This is my recent comment on “Investments: Should you convert retirement savings to an annuity?” written by Vince Magee
This is a good general description of most of the issues you need to consider when contemplating an annuity purchase.
The main item is whether the capital you are thinking of investing in the annuity needs to provide a lifetime income.If not,then you just need to take all the usual precautions against the loss of the capital.And remember,you are better off earning a very small return,than risking loss of capital as without capital,you can,t play.
If the capital must supply a lifetime income for and/or your spouse,different thinking is needed.Here you must think about a strong company rather than the higher monthly income you may get for your annuity from a weaker competitor.