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How variable annuities work: The facts & myths

Older woman looking over the shoulder of her husband as he reads.

The average 50-year-old American male can expect to live close to 82, based on Social Security Administration calculations; Women can add three years to this estimate. But will all those eighty- or ninety-something retirees have the freedom to enjoy their leisure time as they have throughout their careers, with enough income to keep pace with inflation? Variable annuities can help.

"How much do I need to retire?"

Jen Becker, a Thrivent financial advisor in Faribault, Minnesota, works with clients eager to preserve their lifestyle in retirement—and the most common question she gets? "How much do we need to retire?" The answer varies: "I've had clients with less than $100,000, but they have Social Security and a pension," she says. "But I also have people with millions, who won't be able to afford their current lifestyle." She sees the income guarantees of variable annuities as an increasingly popular tool for these clients.

How risk factors into your retirement plan

With pension plans going the way of paper roadmaps in most corporations, Americans are losing a second stream of guaranteed income. In fact, 40% of Americans rely only on Social Security for income in retirement per the National Institute on Retirement Security's "Examining the Nest Egg: The Sources of Retirement Income for Older Americans" report. IRAs and 401(k)s are now the bedrock of retirement plans. But a market dip can quickly mitigate gains. This calls for a hedge against loss.

Annuities offer guarantees in retirement

Variable annuities offer retirement-plan growth opportunities, while also guaranteeing income. These plans, which are most often geared to investors expecting to live into their 80s or 90s, may provide income from the pre-determined age that payments begin until death.

Here's an example: Say you're 10 or 15 years from retirement and you've received a lump sum of money, whether it's from an inheritance, an IRA or a 401(k). You've been maintaining a 60/40 balance among your investments: 60% is going towards growth, with the remainder in financial instruments which may carry less risk, such as bonds. You could deposit that lump sum into the account and maintain that balance—or you can open an annuity that will start payments when you turn 75, or whatever age you choose to begin cashing out an annuity.

Depending upon the amounts involved, you could either reduce or entirely eliminate your 40% of low-risk investments. The upshot: You can dedicate more of your retirement funds to more growth opportunities, while also creating guaranteed income for your later years.

In addition, variable annuities may offer attractive features such as tax-deferred deposits that can assist in more efficient tax planning. Or you can create a legacy by adding a life-insurance-like death benefit to your policy —though the primary focus is more typically on retirement income.

3 persistent myths about annuities

Are annuities a good idea? Anyone who reads about investing knows that annuities are somewhat controversial. "In the past, some people would hear that word annuity and run in the opposite direction," says Becker. Here are a few of the more common myths about these plans:

Myth 1: I'll lose control of my assets.

"Some people think annuity assets are 100% illiquid," says Becker. "There's always some liquidity, just not full liquidity."

Myth 2: They don't provide great returns.

Many types of variable annuities offer different types of returns—much of it depending on how their fund managers choose investments. There's also the consideration of sacrificing some growth in exchange for the security of guaranteed income.

Myth 3: They charge high fees.

"It's possible," says Becker. "And when you're younger and in the asset-accumulation stage, you want to hold down costs and seek maximum growth. Now fast-forward to distribution age. It's suddenly less about cost and more about creating income."

Take the next step

A variable annuity is only one part of a comprehensive retirement plan. Talk with a financial advisor about the potential future value of a variable annuity in supporting your total retirement vision.

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Variable annuities are long term investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes.

Variable annuities are subject to investment risk, including loss of principal, and contract value are not guaranteed and will fluctuate.

Withdrawals will reduce the contract value. All withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken prior to age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal additional tax.

Guarantees based on the financial strength and claims paying ability of the insurance company.

Investing in a variable annuity involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The product and summary prospectuses contain information on investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. Read carefully before investing. Available at thrivent.com.

Thrivent and its financial professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.

Holding an annuity inside a tax-qualified plan does not provide any additional tax benefits.

Surrenders or partial withdrawals/surrenders may be subject to income taxes and/or surrender charges.

Refer to the Thrivent Investment Management Inc. Form CRS Relationship Summary for more information about us; our relationships and services; fees, costs, conflicts, and standard of conduct; disciplinary history; and additional information. Refer to the Thrivent Investment Management Inc. Regulation Best Interest Disclosure document for information on fees, products, services, potential conflicts of interest, and additional information. Both are available upon request from your financial advisor or professional and on thrivent.com/disclosures.
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