Annuity Direct provides extensive and updated information about annuities, one of the best ways to generate steady and reliable income during retirement. Purchasing an annuity from an insurance company lets you turn your lump amount into a stream of income that can be paid out either immediately or after a few years, and these payments can either be for a specific number of years or for life. Funds in an annuity can grow tax-deferred over time, with a fixed or variable interest rate, which allows it to keep up with inflation. Investing money in an annuity allows you to have a more diversified portfolio that will enable you to live comfortable during retirement. Read through the basics and guides about annuities on AnnuityDirect.org.