Related Personal Finance Programs - The following sub-directories of companies and services offer a wide variety of financial programs to assist you with the management of your finances. Consolidate debt with a consolidation loan (home page) or use a debt counseling service or debt consolidation company for help with the consolidation of your credit card debts and other monthly payments.

• Debt Settlement Negotiation - Too much debt? List of firms providing this bankruptcy alternative that provides for debt negotiation and arbitration services for those that need to eliminate debt.
• Personal Loan Financing - Looking for a personal loan to consolidate your credit cards? These loans are usually unsecured, meaning you are not required to provide collateral. Approval is often based upon factors as your income, credit and job history.
• Debt Management Company - Having trouble keeping up with your monthly credit payments? Compare debt management firms in this online list that can try and help you get a grip on your personal finances.

A Special Guide for Seniors and Families

Annuities for Retirees: What to Consider Before You Invest

Know the key features and costs of the product and make sure they fit your needs. Read the literature to understand the most important facts and risks, including the potential for loss, if any.

"A sales representative who talks to you about purchasing an annuity is required by federal law to ask you questions about your investment goals, current finances and future retirement plans," said Kara Ritchie, an FDIC Policy Analyst who specializes in consumer issues. "If the representative doesn't discuss whether the product is suitable for your needs and goals, take your business elsewhere."

Experts generally say that annuities with guaranteed principal and income are more suitable for older investors than annuities that may, through market performance, lose value. The latter include variable-rate, deferred-payment annuities and equity-indexed annuities (those tied to the stock market), which might not make sense for many investors close to or in retirement.

Also, before you sign a contract, make sure you understand the cost of getting your money back early. Many investors with variable annuities are surprised to learn that they must pay hefty "surrender charges" if they try to withdraw money early, cancel their contract, or replace an existing annuity with a new one.

FDIC Consumer News is published by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

FDIC Consumer News is produced quarterly by the FDIC Office of Public Affairs in cooperation with other Divisions and Offices. It is intended to present information in a nontechnical way and is not intended to be a legal interpretation of FDIC or other government regulations and policies. Mention of a product, service or company does not constitute an endorsement.

Find current and past issues of FDIC Consumer News at http://www.fdic.gov/consumernews. Refer to this same index to locate the issues that are specially formatted for being reprinted in any quantity.

To receive an e-mail notice about each new issue of FDIC Consumer News posted on the FDIC Web site, with links to stories, follow instructions posted at www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html.

Last updated on 11/14/2005

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