Hi,
If you are wondering 'how does an ARF work', may I suggest we consider instead the question; 'how should an ARF work'!? Given that your draw-down strategy in retirement will be one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your mature life, this really is a topic worth doing some homework on.
Unfortunately, ARFs are generally managed in a pretty laissez-faire manner by most providers. They take your money, stick it into a mid-volatility fund and hand you a cheque every month for 4% of the average over the month, and let your hard-earned pot do whatever it will do. There are options.
Paddy.
Informed Decisions Independent Financial Planning & Money Podcast