Annuity Calculator

What Is an Annuity Calculator?

An annuity calculator is a planning tool that helps turn a set of savings assumptions into a clearer picture of how an annuity-style accumulation could grow over time. The calculator on this page is built for the accumulation phase: you enter an opening balance, regular additions, a growth rate and a number of years, and the tool estimates the ending balance and shows how much of that balance came from the money you supplied versus the return earned on the account. The calculation is intended to make the relationship between contributions, compounding and time easier to see.

An annuity is commonly described as a contract designed to provide a stream of cash flows, often in connection with retirement planning. Depending on the product, the contract may begin paying income relatively soon after an initial premium or may spend years in an accumulation phase before income payments begin. The source material supplied for this page emphasizes that annuities can be used alongside retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s, and that different annuity structures have different purposes, costs, guarantees and risks. fileciteturn8file0L4-L6

This calculator focuses on the accumulation side rather than trying to reproduce the contract terms of a particular insurance product. That distinction matters because actual annuity contracts can contain fees, surrender schedules, riders, caps, participation formulas, tax rules and guarantees that are not represented by a simple compound-growth calculation. The result should therefore be treated as an educational estimate and a scenario-planning starting point rather than a quotation from an insurer.

How the Annuity Calculator Works

The tool begins with four practical assumptions: starting principal, annual addition, monthly addition and annual growth rate. You can also choose whether the annual contribution is made at the beginning of each period or at the end of the period. Finally, you enter the number of years for the accumulation period. Once you select Calculate, the calculator updates the summary, the accumulation schedule, the donut chart and the year-by-year graph together.

Starting principal represents the amount already available when the accumulation period begins. Annual addition represents an extra contribution made once per year. Monthly addition represents recurring monthly savings. If both annual and monthly additions are entered, the calculator includes both streams. The timing setting matters because money contributed earlier has more time to earn the assumed return. A beginning-of-period contribution therefore has a different future value from an otherwise identical contribution made at the end of the period.

The annual growth rate is the simplified rate used for the projection. It is not a promise of performance and should not be interpreted as an insurer's guaranteed crediting rate unless a real contract specifically guarantees that rate. In an actual product, returns may be fixed, variable, indexed or subject to other contractual formulas. The supplied reference explains that fixed annuities generally provide a more predictable return structure, while variable annuities expose the account value to investment performance, and indexed annuities combine a guaranteed minimum framework with index-linked crediting features. fileciteturn8file0L18-L27

Understanding the Results

The result panel separates the projected ending balance into three useful pieces: the starting principal, total additions and total return or interest earned. This separation is important because a large account balance does not necessarily mean that investment earnings were responsible for most of the balance. A saver who contributes substantial amounts over many years can have a large ending balance even when the assumed return is relatively modest. Conversely, a long accumulation period can allow compounding to become a much larger contributor to the final value.

The ending balance is the estimated value at the end of the selected accumulation period. Starting principal is the initial amount. Total additions are the annual and monthly deposits included by the calculator. Total return or interest earned is the difference between the projected ending balance and the principal plus contributions. The donut chart gives a visual version of the same breakdown, while the accumulation chart shows how the balance develops year by year.

These views answer different questions. The summary asks, “Where did the final balance come from?” The schedule asks, “What happened during each year?” The chart asks, “How does the balance trend as time passes?” Looking at all three together can be more useful than looking at the final balance alone.

Why Time Matters in Annuity Accumulation

Compounding means that earnings can themselves participate in future growth. In a simplified annual model, the balance after each period is based on the previous balance, new contributions and the assumed growth rate. Over a long horizon, the effect can become increasingly visible because the return is no longer being earned only on the original principal; it is also being earned on earlier accumulated growth.

This is one reason retirement planning often considers both the amount saved and the length of time available for accumulation. A person who begins with a modest principal and adds consistently may build a meaningful balance over a long period. Another person may start with a larger lump sum but make few additional deposits. The calculator lets you test both patterns without requiring a spreadsheet.

Time, however, does not eliminate risk. A projection is only as useful as its assumptions. If the actual return is lower than the assumed rate, the ending balance will be lower. If fees reduce the net return, the difference can become significant over a long horizon. If contributions are stopped, reduced or increased, the actual path will differ from the original projection.

