Variable Annuity Subaccounts: Understanding Your Investment Choices

Considering a variable annuity and wondering about your investment options? Then you’ve come to the right place.

 Purchasing variable annuity investment options involves more than just choosing the right insurance provider. Understanding them may be challenging yet crucial for novice investors, especially when deciding which mutual funds to invest in. 

With a variable annuity, you can put your money into stocks, bonds, and market funds. Each fund is referred to as a subaccount and comes with unique advantages and risks. 

This article explains what variable annuity subaccounts are, their differences, benefits, and potential risks. Keep reading to make a smart financial decision!

Quick Facts

• Subaccounts are investment options within a variable annuity that work similarly to mutual funds. 
• With a single variable annuity, you can invest in stocks, bonds, balanced funds, and more.
• Subaccount returns vary based on market performance and grow your principal tax-deferred until withdrawal. 
• Fees and risks depend on the subaccounts you choose.

What Are Variable Annuity Subaccounts?

Variable annuity subaccounts are investment options within a variable annuity. Unlike fixed annuities, where you have a fixed interest rate, variable contracts offer a greater growth potential thanks to subaccounts, which are typically made up of stocks, bonds, and other assets. 

Think of subaccounts as mutual funds that pool money from multiple investors and are managed by a professional. However, instead of functioning as a single fund, you can diversify your variable annuity with different funds. 

Creating separate portfolios within one contract involves different regulations, which you should take into account when choosing which funds to invest in.

How Variable Annuity Subaccounts Work

When purchasing a variable annuity, you will decide what portion of your principal will be put into subaccounts. If the insurer offers stock funds, bond funds, and market funds, you can choose to invest in one, two, or all of them. 

With variable annuity subaccounts, additional fees apply because each investment option is professionally managed. While the underlying management fees are often lower than those of retail mutual funds, insurance providers may charge extra fees to cover administrative costs and market risks. 

In some cases, insurers add a buffer to protect themselves if the subaccount's expenses exceed expectations.

Types of Variable Annuity Investment Options

When choosing variable annuity investment options, you’ll find a variety of subaccounts designed to match different risk profiles and financial goals. 

These subaccounts span several asset classes and investment strategies, each with unique characteristics. 

Equity Subaccounts

These subaccounts invest primarily in stocks and may include large-cap, small-cap, mid-cap, or international companies. They offer the highest potential for long-term growth but also carry the most risk due to market volatility.

Bond Subaccounts

Focused on fixed-income securities like government bonds, corporate bonds, or high-yield bonds, these subaccounts aim to provide stability and income. While they generally offer lower growth potential than equities, they are less volatile and may suit conservative or income-focused investors.

Balanced Subaccounts

Balanced subaccounts combine stocks and bonds within one portfolio. These are designed to offer a mix of growth and stability, making them a popular choice for those seeking diversification within a single investment option.

Money Market or Fixed Income Subaccounts

These conservative investment options focus on preserving capital. While they typically provide the lowest returns, they also involve minimal risk. They may appeal to investors nearing retirement or those looking to safeguard a portion of their annuity.

Specialty or Sector Subaccounts

Some subaccounts concentrate on specific sectors like technology, healthcare, and real estate. These can offer higher growth potential but also come with concentrated risk.

Fees Associated with Variable Annuity Subaccounts

Variable annuities may become your versatile investment, but they’re not without certain caveats. There will be certain fees associated with your annuity contract, which will depend on your provider and contract:

• Management fees: These are ongoing charges for the professional management of each subaccount. They cover portfolio research, trading, and other investment-related services. Each subaccount may have a different fee depending on its asset class and strategy.
• Mortality and Expense (M&E) fee: This fee compensates the insurance company for the risks it assumes under the contract, such as providing guaranteed death benefits. It also covers general operating costs and is typically expressed as a percentage of your account value. 
• Administrative fees: These fees cover basic account services like record-keeping, customer support, and account statements. They may be charged annually as a flat fee or as a percentage of the contract value.
• Rider fees (optional): If you choose to add optional benefits (e.g., guaranteed lifetime income or enhanced death benefits), your annuity may include rider fees. These are charged in addition to the base contract fees and can vary widely based on the feature.

Choosing the Right Variable Annuity Investment Options

You may be at a crossroads when it comes to choosing the right variable annuity funds. To help you narrow down your options, you should focus on a few key factors, including:  

Funds’ Prospectus

Before choosing any subaccount, carefully read the fund’s prospectus. It outlines investment objectives, risk factors, fees, historical performance, and management strategy. This document is your roadmap to understanding exactly where your money is going.

Risk Tolerance

Assess your comfort with market ups and downs. Equity-heavy subaccounts may offer higher growth but can be volatile, while bond or money market options may be better suited for conservative investors.

Investment Goals

Are you trying to grow your money over time, earn a steady income, or keep your savings safe? How soon you plan to start taking money out should help you decide which subaccounts to choose. 

For example, if you have more time before you need the money, you might be able to take more investment risk for potentially higher returns.

Diversification Strategies

In investments, it’s often recommended to diversify your portfolio, and that’s exactly what variable annuity subaccounts can help you with. By spreading your principal into different asset classes (bonds, stocks, and money markets), you may reduce risks and improve the potential for steady returns.  

Performance History

Always review the historical performance of each subaccount, keeping in mind that past performance does not guarantee future results. Still, it can offer insight into how a fund has performed under various market conditions.

Fees and Expenses

Lastly, make sure to compare the fees associated with each subaccount. Higher costs may reduce your returns over time, so it's essential to understand both the fund management fees and any additional charges tied to your annuity.

Risks Associated with Variable Annuity Subaccounts

While variable annuities offer growth potential, they also come with several risks you should be aware of:

• Market risk: The value of your subaccounts can rise or fall based on stock and bond market performance.
• Investment risk: Not all subaccounts perform equally—some may deliver lower returns than expected.
• Inflation risk: If your returns don’t outpace inflation, your purchasing power may decrease over time.
• Fee impact: High fees and expenses can reduce your overall returns, especially over the long term.

Understanding how variable annuity subaccounts work, their potential for growth, and their risks can help you make more informed investment choices.

Is a Variable Annuity with Subaccounts Right for You?

How can you be sure variable annuities can be the right investment for you? It will mostly depend on your goals, but also on your expectations, personal situation, and risk tolerance, as well as how comfortable you are with the fees and complexity of this annuity.

Having said that, variable annuity with subaccounts may be a good fit if you’re looking for:

• Long-term growth potential: You have time to invest and want the opportunity for higher returns through market-based performance.
• Tax-deferred market participation: You like the idea of investing in the market while delaying taxes on gains until you make withdrawals.
• Guaranteed income options: You want the flexibility of adding riders that can provide lifetime income or protect against market losses.

How Annuity Association Can Help

Annuity Association is here to guide you through the complexities of variable annuity subaccounts and help you choose the right variable annuity investment options based on your unique goals and risk tolerance. 

Our experts provide clear explanations, personalized advice, and ongoing support to ensure you make informed decisions about your retirement planning.

Conclusion

Variable annuity subaccounts offer a flexible way to grow your retirement savings through a range of investment options tailored to your goals and risk tolerance. 

As core components of variable annuity investment options, they allow you to participate in market growth while benefiting from tax deferral and optional income guarantees.

However, it’s as important to familiarize yourself with associated fees and risks. Hence, take your time to review options to find an annuity strategy that supports your long-term plans. 

Contact Annuity Association to schedule a personalized consultation and explore the best annuity options for your future.