Financial literacy is improving, as more people learn to save and invest the money they earn. Rather than just keeping their money in banks, more people are now exploring various options and alternatives to make their money grow.
Investments are classified into three major forms, namely stocks, cash equivalents, and bonds. There are also several ways to invest in each type. In Taylorsville and other cities in Utah, you can consult an investment management company before placing your money in the market.
Here are six types of investments that you can look into for sustained growth.
Stocks
Stocks are assets in a business or company. When you buy stocks, you are acquiring a share, no matter how small, of that company’s profits and assets. Companies sometimes sell shares for additional capital. Shareholders can then purchase and offer the stocks for sale, buy more, or trade.
Stocks are considered riskier investments due to the volatility of stock prices. However, there are companies that have been giving dividends continuously for decades, which are considered as safe investments.
Mutual Funds
If you do not like individual bonds and stocks, you are not alone. The mutual fund is an investment created people like you. Mutual funds allow shareholders to buy various investments in a single business deal.
These funds pool money from several shareholders, and then, use a professional manager to finance that money in bonds, stocks, or other assets.
Bonds
Bonds are much safer than shares or stocks, which translate to smaller profits. The major danger, as with any mortgage, is that the issuer could fail to pay. U.S. government bonds have the full support of the United States, specifically the Treasury. This makes U.S. Treasury bonds risk free.
The city government and state funds are the next-safest options, followed by corporate bonds. Fewer risks lead to safer bonds, which have lower interest rates.
Index Funds
An index fund is a kind of mutual fund that monitors an index, rather than compensating a manager to select and pick investments. Index funds cost less because they do not have a fund manager. The index fund’s associated risks are linked to the performance of the fund investments.
Options
Options is a contract to purchase or sell a stock at a set price and set date. It offers flexibility as the contract does not require you to purchase or sell the stock. As the name suggests, doing so is an option.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF)
ETFs are index funds that monitor and mirror a standard index with the aim of having the same performance. These funds are likely to be more affordable than mutual funds because they are not actively managed.
The big difference between ETFs and index funds is how ETFs are acquired. ETFs work like stocks, which means you can purchase and sell them all through the day. Their cost can vary accordingly.
Regardless of what type of investment you put your money in, you will need expert financial advice and guidance. Consulting investment firms can help you minimize your losses and ensure that your investment will earn profit in the long run.