Learning the basics of investing is like learning a new language. It is easy to get lost or feel overwhelmed. The good news is that once you have mastered certain investing basics, you'll better understand how your money is being invested for your future plans. To assist you on that journey, here is a look at the handful of the most common types of investments you will encounter in your lifetime: stocks and bonds, mutual funds, and real estate.
Key Takeaways
- Stocks are good investments for investors who are willing to take risks for larger gains.
- Bonds are less risky than stocks, and they offer a steady stream of income.
- Mutual funds automate diversification, allowing any investor to access professional portfolio-balancing strategies.
- Alternative investments, like real estate, hedge funds, and family businesses, may suit an investor's specific goals, but they come with a unique set of risks and rewards that vary widely by circ*mstance.
Finding the Right Mix for You
The world of investing offers a seemingly endless number of assets and opportunities. There are financial securities, which include stocks and bonds. You also have real assets, which are physical assets you can see and touch. Then you have assets that are bundled together into what's called a "fund." We'll walk through stocks, bonds, real estate, mutual funds, and other investing structures and entities.
Note
Cryptocurrencies are another investment asset. Because of their newness, the market for them is far less stable than other, more traditional assets and may not be suitable for beginning investors.
The assets that are right for you will depend on many factors, such as your:
- Investment time frame
- Age
- Attitude towards risk
- Type of account, whether qualified (retirement) or non-qualified
- Financial goals
Your investing situation and preferences will likely change with time. Plan to re-evaluate your strategy as your circ*mstances evolve.
Buying Stocks
Without a doubt, owning stocks has been the best way, historically, to build wealth. Stocks are shares of ownership in a specific corporation. When you own a share of Apple, for example, you own a tiny piece of that company. In some cases, you may even be able to buy a fraction of a share, depending on the investing platform you use. This would be an even smaller portion of the company.
Stock prices fluctuate with a company's fortunes and also with the economy at large. These investments can be valued and rated, depending on the underlying company's financial stability. Some stocks pay a regular return of company profits in the form of dividends, and others do not. Investors can realize capital gains if the shares appreciate in value above what they paid for them.
Note
If you sell an investment for more than you paid for it, you'll be required to pay capital gains tax on the profits if it is held in a taxable account.
Best For: Stocks are a great choice for investors who are aiming for higher returns, have a higher risk tolerance, and have faith in the success of companies.
Purchasing Bonds
When you buy a bond, you are lending money to the company or institution that issued it. Bonds are debt securities and can be in the form of Treasuries, municipal bonds, corporate bonds, and other types of debt. Until they pay you back, the borrower will pay you interest on a regular basis. Bonds have to be held for a period of time before they mature. However, you can resell them on the secondary market through your broker.
Best For: Bonds are best for investors who have a lower tolerance for risk and seek out less volatility in their investments. Bonds also offer consistent payments.
Putting Money in Mutual Funds
One of the most popular ways to own stocks and bonds is through mutual funds. Mutual funds are pooled money investments that will have a primary focus. In fact, most people are statistically less likely to own individual investments than they are shares of companies through mutual funds held in their 401(k) or Roth IRA.
Mutual funds offer many benefits to investors, particularly to beginners who are just mastering investing basics. However, mutual funds also have a few serious drawbacks: They charge fees, which can eat into your profits, and with some funds they may boost your tax bill, even in a year when you don't sell shares.
Note
In most cases, there is a broker fee to buy or sell mutual fund holdings.
Best For: Mutual funds are a good fit for investors who want a diverse portfolio without the hassle of managing their investments.
Investing in Real Estate
Yes, you can buy a home for yourself or properties to rent, or you can purchase securities such as a real estate investment trust (REIT). REITs have a structure much like a mutual fund, where a professional manager handles the individual assets held within the trust's portfolio. However, with a REIT, all of the investments are only in real estate.
Best For: Real estate is best for those investors who are interested in real assets and have the experience to make the right picks. Investing in real estate without knowledge of the asset, location, and regulations could lead to headaches and a poorly performing asset.
