Insurance companies are financial institutions that function in the economy as part of the financial services industry. A financial institution is a business that owns primarily financial assets, such as stocks and bonds, rather than fixed assets, such as equipment and raw materials. The financial services industry is made up of various kinds of financial institutions that help people, businesses, and governments save, borrow, invest, and otherwise manage money. The financial products provided by financial institutions help people manage income and debt, accumulate resources for their retirements, and protect themselves from financial losses resulting from unexpected occurrences such as disability, premature death, and natural disasters. The following are some of the various types of financial institutions: