Pension annuities require a series of fixed payments from you over a period of years so that you have a reliable income during retirement. The payment frequencies are monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual. As an investor, if you are contemplating the use of annuities to generate income, there are a wide variety of them available in the market, it is advised you seek the help of a finance professional before making the purchase decision or at least review the options before zeroing it down.
To accurately estimate your future income and to do away with any confusion, here are some smart tips:
- Understand how your annuity works by determining what type it is. A good pension annuity calculator takes into account your financial and other considerations and provides you with the income figure in your retirement.
- While calculating, use future value if annuity will not pay out for several years.
- Determine the interest rate of your annuity. Some calculators provide a guaranteed minimum interest rate, i.e., the interest rate will not fall beneath this rate.
- Periodically enquire the current balance of your principal to calculate your payment appropriately.
- Usually, the full amount of your annuity is paid out over a specified period and the balance paid to your beneficiary upon your death. Other options pay the beneficiary for the duration of their life beyond your own.
- Annuities provide a tax shield that allows funds to accumulate in a favorable environment.
- Upon retirement, when you start receiving funds from a qualified pension plan, you may have to pay federal and state income taxes.
- When deciding the frequency of payout (monthly annuity or lump sum), be aware that some annuities usually pay out a fixed rate and this may or may not include inflation protection. As the future cost of living is unpredictable, many retirees prefer to take their money in a lump sum.
- Choosing to take it as a lump sum means the entire amount is immediately taxed unless you put it in an IRA or other tax sheltered account.
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Six reasons to buy Chevrolet used cars
Read moreWhen its Chevrolet, it is haggle free, guaranteed pricing and carefree ownership. The certified pre-owned cars from the Chevrolet depot are available with improved benefits.
A 6 year or 100,000-mile limited warranty that ensures greater mental comfort, as does the certified pre-owned maintenance program that includes two free maintenance visits within 2 years or 24,000 miles after the delivery is the first reason to buy one of the Chevrolet used cars. You can relax with greater peace of mind knowing that every Chevrolet used car with a certification goes through a strict and thorough inspection by authorized and skilled mechanics and technicians who make sure that your car is safe and is in excellent condition for the roads, for many thousands of miles of driving. Where required, these used cars go through exhaustive overhauling and detailed repairs too. And, that is reason number two.
Thirdly, Chevrolet ensures all their certified preowned cars adhere to a set of standards set by the company. Like for example, Chevrolet used cars are less than six years old from the date of their release, have done less than 75,000 miles on the road, have a clean title and have cleared vehicle history reports successfully. The fourth reason would be their important 12-month or 12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty that includes almost all parts of their used cars.
Reason number five is mainly the confidence that the company has in the quality of their cars shows in the long list of assistances they provide for customers. However, it is recommended that you satiate yourself by asking relevant questions at authorized Chevrolet used car showrooms before you buy your car. Examine the car’s service history and previous ownership records to ensure it is impeccable.
After all of this, after you purchase your used car from Chevrolet, if you are not satisfied with it, you have the option of exchanging it within 150,000 miles or three days after purchasing it, to something that appeals to you, that satisfies your needs. That is the sixth and unmatchable reason to go for a used car from Chevrolet.
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Food allergies, intolerances, and abdominal pain
Read moreFood allergies are a common occurrence and surfaces when the immune system has an abnormal reaction to something you have consumed. The symptoms of an allergic reaction can be abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, rash, difficulty swallowing, gas and itchiness in the throat.
Abdominal pain is also a common symptom of food intolerances. The difference between an allergy and food intolerance is about symptoms. The former only produces symptoms in the abdominal area, whereas food allergies can produce symptoms in the entire body.
Both allergies and intolerances can produce mild to severe digestive problems.
Types of Food Allergies
You can be allergic to any food. But some common food allergies are –
- Soy
- Milk
- Peanuts, tree nuts
- Fish, shellfish
- Wheat
- Eggs
Common food intolerances occur after consuming wheat and milk.
- The protein gluten in wheat and some other grains like rye and barley can cause reactions and lead to digestive problems such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and bloating.
- Lactose (a type of sugar) causes the problem when it comes to milk and other dairy products like cheese and sour cream. It can cause abdominal cramps and aches, bloating and severe diarrhea. The problem is known as lactose intolerance rather than milk allergy.
Managing the Pain
Both food allergies and intolerances can cause digestive problems. Once your doctor has diagnosed the exact food cause of your constant abdominal pain, it can be easier for you to manage your condition.
- To avoid abdominal pain and cramps caused by foods, the best way to manage the symptoms is to avoid that particular food. Look for alternate food options and make healthier choices for your diet. For instance, you can eat gluten-free bread and baked goods and choose lactose-free beverages.
- When buying ready-to-eat foods or other preparations, carefully check the labels for gluten or milk sugars. Gluten is often added to other recipes to thicken sauces and bind the ingredients well.
Food allergies often remain for life. But tolerances can improve. If you are intolerant to a food substance, slowly try to reintroduce it your diet after a period of abstinence to see if your symptoms have improved.