Learn what annuities are, how fixed, variable, indexed, immediate, and deferred annuities work, and how they can help provide steady retirement income.

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. Toby Walters is a financial writer, investor, and lifelong learner. He has a passion for ...

It may not seem this way, but fixed annuities are actually simple and easy to understand. And they can play an important role in an individual’s financial planning, especially when it comes to ...

In the past, annuities have been misunderstood as complex investment vehicles. After all, they’re known for their high commissions and opaque fees. Furthermore, these commissions often line the ...