A method for determining one or more features of an annuity includes receiving data indicative of a prospective annuitant's personal expenses in at least a first expense category and a second expense category; storing the data in memory; accessing price index information for the first expense category; accessing price index information for the second expense category; accessing general price index information; and based on factors including the price index information for the first expense category, the price index information for the second expense category, and the general price index information, determining a benefit increase rate of an annuity for the prospective annuitant; and providing an output indicative of at least the determined benefit increase rate.