Annuities have unique features that can make them an attractive investment option for many individuals. In the Essentials of Annuities manual, we cover the various types of annuities and their characteristics, as well as the circumstances under which they make sense. The manual also addresses a number of problems with annuities, and covers several best practices that can be applied to enhance your returns from them. The manual also covers several related topics, including the tax impact of annuities, insurance company ratings, and the risks covered by annuities. The intent of the manual is to give you a solid grounding in the fundamentals of annuities.