Annuities are often marketed as safe, stable investments for retirees, but for Americans living in Israel, they can present unexpected challenges. These financial products come with complex contracts, extended lock-in periods, and high fees, making them less flexible than they may seem. Cross-border tax rules add another layer of difficulty, turning what appears to be a guaranteed income in the United States into a potential financial headache abroad. This podcast episode explores the pitfalls of annuities for cross-border investors and offers alternative strategies for building a reliable retirement plan in Israel.