Presentation: Annuities

Thursday, 4/9/2026
12:00 - 1:00

Explore annuities as a potential financial planning tool. Annuities are contracts with insurance companies that investors might consider when planning for retirement or seeking to turn assets into a stream of income. In this presentation, Rob Mascio from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) will provide an overview of annuities, including the general characteristics of different types and important questions to consider before buying.

Robert Mascio has been with FINRA for over 20 years and is Director of Investor Education Outreach. In this capacity, Mr. Mascio cultivates and manages FINRA Investor Education Foundation programs and partnerships related to investor protection and the prevention of financial fraud and exploitation. He also helps drive research surrounding financial fraud, the victim experience, and scam susceptibility, as well as facilitates FINRA’s Investor Issues Committee. Prior to this role, Mr. Mascio held a variety of management and investigative positions within FINRA, including managing FINRA’s Vulnerable Adults and Seniors Team, which was responsible for conducting specialized reviews and investigations of senior specific concerns, including allegations of fraud, abuse and exploitation of vulnerable adults. Additionally, he serves on the advisory board to the Cybercrime Support Network and participates on Multi-Disciplinary Teams and taskforces related to fraud and senior financial exploitation. Mr. Mascio obtained his MBA from Florida State University, an undergraduate degree from Salisbury University, and is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist.

FINRA is a self-regulatory organization for member broker-dealers that is responsible under federal law for supervising our member firms. As a not-for-profit, self-regulatory organization (SRO) with an 85-year history, FINRA’s mission is to protect investors and safeguard the integrity of our vibrant capital markets to ensure that everyone can invest with confidence.


Get expert help in managing your finances and learn how to make well-informed financial decisions about spending, saving, taxes, investing, retirement, estate planning and more.

Presentations on a wide menu of topics, ranging from the basics on saving, financial planning and cash flow management, to investing, retirement planning, property tax and insurance sub-limits throughout the month of April.


This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.


Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.


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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.