Read the full report.

Guarantees are a classic example of the economics dictum that it is impossible to get something for nothing.

Those costs are resources that must be forgone to finance the guaranteed return.

spinner image

Guarantees offered by private insurers reflect their true economic costs more accurately, and they are often quite expensive.

mature couple meeting with their financial planner at home

A senior African-American couple meeting with a consultant. They are sitting in the living room signing paperwork.

Hundred dollar bill on a fishing hook

Older couple paying bills

A man and a woman chatting in a conference room filled with attendees.