 TITLE: Are Annuities a Good Investment? CONTENT: What Is an Annuity?\n-------------------\nPeople typically buy annuities to provide a source of income during retirement. Annuity payments can be made to the issuer in one lump sum or over a certain period of time. Likewise, payments from an annuity can be made in one lump sum or over a certain period of time.\nAnnuities are sold by insurance companies, banks, brokerage firms and mutual fund companies. They fall into three buckets. END