Annuity glossary
Benefit Base
A bookkeeping value used only to calculate income payments under an annuity rider. It is not money you can withdraw, surrender, or leave to heirs; the real cash is the account value. Bonuses and roll-ups often inflate the benefit base, so always compare it against what the contract is actually worth in dollars. The contract explains the payment calculation, timing, charges, limits, and survivor choices that apply.
Any guarantee is backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurer.
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Educational film
See the retirement tradeoffs in context.
The Descent is a short educational film about income, taxes, and uncertainty after work. Watch it to build context before considering any insurance product.
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