Nelson J. Rodriguez, MBA
By Nelson J. Rodriguez, MBA
You can’t turn on the news today without hearing fresh reminders of the turmoil in the markets and the broader economy. In this uncertain climate, many people are anxious to try to find a safe place for their savings.
Two popular options are certificates of deposit (CDs) and fixed deferred annuities. (Issued by New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation.) Both are considered low-risk vehicles for building wealth; yet they differ in important ways. Which choice is better? The answer depends on your goals and priorities. The following information will help you determine which of these two products is best suited for your needs at this time.
• Safety of Principal: Both CDs and fixed deferred annuities are considered low–risk investments. CDs are generally issued by banks and, in most cases, are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for up to $250,000 per depositor (FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor per insured depository institution.). Should the bank fail, the FDIC guarantees CDs up to this amount.
Fixed deferred annuities are issued by insurance companies and are not insured by the U.S. government. They are backed by the financial strength of the issuing insurance company, regardless of the amount. Therefore, before purchasing an annuity, you should make sure the issuing insurance company is financially sound.
You can determine financial strength by requesting the findings of independent rating companies such as Moody’s, A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch. These companies evaluate the financial strength of insurance companies and publish ratings that give their assessments of each company.
• Short Term vs. Long: If you’re saving toward a specific near-term objective — say, a down payment on a car or home — a CD may be the way to go. CDs offer a guaranteed (CDs are FDIC insured. Fixed annuity guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.) interest rate over a maturity period that could range from a month to few years.
Fixed deferred annuities, by contrast, are generally designed for accumulating or protecting retirement savings. They can even be used to provide a legacy for your heirs.
• Distribution Options at Maturity: When a CD reaches its maturit, you can take the CD’s lump sum value in cash, renew the CD for the same or different maturity period or examine other investment alternatives (such as a deferred fixed annuity).
In a fixed deferred annuity, you may elect to withdraw your money in a lump sum (surrender charges, taxes and IRS penalties may apply. Please consult your tax advisor before making any decisions) or you may want to select a lifetime income option, which provides you with a flow of income that you cannot outlive. (CDs are FDIC insured. Fixed annuity guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.) You could also elect to let your funds continue to accumulate until a need arises.
• Taxes: Federal law treats these two savings options quite differently. If taxes are a concern, a fixed deferred annuity may be the more attractive choice, if you plan on owning the product for a long period of time. CD earnings are taxable the year the interest is earned, even if you don’t withdraw the money at that time. In contrast, earnings from fixed deferred annuities are not taxed until they’re withdrawn, giving you some control over when and how much tax you’ll pay. For specific tax advice, consult your tax professional or advisor.
This educational third-party article is being provided as a courtesy by Nelson J. Rodriguez, MBA. For additional information on the topic(s) discussed, please contact him at (860) 298-1053. Neither New York Life, nor its agents, provides tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal or accounting professional before making any decisions.
