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Did You Know?

That, as of the first quarter 2011, the combined net assets of U.S. variable annuities were valued at nearly $1.6 trillion, an 11% increase from first quarter 2010 and the highest level ever recorded?
In 2010 fixed annuity assets were valued at $659 billion a 6% increase from 2009?
That in 2010, the total average expense difference between variable annuities and mutual funds was 1.01%?
In 2011, the contribution limits range from $5,000-$6,000 for an IRA, $16,500-$22,000 for a 401(k) and $200,000 plus for a non-qualified annuity?
That the average number of funds per variable annuity contract was 50 in 2010, of which 47% of assets were invested in equities, 11% in bonds, and 20% in fixed-rate accounts?
That the guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit was offered on 79% of variable annuities in 2011 and was elected by 65% of contract holders?
Boomers who own annuities have a higher confidence in retirement expectations, with 92% believing they are doing a good job in preparing for retirement?

Consumers

Tools to Assist in Your Investment Decisions

Why is President Obama Promoting Annuities?

01.26.2010

Because Guarantees of Lifetime Retirement Income Help Provide Retirees Dependable, Trusted Sources of Retirement Income

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Yesterday, President Obama announced that he would be promoting annuities in 2010, and he will most likely mention them in tomorrow's State of the Union address to Congress. Why is the president promoting annuities? See below for the Insured Retirement Institute's (IRI) Top Five Reasons the President is Promoting Annuities:

1. Guaranteed payments: throughout the recent crisis, not one annuity provider ever missed a payment - not even one;
2. Unparalleled consumer protections: provides insurance benefits and peace of mind no other product can;
3. Resilience: the overall value of annuities have already regained pre-crisis levels while payments never decreased;
4. Save now, pay later: allows tax-deferred savings until you withdrawal the money;
5. Possibilities without pitfalls: provides risk-adverse consumers the opportunity to re-enter the market but with guarantees.

"This president knows that Social Security alone, especially in its ever-diminishing state, will not be enough for Baby Boomers when they retire," said Cathy Weatherford, President and CEO of IRI. "The security and value of guaranteed income through insured retirement strategies has never been more apparent following the recent economic crisis. These strategies help investors achieve a financially secure retirement. IRI and our members are ready to assist the administration and Congress to help spotlight the vital role annuities can play in ensuring all Americans have a comprehensive retirement plan to guarantee income for their golden years."

Additional retirement planning resources can be found online at www.IRIonline.org

About the Insured Retirement Institute: The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) is a not-for-profit organization and is the authoritative source of all things pertaining to annuities, insured retirement strategies and retirement planning. IRI exists to vigorously promote consumer confidence in the value and viability of insured retirement strategies, bringing together the interests of the industry, financial advisors and consumers under one umbrella. IRI's mission is to: encourage industry adherence to highest ethical principles; promote better understanding of the insured retirement value proposition; develop and promote best practice standards to improve value delivery; and to advocate before public policy makers on critical issues affecting insured retirement strategies. Visit www.IRIonline.org to experience the new, vast resources of the new Insured Retirement Institute for yourself.

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