Latest news with #guaranteedincome
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Inside Katherine Gold's Mission To Improve Maternal Health Through Business Leadership
The GoldBug CEO shares how her company became the first in the nation to fully fund a guaranteed income program for expectant mothers — and why she believes the private sector can help end the U.S. maternal health crisis. Maternal health in the United States is in crisis — with more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths deemed preventable and stark disparities in outcomes for women of color and those in underserved communities. While government programs have failed to keep pace, some philanthropists and private companies are stepping in with innovative, direct support models aimed at helping families thrive through economic stability. Katherine Gold, president and CEO of GoldBug, a Denver-based children's accessories company, has made maternal health philanthropy a core part of her business mission. Through the company's Healthy Beginnings Project, GoldBug became the first private company to fully fund a guaranteed income initiative for maternal health — providing cash payments to expectant and new mothers in an effort to improve access to care, reduce stress and promote healthier births. In this conversation, Gold shares why she believes business can — and must — play a role in addressing the maternal health crisis, what she learned from listening to the mothers in her pilot program and how partnerships with leaders like Olympia Allyson Felix and organizations such as March of Dimes are shaping the next phase of her work. Q: Goldbug is the first private company to fully fund a guaranteed income initiative for maternal health. What inspired you to take this bold step with the Healthy Beginnings Project in Colorado? A: We spent time getting to know the community and learning about the work already happening as it related to maternal health. We had seen evidence from similar projects nationally that indicated when pregnant women receive cash support, they are more likely to attend prenatal appointments, experience lower rates of depression and anxiety and report improvements in nutrition and housing stability. We saw this program as a smart way to pilot and learn. With only 20 participants we were able to hear directly from them about their stressors and learn how cash support could positively impact them. In terms of inspiration, I've always believed business can and should play a role in improving the world they operate in. As a business owner, I'm able to act faster and with more flexibility than government. My goal is to prove what's possible with philanthropic dollars so that it can be more easily adopted by government, which is necessary to meet the scale of need in this country. Q: The Healthy Beginnings Project provided $750 per month in unconditional cash support to pregnant women in a mix of urban and rural Colorado for 18 months, with the last payments going out earlier this year. What did you learn about the impact of direct cash assistance on financial stability and family well-being? A: It validated what we know, if moms have access to more resources, they invest it in their families. The cash support helped bring financial stability to these families. 84% reported being able to meet their basic needs up from only 60% at the start of the pilot. They primarily used the money for groceries, utilities, transportation and to pay down debt. Transportation is a real issue, and we forget how important this is to getting to health care appointments, going to the grocery store, and trying to hold a job. We heard about this issue over and over. There are not a lot of Ubers and Lyfts in rural America. Q: I've run a similar program since 2018, The Magnolia Mother's Trust at Springboard to Opportunities, which has shown that guaranteed income can help families meet basic needs and improve mental health. Did you see similar outcomes in Healthy Beginnings, and what surprised you most about the results? A: I am glad you brought that up. Yes, this study reinforced and validated what we learned from other work being done on guaranteed income. The reason we talked to so many other organizations before doing this was to build off the work that had already been done nationally, including work at the Abundant Birth Project, Martha's Table, and others. Access to resources can reduce stress. The ability to meet monthly financial needs, to reduce debt, and, as mentioned earlier; to access transportation, all play an important role. We also found that the resources played a meaningful role in self-care and nutrition. Moms used some of their resources to go to the gym and to support themselves. When talking about this, they spoke about the confidence it gave them — they felt better about themselves. Q: The report highlights significant improvements in participants' ability to meet basic needs, reduce debt, and experience moments of joy with their families. Can you share a story or example that illustrates the human impact of this support? A: In many cases, these women had other children. Many of them told stories about being able to spend special moments as a family. In one case, it was having a birthday party for her toddler, in another, it was being able to spend a day at the pool with her children. Another showed pictures of a day at the zoo. Overall, they were very happy about having quality time and experiences with their family. In addition to the family time, one mom talked about how much she appreciated going to the grocery store and being able to buy what she wanted and not being limited by or embarrassed by paying with food stamps. This spoke to the dignity they experienced through the program. Another thing that really stood out to me is the isolation that comes with being a mom. We held roundtables both in person and virtually, and many of the mothers found the connection to other mothers very helpful. They talked about the helpfulness of connecting with others and sharing their experiences. Q: Despite financial support, some Healthy Beginnings participants still faced barriers to healthcare, such as provider shortages and experiences of bias. How can funders and companies like Goldbug help address these persistent challenges, or do you think this is where the government must take up the baton from the private sector's investments? A: