In its most general sense, an annuity is an agreement for one person or organization to pay another a stream or series of payments. Usually the term “annuity” relates to a contract between you and a life insurance company, but a charity or a trust can take the place of the insurance company.

Annuities can be further classified by:

✔ Nature of the underlying investment – fixed or variable

✔ Primary purpose – accumulation or pay-out (deferred or immediate)

✔ Nature of pay-out commitment – fixed period, fixed amount, or lifetime

✔ Tax status – qualified or nonqualified