An Immediate Annuity is a financial product that turns a lump sum of money into a steady stream of income, starting almost right away—usually within a year of purchase. It’s often used by people who are retiring and want guaranteed income they can count on, similar to a paycheck. You give the insurance company a one-time payment, and in return, they send you regular payments for a set period of time or for the rest of your life, depending on the type of annuity you choose. Immediate annuities offer stability, but once the money is used to buy the annuity, it typically can’t be withdrawn in a lump sum later.