Cool Characteristics Of Annuities References. Before investing in one, it's important to understand their pros and cons. Web annuities are financial products that offer a guaranteed income stream, usually for retirees.

There are 2 basic types of annuities: Web an annuity is a financial product that basically amounts to a contract with an insurance company that agrees to provide the investor with a regular income stream, typically in retirement. The investor, known as the annuitant, pays either a lump sum or a series of payments to the insurance carrier in exchange.