Investment Stages

Every fortune starts somewhere

Some are built, others are inherited. But what they all have in common is that someone, at some time, took the first step by getting started. So just because you don't have a fortune now doesn't mean you can't try to create one. It helps to have a plan, the right tools and enough time to build. An important part of your plan may be an investment like a variable annuity. It offers tax advantages, investment flexibility and insurance protection.  Just remember, in order to get there you need to start somewhere - with a financial professional.

Plan on funding a longer retirement
While conventional wisdom may encourage conservative investments during retirement, the reality is that today's retiree could spend as many as 30 years or more in retirement. What does this mean for you? Staying in the market may be critical to your long-term financial success. Equity exposure may provide the growth potential necessary to help your money last.

While your retirement assets are accumulating
Taxes can take a big bite out of your investment earnings. Generally, the longer you defer paying taxes, the better. Any growth in a variable annuity is tax-deferred until you start making withdrawals. That means any potential earnings grow free of taxes as long as they remain in your account. This valuable benefit can make a big difference in your savings over time.

When the time comes to turn your investments into income
Considering the long retirement periods today's retirees can expect, and the effects of inflation over time, you may be concerned about the frequency and longevity of your future income sources. With so many investment choices available these days, it may be difficult to choose the right one for your particular situation. An annuity may be an excellent investment for a portion of your retirement assets since its payments are a guaranteed income source that you cannot outlive.

Annuity contracts contain exclusions, limitations, reductions of benefits and terms for keeping them in force. Your licensed financial professional can provide you with complete details.
Early withdrawals may be subject to surrender charges and, if taken prior to age 59 1/2, may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty and other applicable taxes. Early withdrawals have the effect of reducing the death benefit and cash surrender value.

Investors should consider the contract and the underlying portfolios’ investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. This and other important information is contained in the prospectuses, which can be obtained on the prospectus page or from your financial professional. You should read the prospectuses carefully before investing.

Annuities are issued by Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation. Securities products are distributed by Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. Both Prudential Financial companies are located in Shelton, CT. Each is solely responsible for its financial condition and contractual obligations.

Prudential Annuities is a business unit of Prudential Financial.

Wachovia Corporation is the majority owner and Prudential Financial, indirectly through subsidiaries, is a minority owner of Wachovia Securities, LLC.

Prudential, Prudential Financial, the Rock logo, and the Rock Prudential logo are registered service marks of The Prudential Insurance Company of America and its affiliates.

© Copyright 2008 Prudential Financial, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


IFS-A135569 Ed. 08/2008