Posted on Sept. 1st, 2026

by Verby Bermudez

2 min read

For decades, you work.

You earn.

You save.

You contribute to retirement accounts.

Then one day, the paycheck stops.

And suddenly the biggest retirement question changes from:

“How much have I accumulated?”

to:

“How do I turn what I saved into income I can live on?”

That’s one reason annuities can play an important role in retirement-income planning.

An annuity is an insurance contract designed to help accumulate assets on a tax-deferred basis and/or convert assets into an income stream during retirement.

Think of the transition this way:

During your working years, your job sends you a paycheck.

During retirement, your assets may need to create the paycheck.

Certain annuities can provide guaranteed lifetime income, subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company and the terms of the contract.

Some annuity products can also offer optional Living Benefit or income riders designed to provide additional guarantees or retirement-income features.

That can address one of retirees’ biggest concerns:

What if I live longer than I expected?

Living a long life is a blessing—but financially, longevity must be planned for.

Retirement can last 20, 25, 30 years or more. Market downturns, inflation, withdrawals and unexpected expenses can all affect how long personal savings last.

An annuity may help shift part of that uncertainty by creating a contractual income strategy.

But annuities aren’t all the same.

Before purchasing one, understand the surrender period, withdrawal provisions, fees or rider charges, index-crediting methods where applicable, tax treatment, liquidity needs and income guarantees.

An annuity should fit your overall retirement strategy—not replace thoughtful financial planning.

At Vandj Life, we help families understand how annuities and available Living Benefit features may fit into their retirement-income picture.

Because retirement shouldn’t only be about reaching a number.

It should also be about creating an income strategy designed to last.

Annuity guarantees depend on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurer. Withdrawals may be subject to surrender charges and taxes. Product and rider availability varies.