Part of the fear that drives investors to products such as variable annuities, equity-indexed annuities, and the false promises of active management (including absolute return funds) is the misplaced fear of the recent lost decade in the performance of stocks.

FORBES: A Lost Decade? Not The Case For All Investors

Many insurance companies offer variable and equity-indexed annuities with an income rider that provides a guaranteed lifetime income withdrawal benefit and the opportunity to grow your remaining principal within the annuity.

FORBES: Weave Your Own Retirement Safety Net