Ken Fisher vs Annuities: Should You Hate Them Too?

By Brent Meyer — SafeMoney.com Founder & Editor Reviewed by Licensed Financial Professionals  |  SafeMoney.com — Trusted Since 2011  |  Updated Regularly Quick Answer: Ken Fisher built a business bashing annuities. But are all annuities bad? Learn what types Fisher ignores and why independent advisors recommend them. Related Articles Qualified Annuities Vs Non Qualified Annuities What S... Should You Put Your Retirement Savings Into Annuities Ken Fisher Hates Annuities Does He History Of Annuities | Annuity Guide Key Takeaways Ken Fisher's criticism of annuities overlooks valuable options that can provide guaranteed income. Not all annuities are created equal; some offer significant benefits for retirees. Consider using retirement calculators to evaluate your income needs. Independent advisors often recommend fixed annuities for their stability and predictability. Consult a SafeMoney certified advisor to explore suitable annuity options. Quick Answer Ken Fisher is known for his critical stance on annuities, yet his firm offers an annuity buyout program. While Fisher highlights certain drawbacks, not all annuities are the same, and many offer valuable benefits for retirement planning. SafeMoney Editorial Team  |  Reviewed by Licensed Financial Professionals  |  Updated Regularly Understanding Ken Fisher's Stance on Annuities Ken Fisher, Chairman of Fisher Investments, is widely recognized for his outspoken criticism of annuities. His 'I Hate Annuities' campaigns have become a hallmark of his marketing strategy, often emphasizing the fees and perceived complexity of these financial products. Despite this, Fisher Investments offers an annuity buyout program, which some view as a contradiction. Exploring the Variety of Annuities Contrary to the negative portrayal in some of Fisher's campaigns, annuities are not a monolithic product. They come in various forms, each serving different financial purposes. Fixed annuities, for instance, provide a guaranteed interest rate, often surpassing that of CDs. Fixed index annuities offer growth potential linked to market indices, while immediate annuities provide instant income. Benefits of Fixed Annuities Fixed annuities are designed to offer stability and predictability. They provide a guaranteed interest rate, which can be particularly appealing in uncertain economic climates. This makes them a popular choice for retirees seeking a reliable income stream. Type of Annuity Featu