Does Suze Orman like annuities?

Asked by: Dr. Santino Conroy  |  Last update: November 15, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (22 votes)

You can choose where to invest your money: stocks, bonds, or another account. Orman strongly advised against variable annuities because they often come with high fees, complex structures, and tax inefficiencies, which can significantly drain your retirement savings.

Which annuity does Suze Orman recommend?

Suze Orman has been singing the praises of indexed annuities as a way to shield your retirement nest egg from market volatility for some time.

Why don't financial advisors like annuities?

Annuities get a bad rap on the internet because variable annuities uses to have very high fees with little reward. They've since passed regulations that have forced much better products. Fixed annuities also continue to get a bad rap because they can be sold without a securities license.

What investments does Suze Orman recommend?

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Apart from index funds, Orman prefers ETFs over mutual funds. She finds ETFs more advantageous because they trade like stocks, which you can buy and sell at any point during the trading day. Mutual funds, however, tend to settle at the end of the trading day.

What is the biggest disadvantage of an annuity?

Annuities tie money up in a long-term investment plan that has poor liquidity and does not allow you to take advantage of better investment opportunities if interest rates increase or if the markets are on the rise. The opportunity cost of putting most of a retirement nest egg into an annuity is just too great.

Ask Suze: What's wrong with annuities?

40 related questions found

Why retirees don t like annuities?

Insurance agents and financial advisors have been investing their clients' retirement money in annuities for decades. This practice has its detractors, with the criticism usually focusing on the high commissions paid to annuity salespeople and stiff fees charged to annuity owners year after year.

How much does a $100,000 annuity pay per month?

Here's a look at how much cash you can expect each month from a $100,000 annuity: Immediate Income Annuity: For someone 65, you might get around $614 each month with an immediate income annuity. If you're a 65-year-old woman opting for a lifetime annuity, it might be closer to $608 a month.

What 4 investments does Dave Ramsey recommend?

A diversified portfolio typically includes a mix of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, balancing growth and stability. Ramsey often recommends allocating investments into four types of mutual funds: growth, growth and income, aggressive growth, and international funds.

What are the four documents Suze Orman says you must have?

ALL 4 MUST HAVE DOCS:
  • Will.
  • Revocable Trust.
  • Financial Power of Attorney.
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare.

What does Suze Orman recommend for retirement?

As reported in the article “Are You On Track for Retirement?” she advocates having at least one times your current income saved by 30. She also says you should have three times your current income by the age of 40 and six times by the age of 50.

Who should not buy an annuity?

So, if you have experience and success managing your funds on your own and can convert your assets into an income, there is no reason to buy an annuity. 2. Don't buy an annuity if you're sure you have enough money to meet your income needs during retirement (no matter how long you may live).

How much do advisors make selling annuities?

Because annuities are sold by insurance companies, they come with commissions charged by the broker when they sell you the contract. Annuity commissions range from 1 percent to 8 percent of the total value, though you pay as high as 10 percent or as low as 0 percent if you buy a commission-free annuity.

What is a better investment than an annuity?

Annuities have longer durations, but bonds can be reinvested as they mature, so both financial products can be used for the long-term. In general, bonds pay a higher yield than annuities—but not always.

Does Warren Buffett believe in annuities?

If you think of an annuity as insurance against running through your money too soon, then you don't need that insurance if your nest egg is so big that your chances of depleting it in your lifetime are slim to none. Warren Buffett will get along fine without an annuity.

What does AARP say about annuities?

Annuities are a great tool to minimize the risk of outliving your money.”

What is the safest annuity to buy?

Income annuities and fixed annuities are among the safest financial solutions available.

What kind of trust does Suze Orman recommend?

Suze Orman, the popular financial guru, goes so far as to say that “everyone” needs a revocable living trust.

What is the downside of a revocable trust?

The Disadvantage of a Revocable Living Trust

Because you have control of everything in your trust and have access to the assets, you can still be sued for liability. Expansive: Creating a revocable living trust can be more expensive than a simple will due to legal fees and document preparation.

What does Suze Orman say about social security?

Orman noted in a LinkedIn post that after 2034, Social Security benefits will not pay out 100% anymore, but payments will not stop completely. This is good to remember when retirement planning, as even though it may not be the full amount, it will still help subsidize some of your expenses.

What is the best investment according to Warren Buffett?

Index funds are best for most people

Despite making his fortune as an active investor, Buffett acknowledges that most people will get better results by investing in a broadly diversified low-cost index fund.

What does Ramsey say about annuities?

Does Dave Ramsey think it a Great Option to opt for Annuities? Dave Ramsey believes that annuities don't make sense, and should not be the preferred option for most people. He further explained that although the guarantee of a stable income is a mouthwatering offer, 401(k) and mutual funds are better options.

What is Dave Ramsey's favorite mutual fund?

I put my personal 401(k) and a lot of my mutual fund investing in four types of mutual funds: growth, growth and income, aggressive growth, and international. I personally spread mine in 25% of those four.

Should a 70 year old buy an annuity?

Most financial advisors will tell you that the best age for starting an income annuity is between 70 and 75, which allows for the maximum payout. However, only you can decide when it's time for a guaranteed stream of income.

How much will a $300,000 annuity pay per month?

With a $300,000 fixed immediate annuity, a 65-year-old man could receive around $1,450 to $1,950 per month for life, while a 65-year-old woman may get $1,800 to $2,200 per month. These payments are guaranteed for as long as the annuitant lives.

Do you pay taxes on an annuity?

Key Takeaways. Annuities offer tax-deferred growth, but taxes are eventually owed on withdrawals. Qualified annuities (pre-tax funds) are fully taxable upon withdrawal. Nonqualified annuities (after-tax funds) involve taxing earnings before original contributions.