Many banks have become financial supermarkets, offering annuities, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance and other products that are not traditionally sold by these institutions.

While this may be a good thing for consumers, allowing one stop shopping for a wide array of investments, some consumers are still confused about what is insured and what isn’t.

According to the Consumer News, which is published by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, you may realize higher returns on these products than on a traditional deposit, but you need to understand that these are not insured by FDIC.

Federal law is very specific about what is covered by FDIC insurance. Stocks, bonds, mutual funds and annuities, even though they are sold by your bank, are not covered. Your bank is required to indicate that these investments are not insured and that your principal is not guaranteed. For more information on this subject, check out the www.fdic.gov.