"While in some limited cases, deferred variable annuities actually are making a resurgence for pure tax deferral purposes -- in which case, there's once again little reason to purchase them with retirement assets -- most annuities continue to be purchased for their guarantees and investment characteristics, not their tax preferences. Given these changes, it is perhaps time to abolish the 'annuities should never go into an IRA' rule and recognize that it has become more a myth and remnant of old than proper advice in today's environment."