--- title: Single-Life Annuity | What It Is, Who It Is For, & Alternatives description: When it comes to single-life annuities, there are many things you need to know to make the best decision. Find out what it is all about. image: https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/Single-Life_Annuity.png --- [![Carbon collective](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CarbonCollective_August2021%20copy/images/carbon-collective-green-investing-logo-white.4f6047d4.svg "Carbon collective")](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) - About - Employers - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - [401(k) Comparison Tool](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k/plan-comparison-tool) - Individuals - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [ETF](https://www.carboncollectivefunds.com/) - Learn - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Blog](https://blog.carboncollective.co/) - [Tools](https://tools.carboncollective.co/calculator/) - Log in - [Carbon Collective](https://app.carboncollective.co) - [Altruist](https://app.altruist.com) [Talk to a human](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f4o5dylkg) [Sign up](https://app.carboncollective.co/sign-up) [Log In](http://app.carboncollective.co/) [![Carbon collective](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CarbonCollective_August2021%20copy/images/carbon-collective-green-investing-logo.53b28bee.svg "Carbon collective")](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) - About - Employers - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - [401(k) Comparison Tool](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k/plan-comparison-tool) - Individuals - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [ETF](https://www.carboncollectivefunds.com/) - Learn - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Blog](https://blog.carboncollective.co/) - [Tools](https://tools.carboncollective.co/calculator/) - Log in - [Carbon Collective](https://app.carboncollective.co) - [Altruist](https://app.altruist.com) [Talk to a human](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f4o5dylkg) [Sign up](https://app.carboncollective.co/sign-up) [Log In](http://app.carboncollective.co/) **[Home](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) > [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing) >** Single-Life Annuity # Single-Life Annuity ![](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/Brooke%20Tomasetti.png) Written by Brooke Tomasetti | Reviewed by [Subject Matter Experts](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/subject-matter-experts) Updated on October 1, 2024 Fact Checked Why Trust Carbon Collective? ### Table of Contents ## **What Is a Single-Life Annuity?** When you are single, it can be tough to think about retirement. You may ask yourself, "Who will take care of me when I am old?" The answer: a single-life annuity. A single-life annuity is a type of retirement plan that provides you with regular payments for the rest of your life. It is one of the most popular retirement options for single people. This plan ensures that you will have a steady income stream in retirement, which can cover living expenses, medical costs, and other bills. Single-life annuities are typically offered by insurance companies and can be purchased with either a lump sum of money or through monthly payments. ## **Who Is a Single-Life Annuity Good For?** A single-life annuity is good for anyone who wants to ensure they will have income in retirement. It is especially good for those who do not have a spouse or other family members to rely on financially. Anyone can purchase a single-life annuity, but it is typically best for those who are: - Single - Over 50 - In good health This plan can give you peace of mind in retirement, knowing you will have a regular income to cover your basic living expenses with or without a spouse. ## **Who Should Not Use a Single-Life Annuity?** A single-life annuity is not the right choice for everyone. If you expect to have a higher income in retirement, or if you want the flexibility to pass on your assets to your heirs, a single-life annuity is not the best option. Also, if you are in poor health, you may not live long enough to get your money's worth from the plan. Those younger than 50 may also want to consider other options, as they have more time to save for retirement and may not need the immediate income that an annuity provides. ## **Alternatives to Single-Life Annuities** If you are single and looking for alternatives to a single-life annuity, there are several options to consider. You can choose from: **![Alternatives_to_Single-Life_Annuities](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Alternatives_to_Single-Life_Annuities.png?width=1920&name=Alternatives_to_Single-Life_Annuities.png)** - **Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs):** This is a retirement savings account that allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars - **401(k) Plans:** This is a [retirement savings plan offered by many employers](https://401k.carboncollective.co/employer-401k?_ga=2.218091408.708214103.1657722796-159947323.1657722796). Employees can choose to have a portion of their paycheck withheld and deposited into the 401(k) plan - **Defined Benefit Plans:** This is a [type of pension plan](https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/defined-benefit-plan) where benefits are based on a formula that takes into account your years of service and salary history - **Deferred Annuities:** This is an annuity that allows you to make regular payments into the plan but does not begin making payments until a future date - **Immediate Annuities:** This is an annuity that begins making payments immediately after it is purchased - **Joint and Survivor Annuity:** This is an annuity that [provides income for two people](https://www.annuity.org/annuities/payout/joint-and-survivor-annuity/), typically a husband and wife. Payments continue after the death of one spouse - **Period Certain Annuity:** This is an annuity that [pays income for a set period](https://smartasset.com/retirement/period-certain-annuity), typically between five and 20 years Each of these options has different features and benefits, so compare them before making a decision. ## **The Bottom Line** A single-life annuity is a type of retirement plan that can provide you with a regular income stream for the rest of your life. It is a good option for those who are single, over 50, and in good health. However, it is not the right choice for everyone because it does not provide the flexibility to pass on assets to heirs or have a higher income in retirement. There are also several alternatives to single-life annuities you may want to consider. When making a decision about your retirement, compare your options and speak with a financial advisor to find the best solution. ## **FAQs** ### **1. Can I have a single-life annuity even if I am married?** Yes, anyone can purchase a single-life annuity, but it is typically best and recommended for those who are single. Also, if you are married, you may want to consider a joint and survivor annuity which provides income for two people. ### **2. Does tax apply to single-life annuities?** The answer to this question may vary depending on where you live. However, in general, annuities are taxed as income when they are received. You should speak with a tax advisor to determine how your single-life annuity will be taxed. ### **3. Is it possible to have more than one single-life annuity?** Yes, you can have multiple single-life annuities. However, note that each annuity will be taxed as income when received. You may want to consider other options if you want to reduce your tax liability in retirement. ### **4. What happens if I die before the single-life annuity pays out?** If you die before the single-life annuity begins making payments, your beneficiaries will not receive any benefits. This is why it is important to consider other options if you want to provide income for your heirs after your death. ### **5. Where can I purchase a single-life annuity?** You can purchase a single-life annuity from a life insurance company, bank, or other financial institution. It is important to compare features and benefits before making a decision. You may also want to speak with a financial advisor to see if a single-life annuity is right for you. ### Related Topics - [Sustainable 401(k) Plan](https://www.carboncollective.co/401k) - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Retirement Glossary](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/retirement-planning-glossary) - [Best Retirement Plans](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/the-10-best-retirement-plans) - [Wealth Manager Vs Financial Advisor](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/wealth-manager-vs.-financial-advisor) ![Attend Our Next Webinar](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/carbon-collective-green-investing-icon-webinar.12af7b6e.svg) ### Attend Our Next Webinar Join our next Sustainable Investing 101 webinar, get our favorite DIY options, and walk through how we build our portfolios. 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