Snap Judgment: When to Trust Your Instincts, When to Ignore Them, and How to Avoid Making Big Mistakes with Your Money

5. The Psychology of Why People (Used to) Hate Annuities

Take the following retirement quiz about two people who have made permanent decisions on how to spend a portion of their money in retirement. Which sounds like a better deal to you?

Quiz #1

Each person has some savings and can spend $1,000 each month from Social Security in addition to the portion of income mentioned in each question. They have already set aside money to leave for their children when they die. The choices are intended to be financially equivalent and based on personal preferences for spending in retirement.

Mr. Red:    Mr. Red can spend $650 each month for as long as he lives in addition to Social Security. When he dies, there will be no more payments.

Mr. Gray:    Mr. ...