It is not that they cannot think of vacations to go on, toys to buy, and grandkids to spoil. It is simply that they have not determined the best way to take their accumulated nest egg.
The guaranteed amount is state-specific, but typically in the $100,000 to $300,000 range. If you desire to annuitize more than this, you may wish to purchase annuities from more than one company.
Prior to age 70, the investor can withdraw from each of these accounts in any manner he or she should so choose. You can always reinvest it in a taxable account.
If your desire is to minimize the amount of taxes you pay during your lifetime, the best way to do that is to take only the minimum out of the tax-deferred account, and then spend from the tax-free account by borrowing from life insurance.
If charitable giving is a big part of your estate plan, you should also consider where that contribution should come from.