Remarriage

• Unless you were married for a minimum of 30 years, your ex-spouse will discontinue receiving your annuity if he or she remarriess before the age of 55. If you were married for 30 years or more, the benefits can continue for life.
  
  

Significance

• In 2006, the United States saw a 50 percent increase in the number of unmarried couples over 50 years old living together. Remarrying can decrease or eliminate benefits such as annuities, insurance, or Social Security to former spouses.
  
  

Types

• Consumers can choose from fixed and variable annuity options. With a fixed annuity, your insurance company can promise that they will pay a minimum interest rate during the time that you have your account with them. They will also guarantee a dollar amount in your account. A variable annuity allows you to choose where you invest the money, and the repayment will depend on the performance of the options you invested in.