This is a really important point to touch on here. GoldBug knows that we are not going to solve the maternal health issue. It doesn't happen without meaningful collaboration and partnerships. Funders and companies like ours can shine a spotlight on the issues and pilot ways to improve them. These pilots point to ways the government and policymakers can improve and create greater impact. As part of this work, we formed a policy advisory committee that included funders, maternal health experts, nonprofits, and public sector leaders to help us think through how we could use this work to inform future policy. The government needs to engage in order to build sustainable solutions. But I also believe that more companies should stand up and lead the way. An example that I am proud of is our work in the doula space. We found that the use of trained doulas is an important support for pregnant women and helps to improve healthcare outcomes. Our work supporting doulas at Denver Health was part of the evidence that helped gain Medicaid payment for doulas in Colorado. Q: A key feature of Healthy Beginnings was its community-led design, with a Community-Led Advisory Committee shaping the program. Why was it important to center lived experience in this initiative, and how did it influence the outcomes? A: GoldBug has been clear from the very beginning that we are not the experts in maternal health. With Healthy Beginnings, we listened and learned from the community and from lived experts about the best ways to reach the women in the community and the best way to structure the program. They made specific recommendations, including starting the cash in the last trimester, in order to provide medical access before the baby was born. We have never engaged in a maternal health project that isn't informed by the community where we are investing. We are really excited to be branching out to Arkansas to engage in maternal health investments in rural communities. And we started with the local leaders to identify these gaps and help guide the investments. Q: You were recently named Trailblazer of the Year at the American Image Awards, which honors leaders in the fashion and apparel industry. In particular, the recognition focused on your work to advance maternal health both through your company and your philanthropy. What does this recognition mean to you and how do you think other business leaders can find the path of advancing their business goals while also supporting causes they care about? A: It was an honor to be recognized by my peers in the industry that I have been part of for almost four decades. The greatest thing that can come from recognition like this, is that it provides an opportunity to create awareness for important issues like maternal health. When I learned that over 80% of maternal deaths are preventable, I knew we had a purpose. As a private company, I can support the population we serve, not just with products but also with financial support and work that results in healthier birth outcomes for moms and babies. We want to work closely with our customers, including Walmart and Target to help the women in their communities and make the U.S. a safer place to give birth. The private sector can do more. We can move faster and be more nimble and entrepreneurial than the government. We are not held back by the red tape that can stifle innovation and urgency. We can change the narrative, leverage resources, and innovate solutions that can ultimately be scaled. At GoldBug it is part of our culture that we have a responsibility to give back and make a difference in the communities where we live and work. Q: Goldbug has partnered with Olympian Allyson Felix on a product collaboration as well as advocacy for Black maternal health. Can you share how this partnership came about and what impact you hope it will have? A: Allyson is an amazing partner. She is a seven-time Olympic Gold medalist and a strong voice for maternal health in the U.S. We met Allyson here in Denver when she spoke at the Women's Foundation. The partnership was a natural fit because of our shared passion for finding ways to reduce maternal mortality. Allyson collaborated with us on a range of fun products that make it easier for moms on the go - the GoldBug x Allyson Felix Collection. Car accessories, diaper bags, and toys to name a few. A meaningful part of this relationship is a sponsorship to the March of Dimes. Allyson introduced us to the team there and we are thrilled to support the work they are doing across the country with under-served populations. We have participated with them in their It Starts With Mom | March of Dimes campaign and are happy to help amplify their work. Q: You recently reviewed over 50 proposals for maternal health funding and selected new programs in Arkansas and Colorado. What stood out about these initiatives, and how do they complement your ongoing work with Denver Health's Doula Program? A: We have been very clear since we started this work that we are not limiting our investment to a specific solution such as guaranteed income. Our focus is to identify areas where we can address gaps in maternal health and make a difference. We received inspiring proposals from organizations, large and small, who are finding creative ways to reach pregnant women and improve maternal health outcomes. I would love it if we could have funded every one of them. This year we will be continuing to support Denver Health as they expand their doula program to get to full, 24-hour coverage for all births at the hospital. They are also expanding their work and coverage with postpartum doulas. Training and onboarding new doulas is critical. Based on the success we have seen there, we are investing in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Foundation Fund. They will be using the funds to engage with their local nonprofit partners to build out their doula program, addressing critical gaps in maternal care for underserved and rural areas across the state. The Colorado Perinatal Mental Health Project will use our investment to expand their Birth Squad program which focuses on prenatal and postpartum mental health by offering support groups and services. This is our first step into mental health work and adds to our learnings about the need for community. The Birth Squad program focuses their support toward Black and Latinx communities and are