Insurance companies sell annuities. It’s best to shop around and compare options before you make a decision. That’s because not all annuities are the same. Here are some features to investigate.

1. Before making a final decision, weigh this option against the other four – taking a lump sum, staying in the plan, rolling to an IRA, and beginning distributions.
2. Use your investigation worksheet to ask insurance companies about their annuities’ features.
3. If you settle on rolling over to an annuity, call your Benefits department and find out what steps need to be taken.
4. IMPORTANT: Do not receive funds in your name. Make sure money moves plan to plan. Otherwise, you may lose a significant portion to taxes (and to penalties if you are younger than 59 1/2).