In the past, annuities have been a topic avoided by many, but lately interest levels have risen—a lot. In fact, online searches for terms like “annuities” and “pensions” are up by 160% while “are annuities good or bad” are up by 200%, according to ThinkAdvisor.

April is often known for spring cleaning, Easter, and Passover, but it’s also Financial Literacy Month. At its core, financial literacy refers to understanding and effectively being able to use various financial tools and strategies. So, in honor of the month, we’re offering a basic financial primer, with some quick definitions and simple breakdowns of common retirement accounts.