Both variable and fixed annuities are usually sold as general investment vehicles with tax deferral until the funds are withdrawn.

FORBES: Gotcha! A Hard Look The Annuity Business

These aspects included segregating each individual retirement account, offering the choice to save (defer) or not to save, ranges of deferral amounts, the ability to modify those deferral amounts, investment election choices, portability, loans and much more.

FORBES: Variable Annuity Mini-Boom Coming

We spell out the latest strategies in income deferral ( p. 182) and investment loopholes ( p. 186).

FORBES: Prospering in Tough Times

Short-termism has resulted directly or indirectly in corporate earnings games, the deferral of investments needed for long-term competitiveness and the transformation of investment and commercial banking from a capital-facilitating agency service business into a principal proprietary trading business.

FORBES: Magazine Article