working to expand capacity to serve more families, build partnerships, and lay the foundation for statewide implementation. Q: Arkansas has some of the nation's worst maternal health outcomes. How do you see Goldbug's support for doula training making a difference in such an underserved area, and how do you think access to these services may affect families' financial wellbeing? A: Sadly, Arkansas has some of the lowest maternal health indicators in the country. Their maternal mortality rate is 65% higher than the national average and March of Dimes graded them with an F for preterm birth rates. Doulas are a great start. They are strong advocates for moms during their delivery and evidence shows that doula care decreases c-sections and improves outcomes for moms and babies while also decreasing postpartum depression. There is much work to be done and we know we are just scratching the surface with our investment here. But again, we hope to set the stage to activate other partners to engage. Q: The Healthy Beginnings report recommends designing philanthropic programs with dignity, extending support through key transitions, and fostering peer connection. What are the most important lessons you would share with policymakers and other business leaders looking to take on similar endeavors? A: Being a mom is one of my greatest joys and accomplishments in my life. I am privileged and have had access to resources and community. Not all moms are so lucky. I am proud of the way GoldBug works with our partners and with mothers. I am proud that we were able to provide these moms with connections, with the ability to make choices for themselves and their families and I love that they felt respected through the process. The lessons are ones we already know. We are better as a community when we work together. New moms are often quite isolated and don't have a network of support. Providing them with a network of connections and support is critical. Just like these women need a community, we as funders are better when we work together as a community. When business works with state and local governments, and with local funders and nonprofits, I believe we can make a difference together. Q: Looking ahead, what's next for Goldbug in the maternal and infant health space? Are there new partnerships, products, or advocacy efforts on the horizon that you're excited about? A: We are just getting started and we have a lot of work to do. As I'm sure you know, the more you do this work the more you understand the need. The March of Dimes has taught us that over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable. We are committed to being part of the solution. We are very excited about our new partnerships with UAMS and the Colorado Perinatal Mental Health Project. We are also understanding the role we can play as a convener. In addition to new partnerships, we are pleased to work as a connector and information source within this space. It is important to acknowledge that resources for maternal health are shrinking. 41% of US births are covered by Medicaid and that number rises to 47% in rural communities. With the recent budget bill, the anticipated cuts to Medicaid will result in more hospital closures and even less health access for low-income and rural moms. The maternal healthcare deserts in this country will increase. Now more than ever, we need to use our resources to find solutions and provide every mother and baby with the support they deserve. GoldBug can't do it alone. But we are committed to working with others to ensure that every mom has the resources they need to have a healthy baby.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's What Is Changing With Social Security in 2025
Sixty-nine million Americans rely on social security checks, and that number is only going up. CNBC's senior personal finance correspondent Sharon Epperson joins TODAY to break down what to know about the guaranteed income and what's changing this year. Solve the daily Crossword
Fox News
10-08-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Los Angeles City Council approves $2 million for guaranteed income program
The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday voted unanimously to allocate $2 million to a new guaranteed income pilot program intended to serve survivors of domestic violence and foster youth. "In a unanimous vote, council members requested that the city controller transfer $1 million each from two accounts associated with Council Districts 9 and 13 for the program, known as Supporting Transitional-Aged Youth and Survivors in Achieving Financial Empowerment, or STAY SAFE," a local ABC outlet reported. The program will provide monthly $1,000 payments for two years to survivors of intimate partner violence and transitional-aged youth who are current or former foster youth. The program was launched by Council Members Curren Price and Hugo Soto-Martinez, citing a study that claimed a previous Los Angeles guaranteed income program was successful. "Results showed it helped families cover emergency expenses and reduced food insecurity, officials said. Some participants also reported that unrestricted funds helped them pay school tuition, start small businesses and cover expenses such as clothes and shoes for children," ABC 7 reported. Three years ago, Price proposed a guaranteed income program called the Basic Income Guaranteed: Los Angeles Economic Assistance Pilot, or BIG:LEAP, which provided 3,200 households living below the poverty level with $1,000 in cash each month for one year. "Today, we are building on the success of that program with a new $2 million investment, and this next phase will continue to support survivors of intimate partner violence – the group that saw the most dramatic improvements in that pilot program," Soto-Martinez said in the ABC story. He went on to say, "For the first [time], we're pairing these direct payments with job training through the Hospitality Training Academy, which has a near 100% success rate in placing their graduate into high-quality, good-paying union jobs." Many people criticize guaranteed income programs because of legal issues and funding challenges. Some critics argue that guaranteed income programs do not work. STAY SAFE follows a broader trend of guaranteed basic income programs launching across the U.S. in recent years with more than 100 GBI pilots launched since 2018.
