Annuities are an interesting instrument in financial services. They're both simple and complicated, and that combination often means they're frequently misunderstood.

To kick off Season 17 of Financial Decoder, Mark is joined again by guest Rob Williams, who heads the Financial Planning, Retirement Income, and Wealth Management team at the Schwab Center for Financial Research.

In their discussion, they break down the basic functions of annuities, some problems they attempt to solve, and the role they might play in an investor's retirement-planning strategy. 

Follow Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. 

If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

Important Disclosures

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. 

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. 

Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The information and content provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.

Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.

The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., a licensed insurance agency, distributes certain insurance and annuity contracts issued by non-affiliated insurance companies. Not all products are available in all states.

(0624-9440)