![A young woman sits on the floor, holding a mug and a pen, looking at her laptop on the floor.](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2025/01/24113629/5-questions-you-need-to-ask-before-buying-an-annuity.jpg?auto=webp&&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=300)
5 questions you need to ask before buying an annuity
Annuities are complex. That’s why it’s important to ask the right questions.
Financial education is a priceless asset that pays lifelong dividends.
— Rachel Christian
Bankrate writer Rachel Christian covers investing and wealth management. Her work has been featured in publications across the country, including Business Insider, the Tampa Bay Times, Evansville Business and the Orlando Business Journal.
Christian is passionate about making personal finance accessible for everyone by providing clear, accurate information that breaks down complex topics for readers.
She’s a long-time journalist with a history of reporting on business and personal finance. During her career, she’s written extensively about investing, retirement, Social Security and Medicare.
Financial education is a priceless asset that pays lifelong dividends.
— Rachel Christian
Annuities are complex. That’s why it’s important to ask the right questions.
It’s not about doing everything at once — it’s about knowing what to prioritize and when.
The annuity payout you choose can impact the size of your monthly payments for life.
Learn how industry trends impact your annuity options in 2025.
Simple annuities with a set term are one way to bridge the gap to Social Security.
These trends are hot and investors should take notice.
If you don’t consult with professionals, you risk making costly mistakes with your lottery winnings.
A financial advisor will help you navigate the complexities of personal finance.