Associated Press
24-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
These LA community college students are getting paid to go to school
In November last year, Los Angeles City College student Brenda Olazava got an email notifying her that she had been selected to participate in a guaranteed income pilot program. She would receive 12 monthly stipends of $1,000 to spend however she wanted. 'We'll see if this is true or not,' she thought. The pilot program for the Los Angeles Community College District, Building Outstanding Opportunities for Students to Thrive, or BOOST, provides monthly payments for one year to eligible community college students majoring in a health care field. Olazava's skepticism disappeared when she received her first monthly stipend in time for Thanksgiving 2024. Throughout California, dozens of guaranteed income programs provide participants with monthly stipends. But only a few reach college students. Even fewer reach community college students. In Santa Clara, a pilot program provides a $1,200 monthly stipend for two years to unhoused students between the ages of 16 and 20. In another pilot program, some former foster youth, formerly incarcerated people and CalWorks recipients at 10 California community colleges started receiving monthly guaranteed income in March 2024 through Hire UP. BOOST is unique because it specifically targets health care students as part of an effort to address California's chronic nursing shortage. California community colleges offer academic pathways to jobs in health care, but many of the nursing programs in the Los Angeles Community College District have some of the highest attrition rates in the state. The program also provides students stipends during the critical period after they complete their degrees and transition into employment. Guaranteed income helps student focus on psychology program Though Olazava was skeptical when she heard about the program, she figured, 'Why not apply?' The money has made a difference. Olazava now pays her bills on time, takes her kids out to eat and buys her son the clothes and shoes he needs. She has more time to study, has As in her courses and is on the honor roll. Olazava found her passion taking care of elderly adults during the pandemic. She was fascinated by how the body and mind function following accidents or as individuals age. But after a work injury in 2021 sidelined her, she realized she needed to find a new career. Her therapist suggested going back to school. Olazava signed up for a psychology class at Los Angeles City College, even though the semester had already started. She loved the class and decided to keep going. She signed up for a full course load and took classes in sociology, psychology and humanities. A decade earlier, Olazava had earned her associate degree in criminal justice as a single parent to an infant and a toddler. Now she returned to school full time as a single parent to two teenagers. She worked on campus as a student employee and drove for Uber Eats or Lyft at night. She was managing, but it was a struggle. 'Just being a single mom, it's just overwhelming financial needs all the time,' she said. Since her first payment in November, Olazava has saved some money for when she transfers to Cal State Los Angeles in the fall. The extra $1,000 a month gives her more time to study and be with her kids. She has less financial stress and can splurge on ice cream for her kids or a late-night snack. She graduated on June 10 with four associate degrees in psychology, sociology, social and behavioral science and liberal arts. She will transfer to Cal State Los Angeles to study psychology and plans to pursue a master's degree in social work. When Olazava started college for a second time at age 37, her kids were skeptical that she'd persevere. 'But I always told my kids, it doesn't matter how old you are, as long as you want to do something, go ahead and do it,' she said. Guaranteed income recipients plan to enter health fields The pilot includes 251 students at East Los Angeles College, Los Angeles Southwest College, Los Angeles City College, and Los Angeles Trade-Tech College in the Los Angeles Community College District, which serves about 250,000 students. About half the students in the community college district report incomes at or below poverty level, according to Kelly King, chief advancement officer for the Los Angeles Community College District and executive director of the district's foundation, which manages the BOOST program. The monthly stipend is not tied to enrolled units or grades and students choose how they spend the money, whether on diapers, groceries, car repairs or to pay down debt. While few guaranteed income programs target community college students, the need is there. More than two-thirds of nearly 67,000 California community college students surveyed struggle to meet their basic needs, according to the 2023 RealCollege Survey. BOOST's program is studying two groups: the 251 health care and psychology students who receive the monthly income, and a control group of 370 who don't receive the stipend. The monthly amount is not intended to fully cover the high living costs in L.A. County, but to help participants ease financial stressors. Participants in other community guaranteed income studies who received a $1,000 monthly stipend reported lower stress levels, fewer skipped meals, and the ability to plan ahead, lower their debt, or upgrade their housing, King said. