Introduction
AnnuityRatesHQ is your go to source for all things annuities. But there are also many other reputable resources on the internet for knowledge and information on annuities. Being armed with the right knowledge is more crucial than ever.
According to annual study of Americans personal finances, nearly 60% of Americans in 2025 could not cover a $1,000 emergency. According to another annual survey, America’s financial literacy is about 50%. This combination of preparedness and know-how highlights the growing importance of financial literacy, especially in retirement planning. And although annuities may not be right for every situation, they are often misunderstood or mistrusted by people whose retirement income plan could benefit. The purpose of this article is to help readers confidently learn about annuities with the best online resources available.
Why Knowledge Matters
With any investment or financial decision comes some amount of risk. It is important to understand the risks that are involved in annuities and your own risk tolerance. Not only could you make a non-optimal financial decision, but there are individuals willing to take advantage of uninformed consumers. Finding trusted sources of educational resources is one way to ensure a solid and safe annuity decision.
Authoritative Financial Education Platforms
FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, is a self-regulated organization (SRO). An SRO is, “a non-governmental entity with the power to create and enforce industry regulations and standards.” FINRA was established in the 1930s under the oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). But it is NOT a governmental organization. The most well-known SRO is probably the New York Stock Exchange.
Although an SRO is not a governmental organization, they do have some regulatory power over the industry they preside. This is usually performed by internal mechanisms that members have agreed upon previously.
Key FINRA Annuity Resources:
SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission)
The Securities and Exchange Commission was founded in 1934 during the height of the Great Depression. Since that time, they have not strayed from their mission of, “protecting investors, maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitating capital formation.”
Key SEC Annuity Resources:
Company Search (Use this to search the prospectuses and filings of variable annuities and their underlying funds)
Free Financial Planning Tools (not annuity related per se, but worth including in the list)
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
From the NAIC’s website, “The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. Founded in 1871, the U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories to coordinate regulation of multistate insure.” An insurance commissioner, “…is the person responsible for regulating insurance, ensuring market sustainability and solvency, and protecting consumers for any given state or jurisdiction. State insurance commissioners are public servants and may not always be titled in their state as an insurance commissioner. Some are directors. Some are chief officers. And some oversee far more than insurance.”
In sum, the NAIC is the group providing information and expertise to the people who write the specific rules for the state or jurisdiction you live in governing annuities and other insurance products. If you have any questions regarding the rules or companies working in your state when it comes to annuities, your state’s insurance commissioner’s office is the place to go first.
Key NAIC Annuity Resources:
Life Insurance and Annuities (A) Committee: The mission of the Life Insurance and Annuities (A) Committee is to: 1) consider issues relating to life insurance and annuities; and 2) review new life insurance products.
Educational Websites & Nonprofits
AnnuityRatesHQ
Annuityrateshq.com is certainly your go to first stop shop for annuity educational information. Below is a quick list of articles/blogs.
Annuity Rates: This page provides a list of several popular annuities and the rates available for them while also providing some articles on annuity rates, how they work, etc.
Annuity Basics: This page provides dozens of articles on the basics of annuities and frequently asked questions.
Annuity Blog: The blog provides a less detailed archive of articles on popular annuity topics.
Annuity Reviews: This page provides a list of several popular annuities and annuity companies. The site provides reviews of these companies and their annuities so you can make a more informed decision.
Investopedia
Investopedia is an online financial education platform that provides clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date content on investing, personal finance, economics, and financial markets. Its mission is to simplify complex financial concepts to help individuals make smarter financial decisions. What’s very distinct about this site is the broad range of topics and is best for both beginners and seasoned financial experts.
Key Investopedia Annuity Resources:
The American College of Financial Services
The American College of Financial Services is a nonprofit, accredited institution that provides applied financial education, professional certifications (like CFP®, RICP®, and ChFC®), and graduate-level programs to elevate the knowledge, ethics, and standards of financial practitioners. Although this is geared more towards professionals in the financial industry, if you want more in depth training or guidance, this is a very well-known resource to go to.
Key Annuity Resources:
Retirement Research Organizations (e.g., Wade Pfau / Retirement Researcher)
“Retirement Researcher exists to help guide you along the path to a successful and sustainable retirement by providing modern, sound academic research, in the manner that helps you learn best.” The key point here is the academic nature of the information provided. A site like this may not be for beginners but can provide useful information for a more seasoned or experienced individual.
Tools & Simulators
Annuityrateshq.com also provides an annuity simulator. With this simulator you can compare products side by side to see which best fits your needs. This up-to-date simulator provides many of the most popular annuities and rates to determine what payout you could receive while adjust inputs such as interest rate, guarantee periods and more.
Conclusion
By weaving together academic insights, practical tools, and trusted simulators, this article underscores the importance of being well-informed when navigating the complex world of annuities. Whether you're a seasoned investor seeking nuanced guidance or someone exploring annuities for the first time, tapping into diverse resources empowers you to make decisions rooted in knowledge and confidence. Remember, annuities are not merely financial instruments—they are the foundation of sustainable retirement strategies. Embrace the journey to understanding them fully, for a brighter and more secure financial future awaits those who invest in wisdom as much as in wealth.