Annual Additions Versus Monthly Additions

The calculator allows both annual and monthly additions because savers often contribute in different ways. An annual contribution may resemble a yearly planned deposit or a periodic lump-sum addition. A monthly contribution may resemble an automatic savings program. The timing of each contribution affects how long that contribution participates in the assumed growth calculation.

Monthly additions can be especially useful for testing a regular savings habit. For example, a user can enter a starting balance and a monthly amount while leaving the annual addition at zero. The calculator will then show how repeated contributions accumulate over the chosen period. Alternatively, an annual contribution can be combined with monthly savings to model a person who makes routine deposits and also adds a larger amount once each year.

For a realistic scenario, use contribution amounts that you could reasonably maintain. It can be useful to run three versions: a conservative contribution, a normal contribution and an optimistic contribution. Comparing those results can help show how sensitive the projected ending balance is to savings behavior.

Beginning-of-Period Versus End-of-Period Contributions

The contribution timing option is one of the most important controls in the calculator. A beginning-of-period contribution is assumed to enter the accumulation at the start of the period, so it has the opportunity to participate in growth during that period. An end-of-period contribution enters after that period's growth calculation. With all other assumptions unchanged, earlier contributions generally have more time to compound.

This does not mean that beginning-of-period deposits are automatically better in every real-world contract. It simply means that the mathematical timing assumption produces a different projection. Actual insurance contracts may credit interest under their own schedules, and monthly contributions may be credited differently from annual contributions. Use the setting as a planning comparison rather than as a statement about a specific policy.

What Is a Deferred Annuity?

A deferred annuity generally has an accumulation phase before the income phase. During accumulation, the owner contributes money and the account value may grow according to the terms of the contract. Later, the contract can be converted into an income stream or used according to the available withdrawal and distribution provisions. The supplied reference describes deferred annuities as arrangements in which money can be accumulated over time and taxes on certain earnings may be deferred until a later stage, subject to the applicable rules. fileciteturn8file0L28-L33

The calculator on this page is most closely aligned with the accumulation concept. It does not attempt to calculate the exact income payment from a particular deferred annuity. For that kind of question, users may want to explore the Annuity Payout Calculator on this site. The payout phase has different variables, including payment frequency, payout duration, age, interest assumptions and contract features.

What Is an Immediate Annuity?

An immediate annuity generally starts distributing income relatively soon after the initial premium. The supplied material describes immediate annuities as arrangements in which an upfront premium is followed by payments that can begin as early as the next month and generally no later than a year after the premium is received, depending on the contract. fileciteturn8file0L28-L31

An immediate annuity is therefore different from the accumulation scenario modeled here. If your primary question is how much a lump sum might produce as recurring income, the accumulation calculator is not the right endpoint. Instead, compare the accumulation result with a dedicated payout calculation and then review the contract's actual terms.

Fixed Annuities

Fixed annuities are generally associated with a more predictable interest-crediting structure. The supplied reference explains that the return rate for a fixed annuity is largely connected to market conditions when the contract is issued, and that existing fixed-rate contracts are generally not repriced simply because market rates later change. It also notes that many fixed annuities do not include a cost-of-living adjustment, which can affect purchasing power over time. fileciteturn8file0L20-L22

For calculator purposes, a fixed-style scenario can be approximated by entering a constant annual growth assumption. But a constant percentage in a calculator should not be confused with a contract guarantee. Actual guarantees depend on the insurance company, contract language, state rules and the specific product.

Multi-Year Guarantee Annuities

The supplied material also discusses multi-year guarantee annuities, commonly called MYGAs. These products are described as a subset of fixed annuities that credit a specified yield for a defined period, making them somewhat comparable to certificates of deposit in structure while offering different tax and contract characteristics. fileciteturn8file0L23-L23

If you are comparing an MYGA with another savings product, avoid relying only on the stated rate. Consider the term, liquidity, taxes, withdrawal rules, surrender schedule, insurer strength and what happens when the guarantee period ends. The calculator can illustrate a growth scenario, but it cannot evaluate the legal and contractual details of a particular MYGA.

Variable Annuities

Variable annuities differ because the value can fluctuate according to the performance of investment options within the contract. The source material explains that variable annuities can offer exposure to different investment categories but do not guarantee the return of principal in the same way a fixed structure may. It also highlights that variable annuities can carry significant fees. fileciteturn8file0L24-L25

When using this calculator to model a variable-style scenario, the annual growth rate should be viewed as an assumed average planning rate rather than a prediction of year-by-year performance. Real investment returns can be uneven. A steady 6% projection, for example, does not imply that the account will actually earn exactly 6% each year.

