Manarin Investment Counsel, Ltd.

The Omaha World-Herald recently ran this article on annuities.  "Guaranteed income" and "tax advantages" are two buzzwords the annuity industry likes to use in attempt to gather new assets by selling you perceived financial safety.

We feel that annuities are usually a misunderstood and expensive option for your long term investment capital.  There are a plethora of insurance products out there and it's very important to understand the details of the annuity contract and how (or if) it fits into your retirement planning.   

Consider these old magazine advertisements for annuities.  I wonder how financially safe folks felt after inflation eroded away the purchasing power of their guaranteed income:

   

I'll let you come to your own conclusion but if you are looking to make a decision about owning an annuity in your portfolio, review this article that Manarin advisor Tim Bastian wrote for Forbes.com, then contact your own advisor to review your unique situation.