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania cite one other guaranteed income pilot program for community college students in Santa Fe. They found that giving students $400 a month for one year led to positive outcomes. At the end of the pilot program, more recipients were employed, felt they could weather a $400 emergency, spent more time with their children, and were able to save more. Most of the participants said the money went to running the household and buying food, according to the report. Higher education researchers and policy makers often assess the value of guaranteed income in terms of progress toward economic mobility. But the Santa Fe study revealed more intangible benefits. Participants described pursuing higher education for reasons distinct from job training, said Amy Castro, lead researcher on the BOOST study. 'These students were saying, 'I am pursuing higher education to be somebody who has a degree, and I want to learn because it has value for me and dignity to me, and it's the way that I want to honor my family,'' she said. Decoupling the guaranteed basic income from academic requirements allows researchers to continue to observe effects of guaranteed income on community college students through periods when they may not be enrolled due to life events, scheduling challenges or academic recesses. '(This) provides a really fascinating window into the actual lives and progression of our students,' King said. The BOOST pilot provides researchers a first-of-its-kind, randomized, controlled trial in higher education at this scale, said King. Because the participants share a common goal – employment in a health field – researchers can study the impact of guaranteed income on progress toward a specific outcome. Costs of attendance for community college students can exceed costs for the University of California or California State University, especially in high cost of living regions like L.A. County, King said. California community college students receive less state aid than UC and Cal State students. And across the state, the costs of college have risen exponentially over the last three decades. Private donors provided the nearly $4 million needed to run the pilot program. The Broad Foundation gave nearly $3.2 million and the L.A. Community College Foundation contributed nearly $870,000 from its Young Adults Forward Fund. Initial BOOST success guides disaster relief grants in LA Informed by the research on and success of guaranteed income pilot programs, the Los Angeles Community College Foundation will offer ongoing financial payments to a small group of students who lost housing for a long period of time or experienced significant hardship due to the January 2025 wildfires. The hope is to help students recover from the losses incurred by the wildfires and to continue on their educational path. The grants provide $1,000 a month for 12 months to 24 eligible students. The foundation raised more than $3 million in private donations for disaster relief, which will fund the monthly payments to Los Angeles students as well as go to disaster relief programs at Glendale and Pasadena community colleges, according to King. The BOOST pilot program brings together strategies to help students stay on track with their studies and a year of guaranteed monthly income. King said the foundation applied this formula to long-term disaster funding, to ask how disaster response grants could accomplish two types of goals: supporting students in their education through the disaster and making sure their future educational or career training goals weren't disrupted. Next, King plans to create a guide for other colleges to start similar programs. She also aims to secure funds for future pilot guaranteed income programs for health care students, as well as for students raising children while attending community college. ___ This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
CBS News
24-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
How much would a $400,000 annuity pay monthly if bought at 70?
