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As women in their 50s start planning for retirement, it’s essential to focus on strategies that provide both stability and long-term growth. For many single-income women, especially those without the cushion of a traditional pension, creating a reliable financial future is more crucial than ever. Two financial tools rising in popularity for this demographic are annuities and Gold IRAs. Each offers unique benefits that can help women protect, grow, and enjoy their retirement savings with peace of mind.
We reached out to Money.com to see what the best choices are for women in their prime. Let’s explore how these options work—and why they may be a smart addition to your retirement strategy.
Annuities: Guaranteed Income When It Matters Most
If you’re a single-income earner without access to a pension, an annuity could be your financial safety net. An annuity is essentially a contract between you and an insurance company where you contribute money (either as a lump sum or through regular payments), and in return, the insurer provides you with a steady stream of income in the future—either for life or for a set number of years.
Check out Gainbridge FastBreak to see if a fixed annuity is right for you!
Why It Works for Women Over 50
One of the greatest fears in retirement is running out of money. Women, on average, live longer than men, making the risk of outliving retirement savings very real. Annuities help counter that risk by offering predictable, guaranteed income, making them particularly useful for single women managing their finances solo.
This stability can be invaluable when you’re no longer earning a paycheck but still need to cover living expenses, healthcare costs, and occasional splurges, such as travel or gifts for grandchildren.

Types of Annuities to Consider
- Fixed Annuities: These offer a guaranteed payout and are not tied to stock market performance, making them a safe bet for conservative investors. You’ll know exactly how much you’ll get and when.
- Lifetime Annuities: Also known as immediate or deferred income annuities, these provide income for the rest of your life, which is perfect for ensuring you never outlive your savings.
- Indexed and Variable Annuities: While these can offer higher returns by linking to market performance, they also come with more risk and fees. These are generally better for those who can tolerate market ups and downs.
Tax-Deferred Growth: A Hidden Gem
Between the ages of 40 and 55, you’re likely in your peak earning years. That means you might also be in a higher tax bracket. One of the perks of annuities is tax-deferred growth—you won’t owe taxes on investment gains until you start withdrawing funds. This feature can help your savings grow faster compared to a taxable account, making annuities a powerful long-term wealth-building tool.
Gold IRAs: A Rock-Solid Hedge Against Economic Uncertainty
We live in uncertain economic times—high inflation, volatile stock markets, and global instability can make traditional retirement portfolios feel a bit shaky. That’s where Gold IRAs come in.
What Is a Gold IRA?
A Gold IRA is a type of self-directed IRA that allows you to hold physical gold (as well as other precious metals like silver and platinum) in your retirement account instead of just stocks and bonds. These accounts follow the same tax rules as traditional IRAs, meaning contributions may be tax-deductible and earnings grow tax-deferred.
Why Gold?
Gold has been considered a safe haven asset for centuries. Unlike paper currencies or stocks, it retains value even when markets crash or inflation surges. For a woman nearing retirement, having gold as part of her portfolio means added security against the unknown.
Ideal for Long-Term Stability
You may still be 10 to 20 years away from retirement—and that’s the sweet spot for Gold IRAs. Over time, gold has historically appreciated in value, especially during periods of economic downturn. By investing now, you give your gold assets time to grow and potentially accumulate wealth with lower risk compared to traditional investments.
Creating a Balanced Strategy

Neither annuities nor Gold IRAs should serve as your entire retirement plan. But combined, they can add meaningful layers of protection and potential.
- Annuities ensure you won’t run out of money during retirement, giving you predictable income.
- Gold IRAs provide a hedge against inflation and economic instability, while still offering the potential for growth.
Are you looking for a balanced retirement plan? A prime example of what a plan for a single-income woman might look like is this:
- Social Security as a base
- Annuity payments from Gainbridge Fastbreak to cover core living expenses
- Gold IRA from Goldco or Bishop Gold for stability and inflation protection
- 401(k)s or traditional IRAs for market-driven growth
Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind Starts with Preparation
Being a woman over 50 in charge of your financial destiny isn’t just empowering—it’s smart. Whether you’re decades into your career or catching up on savings later in life, it’s never too late to make strategic decisions that protect your future.
By integrating annuities and Gold IRAs into your retirement planning, you can build a stable, diversified portfolio that offers both security and opportunity. Remember, the key is to work with a financial advisor to tailor these tools to your personal goals and risk tolerance.
For more in-depth guides and expert advice tailored to your financial journey, check out Money.com—a resource hub that makes money management easier to understand and implement, especially for women like you navigating retirement planning with confidence.