No, not yet as I have some time to waffle more. Responses here are running close to 50/50. But I’d say right now I’m leaning towards the annuity and I’ll tell you why.
1. I’m not a brave investor, so a safe ready return of 6% with 100% spouse survivorship (almost like an insurance policy) makes me less anxious.
2. I’d like to not worry about the stock market with all of my money when I’m retired. I’ll still have a bit north of 1M working for me even with the annuity, and I believe I like the set and forget part of the annuity.
3. With this annuity, and the one in 2025 and SS I’ll have more income than I will most likely need post 70 YOA and I can continue to save even in retirement - or use that money to pay for LTC if needed.
4. For heirs, we will gift along the way, and left over $ and paid off RE will be a nice inheritance
5. The annuity will be through New York Life. A++ rated and one of the very strongest companies in the business, so While there is always concern, it isn’t like my pension will be paid out by a small business for the next 35 years.
Also, and it’s just a mind game, my lump sum last year was projected at over $100k higher than it is right now. It has gone down due to rising interest rates. It doesn’t mean much, but it was irritating to see it drop. It won’t drop again before my decision, but that drop made the annuity look even better.