[rsmurano]

Originally Posted by WiseSpender

There are so many agents here selling all types of annuities here in The Villages. Usually that means something. If you see a lot of something being peddled for a very long time in a certain locale, it means that the item being peddled is being successfully sold in significant quantities to the locals . Up north, annuities are rarely mentioned anywhere , but down here in our community, it seems to be as natural a phenomenon as golf carts . I was wondering if any of you can impart any of your own experience with any annuity you purchased while down here (and who you purchased from), and how it has performed for you (if you could also provide numbers, rather than saying, "It has done well for me" or "It was a big mistake", that would be more useful).

Why would anybody get an expensive/over priced/under performing annuity? This is a terrible way to put your money. Even if you don’t know finance/the stock market, find a good broker (hard to find and I don’t use 1) or a friend that knows his stuff and invest your money that way.
In todays environment, I would invest in money market funds that pay 4% with low low fees and with really no risk. Then when things get back to normal, move this money to some good index funds and you will be better off than an annuity