AnnuitiesHome / Answers / Annuities

Fixed annuity vs variable annuity: which is better?

Quick answer

For most retirees prioritizing income certainty, fixed annuities are the better choice. They guarantee a specific interest rate and protect your principal. Variable annuities offer market-linked growth potential but come with higher fees, more complexity, and the risk of losing value, which is harder to recover from in retirement.

Want the specific answer for your situation?Free 30-minute consultation and we’ll model it with your real numbers, no obligation, no sales pitch.
Free 30-minute consultation
Adirondack chairs facing a sunset over the lake with an annuities planning book, the annuity income-floor planning we do for Northern Suburbs retirees
When an annuity actually fits

A floor, not a fortress.

Used right, an annuity is the income floor your retirement budget rests on. Used wrong, it's a high-fee box your money is locked inside. We model both before recommending either.

Explore Annuities

Run the numbers · Free tool

Annuity Tax Efficiency Analyzer

Compare the after-tax outcome of qualified vs. non-qualified annuity income.

For educational purposes only, not financial advice. Run scenarios, then book a call to discuss your specific situation.

Your question,
answered.

Ask us directly. We reply personally, usually within one business day.