As we move into 2026, many investors are asking the same question: How do I protect what I’ve built—without giving up the ability to grow?
That’s exactly where annuities can play a meaningful role. Annuities aren’t for everyone, and they’re not “one-size-fits-all,” but in the right plan they can help address some of the biggest concerns retirees and pre-retirees face: income reliability, market volatility, and long-term confidence.
Below are several reasons annuities are worth a fresh look as you plan for 2026 and beyond.
1) Retirement is about income, not just returns
During your working years, the primary goal is often growth. In retirement, the priority usually changes to reliable income.
Many annuities are designed specifically for that transition—helping you convert a portion of savings into a predictable income stream that can last for a set period of time or even a lifetime (depending on the annuity type and features selected).
For many households, having dependable income sources can reduce the pressure to “time the market” or sell investments during downturns.
2) Protection from market volatility (when you need it most)
One of the biggest retirement risks is sequence-of-returns risk—taking withdrawals while the market is down, especially early in retirement. That can permanently damage a portfolio’s long-term sustainability.
Certain annuity strategies can help by creating a “protected income layer” so that your essential bills are covered even during volatile markets. This often helps retirees avoid panic decisions and stay committed to a long-term plan.
3) Today’s annuities offer more flexibility than many people realize
A lot of people still think of annuities as complicated or “locked up.” While some annuities do have surrender periods and limitations, many modern options provide:
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Multiple income choices (now vs. later)
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Optional features for income stability
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Different growth approaches depending on risk tolerance
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Contract structures designed to support retirement planning goals
The key is matching the right product type to the right purpose—not forcing the product to do everything.
4) Tax deferral can be valuable for the right investor
For non-qualified money (funds outside an IRA/401(k)), annuities typically grow tax-deferred, meaning you don’t pay taxes on gains each year like you might in a taxable brokerage account.
That can be helpful for people who:
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Are looking for tax planning flexibility later
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Want to limit yearly taxable events
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Prefer a simpler “let it grow” structure for a portion of assets
(Withdrawals are generally taxed as ordinary income to the extent of gains, and distributions prior to age 59½ may be subject to an additional penalty—depending on circumstances.)
5) Annuities can help simplify retirement planning
A clear retirement plan often has layers:
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Safety / income layer (essential expenses)
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Flexible spending layer
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Growth layer (long-term purchasing power)
Annuities can fit neatly into that structure—especially for clients who want a portion of their retirement income to feel more like a paycheck than a “hope the market cooperates” plan.
6) A strong plan focuses on outcomes, not opinions
Annuities can be polarizing because different people use them for different reasons—and not all annuities are created equal.
The best approach is practical:
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What income do you need?
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When do you need it?
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How much risk are you willing to accept?
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What’s your timeline and tax situation?
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What role should guarantees play in your plan?
When you answer those questions first, the annuity decision becomes clearer—and sometimes the best answer is “none,” while other times it becomes a core piece of the plan.
The Bottom Line
Heading into 2026, many investors want more stability, more predictability, and a plan that doesn’t depend on perfect market timing. For the right person, an annuity can provide a valuable blend of income planning, risk management, and long-term confidence.
If you’re curious whether an annuity fits into your strategy, the best first step is a simple review: identify what you need your money to do—and then evaluate the tools that can help you get there.