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ABCs of Annuities

ABCs OF ANNUITIES

Saving for retirement is more important than ever
Financial experts estimate that you may need up to 80% of your pre-retirement income in retirement. With longer life expectancies and uncertainty over how much Social Security will provide or cover, your employer-sponsored plans (like 401(k)s and 403(b)s) and IRAs might not be enough to accumulate the savings you need.

Supplement your employer-sponsored retirement plans and IRAs
An after-tax annuity offers:

  • Virtually no limits1 on contributions
  • No taxes on earnings until they're withdrawn
  • Income options including a stream of income guaranteed2 for life

Tax-deferred annuity vs. taxable investment earning power

The calculations assume no withdrawals during the period indicated, and do not reflect deduction of any expenses. If expenses were included, the performance would be lower. The assumed rate is purely hypothetical and is not intended to predict the actual performance of any account. Total returns and the principal value of investments in the variable annuity accounts will fluctuate and yields may vary. Withdrawals of earnings from a retirement account or annuity are subject to ordinary income tax. A federal 10% tax penalty may apply for withdrawals made prior to age 59½. See your tax advisor for more information on your particular situation.

Did You Know?
Americans are Retiring Earlier and Living Longer

The average retirement age dropped from about 67 years old in 1950 to 62 in 2000.* Over that same period, life expectancies increased from 68 to 77.**

* Monthly Labor Review, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2001
** Health, United States, Center for Disease Control, 2002

1 Some restrictions may apply.
2 All guarantees are based upon the issuer's claims paying ability.

After-tax annuities are issued by TIAA-CREF Life Insurance Company (TIAA-CREF Life), 730 Third Ave., New York, NY 10017.

Contact Us

1 877 554-8282
M-F 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET)

Speak to a noncommissioned TIAA-CREF Life Insurance Company (TIAA-CREF Life) annuity specialist or request a call.
5-Year Fixed Term*
Deposit Rate
3.00%
as of
10/26/2009

Fixed term rates, performance and disclosure.


*TIAA-CREF Investment Horizon Annuity. Not available in all states. Read the prospectus (PDF) carefully before investing.

Exchange Your Annuity

Learn whether exchanging your after-tax annuity to a TIAA-CREF Life after-tax annuity is right for you.

Our consultants receive no commissions. They are compensated through a salary plus incentive program.
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