediately, although the underlying income units may be in either fixed or ...
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    • Triggering Event

      1. A tangible or intangible barrier or occurrence that, once breached or met, causes another event to occur. Triggering events are written into contracts to prevent or ensure that after ...
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    • Life Insurance

      A protection against the loss of income that would result if the insured passed away. The named beneficiary receives the proceeds and is thereby safeguarded from the financial impact of ...
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