Some assessment required.© Eric Hood/stock.adobe.com, © Eric Hood/stock.adobe.com, © diy13/stock.adobe.com; Photo illustration Encyclopædia Britannica, IncAn annuity is an insurance contract that guarantees regular payouts based on how much you’ve paid or accumulated over time. Annuities provide stable income, making them especially attractive in retirement, but they aren’t suitable for everyone. Fees and complex terms can reduce an annuity’s value, making it important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding if an annuity fits your needs.

　　Is an annuity worth the expense?As with any product or service, whether an annuity is a good idea for you depends on your financial situation. Understanding how annuities work can help you decide if purchasing a contract aligns with your retirement income needs and financial goals.

　　If you want steady income during retirement, an annuity can provide peace of mind. Although it might not replace all your income, it can complement Social Security and investment accounts. For instance, regular income from an annuity may cover your basic bills, while Social Security and investment income can make up the rest of your living expenses.

　　An annuity is worth considering if you’re concerned about market volatility. Regular income from an annuity can help you avoid selling investments at a loss during downturns, allowing you to maintain your standard of living even when the economy is struggling.

　　Is an annuity right for you? A quick comparisonThis table outlines scenarios to help you determine when an annuity might fit your needs and when it might not.

　　Income. An annuity can provide peace of mind if you’re concerned about regular income. An immediate annuity, funded with a portion of your tax-advantaged retirement account, offers a consistent base income. Alternatively, a deferred annuity allows you to grow an account over time by contributing a portion of your retirement savings.Risk tolerance. Depending on the type of annuity you choose, an annuity can provide peace of mind when you have little tolerance for risk. A fixed annuity provides a guaranteed rate of return, while some indexed annuities guarantee a floor for your rate of return. As a result, you can take advantage of market growth without worrying about losses—although your gains are typically capped. If you want to protect a portion of your portfolio from the vagaries of the market, an annuity can be one potential tool.Retirement goals. Your long-term retirement goals should guide your decision. When choosing a retirement income plan, you often need different sources of cash flow. Look at whether Social Security and other sources provide adequate income to cover your needs. If they don’t, an annuity could fill the gap and create a more balanced retirement plan.Partner and legacy planning. Some annuities offer survivorship benefits to continue payments to your partner or spouse after you die, ensuring they have a source of income. Other annuity contracts pay death benefits to your children and grandchildren. However, annuity contracts with these features are often more complicated and might have higher fees and requirements. When an annuity might not be the right choiceAn annuity can be a useful estate planning tool, but it isn’t right for everyone. Deciding whether an annuity fits your long-term needs requires careful consideration of your financial goals and circumstances.

　　If you have a high tolerance for risk and are confident in your ability to grow your portfolio over time, you may not need the guaranteed returns that a deferred or fixed annuity offers—at least until retirement.

　　An annuity may also be unnecessary if you’ve built a solid retirement portfolio. If Social Security and other income sources provide sufficient cash flow, even when markets are volatile, an annuity might not add significant value.

　　Finally, you might be able to meet your goals by other means. An annuity with survivorship and death benefits might be unnecessary if you have a traditional life insurance policy or have set up a trust.

　　How much do you really need to save to retire comfortably? There's no single answer, but we'll help you crunch the numbers.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Understanding the terms and fees in an annuity contractIf you decide to purchase an annuity, review the contract to ensure you understand the fees and terms. Many annuities charge surrender fees if you withdraw your money early, and added features such as survivorship or death benefits can complicate the contract. These extras might reduce your payout or delay the accrual of your benefits. Take the time to read the contract thoroughly and ask questions about anything you’re unsure about.

　　The bottom lineAn annuity can be valuable when making comprehensive long-term retirement planning decisions. Rather than viewing it as a short-term way to create wealth, consider how an annuity might complement your other income sources, such as Social Security, business income, and investment returns, to create a stable and reliable retirement cash flow.

　　If you’re unsure whether an annuity is right for you, talk with a financial advisor to evaluate how it might fit into your overall retirement goals.