Show Notes
Are annuities really “rubbish” — or are they making a comeback? In this episode of Retire, Matthew and Joe break down everything you need to know about annuities, from how they work to who they’re actually suited for in today’s retirement landscape. Rather than jumping straight into products, they step back to explore the bigger question: what do you actually want from your retirement income — certainty, flexibility, or a mix of both?
They cover: What an annuity is in simple terms Why annuities have had a resurgence since interest rates rose post-2022 Who might benefit most (and who might not) The pros and cons compared to drawdown Key options explained: single vs joint life, guarantee periods, inflation linking How health and lifestyle can impact your income (enhanced annuities) Why shopping around on the open market is crucial Whether you can change your mind once you’ve bought one
Plus, they explore practical strategies like blending annuities with flexible drawdown and phasing into guaranteed income over time — helping you build a retirement plan that balances peace of mind with flexibility. Whether you’re approaching retirement or just starting to think about your options, this episode will help you make more confident, informed decisions about your pension.
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction 04:14 - Who should consider an annuity? 09:45 - Mechanics of an Annuity 11:00 - How do provides calculate an annuity rate? 14:21 - How to ensure your annuity does die with you 19:50 - How much does an increasing annuity cost? 24:26 - Am I able to get a higher income if I am ill? 27:15 - Listeners Question: 27:15
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Wealth of Advice are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, reference number 563909. Past performance is no guide to future returns. Your investments can go down as well as up, so you may get back less than you originally invested. This video is for educational purposes only and is not personal financial advice.
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