[brann385]

Is there anyone out there who is invested in an Optimizer annuity
Through the Catholic Order of Foresters? Since we are older, we
Are thinking about rolling over our 401K's into something like this.
Any information on how well they have done for you, would be
Appreciated.

[ebaines]

Sorry I can't speak to this particular annuity, but in general "optimizer" annuities are single payment, deferred annuities. In general (again, I don't know this particular plan) I would stay away from productrs like this, especially as a place to roll an existing IRA into. Reason is that your 401(k) is already tax-deferred, so the only advantage is if the annuity can give you a better return with lower fees than the 401(k). Chances are - it can't. Plus you get locked into an investment that is difficult and expensive to get out of, typically with limited choices for investment.

On the other hand, I do think buying into a fixed (not variable) immediate annuity to pay you a set amount every month when you're ready to start making withdrawals is a good idea for most people, at least for a portion of your IRA nest egg. It gives the security of a guarranted stream of income. You can find excellent, low cost immediate payment annuities at lots of places - check out Vanguard and Fidelity to name just two. While you're at it, if you are already retired you may want to look into rolling your 401(k) to a rollover IRA, in order to get more investment choices.

[brann385]

Ebaines,

I probably should have explained
More about this annuity. It is
Quite flexible in that you are allowed to take out 10% each
Year, interest can be sent to you
Monthly if needed; it has a nursing home waiver, and you
Will not be penalized if you die
Before the term of the annuity
Is up. There also are no loading
Costs or maintenance fees on
This annuity. Right now the
Interest rate on $50,000 invest
Meant is 5.875% for first year
And after that the renewable
Rate is 4.75%; it guaranteed that
It will never go below 3%. So
We think this sounded pretty
Good, but would still like to talk
To someone who actually has one.

[Fr_Chuck]

I have several retirmement plans, one is with Woodmens of the World, and it has been out performing all of my others, very little cost and pays a min of 3 percent. Some plans lost money last couple years, this one always paid at least the 3 percent. ** no insurance attached, purely a qualified retirement plan.

Now over a 5 plus year period by Vanguard funds still have out performed, it appears they will blow away the Woodmensman plan this year if things keep going as they have last 5 months.

But at the end of the day, you neeed to have a plan that you trust, and one that will cover what you need