Annuity Products and Guaranteed Income | Brighthouse Financial (2024)

What are annuities?

Annuities are a type of financial product with many different options and features. Generally, annuities can help you save for retirement. Certain annuities can offer index-linked growth opportunities as well as some protection against market downturns, and some types of annuities may provide a stream of guaranteed income payments. Guaranteed income payments can be set up to last for either a specific number of years or the rest of your life and can start right away or on a future date.

An annuity is a contract with an insurance company and can generally only be purchased through a financial professional.

What are some common types of annuities?

Finding the right annuity for your financial goals starts by understanding the main types, each of which has specific characteristics and offers some protection, either for the investments or the income being paid. Some common types of annuities include:

  • Index-linked annuities that allow you to participate in growth opportunities up to a certain percentage by tracking the performance of one or more market indices, such as the S&P 500® Index, while offering a level of protection for a portion of your portfolio.A
  • Variable annuities that provide investment options you may choose from to potentially grow your retirement savings, depending on market performance. These annuities may also offer other features (typically for an additional fee) that can provide benefits like guaranteed income for life.
  • Fixedindexed annuities thatprovide principal protection in down markets while offering the opportunity for growth by tracking the performance of market indices.
  • Income annuities thatprovide an immediate or future guaranteed stream of income payments.
  • Fixed annuities thatprovide growth at a guaranteed interest rate with no risk of market loss.

Why should I consider an annuity?

Annuities can help address common concerns that today’s retirees face, such as:

  • Living longer: “Will I run out of money?”

    Some annuitiesmay provide guaranteed income that you can’t outlive.

  • Unpredictable markets: “What will happen to my savings if there’s market volatility?”

    Certain types of annuities can offer a level of protection for a portion of your portfolio.

  • Changes to traditional retirement income planning:“Without a pension, how else can I create a steady stream of income?”

    Some annuities canhelp supplement other income sourcessuch as Social Security to help cover everyday expenses in retirement.

  • Rising health care expenses: “Do I have enough to cover the cost of care for myself and my family?”

    While your specific health care costs may be unpredictable, certain annuities can provide monthly income payments that may help with expenses not otherwise covered by insurance and Medicare.

Brighthouse Financial Annuity Products

Brighthouse Financial can help you meet your financial needs through a variety of annuities, including:

INDEX-LINKED ANNUITY

Brighthouse Shield® Level Annuities

A Shield Level annuity uses a portion of your retirement assets to participate in market growth opportunities with a level of downside protection other investment products may not provide – all with no annual fees.2

Learn More About Shield Level Annuities

INDEX-LINKED ANNUITY WITH INCOME RIDER

Brighthouse Shield Level Pay Plus® Annuities

Shield Level Pay Plus annuities are index-linked annuities that provide market growth opportunities coupled with a level of downside protection and, when you’re ready, guaranteed income that lasts for life.3

Learn More About Shield Level Pay Plus Annuities

VARIABLE ANNUITY

Variable Annuities with FlexChoice Access

A variable annuity with the optional FlexChoice Access living benefit rider can help you turn a portion of your retirement savings into guaranteed income for life.3

Learn More About FlexChoice Access

FIXED INDEXED ANNUITY

Brighthouse SecureKeySM Fixed Indexed Annuities

This annuity suite offers 100% protection4 for your purchase payment against market downturns while providing a pathway to grow your money.

Learn More About SecureKey

How to Buy a Brighthouse Financial Annuity

Annuity products from Brighthouse Financial can only be purchased through a financial professional. Some questions that can help you begin a conversation with your financial professional are:

  1. Do I have a diverse balance of income sources that’s right for the retirement I want?

  2. Will my essential expenses be covered with my current income sources, or could there be a gap I need to address?

  3. If an annuity is recommended for me, which type would complement my portfolio?

Don’t have a financial professional?

Access our resources on working with a financial professional

Annuity Products and Guaranteed Income | Brighthouse Financial (1)

Brighthouse Financialis on a mission to help people achieve financial security.

Trusted by over 2 million customers and with over 2 million annuity contracts and life insurance policies in force,5 Brighthouse Financial® is proud to be a Fortune® 500 company6 and one of the largest providers of annuities and life insurance in the U.S.7

See Our Story

A The S&P 500® is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates (“SPDJI”) and has been licensed for use by Brighthouse Financial, Inc. S&P®, S&P 500®, US 500, The 500, iBoxx®, iTraxx® and CDX® are trademarks of S&P Global, Inc. or its affiliates (“S&P”); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”); and these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Brighthouse Financial products are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, or their respective affiliates; and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such products, nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the S&P 500®.

1 National Retirement Security Month Fact Sheet, 2021. Secure Retirement Institute, October 2021.

2 Withdrawals may be subject to withdrawal charges.

3 Guaranteed lifetime income depends upon staying within the parameters of the applicable rider.

4 The purchase payment will be reduced by withdrawals, which may be subject to withdrawal charges and a Market Value Adjustment if applicable. All guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability and financial strength of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company.

5 Data as of September 30, 2022.

6 From FORTUNE © 2023 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. FORTUNE and FORTUNE 500 are registered trademarks of Fortune Media IP Limited and are used under license. FORTUNE and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse the products or services of, Brighthouse Financial.

