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Understanding the Differences

When considering whether to invest in an annuity or a bank certificate of deposit (CD), there are several points to consider.

The following chart illustrates important key differences. Details are provided below.

 
Fixed Annuity
Bank CD
Safety of Principal


Tax Benefits


Minimum Interest Guarantee

Interest Rate
Fixed
Fixed
Early Withdrawal Fees or Charges
Possibly
Waiver of Surrender or Withdrawal Charge
Probate Asset 
Taxable Impact on Social Security Benefits 
Principal Liquidity without Charges 
Lifetime Income

Lifetime Income
Annuities: Several options available.

Bank CDs: No options available.

Safety of Principal
Annuities: Fully guaranteed by the company by which they are issued. Annuities issued by The Western and Southern Life Insurance Company are backed by the full financial strength of one of America’s most highly rated financial companies.

Bank CDs: Fully guaranteed by the bank and insured up to $100,000 per title of account by the FDIC.

Tax Benefits
Annuities: Earnings compound tax-deferred until withdrawn. Withdrawals prior to age 59½ are generally subject to a 10% IRS penalty tax.

Bank CDs: Interest is taxable in the year in which it is earned, even if not withdrawn.

Early Withdrawal Fees or Charges
Annuities: Declining for a specific period of time, then none. Withdrawals prior to age 59½ are generally subject to a 10% IRS penalty tax.

Bank CDs: None.

Minimum Interest Rate Guarantee
Annuities: A minimum rate is guaranteed.

Bank CDs: Initial Term only, no guarantee on renewals.

Waiver of Surrender or Withdrawal Charge
Annuities: Depending on the state and contract, death, disability, nursing home confinement, and terminal illness are some of the available waivers.

Bank CDs: No.

Probate Asset
Annuities: Not as long as there is a named beneficiary who is not your estate.

Bank CDs: Generally, as long as ownership is Joint and Survivor or Payable on Death (POD) is named.

Taxable Impact on Social Security Benefits
Annuities: None. Taxes are deferred during accumulation.

Bank CDs: Yes.

Principal Liquidity without Charges
Annuities: Generally, a portion of the accumulated value may be taken without a surrender charge.

Bank CDs: Earned interest only.

This description is an illustration of available benefits. The exact terms of the benefits and the applicable provisions and conditions are contained in the contract. The contract contains terms under which it may be continued in force or discontinued. This product may not be available in all states, and the product features vary by state. See your financial professional for details and limitations.

Western-Southern Life does not give legal or tax advice. Any discussion of federal taxes here is not intended to be complete or to cover all situations. The comments are general in nature and should not be considered tax advice. You should consult counsel or other specialized advice for more complete information.

Single Premium Deferred Annuities Contract Series: 0407-5008-I WSA; in Idaho: 0407-5008-I WSA ID; in Texas: 0301-5008 WSA TX-1

Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity Contract Series: 0407-5000-I WSA, 0505-5000-I WSA, 0407-5100-I WSA; in Idaho: 0407-5000-I WSA ID, 0505-50001-I WSA ID, 0407-5100-I WSA ID; in Texas: 0301-5000 WSA TX, 0505-50005 WSA TX, 0301-5000 WSA TX, 0505-50005 WSA TX, 0301-5150 WSA TX


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     Updated 9/24/2007