An annuity is a financial product that provides a series of payments over a set period of time, typically in retirement. It is often used as a way to provide a guaranteed income stream for individuals in their later years.

Low-interest rates can have a significant impact on annuities, as they are often tied to the performance of the underlying investments. When interest rates are low, the return on investments may be lower, which can result in lower payouts for annuity holders.

One strategy is to consider investing in a variable annuity, which allows for more flexibility in choosing investments that may offer higher returns. Another strategy is to ladder annuities, which involves purchasing multiple annuities with staggered maturity dates to take advantage of potentially higher interest rates in the future.

One risk is that the returns on investments may not keep pace with inflation, resulting in a decrease in the purchasing power of annuity payments over time. Additionally, if interest rates remain low for an extended period, it may be challenging to find investments that offer higher returns to offset the impact on annuity payouts.