Indexed Annuities

Indexed annuities combine features associated with fixed and market-linked structures. The supplied reference describes them as fixed annuities under legal classification while using index-linked crediting mechanisms that can provide a guaranteed minimum and also limit how much of an index's positive movement is credited to the contract. Caps and other participation rules can therefore create a meaningful difference between an index's performance and the interest actually credited to the annuity. fileciteturn8file0L26-L27

For this reason, a simple growth-rate calculator cannot reproduce every indexed-annuity outcome. If you are evaluating an indexed product, review the actual cap, participation rate, spread, floor, crediting method and rider charges. Use this tool for general scenario analysis only.

Tax Deferral and Retirement Planning

The supplied material notes that earnings in annuities can grow on a tax-deferred basis, meaning taxes may be postponed to a later time rather than being paid as the account grows. It also describes annuities as supplemental retirement investments that people may use alongside IRAs, 401(k)s and pension plans. fileciteturn8file0L4-L5

Tax deferral can be an important planning feature, but it does not mean that an annuity is tax-free. The timing and character of taxation can depend on whether the contract is qualified or non-qualified, how distributions are made and the applicable rules. Users should therefore distinguish between “tax-deferred growth” and “no tax.” The calculator intentionally does not subtract taxes because tax treatment depends on the individual's circumstances and the contract.

Annuities as Part of a Retirement Portfolio

Annuities are often discussed as one component of a broader retirement strategy. The source material notes that many people use annuities alongside other retirement investments and that annuities can be attractive to people seeking predictable income later in life. fileciteturn8file0L5-L6

A retirement portfolio can contain different types of assets for different jobs. Some assets may be intended for growth, some for liquidity and some for dependable income. An annuity can sometimes be used for the income component, but the trade-off may involve liquidity restrictions, surrender charges, fees or reduced exposure to market growth. The appropriate mix depends on the individual rather than on a single calculator result.

Potential Advantages of Annuities

The supplied reference identifies several possible advantages. Deferred annuities can provide tax-deferred accumulation. Some annuities can offer guaranteed or predictable income. There is generally no contribution limit in the same sense as the annual contribution limits attached to certain retirement accounts. An annuity may also help a person structure spending so that assets are distributed over a planned period. fileciteturn8file0L7-L12

These advantages are not universal. Guarantees depend on the insurer and the contract. Tax treatment depends on the contract and the owner's situation. A lack of a statutory contribution limit does not mean every annuity is inexpensive or suitable for unlimited investment. The practical value of an annuity comes from the complete combination of guarantees, fees, liquidity, tax treatment and income features.

Potential Disadvantages of Annuities

The source material also highlights several disadvantages. Surrender charges and early-withdrawal penalties can reduce liquidity. Contract terms and tax rules can be complicated. Fees and commissions can be substantial, particularly for some variable and more complex products. The source also notes that some annuity structures may have lower expected returns than equity-oriented investments, reflecting a trade-off between volatility and predictability. fileciteturn8file0L13-L17

These issues are important when interpreting a calculator result. A projection that shows strong compound growth does not automatically mean that the real product will deliver that net result. If an annuity has annual expenses, rider charges or other costs, those costs can reduce the amount that compounds for the investor. A useful scenario test is therefore to run the calculator at several different growth rates and then compare the result with the actual contract's net charges.

Understanding Annuity Fees

Annuity fees can take different forms. The supplied reference describes surrender charges, administrative charges, commissions, investment management fees, mortality and expense charges and rider charges. fileciteturn8file0L37-L44

A surrender charge is generally associated with leaving or surrendering a contract during a specified period. Administrative charges can cover ongoing service and account administration. Commissions can compensate the salesperson or broker. Variable annuities may also include investment-management expenses and mortality-and-expense charges. Optional riders can add another layer of cost.

Because fees can compound in the opposite direction from investment earnings, even a small annual difference can become meaningful over many years. If you are evaluating an actual annuity, obtain a current fee schedule and read the contract rather than relying on a generic calculator.

