How can we profit in an up market, a flat market or a down market?

The million dollar question: How can we profit in an up market, a flat market or a down market? 

The golden years of retirement are supposed to be our time to do the things we always wanted to do. How can we be assured of retirement income for life in our questionable economy? 

In 2013, Allianz Life questioned people between the ages of 55 and 65 for their Transition Boomers and Retirement Income survey, and 87 percent reported being more attracted to a financial product with a 4 percent return that is guaranteed not to lose value over one with an 8 percent return but the possibility of losing value due to downturns. Unfortunately, overall knowledge of one product that helps people achieve these guarantees - annuities - remains low, with 75 percent of respondents reporting a lack of understanding about them. 

Are you a member of that 75 percent? If so, be aware that you don't have to choose between an annuity or a risky investment on Wall Street. Certain annuities can provide balance, stability and safety, the foundation of a solid wealth accumulation plan. Fixed index annuities are not the costly, risky variable annuities that Jane Bryant Quinn labeled as one faulty investment in Newsweek, but rather the guaranteed, safe annuities that provide more income and more growth with less tax. 

Find out more about the various types of Annuities and important features like Guaranteed Lifetime Income Riders, calculate tax advantages of annuities, and access annuities articles as well as the Best Annuities Rates Report in this Annuities Overview.