An annuity pension provides regular guaranteed payments and comes in two forms: a fixed-term annuity and a lifetime annuity. A fixed-term annuity is a regular payment made over a set number of years, while a lifetime annuity guarantees a regular payment for the remainder of your life. These payments depend on a variety of factors, including the amount you contribute and actuarial calculations (the economic and demographic factors used to estimate future liabilities).
There are various advantages and disadvantages to an annuity. For example, if you choose a fixed-term annuity, you may underestimate the number of years you will need income for, while a lifetime annuity means you don’t need to worry about outliving your savings.
In regards to payment, you won’t be able to make lump sum withdrawals with an annuity pension, but it does provide you with a guaranteed income (which you can opt to keep pace with inflation), which makes budgeting and sticking to a financial plan much easier. These payments are tax-free from age 60 and can also be made monthly, quarterly, biannually, or annually.
This can be a great option for fiscally more conservative individuals who do not wish to rely on market-linked investments. While an annuity may pay lower returns in comparison, those returns are also not subject to any downward trends in investment markets.