Surrendering an Annuity

Surrendering means canceling an annuity contract in a way that triggers the contract's surrender provisions. The supplied reference explains that surrender charges may apply during the early years of ownership and can decline over time. It also describes free-look provisions that may allow a new owner to cancel during an initial period without the usual surrender charge, subject to the contract and applicable rules. fileciteturn8file0L34-L36

A projected account balance should therefore not be treated as the amount that can necessarily be withdrawn today. The value displayed by this calculator is an accumulation estimate. The actual amount available after surrender could be reduced by surrender charges, taxes, penalties or other contractual adjustments.

Rolling a 401(k) or IRA Into an Annuity

The supplied material explains that qualified retirement plans such as 401(k)s and IRAs can in some circumstances be rolled into annuities without treating the rollover itself as a taxable distribution, while also noting reporting and timing requirements. fileciteturn8file0L45-L50

Rollovers are an area where careful attention is especially important. A rollover decision can affect investment choices, fees, liquidity, required distributions and beneficiary arrangements. The calculator can show how a hypothetical balance grows under an assumed return, but it cannot determine whether a rollover is appropriate or whether a particular transaction satisfies tax rules.

For additional retirement planning, explore the Retirement Calculator, 401K Calculator, IRA Calculator and Roth IRA Calculator.

How to Use the Annuity Calculator for Scenario Planning

1. Enter the amount you already have as the starting principal.
2. Enter an annual contribution if you plan to add a larger amount once per year.
3. Enter a monthly contribution if you intend to make recurring monthly deposits.
4. Choose beginning-of-period or end-of-period contribution timing.
5. Enter a planning growth rate that you believe is reasonable for the scenario being tested.
6. Enter the number of years you expect the accumulation phase to last.
7. Click Calculate and review the result summary, chart and accumulation schedule.
8. Run the calculator again using a lower and higher growth assumption to see how sensitive the result is.

Why You Should Test More Than One Growth Rate

One of the most common mistakes in long-term financial projections is treating a single assumed rate as if it were certain. A better approach is to create a range. For example, you might compare a lower-return scenario, a middle scenario and a higher-return scenario. The exact percentages should be selected for the purpose of your planning exercise rather than copied from a generic promise.

This approach is particularly important for variable and indexed products. A single average rate can hide the effect of volatility, caps, floors, participation rates and fees. The calculator is most useful when it is treated as a transparent mathematical model rather than as a forecast.

How the Accumulation Schedule Helps

The annual schedule gives the user a year-by-year view of additions, return and ending balance. This makes it easier to see when compounding begins to represent a larger portion of the annual increase. Early in the projection, contributions may account for most of the growth. Later, the return on the accumulated balance can become a more visible component.

The schedule is also useful for checking the calculator. If the ending balance seems unexpectedly high or low, inspect the yearly rows. You can then identify whether the difference is coming from the starting principal, recurring deposits, contribution timing or the assumed growth rate.

Using the Graphs to Understand Growth

The first visual graph displays the annual balance as a stacked composition of starting principal, additions and return/interest. This mirrors the result breakdown and helps show how the composition changes over time. The second graph plots the projected ending balance over the accumulation period. Together, the two visuals provide both a composition view and a trend view.

Graphs are especially useful when comparing two scenarios. After changing the contribution or growth rate, the table and graphs update at the same time. This allows you to see not only the new ending balance but also how the path to that balance changed.

Common Annuity Calculator Questions

Is an annuity the same as a savings account?

No. An annuity is generally an insurance contract with investment or income features, while a savings account is a bank deposit product. The guarantees, liquidity, fees, tax treatment and regulatory framework can differ substantially. This calculator uses a simplified accumulation model and does not make those products equivalent.

Does the calculator guarantee my future annuity balance?

No. The result is a mathematical estimate based on the numbers you enter. Actual performance and contract value depend on the product and its terms. Fixed, variable and indexed annuities can behave differently.

Why does contribution timing matter?

Money deposited earlier has more time to participate in growth. That is why beginning-of-period and end-of-period contributions produce different projected balances when all other inputs remain the same.

Can I enter both annual and monthly contributions?

Yes. The calculator is designed to include both. This can be useful when someone makes routine monthly deposits and also makes an additional annual contribution.

What happens if I enter a zero growth rate?

The model becomes primarily a contribution-and-principal calculation, so the ending balance will be driven by the starting principal and the deposits rather than investment growth.

Can I use this for a real insurance contract?

You can use it as a general planning comparison, but it should not replace the contract illustration. For a real policy, use the insurer's guaranteed and non-guaranteed values, fee schedule and surrender provisions.

