Review the basic principles of investing
The first step in choosing investments is to know the principles that will help you achieve success. Then you'll be ready to narrow your investment options.
Explore investment types
Explore the various investment options that can help you achieve your financial goals.
What is a stock?
What is a bond?
What are cash investments?
Choosing between funds & individual securities
ETFs, mutual funds, and individual securities could all have a place in your portfolio.
ETFs vs. mutual funds: A comparison
ETFs and mutual funds are surprisingly similar with a few key differences that set them apart.
Get to know your investment costs
All investments have costs that can impact your portfolio's returns.
What are hybrid securities?
These complex investments combine the characteristics of both stocks and bonds and may not be right for everyone.
What are alternative investments?
Not for the faint of heart, they involve higher risks and unconventional investment categories.
Call options & put options
Trading options can be complex and requires a higher level of risk tolerance.
Learn more about asset classes
Investments are generally categorized into asset classes and incorporate different investment types like stocks or bonds. Asset classes often share similarities in how they're traded and regulated.
Index funds vs. actively managed funds
What are equity or stock funds?
What are bond funds?
What are fixed income or bond funds?
What are multi-asset or balanced funds?
Make a more diversified portfolio with just 1 fund.
What are sector & specialty funds?
If you're looking to invest in a specific market or industry, sector funds may be for you.
What are factor-based funds?
These funds focus on certain stock characteristics and may be more appropriate for experienced investors who are comfortable with high risk.
Explore our other resources to help you choose the best product for your goals
More on mutual funds
Explore popular educational content on mutual funds to help you find the right fund for your portfolio.
More on ETFs
Explore popular educational content on ETFs to help you find the right fund for your portfolio.
Explore professional advice
We offer expert help at the low cost you'd expect from Vanguard.
Ready to invest?
New to Vanguard or looking to consolidate your savings?
Already a Vanguard client? Log in to your account.
Ready to invest?
New to Vanguard or looking to consolidate your savings?
Already a Vanguard client? Log in to your account.
All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.
You must buy and sell Vanguard ETF Shares through Vanguard Brokerage Services (we offer them commission-free online) or through another broker (who may charge commissions). See the Vanguard Brokerage Services Commission and Fee Schedules for limits. Vanguard ETF Shares are not redeemable directly with the issuing Fund other than in very large aggregations worth millions of dollars. ETFs are subject to market volatility. When buying or selling an ETF, you will pay or receive the current market price, which may be more or less than net asset value.
Vanguard's advice services are provided by Vanguard Advisers, Inc. ("VAI"), a registered investment advisor, or by Vanguard National Trust Company ("VNTC"), a federally chartered, limited-purpose trust company.
The services provided to clients will vary based upon the service selected, including management, fees, eligibility, and access to an advisor. Find VAI's Form CRS and each program's advisory brochure here for an overview.
VAI and VNTC are subsidiaries of The Vanguard Group, Inc., and affiliates of Vanguard Marketing Corporation. Neither VAI, VNTC, nor its affiliates guarantee profits or protection from losses.
Options are a leveraged investment and are not suitable for every investor. Options involve risk, including the possibility that you could lose more money than you invest. Before buying or selling options, you must receive a copy of Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options issued by OCC. A copy of this booklet is available at theocc.com. It may also be obtained from your broker, any exchange on which options are traded, or by contacting OCC at 125 S. Franklin Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60606 (888-678-4667 or 888-OPTIONS). The booklet contains information on options issued by OCC. It is intended for educational purposes. No statement in the booklet should be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell a security or to provide investment advice. For further assistance, please call The Options Industry Council (OIC) helpline at 888-OPTIONS or visit optionseducation.org for more information. The OIC can provide you with balanced options education and tools to assist you with your options questions and trading.