There is no single annuity that fits everyone. Choose the one that best reflects your financial goals, your stage in life, your financial means and your comfort with risk. No matter what your financial goals are, however, you can probably find an annuity that suits you. The first question is whether you want a deferred or an immediate annuity.

The equity-indexed annuity falls somewhere between fixed-rate and variable annuities in terms of risk and potential reward. An equity-indexed plan offers the potential for higher returns than a fixed-rate annuity but less risk than a variable product.