0:00 Are Annuity Death Benefits Worth it?

00:28 Annuity death benefits, including bonuses and enhancements, are a hot topic in the annuity world, sparking questions about their actual value and significance.

01:23 ️ Passing assets to beneficiaries is a key aspect of retirement legacy planning, with annuities offering advantages like avoiding probate for non-qualified funds.

02:45 Enhanced death benefits, often found in fixed index annuities, are designed to boost the value of the annuity and require a strategic approach aligned with specific goals.

05:03 Using an annuity for enhanced death benefits may not be optimal if the primary focus is on accessing funds or taking income, as these objectives can conflict and diminish the benefit.

07:35 There are numerous annuity products with death benefit enhancements on the market, offering various options and complexities that require careful consideration.

09:08 ⏳ The value of a death benefit diminishes over time, making immediate benefits more advantageous, especially for individuals in poor health or with shorter life expectancies.

11:43 Enhanced death benefits on annuities may appear lucrative but can be substantially reduced in value, especially when considering factors like discount rates and tax implications.