When Should You Annuitize Your Annuity? Timing Does Matter!

Choosing the right time to annuitize can help you get the most out of your annuity. Panchenko Vladimir/Shutterstock

When to annuitize an annuity is a question that many retirees and people saving for retirement face. After many years of saving and waiting to start reaping the benefits, you finally reach retirement age and wonder: should I annuitize now? In one year? In ten years? Does it make a difference? The answer is yes. Choosing the right time can be the difference between getting the most out of your annuity and leaving money on the table.

In light of this, let’s dive into what factors to consider when deciding to annuitize, the pros and cons of annuitizing, and how to do it smartly to enjoy a nice, worry-free retirement.

What Is Annuitization?

To understand when to annuitize, we must first understand what it means. Annuitization is the process of turning a lump sum of money into a guaranteed stream of income payments for life. When you annuitize an annuity, you essentially convert your account balance into an income stream. This income stream can be for a set period, such as 10 or 20 years, or the rest of your life.