Life expectancies are longer than ever. According to Medical News Today, the average life expectancy in the United States is 77.6 years old; however, many people retiring now or in the next few years will enjoy a life expectancy well into their 80s or even 90s. While many people look forward to this happier, more relaxed time of their life, others worry about funding a longer retirement period than they expected. Retirees and near-retirees can put their worries to rest by purchasing an immediate annuity.

An immediate annuity offers peace of mind by guaranteeing income. Consumers can choose to purchase a lifetime annuity, which results in monthly income for life, no matter how long that life is. Also available is a period certain annuity, which continues payments to your heirs for a certain period even after you are gone.

Married couples who want to ensure that their surviving spouse is provided for can opt for a joint and survivor option on an immediate annuity. The annuity is based on both lives and the surviving spouse continues receiving annuity payments, even after the death of the first spouse. You can also choose to add a cash refund provision to an immediate annuity. The balance of your annuity is paid to your beneficiaries as a monthly payment once you are gone. The monthly payments go directly to your heirs, bypassing probate.

Individuals can also choose to earn more on their deposit accounts by purchasing a deferred annuity. With a deferred annuity, you purchase a policy with a guaranteed rate of return for a set number of years; for example, a policy that comes with a 5.00% interest rate for 10 years. After the 10 year surrender term, you can choose to start receiving payments or roll over the annuity into another product.

Those interested in learning more about ensuring income for life with an immediate annuity should visit http://www.buyannuitiesonline.com/immediate_annuities.htm or call the BuyAnnuitiesOnline.com Specialists at 1-800-994-3023.