How can we realize the value that annuities offer in a 401(k) world?

Abstract

The brief's key findings are: (1) A growing number of people are entering retirement with more 401(k) savings and less annuity income from Social Security and traditional pensions. (2) Annuities assure a lifelong income stream and – compared to other draw-down options – can provide attractive payouts, which can help cover late-life health costs. (3) But few individuals buy annuities, partly due to behavioral barriers such as the complexity of valuing the product and the way that draw-down options are framed. (4) Options for overcoming these barriers include: (a) educating individuals to focus more on the income they can draw from their nest egg, rather than its size; and (b) automatically putting a portion of 401(k) assets in an annuity, perhaps an Advanced Life Deferred Annuity that kicks in later in retirement.