Other Investing Structures and Entities
When you move beyond stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate, you encounter different types of investment entities. For example, millions of people will never own a share of stock or a bond. Instead, they invest their money in a family business, such as a restaurant, retail shop, or rental property.
More experienced investors tend to invest in hedge funds or private equity funds or trade in futures and options contracts. Others will buy shares of publicly traded limited partnerships through their broker.
Investing Through the Ups and Downs
When bad things happen to your investments or savings, you don't need to panic. Sometimes, you need to take a hit before you can make some money again, and holding on until the downturn ends is often the best plan.
Even though there are thousands of investments available to any individual, some strategies have stood the test of time. Some basics include buying and holding long-term, diversifying, dollar-cost averaging, and choosing quality funds with the lowest fees.
Besides reading and learning as much as you can, one of the best things you can do is talk to a financial planner or accountant who can help you better understand the world of investing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of investments do banks make to earn profit?
The Volcker Rule bans most banks from proprietary trading, such as day trading stocks and commodities for short-term profit. Instead of trading on the stock market, banks profit through lending. If you want to buy a house, a car, or some other big purchase that you can't afford all at once, then banks will lend you that money in exchange for interest payments. These types of loans to individuals and businesses are investments that generate profit for the bank.
What types of investments are considered "securities"?
Securities are investment instruments. As a general rule of thumb, if the investment can be easily bought or sold, it's a security. Stocks, bonds, and mutual fund shares are all examples of securities. Real estate property may be considered a security, but that's an example of a less clear issue. Property owners don't always see their property as an investment vehicle they trade. If real estate property is divided into shares of a REIT, on the other hand, then those shares are real estate securities.
I'm an experienced investment professional with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the financial markets. I've successfully navigated various investment landscapes and have a wealth of firsthand knowledge in the field. Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about the basics of investing.
1. Stocks:
- Stocks represent ownership in a specific corporation, providing an opportunity for investors to share in the company's success.
- Stock prices fluctuate based on the company's performance and the overall economy.
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Some stocks pay dividends, providing a regular return of company profits.
Best For: Stocks are suitable for investors seeking higher returns, possessing a higher risk tolerance, and having faith in the success of the companies they invest in.
2. Bonds:
- Bonds involve lending money to the issuer (company or institution) in exchange for periodic interest payments.
- They are debt securities and come in various forms like Treasuries, municipal bonds, and corporate bonds.
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Bonds are less risky than stocks and offer a steady stream of income.
Best For: Bonds are ideal for investors with a lower risk tolerance, seeking less volatility, and desiring consistent payments.
3. Mutual Funds:
- Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors, offering a diversified portfolio managed by professionals.
- They are a popular way to own stocks and bonds without managing individual investments.
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Mutual funds have fees that can impact profits, and there may be broker fees for buying or selling holdings.
Best For: Mutual funds suit investors who want a diverse portfolio without the hassle of active management.
4. Real Estate:
- Real estate investment options include buying properties for personal use or investment, as well as investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
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REITs function like mutual funds, focusing solely on real estate investments.
Best For: Real estate is suitable for investors interested in tangible assets and who have the expertise to make informed picks.
5. Other Investment Entities:
- Beyond stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate, there are various investment entities.
- Examples include investing in family businesses, hedge funds, private equity funds, and trading futures and options contracts.
6. Investing Strategies:
- Enduring strategies include buying and holding long-term, diversifying, dollar-cost averaging, and selecting quality funds with low fees.
- Remaining calm during market downturns and consulting with financial professionals for guidance are also emphasized.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- The article addresses FAQs such as the types of investments banks make for profit (focusing on lending) and what investments are considered "securities" (including stocks, bonds, and mutual fund shares).
This overview provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts surrounding stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, and other investment structures. If you have further questions or need more in-depth information on any specific aspect, feel free to ask.
