Annuities are a popular retirement planning tool due to the steady income they can provide. Yet many investors are unaware of the various annuity options available. One lesser-known option is the annuity due. 

Unlike ordinary annuities, annuity due contracts make payments at the beginning of each period. This timing can impact cash flow, investment value, and financial planning strategies. Understanding the nuances between annuity due and other options helps investors choose the right strategy for retirement and income generation.

This article explores annuity due contracts, including how they compare to other annuity types and why their unique timing can significantly influence your financial outcomes. 

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What is an annuity due?

An annuity due is a financial contract offered by some insurance companies. It provides a series of equal payments made at the beginning of each period, typically monthly, quarterly, or annually. This structure differs from ordinary annuity contracts, where payments arrive at the end of each period. 

Annuity due payments typically reduce waiting time and can provide immediate cash flow. Retirees often prefer this structure for budgeting and income stability. Gainbridge offers a range of annuity products, including fixed indexed annuities with features that are similar to annuity due timing. This can help clients align their income timing with financial goals. 

How annuity due payments work

If you are on a monthly annuity due plan, your first payment arrives at the beginning of the first month, and subsequent payments will be deposited into your account at the start of each following month. Under an ordinary annuity structure, your first payment would come at the end of the first month. 

While the timing difference may seem minor, it can carry significant implications. Recipients can gain faster access to funds for immediate expenses and retirement needs. This structure may also carry tax considerations. Since payments are received at the beginning of each period, recipients may need to report earnings earlier than with ordinary annuities. It is important to review the contract to see how and when you will receive payments. 

Receiving payments sooner increases the present value (PV) of an annuity due. The earlier cash flow has more time to earn interest or generate returns. This increases its total value compared to ordinary annuities with the same terms.

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Annuity due vs. immediate annuity vs. ordinary annuity

Each annuity contract has distinct payment timing and use cases. These differences affect who benefits and how the contract fits into a financial plan. 

While we’ve discussed ordinary annuities versus annuities due, let’s expand the comparison to include the concept of an immediate annuity— where payments begin right after purchase.

Ultimately, the choice of product comes down to whether you prioritize immediate income (annuity due or immediate) or prefer delayed payments to maximize cash flow flexibility (ordinary annuity).

How to calculate the present value of an annuity due

The PV of an annuity due reflects the current value of payments, taking into account the time value of money — earlier payments are worth more. 

The formula for calculating an ordinary annuity PV is:

PV = C × [(1 – (1 + i)^-n) / i]

Where:

• C = Payment amount. For example, if you received $1000 per month, C would be $1000.
• i = Interest rate per period. This is the discount rate used to bring future payments back to their present value.
• n = Number of periods. This is the total number of payments in the annuity.

The annuity due formula builds upon the ordinary annuity PV formula by incorporating the impact of receiving payments at the beginning of each period. Due to this payment structure, an annuity due has a higher present value than an ordinary annuity because the funds are available for use sooner.

The PV of an annuity due is calculated as follows:

PV = C × [((1 – (1 + i)^-n) / i) × (1 + i)]

Step-by-Step Calculation: 

• Determine the variables: Identify the payment amount (C), interest rate (i), and number of periods (n).
• Apply the ordinary annuity PV formula: Calculate PV = C × [(1 – (1 + i)^-n) / i].
• Adjust for annuity due: Multiply the result by (1 + i) to account for the payment timing.

Here’s an example: 

Suppose you receive $1,000 annually at the start of each year for 10 years, earning 5% interest each year. 

C = 1000

i = 0.05

n = 10

PV = 1000 × [((1 – (1 + 0.05)^-10) / 0.05) × (1 + 0.05)]

PV = 1000 × [(1 – 1.05^-10) / 0.05] × 1.05

PV = $8,107.82

This calculation yields a present value of an annuity due of $8,107.82. An ordinary annuity with the same terms only yields $7,721.73. The annuity due earns more because each payment earns an extra period of interest.

*Hypothetical example for illustrative purposes only. 

Explore fixed indexed annuities with Gainbridge

Annuities can help retirees secure steady income, but not all contracts work the same. One unique option is an annuity due, which offers an early payment structure. This leads to a higher present value than ordinary annuities and faster cash flow.

For those seeking flexible income options, Gainbridge offers a range of annuity products. These include fixed indexed annuities, designed to align with your payment timing preferences. Explore Gainbridge today, and learn how an annuity can help provide steady income in retirement. 

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This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be interpreted as, individualized investment, legal, or tax advice. For advice concerning your own situation please contact the appropriate professional.  The GainbridgeⓇ digital platform provides informational and educational resources intended only for self-directed purposes. Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuer.