Investing might seem complex, but taking a little time to learn about it can really pay off. It's one of the best ways to meet your financial goals.
How to start investing? With your goal
For advanced investors
Investing for beginners: Asset allocation & diversification
Before you start buying investments, figure out which kinds of assets fit with your plan. And make sure to take advantage of diversification to lower your risk.
Remember, watch out for costs
All investments have costs, but you control them by choosing what to buy. It's a much bigger decision than you might think.
Don't forget to pick an account type
The money you make on your investments will most likely be taxed, but how and when it's taxed depends on the kind of account you have.
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We can custom-develop and implement your financial plan, giving you greater confidence that you're doing all you can to reach your goals.
Saving for retirement or college?
See guidance that can help you make a plan, solidify your strategy, and choose your investments.
Already know what you want?
From mutual funds and ETFs to stocks and bonds, find all the investments you're looking for, all in one place.
Vanguard perspectives on starting to invest
Understanding the behavioral biases behind your financial decisions can help you make wiser ones, according to Professor Richard Thaler.
This overview of our share classes can help you decide which one is right for you. All the options provide broad diversification of holdings, expert management, and low costs.
Vanguard experts discuss points to consider when you're looking for both potential portfolio outperformance and risk control.
Market movements shouldn't drastically alter a well-thought-out financial plan, note Mary Ryan and Phil Korenman of Vanguard Personal Advisor Services. A financial advisor can help prevent you from making emotional decisions based on the news of the day.
REFERENCE CONTENT
Risk
Usually refers to investment risk, which is a measure of how likely it is that you could lose money in an investment. However, there are other types of risk when it comes to investing.
Returns
The profit you get from investing money. Over time, this profit is based mainly on the amount of risk associated with the investment. So, for example, less-risky investments like certificates of deposit (CDs) or savings accounts generally earn a low rate of return, and higher-risk investments like stocks generally earn a higher rate of return.
Asset class
A major type of asset—stocks, bonds, and short-term or "cash" investments.
Diversification
The strategy of investing in multiple asset classes and among many securities in an attempt to lower overall investment risk.