Retiring on 01/03/2000 assuming the world is still revolving, there is not a mass uprising like my survivalist neighbor is
preparing for, good Lord willing & the creek don't rise. At a young 56.
What a selection of decisions to make. The biggest is to take the comfort of the monthly retirement check with the
100% survivorship feature for my wife or take the $$$ and do it myself. She wants the assurance of the guaranteed
monthly check for the obvious reasons. On the other hand, the interest rare the retirement fund is using is a paltry
6.04%.
What's a guy to do?? Give it a try and risk the "I told you so" or go with the security?????

Do the payments increase over the years as inflation cust your purchasing power? If not, then take the cash.
You should be able to get a better return out of the market.

Since this is an important decision hire a fee only planner or go to a CPA for some advice.