Up until now, we've talked about how to use reasonably run-of-the-mill investments--stocks and mutual funds--in your portfolio.

In the 400 level of Investing Classroom Portfolio, we'll explore other types of investments that you might choose for your portfolio.

This lesson will focus on annuities: specifically, those of interest to long-term investors--the tax-deferred, variable kind.

Next: What's a Variable Annuity? >>