Investing

What Are Dividends?

It is important to understand how dividends (taxable payments to shareholders) fit with your long-term goals.

What Is an Exchange-Traded Fund?

ETFs have unique attributes and attempt to track all types of indexes, industries, or commodities.

How Are Growth and Value Stocks Different?

The labels growth and value reflect different approaches that can be used when making investment decisions.

How Are Mutual Funds Taxed?

Mutual fund taxes can be cumbersome, but there are ways to help mitigate the amount of taxes you may owe.

What Is Stock?

Before investing in stocks, it is important to understand some of the basics and the risks involved in owning stocks.

What Are Zero-Coupon Bonds?

Zero-coupon bonds represent a type of bond that does not pay interest during the life of the bond.

What Is Diversification?

An important element to successful investing is to manage investment risk while maintaining the potential for growth.

What Types of Bonds Are Available?

Bonds are issued by many entities and share many characteristics, each type of bond has certain benefits and risks.

What Is a Bond?

A bond is simply evidence of a debt from a government entity or a corporation and represents a long-term IOU.

What Do Bond Ratings Mean?

Bond ratings gauge a bond issuer’s financial ability to repay its promised principal and interest payments.

What Is a Stock Index?

Stock market indexes can be useful benchmarks for gauging the performance of an investment portfolio over time.

How Do Mutual Funds and Stocks Differ?

The difference between purchasing an individual stock versus shares in a mutual fund to potentially earn dividends.

What Is a Mutual Fund?

A mutual fund is a collection of stocks, bonds, and other securities with certain benefits and risks.

What Is a Closed-End Fund?

With closed-end funds, investors pool their money together to purchase a professionally managed portfolio of stocks and/or bonds.

What Is a Mutual Fund Load?

It’s important to understand mutual fund loads, or sales charges, and exactly what they entail so you can make informed investing decisions.

What Is an Annuity?

An annuity is a flexible financial vehicle that can help protect against the risk of living a long time because it provides an option for a lifetime income.

What Is the Difference Between a Fixed Annuity and a Variable Annuity?

Both fixed and variable annuities could be appropriate options for an individual interested in purchasing an annuity.

What Investment Risks Should I Know About?

Understanding different types of investment risk can help investors manage their money more effectively.

What Are the Different Classes of Assets?

There are five broad asset classes that you should take into consideration when constructing your investment portfolio.

What Is Asset Allocation?

Asset allocation is a method used to help manage investment risk; it does not guarantee a profit or protect against investment loss.

How Can I Save for My Child’s College Education?

There are several funding methods for a child's college education including mutual funds and Section 529 plans.

What College Investment Options Do I Have?

Starting to invest early for college and remaining consistent can help investors reach their goals.

What Stock and Bond Investing Alternatives Do I Have?

There are other ways to invest in stocks and bonds besides owning individual shares or bonds.

What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging?

Dollar-cost averaging involves investing a set amount of money on a regular basis, regardless of market conditions.

529 Lesson Plan: High Scores for 529 Plans

529 plans are tax-advantaged savings plans that generally allow people of any income level to contribute.