How would you define an annuity?

An annuity is best defined as a financial product designed to provide regular payments to an individual, typically during retirement. This structured stream of income is often created by an upfront investment, allowing the individual to receive a consistent payout that can help manage living expenses throughout their retirement years. Annuities are particularly appealing for their ability to offer a reliable source of income, ensuring that individuals do not outlive their assets.

The key aspect of annuities is their focus on providing financial security over a long period, particularly when individuals transition from earning a salary to relying on their savings and investments. Annuities can thus be viewed as a tool that helps manage longevity risk, which is the risk of outliving one's savings.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of an annuity. A lump-sum investment with variable returns lacks the regular payment feature, a life insurance policy with an investment component does not necessarily provide regular income as its primary function is risk management, and a short-term investment with quick returns diverges from the stable long-term planning aspect inherent in annuities.