Annuity Versus Other Retirement Tools

Annuity planning is easier when viewed alongside other retirement calculations. The Retirement Calculator can help you examine a broader retirement savings target. The 401K Calculator can be used for employer-plan contribution scenarios. The Investment Calculator can model a general investment account, while the Compound Interest Calculator can isolate the effect of compounding.

For income-focused questions, the Annuity Payout Calculator is the more natural companion to this accumulation tool. For savings comparisons, the Savings Calculator can provide another perspective. Using several tools can help separate the questions of accumulation, growth, income and retirement readiness.

Important Difference Between a Projection and a Contract Illustration

A calculator projection is transparent: it applies the assumptions you provide. An insurer's illustration may include contract-specific crediting methods, guaranteed values, non-guaranteed values, fees, riders and distribution provisions. The two should not be expected to match unless the calculator has been built to reproduce the exact contract terms.

This distinction is particularly important for indexed and variable annuities. The source material notes that indexed products can use limiting factors on index-linked gains, while variable products can fluctuate with investment performance. fileciteturn8file0L24-L27 A flat annual growth rate cannot capture all of those mechanics.

Practical Annuity Planning Checklist

• Identify whether the product is fixed, variable or indexed.
• Determine whether the contract is immediate or deferred.
• Read the guaranteed and non-guaranteed portions of the illustration.
• List all annual, investment, rider, administrative and other charges.
• Check the surrender period and surrender-charge schedule.
• Review withdrawal provisions and possible tax consequences.
• Consider liquidity needs before committing a large amount of money.
• Compare the annuity with other retirement and investment options.
• Use several return assumptions rather than one optimistic estimate.
• Review beneficiary and income provisions when relevant.

Final Thoughts on Using an Annuity Calculator

The value of an annuity calculator is not that it can predict the future. Its value is that it turns assumptions into a visible scenario. Starting principal, recurring deposits, contribution timing, growth and time interact in ways that are sometimes difficult to estimate mentally. The summary, table and graphs make those relationships easier to inspect.

Annuities can serve different purposes, from accumulation and tax deferral to retirement-income planning. The supplied reference emphasizes that no single annuity structure is suitable for everyone and that different products have different advantages and disadvantages. fileciteturn8file0L5-L6 Use the calculator to understand the mathematics, then use the actual contract documents to understand the product.

For the most useful result, start with realistic inputs, run multiple scenarios, compare the ending balances and examine how much of the final amount comes from contributions versus investment return. If the decision involves a substantial retirement balance, a rollover, a complex annuity, significant surrender charges or tax consequences, consider obtaining advice from a qualified professional who can review your specific circumstances.

Annuity Accumulation and Contribution Discipline

Regular contributions are often as important as the assumed return in a long-term accumulation plan. The calculator makes this visible because changing the annual or monthly addition immediately changes both the schedule and the ending balance. This is useful for testing what happens when a saver increases contributions after a salary increase, reduces deposits temporarily, or combines a regular monthly amount with an annual lump sum. A practical planning exercise is to hold the growth assumption constant while changing only the contribution. That isolates the effect of savings behavior and can prevent the user from attributing every change in the final balance to investment performance.

Comparing Lump-Sum and Recurring Contributions

A starting principal and a recurring contribution solve different planning problems. A larger starting balance gives the projection more capital to compound from the first period, while recurring deposits build the account gradually. The calculator can be used to compare a larger initial amount with a smaller initial amount plus regular additions. Neither strategy is automatically superior because the appropriate choice depends on available cash, liquidity requirements, risk, taxes and the terms of the actual product. The important point is to understand how each contribution pattern changes the accumulation path.

Inflation and Future Purchasing Power

A projected account balance is a nominal dollar amount unless an inflation adjustment is separately applied. An account that grows in dollar terms can still lose purchasing power if inflation rises faster than the effective return. The calculator does not assume a particular inflation rate, so users should consider a separate inflation scenario when estimating what a future balance may be worth in today's purchasing power. The site’s broader collection includes an Inflation Calculator that can be used as a companion tool for that purpose.

Liquidity Versus Long-Term Growth

Annuities can involve a trade-off between long-term planning and immediate access to funds. The supplied source material specifically notes that surrender charges and early withdrawal penalties can reduce liquidity. This means a projected ending balance should not be interpreted as an amount that can always be accessed without cost. Before committing money, users should consider emergency savings, near-term expenses and other liquid assets separately from long-term retirement funds.

