Is This the Key to Unlocking Guaranteed Income in Retirement?

Vanguard is launching a new 401(k) target date fund that will allow older workers to convert some of their savings into a fixed annuity. The product, launched in partnership with financial services company TIAA, will be available in 2026.

“It provides retirement plan participants with a straightforward, cost-effective way to receive guaranteed lifetime income and supports the evolving needs of Americans as they prepare for retirement,” David Stinnett, Vanguard’s head of strategic retirement consulting, said in a written statement.

Vanguard’s announcement comes as annuities are surging in popularity. Total U.S. annuity sales increased to a record high $119.2 billion in the second quarter of 2025, according to LIMRA. 

But the complex financial instrument, which functions much like a self-funded pension plan, has its pros and cons. Learn how to decide if an annuity is right for you.

Are Annuities a Smart Move for Retirement Income?

Annuities are typically sold by insurance companies. They allow users to set up a steady income stream, usually for retirement, by making either a lump sum or a series of payments, which the insurer later pays back at regular intervals for a set period or potentially the rest of your life.   

There are different types of annuities. Fixed annuities offer a guaranteed but modest return. Variable and indexed annuities are market-based and offer more opportunity for growth. Most come with tax benefits. Any earnings, for instance, are tax-deferred—that is, you pay taxes on your annuity when you start taking withdrawals.  

“Annuities can work well for retirees who worry about outliving their savings or who struggle emotionally with market volatility and want a predictable ‘paycheck’ in retirement,” said Carson Odom, wealth advisor at Adams Wealth Partners.

But they’re not for everyone, as annuity contracts are often quite complex and expensive. In addition to your lump-sum or premium payments, many charge administrative and maintenance fees, mortality expenses, and agent commissions. They also come with surrender fees, meaning you’ll pay handsomely in the first few years of the contract if something happens and you need to access those funds. 

“Investors with significant liquid assets, strong pensions, high risk tolerance, or significant legacy goals often don’t need annuities,” Odom said. 

Things to Consider When Buying an Annuity

Take these steps if you’re trying to determine whether you should add an annuity to your retirement plan. 

• Determine whether you can cover retirement expenses with other guaranteed income, like Social Security or a workplace pension. “Annuities can be helpful when there is a gap between expected spending and predictable income,” said Yuri Nosenko, wealth advisor at Imperial Fund Asset Management. “In practice, people usually annuitize only the portion needed to secure their basic, non-discretionary expenses, while keeping the rest invested for growth and liquidity.”
• Calculate the annuity’s full costs. In addition to recurring fees and commission charges, ask if you’re paying for any special features or riders. For instance, insurers often charge more for stepped-up death benefits, long-term health insurance, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), and more.
• Understand the true tax benefits, as they vary, based on how the annuity is structured. Annuity earnings are also taxed as ordinary income, not capital gains, so you could end up paying more on deferred funds if your income is high at the time of withdrawal. Plus, “when an annuity is purchased inside an IRA or 401(k), the tax advantages may be limited, because those accounts already provide tax deferral,” Nosenko said. 
• Consider your health, as most annuities penalize you if you withdraw money within the first few years of your contract, and, ultimately, these products are best for people worried about outliving their retirement savings. Also, “confirm insurer quality,” Odom said. “You’re effectively lending money to an insurance company for decades; balance sheet strength matters more than marketing promises.” You can confirm an insurer’s strength by checking its A.M. Best or Standard & Poor’s (S&P) ratings. 
• Consult a professional. Annuity contracts aren’t always straightforward. They’re lengthy, full of legal jargon, and come with built-in costs that are hard to identify, understand, and compare to other offers. A certified financial planner (CFP®) or other accredited professional can help you choose the best annuity for your retirement needs.