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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

Social Security Stability Continues to Erode

03.25.2010

As the Reliability of Future Paychecks Diminishes,

Consumers Urged to Look Toward Other Means of Guaranteed Lifetime Income

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Citing new Congressional Budget Office projections, leading news organizations today are reporting that Social Security payouts this year will exceed revenue for the first time in history - six years earlier than previously projected. In addition, if enhancements are not made to the system, Social Security will become insolvent in 2037, potentially jeopardizing the income stream for millions of retirees.

"Today's news serves as yet another sobering reminder that the once-lauded guarantees of Social Security are on perilous footing," said IRI President and CEO Cathy Weatherford. "For the millions of Americans who rely on Social Security, as well as those who have built their retirement planning strategy around this promised income, the continued erosion of the financial stability of the system shows that that personal responsibility for saving for a secure retirement is now more important than ever. I would urge all Americans nearing and planning for retirement to look for guaranteed retirement income strategies that will indeed stand the test of time."

Consumers looking for retirement planning resources can find information, tips and interactive tools online at 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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Contact:
Danielle Holland
DHolland@irionline.org
202-469-3000

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