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- No taxes on earnings until they're withdrawn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

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.
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
- What is an annuity?
Learn the basics.
- What are your choices?
Understand what kinds of after-tax annuities are available to help you meet your savings and income goals.
- Is an annuity right for you?
Find out if an annuity is right for you by answering just a few questions.
- Annuities and life stages
Whether you are saving for retirement, approaching retirement, or living in retirement, after-tax annuities can play a useful role.
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.




