Annuity sales rose 8% to $119.2 billion in Q2 2025 as more seek guaranteed retirement income. Accessing annuity funds depends on contract type, age, and strategy. Options include waiting for payments, partial withdrawals (up to 10% annually), loans, surrendering contracts, 1035 exchanges, hardship riders, or selling future payments. Each has trade-offs in taxes, penalties, and long-term impact. Choose carefully to balance immediate needs and future security.