LIFE insurance and annuities are supposed to accomplish straightforward goals: life insurance provides for your family if you die unexpectedly and annuities guarantee a steady stream of income in retirement. But right now, both are being promoted for their tax benefits.
Insurance and financial savings products exist to put you at ease, for the care of your loved ones and your own retirement. It should come as no surprise that two of the hottest financial products on the market today are life insurance and annuities.
Turns out these products may be tax savvy, too. But are they right for you?
Regardless, you really need to do your due diligence when it comes to life insurance and annuities. A recent article in The New York Times titled “Getting the Full Picture on Annuities and Insurance” points out the obvious – both of these products are heavily marketed. Beyond the hype, much of the marketing focuses on their tax savings characteristics.
Can these tools be tax savings devices? Indeed, if placed within a solid overall plan. Nevertheless, it is important not to lose sight of the true purpose behind these products and the cost-benefits of any particular policy.
At the very least, it would be worth your time to read the original article. It will help you understand how powerful these products can be, how you can use them, and where they might fit into an overall plan.
Reference: The New York Times (May 10, 2013) “Getting the Full Picture on Annuities and Insurance”
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