We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. Before purchasing a $400,000 annuity, it's important to have a clear idea of what your monthly payments could be. Getty Images It's mid-2025, and there are a lot of uncertainties looming in today's economic landscape, from inflation to stock market volatility and questions about the sustainability of the Social Security program. As a result, many retirees are looking for ways to add stability to their retirement plans via guaranteed income options that aren't tied to the stock market. And, one way to do that is through an annuity, which is an insurance product that helps bridge the gap between retirees' savings and their monthly expenses. The appeal of an annuity is straightforward: With this type of retirement tool, you convert a lump sum into guaranteed monthly income that lasts as long as you live. And, with interest rates still relatively high now, annuities are even more attractive. Elevated rates mean stronger payouts for new buyers, especially those purchasing immediate annuities that start paying right away. So, for retirees in their 70s who want to lock in income without the stress of managing investments, this could be a prime opportunity. But just how much income can you expect from an annuity? Let's break down what a $400,000 annuity could pay monthly if you buy one at age 70 — and what factors could cause your check to be bigger or smaller. Find out how to add an annuity to your retirement plan today. How much will a $400,000 annuity pay monthly if bought at age 70? The monthly payout from a $400,000 immediate annuity purchased at age 70 varies significantly based on several key factors, with your gender being one of the most impactful. Here's what a single premium immediate annuity purchased at age 70 today could pay each month, based on an analysis of Cannex data by Male, age 70: around $2,923 per month around $2,923 per month Female, age 70: around $2,763 per month around $2,763 per month Joint life (both spouses age 70): around $2,449 per month Here's why each figure differs — and why the numbers could look different depending on your personal situation: Gender and life expectancy Women statistically live longer than men, so annuity companies pay them a slightly lower monthly amount for the same premium because the payments are likely to stretch over additional years. Learn more about your annuity options online now. Single vs. joint life annuity Single life annuities pay out until the original annuitant passes away. Joint life annuities, on the other hand, continue payments to a surviving spouse (or designated beneficiary) after one partner dies. Because of that added longevity protection, monthly checks are lower, though they continue as long as at least one person is alive. Interest rate environment Annuity payouts are deeply influenced by current interest rates because the money you hand over is invested by the insurer in bonds and other fixed-income securities. Today's elevated interest rates generally translate into stronger payouts for new annuities. If rates tighten further or come down, though, the payouts on future annuity purchases could be less generous. Type of annuity Not all annuities are created equal. A fixed immediate annuity, which the above estimates assume, delivers a guaranteed monthly check for life but doesn't account for inflation. Inflation‑adjusted annuities keep pace with the Consumer Price Index but start at a lower initial payout for the same premium. Then there are variable immediate annuities, where your payout fluctuates based on how the underlying investments perform — which is riskier, but with upside potential. Optional riders and guarantees Want the option to pass a death benefit to heirs? Or a cost of living rider? Something that guarantees a minimum payment even if the annuity's underlying investments stumble? Those extra features, or "riders," will reduce your monthly income because the insurer is assuming more risk. In contrast, a straight, no-frills life annuity yields the highest payout for the money. How to get the highest monthly payout from your annuity If your goal is to maximize the monthly income from your $400,000 annuity, there are a few strategic decisions that can make a big difference, including: Opt for a single-life annuity If you don't need to provide for a spouse or dependents after your death, this option offers the most value. Adding joint coverage or death benefits can give you peace of mind, but it will reduce your monthly check. Lock in when interest rates are favorable Buying when rates are elevated can lock in stronger payments for life. If rates drop in the future, new buyers could see smaller monthly checks for the same premium. If you're unsure about the direction of rates, a split annuity strategy (buying in phases) could help you hedge your timing. Skip the optional riders While tempting, add-ons like inflation adjustments, period certain guarantees, and death benefits often reduce your monthly income substantially. If you're focused strictly on maximizing income, it's often best to go with the most basic version of an immediate annuity, which is just pure monthly income for life. The bottom line A $400,000 annuity purchased at age 70 can provide meaningful monthly income ranging from approximately $2,400 to $2,900, depending on your specific circumstances and the options you choose. But while this guaranteed income stream provides valuable protection against market volatility and the possibility of outliving your savings, the reality is that annuities aren't right for everyone. Once you purchase an immediate annuity, your $400,000 is no longer accessible as a lump sum, and you can't change your mind if your circumstances shift. So, make sure to do your homework, weigh the benefits and possible downsides and ensure an annuity makes sense for your retirement portfolio before buying in.
