Choosing an annuity is an important decision because it determines your financial future. All of your life you work for your income and suddenly the ability to choose what you earn is taken out of your hands. However, you still have control of what kind of annuity you decide to have. This is an important decision and you should use the open market option (the right to shop around) to make sure that you make the very best decision for you and your money.
Viewing annuity quotes online can be very beneficial as you can get a greater outlook over what the market currently can offer you. The online tools allow you to type in your details and figure out how much a few extra years of work would impact your retirement plans and the amount of income you could receive through your annuity.
By searching for annuity quotes online you might realise that you are eligible for an enhanced annuity rate which your current pension provider did not make you aware of. You can receive an enhanced rate if you have a medical condition, employment history or other reason why your life expectancy might be shorter than the average person of your age. You can even get smoker annuity rates that are higher than the normal rates.
This allows the pension company to calculate an annuity which they estimate they do not have to pay out for you for as long as the average person. One example is if you live in a poorer area than the national average where life expectancy is lower.
Using the internet not only allows you to access more information on annuities but it also helps you to realise what other companies can offer you. Annuity contracts can be different and different providers, especially independent or specialist providers, may be able to offer you a different type of contract to the average high street provider. For example, joint annuities have become popular lately as it allows partners to be included in the annuity. This offers peace of mind to many couples who want the other to be cared for when they die.
One pension company said, “We like to encourage our customers to use the open market to find competitive deals. This allows them to really become well informed on what the market can offer and gives them the security they need that their money is going into the right place.”
Want to use a free online annuity calculator? Visit http://sigmaannuities.co.uk for all your annuity needs. They are chartered financial planners and can offer you independent pension and retirement advice.