Annuities - so important to 'shop around'

It is VITAL to pick the best annuity rate to make certain that you get the best income possible in retirement. There can be significant differences between the best and worst annuities. An independent financial adviser with the aid of sourcing tools can make certain that you get the best annuity quotes from the full range of open market options.

You also need to decide if you want a joint annuity / a single annuity / an escalating or level annuity / a guaranteed annuity – this can be a minefield and is such an important decision – under present legislation once you make this important decision it is DONE, no chance to change your mind!  

It's important that you look at the whole of the market and have a totally independent adviser; please visit our website and we assure you we research the whole market and do our utmost to work for YOU and your family with your best interests at the heart of our research.

Can you and / or your spouse answer "Yes" to any of the following questions? If so you may qualify for an enhanced annuity rate. 

• Have you used any tobacco products for more than 5 years and smoke on average 10 or more cigarettes a day?
• Do you currently take any medication?
• Have you ever been admitted to hospital with a medical condition?

Enhanced annuities are offered by a number of specialist providers, and whilst not guaranteed, this type of annuity can provide an increase in income for those with even mild health problems, health related conditions, and smokers.

Your postcode will also be taken into consideration. In many cases an increase of up to 40% more than a standard annuity can be obtained. For those with more serious health problems an increase of up to 60% on a standard annuity could be sourced. 

You are entitled to search for an Open Market Option – don’t miss out or act without taking advice!  Don’t accept the quotation from your present insurer without asking us to research first!   

It is popular belief that you have to buy an annuity from the company that holds your pension monies.

Fortunately this is not the case, and you have the right to research the market place. Visit our website www.albanyfinancial.co.uk for no obligation assistance with finding the best possible annuity rates when you retire - this is called an Open Market Option (OMO). For a number of reasons, and according to figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), more than 60% of people who purchased an annuity during 2007 did not take the open market option and may have missed out on valuable income in retirement. 

Don’t let this happen to you!