In today’s economic landscape, retirees and those planning for retirement are increasingly concerned about the impact of inflation on their savings and income. With the Consumer Price Index showing a 2.4% increase year-over-year in 2024, many are seeking ways to protect their purchasing power in retirement.
One financial product that often comes up in discussions about retirement income is the annuity, particularly the MYGA annuity. But do annuities, including MYGAs, actually grow with inflation? Let’s explore this question in depth.
Understanding Annuities and Inflation
Annuities are financial products designed to provide a steady stream of income, typically during retirement. They come in various forms, each with its own features and benefits. However, when it comes to keeping pace with inflation, not all annuities are created equal.
Fixed Annuities and Inflation
Fixed annuities, including MYGAs, offer a guaranteed rate of return for a specific period. While this provides certainty and stability, it also means that the payments remain constant over time. In an inflationary environment, this can lead to a decrease in purchasing power as the cost of goods and services rises.
Variable Annuities and Inflation
Variable annuities, which are tied to investment performance, have the potential to grow over time. This growth could potentially outpace inflation, but it also comes with market risk. The value of a variable annuity can fluctuate based on the performance of the underlying investments, which means there’s no guarantee that it will keep up with or exceed the rate of inflation.
Indexed Annuities and Inflation
Indexed annuities offer a middle ground between fixed and variable annuities. They provide a guaranteed minimum return while also offering the potential for higher returns based on the performance of a market index. While this structure may provide some hedge against inflation, it’s important to note that there are often caps on the potential gains, which could limit the annuity’s ability to fully keep pace with inflation.
The Role of MYGAs in Inflation Protection
Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) are a type of fixed annuity that guarantees a specific interest rate for a set period, typically ranging from 3 to 10 years. While MYGAs offer stability and predictable growth, they are not specifically designed to adjust for inflation.
Advantages of MYGAs in an Inflationary Environment
Despite not being explicitly inflation-adjusted, MYGAs can still play a role in protecting against inflation in certain ways. For instance, during periods of rising interest rates (which often coincide with higher inflation), MYGAs may offer higher guaranteed rates than other fixed-income investments like CDs or bonds.
MYGA Laddering Strategy
One strategy that some investors use to address inflation concerns with MYGAs is laddering. This involves purchasing multiple MYGAs with different maturity dates. As each MYGA matures, the investor can reinvest in a new MYGA at the current market rates, potentially taking advantage of higher interest rates if inflation has pushed them up.
Inflation-Adjusted Annuities
While traditional annuities, including MYGAs, don’t automatically adjust for inflation, there are specific types of annuities designed to address this concern.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Riders
Some annuity providers offer Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) riders that can be added to an annuity contract. These riders increase the annuity payments by a fixed percentage each year or tie the increases to changes in the Consumer Price Index. While this can help protect against inflation, it’s important to note that adding a COLA rider typically results in lower initial payments.
Real Annuities
Real annuities, also known as inflation-indexed annuities, are specifically designed to keep pace with inflation. These annuities adjust the payments based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. However, they are less common and often come with lower initial payments compared to traditional fixed annuities.
Considerations When Choosing an Annuity for Inflation Protection
When evaluating annuities as a tool for inflation protection, there are several factors to consider:
Initial Payout Rates
Annuities with inflation protection features often start with lower initial payout rates compared to fixed annuities. This means you may receive less income in the early years of the annuity, with the expectation that the payments will increase over time to keep pace with inflation.
Costs and Fees
Inflation protection features, such as COLA riders, typically come at an additional cost. It’s important to weigh these costs against the potential benefits and consider how they might impact your overall retirement income strategy.
Personal Inflation Rate
While general inflation measures like the Consumer Price Index are useful benchmarks, your personal inflation rate may differ based on your specific spending habits and lifestyle. Consider how your expenses might change in retirement and whether a one-size-fits-all inflation adjustment is appropriate for your situation.
Flexibility and Liquidity
Some annuities, particularly those with long-term guarantees like MYGAs, may have limited flexibility and liquidity. Consider how much access you might need to your funds and whether the annuity’s terms align with your potential future needs.
Alternative Strategies for Inflation Protection
While annuities can play a role in protecting against inflation, they are not the only option. A comprehensive retirement income strategy might include a mix of:
Diversified Investment Portfolio
A well-diversified portfolio that includes a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets can potentially provide growth that outpaces inflation over the long term.
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)
These government-issued bonds are specifically designed to keep pace with inflation by adjusting their principal value based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.
Real Estate Investments
Real estate can serve as an inflation hedge, as property values and rental income often increase with inflation.
Social Security Strategy
Delaying Social Security benefits can result in higher payments, which are adjusted annually for inflation.
Final Thoughts
While traditional annuities, including MYGAs, do not automatically grow with inflation, they can still play a valuable role in a retirement income strategy. The guaranteed income provided by annuities can offer a stable foundation, allowing retirees to take more risk with other portions of their portfolio in pursuit of growth that outpaces inflation.
Ultimately, the decision to use annuities as part of an inflation protection strategy should be based on a comprehensive analysis of your individual financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. Consulting with a financial advisor can help you determine the most appropriate mix of products and strategies to ensure your retirement income keeps pace with the rising cost of living.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and a well-rounded approach that combines various tools and strategies is often the most effective way to protect your purchasing power throughout retirement.