Bequest Motive and Annuity Purchases

This discussion thread is a continuation of a frequently asked question that can be found here: http://www.annuitydigest.com/faq/what-happens-if-i-die-5-years-9-year-annuity-can-my-heirs-still-receive-principal

The question is as follows: "What happens if I die 5 years into a 9 year annuity? Can my heirs still receive the principal?"