Turn a nest egg into a paycheck.
Enter your balance, the return you expect, and how long you want the money to last. See exactly how much it pays each period, how the balance draws down year by year, and how that compares to living on interest alone.
Your money
What this payout really means
How the balance draws down
Where each payout comes from
Principal returned vs interest earned, over the full period
Income scorecard
Year-by-year drawdown
Each year earns interest on the remaining balance, then your payouts are withdrawn. The end balance carries into the next year until it reaches zero.
| Year | Start balance | Interest earned | Paid out | End balance |
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Annuity payouts, explained
What is an Annuity?
An annuity is a financial product that provides a series of regular payments over a specified period or for life. You invest a lump sum with an insurance company or financial institution, and they pay you back in regular installments. Annuities are commonly used to create guaranteed income in retirement.
How Annuity Payments are Calculated
Monthly annuity payments are calculated using the present value of an annuity formula: Payment = PV × [r / (1 - (1 + r)^-n)], where PV is the lump sum, r is the monthly interest rate, and n is the total number of payments. The payment includes both return of principal and interest earned on the remaining balance.
Types of Annuities
Fixed annuities guarantee a set interest rate and predictable payments. Variable annuities invest in market-linked funds with potentially higher but uncertain returns. Indexed annuities tie returns to a market index with a guaranteed minimum. Immediate annuities start payments right away, while deferred annuities accumulate before paying out.
Annuities in Retirement Planning
Annuities can provide guaranteed income that you cannot outlive (lifetime annuity), supplement Social Security and pensions, protect against market downturns, and simplify retirement cash flow management. Consider annuitizing 25-50% of retirement savings to cover essential expenses, keeping the rest invested for growth and flexibility.
Common questions
How much income can $500,000 generate?
A $500,000 annuity at 5% interest over 20 years generates approximately $3,300 per month ($39,600/year). Over a longer period of 30 years, the monthly payment drops to about $2,684. Higher interest rates or shorter payout periods increase the monthly payment.
Are annuity payments taxable?
Annuity taxation depends on how the annuity was funded. If purchased with pre-tax money (IRA/401k), the entire payment is taxable as ordinary income. If purchased with after-tax money, only the interest portion is taxable. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
What happens to the annuity when I die?
It depends on the annuity type. A period-certain annuity pays beneficiaries for the remaining period. A life-only annuity stops at death with no beneficiary payout. A joint-and-survivor annuity continues paying a surviving spouse. Some annuities offer death benefit riders for an additional cost.
Should I buy an annuity?
Annuities are best for retirees who want guaranteed income and are willing to trade liquidity for security. They are less suitable for younger investors, those with small savings, or those who need access to their funds. Consider fees, surrender charges, and compare annuity income to the "4% rule" for self-managed withdrawals.
Estimates for planning only. Actual annuity income depends on the product, fees, the insurer, tax treatment and market performance. A fixed-period payout ends when the balance runs out, it is not guaranteed for life. Confirm every figure with your provider before you commit.