Annuity
An interest-bearing contract between an individual and a life insurance company that guarantees periodic payments to the individual during a specific time period.

Bonds
Bonds are debts issued by companies or governments who guarantee payment of the original investment plus interest by a specified future date.

Equity
The difference between the market value of a property and the claims held against it.

Fund Manager
The professional who runs an investment fund and decides what shares, bonds or gilts the fund should buy or sell.

Mutual Funds
Invented in the 1920s, mutual funds are pools of money managed by an investment company or advisor. Different mutual funds have different goals. For example, funds may seek growth, growth and income, specific market cap sizes, sectors, etc.

Stocks
A stock is a certificate of ownership in a corporation. It is the same as a share.