Are you part of the many Americans that have financial concerns when it comes to retirement? 

According to a study by Kelton Research, 42 percent of individuals expressed fears related to retirement income of either running out of money prematurely, or having to downgrade their desired lifestyle. These results indicate the need for Americans to structure their retirement plans differently than they might have in the past. When used as part of a balanced reitrement plan, fixed annuities offer the flexibitlity to combine lifetime payments with a wide range of insurance benefits.

Having a fixed annuity as part of an individual retirement plan can help you ensure you will have have enough income to cover your basic expected retirement expenses. This may go a long way to help you overcome your fears. It is essential to look to see how a fixed annuity plan fits in your portfolio and your investment objectives.

Fixed annuities are long-term investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Gains from tax-deferred investments are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Guarantees are based on claims paying abaility of the issuing company.

Withdrawals made prior to age 50 1/2 are subject to a 10 percent IRA penalty and surrender charges may apply. You can take money from an old retirement plan or money in an investment account and move the money to an annuity. The annuity can be set up to give you an income stream for the rest of your life.

This is a way you can work toward having your basic living expenses met every month so that you can help reduce your fear of retirement.