Utah Life Producer Practice Exam

Which of the following is not typically provided by annuities?

1. Retirement income

2. Death benefit

3. Investment growth

4. Tax-deferred growth

The correct answer is: Death benefit

The characteristic of annuities is primarily to provide a steady stream of income, especially during retirement, which makes retirement income a fundamental benefit of annuities. Additionally, many annuities come with the feature of a death benefit, which ensures that, in the event of the annuitant's death, a specified amount of money will be paid to beneficiaries. Tax-deferred growth is also a key advantage of annuities, as the earnings within the annuity are not taxed until they are withdrawn, which allows for potential investment growth without immediate tax consequences. While all listed options are relevant to various types of insurance and investment vehicles, the point of distinction lies in understanding that while annuities do provide several features, including a death benefit, the correct choice highlights a misunderstanding. Annuities can indeed feature a death benefit; they are designed to facilitate income and accumulation benefits. Therefore, the aspect of "not typically provided" refers more accurately to the perception of investment growth, as annuities are not directly aimed at growing investments like stocks or mutual funds, but rather generating stable income. Overall, your analysis aligns with the fact that annuities do not focus primarily on investment growth as their main purpose.