Investment Types
Stocks
Own piece of company. Higher risk, higher potential return.Bonds
Loan to company/government. Lower risk, steady income.Index Funds
Basket of stocks tracking market. Diversified, low-cost.ETFs
Like index funds, trade like stocks.Real Estate
Physical property or REITs.How to Start
- Build emergency fund first
- Max employer 401k match (free money)
- Open IRA or brokerage account
- Start with index funds (S&P 500, total market)
- Automate contributions
- Don't check daily - long-term mindset