Using Conservative, Base and Higher Scenarios

A useful way to use this page is to create three scenarios. The conservative case can use a lower growth assumption and modest contributions. The base case can use the user's most reasonable assumptions. The higher case can test what the balance might look like if returns or contributions are stronger. The purpose is not to predict which case will occur. The purpose is to understand the range of possible outcomes and identify which assumptions have the greatest influence on the final result.

Annuity Income Is a Separate Planning Question

Accumulation and income should be treated as two different questions. An accumulation calculator estimates how a balance may grow. An income calculator estimates how a balance may be converted into payments under specified assumptions. Annuity contracts can also include lifetime income guarantees, joint-life provisions, period-certain features and riders. Because those features are contract-specific, this page intentionally concentrates on accumulation rather than pretending to reproduce every possible payout design.

Why Fees Matter Over Long Periods

A fee that appears small in a single year can have a larger cumulative effect over a long accumulation period because money used to pay expenses is money that is no longer available to compound. The source material lists several possible annuity charges, including administrative charges, commissions, investment management fees, mortality and expense fees and rider charges. Users evaluating a real product should obtain the complete cost information and, when possible, compare net projected values rather than focusing only on a headline interest or crediting rate.

Choosing Inputs That Match Your Planning Horizon

The number of years in the calculator should correspond to the period you actually want to analyze. Someone saving for a near-term goal may use a shorter horizon, while a person planning for retirement may use several decades. Changing the horizon can have a major effect because additional years create additional opportunities for both contributions and compounding. A long horizon also increases the importance of testing lower-return scenarios, since small differences in annual assumptions can accumulate over time.

Educational Use and Professional Review

This page is designed to make annuity mathematics easier to understand. It is not a substitute for an insurance contract, prospectus, tax advice or individualized financial advice. Actual annuity decisions can involve state insurance rules, tax treatment, beneficiary designations, surrender provisions and product-specific guarantees. When a decision involves a substantial amount of retirement savings, reviewing the actual policy documents with an appropriately qualified professional can help identify features that a general calculator cannot model.

Frequently Asked Questions About Annuity Calculations

What does the ending balance mean?

It is the model's estimated account value at the end of the selected accumulation period after applying the starting principal, contributions and assumed growth.

What are total additions?

Total additions are the annual and monthly contributions included during the modeled period. They are separate from the original starting principal.

What is return or interest earned?

It is the projected increase attributable to the assumed growth after accounting for the starting principal and contributions in the model.

Does beginning-of-year investing increase the result?

Under the calculator's timing assumption, money added earlier has more time to grow, so beginning-of-period contributions generally produce a higher projected value than equivalent end-of-period contributions.

Can I use the calculator for a fixed annuity?

You can use it for a simplified scenario by entering an assumed growth rate, but an actual fixed annuity may have guarantees, fees and crediting rules that differ from the model.

Can I use it for a variable annuity?

Yes for general scenario analysis, but variable annuity returns can fluctuate and fees can reduce net performance. The calculator's constant rate is not a forecast of actual investment results.

Can I use it for an indexed annuity?

You can use it as a simplified illustration, but indexed annuity crediting may depend on caps, participation rates, spreads, floors and other contract terms that the calculator does not reproduce.

Should I include inflation?

For nominal accumulation, use the expected growth assumption. For purchasing-power analysis, consider a separate inflation calculation and compare the future balance in real terms.

Does the calculator include annuity fees?

The basic accumulation model does not automatically know the fees of a particular contract. You should account for product-specific costs when comparing a real policy.

Does the calculator include taxes?

No. Tax treatment varies with the contract and the owner's situation. The source material describes tax deferral as a feature of certain annuity arrangements, not as permanent tax exemption.

Can an annuity replace a 401(k)?

An annuity and a 401(k) are different types of financial arrangements. Annuities may be used alongside retirement plans, and a qualified rollover can have specific rules.

What should I compare before buying an annuity?

Compare guarantees, fees, surrender terms, liquidity, crediting or investment mechanics, income provisions, riders, beneficiary features and the financial strength of the insurer.

Why is my actual illustration different from this calculator?

A real illustration may include contract-specific guarantees, fees, crediting methods and riders. This page uses a transparent simplified accumulation model.

How often should I update the calculation?

Update it whenever a major assumption changes, such as contribution amount, retirement horizon or expected return. Running multiple scenarios is generally more informative than relying on one result.