7 Ranked by 2022 admitted assets. Best’s Review®: Top 200 U.S. Life/Health Insurers. AM Best, 2023.

This material is for general informational purposes only, does not purport to be complete or cover every situation, and should not be construed as legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice. It is not, and should not be regarded as, investment advice or as a recommendation regarding a course of action. Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries did not consider any individual’s circ*mstances in preparing this information. Clients should seek advice from their tax, legal, and accounting professionals in addition to consulting with a financial professional.

Annuity Products and Guaranteed Income | Brighthouse Financial (2024)

FAQs

What are annuities with guaranteed income? ›

Guaranteed income annuities can provide lifetime cash flow in retirement that covers essential and other expenses and isn't vulnerable to market ups and downs. life or for a set period of time for you or for you and your spouse. Optional features allow you to choose what works for you.

What financial products are guaranteed income? ›

Other than Social Security and pensions, annuities are one of the only types of financial products that can provide guaranteed lifetime income payments.

What are annuity products? ›

An annuity is a contract between a purchaser and an insurance company in which the purchaser agrees to make a lump sum payment or series of payments in return for regular disbursem*nts, beginning either immediately (within 12 months) or at some future date.

Should I sell my Brighthouse Financial stock or sell? ›

What do analysts say about Brighthouse Financial? Brighthouse Financial's analyst rating consensus is a Moderate Sell. This is based on the ratings of 7 Wall Streets Analysts.

How much does a $50,000 annuity pay per month? ›

Payments You Might Receive From a $50,000 Annuity

If you use $50,000 to buy a fixed annuity paying 5% per year, for example, you'll earn $2,500 annually or about $208.33 per month. Deferred annuities, on the other hand, can be more complicated to estimate payments for because there are so many variables.

Are guaranteed income annuities a good idea? ›

Annuities can be a bad choice for some people—they have higher fees and less flexibility than some savings options. And depending on the type you choose, your heirs may get nothing after you die even if far less was paid out than you had contributed. but for others they are a great option to help save for retirement.

Is it good to invest in a guaranteed income plan? ›

Advantages of Guaranteed Income Plan

One of the several advantages of guaranteed income plans is that they provide a dependable source of income upon retirement, acting as a kind of financial cushion.

What are the pros of guaranteed income? ›

  • Pro 1. Universal Basic Income (UBI) reduces poverty and income inequality, and improves physical and mental health. ...
  • Pro 2. UBI leads to positive job growth and a better educated citizenry. ...
  • Pro 3. UBI reduces gender inequality.

How does a guaranteed income fund work? ›

Guaranteed investment income is sold by insurance companies as an investment vehicle. There are many types of guaranteed investment income funds. Guaranteed investment funds promise that all or part of the invested capital will be secure at a specific, designated time.

Who should not buy an annuity? ›

So, if you have experience and success managing your funds on your own and can convert your assets into an income, there is no reason to buy an annuity. 2. Don't buy an annuity if you're sure you have enough money to meet your income needs during retirement (no matter how long you may live).

How much does a $100,000 annuity pay per month? ›

A $100,000 immediate income annuity purchased at age 65 could provide around $614 per month. With a 5% interest rate and a 10-year payout period, the same annuity might pay approximately $1,055 monthly. At age 70, a similar annuity could offer a lifetime payout of around $613 per month.

What are the disadvantages of annuities? ›

Annuities can lose value, especially variable annuities, where returns are tied to investment performance, so poor-performing investments can lead to a lower account value. Indexed annuities may return less than expected due to costs like caps and fees.

How safe is Brighthouse Financial? ›

S&P Global6 assigned an A+ insurer financial strength rating (5th highest of 22 ratings) to the operating companies of Brighthouse Financial.

How strong is Brighthouse Financial? ›

Moody's stated that its ratings are based on our strong asset quality and capitalization. S&P7 assigned an A+ rating to the insurance subsidiaries of Brighthouse Financial. The rating reflects our strong business profile and competitive position, very strong capitalization, and exceptional liquidity position.

What is the difference between MetLife and Brighthouse Financial? ›

Why does MetLife no longer sell individual life insurance or annuities through in-person agents? We have separated part of our U.S. business from MetLife to become its own company, called Brighthouse Financial, Inc. As a separate company, Brighthouse Financial focuses on retail products for consumers.

What are the pros and cons of a guaranteed income annuity? ›

Annuities can provide a reliable income stream in retirement, but if you die too soon, you may not get your money's worth. Annuities often have high fees compared to mutual funds and other investments. You can customize an annuity to fit your needs, but you'll usually have to pay more or accept a lower monthly income.

What is the downside to fixed income annuities? ›

1) Limited Returns & Teaser Rates

This means that they'll guarantee an attract return for a short period of time, but then reduce it after a few years. From that point on, you'd be stuck with the same low return unless you backed out of the policy. In any event, fixed annuities are not a vehicle for growth.

How much does a $250000 annuity pay per month? ›

Estimated Monthly Payments from a $250,000 Annuity

At age 65, monthly payments range from $1,387 for a single life with cash refund to $1,465 for a single life-only option.

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