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How to Invest: Investing 101

How to Invest: Investing 101

Learn How to Invest Your Money

Whether you've inherited a windfall or you're socking-away a little bit of money from each paycheck, one thought might be on your mind: How to invest.

Thankfully, learning how to invest is simpler that most folks realize. You don't need to be an active trader to be a successful investor -- in fact, for those new to investing (and even for seasoned investors), it's probably best to keep your "money moves" at a minimum.

While the saying holds true that the best time to start investing was "yesterday," don't feel rushed into making investments that you don't fully understand.

Take some time to read the articles below: They discuss the stock market, bond market, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other financial basics -- all written for beginners. Once you learn to invest, you can act with confidence and set yourself on a path to financial freedom.

Looking for More Advanced Concepts?

If you already have the basics of investing down pat, and you're more interested in actively-trading stocks, we have additional guides for you. For instance, you may enjoy these primers on technical analysis.


Looking for Basic Terms?

If you're having any difficulty following along in these guides, you may want to glance over our dictionary of financial terms. Here, you'll find nearly 200 definitions -- written in plain English -- that explain the most important terms tossed around daily on Wall Street.


Looking for Investment Ideas?

If you've made it through these guides (no cheating, folks) and are looking for some specific investment ideas (remember, skipping ahead is only cheating yourself), then give TheStreet Ratings a look. We rate over 20,000 mutual funds, 5,000 stocks and 1,000 ETFs.

Remember, don't take stock and fund recommendations as gospel -- instead, use them as a starting point for your own research. Successful investors have confidence in their own analysis. Never stop learning and trust in yourself.

Money Basics: Money 101

Investing Basics: Investing 101

Bond Basics: Bonds 101

Stock Market Basics: Stocks 101

Mutual Fund Basics: Funds 101

Hedge Fund Basics: Hedge Funds 101

ETF Basics: ETFs 101

Economic Basics: Economics 101

Commodities Basics: Commodities 101

Business Basics: Business 101

Investment Ideas

Article
Fund managers are being selective, but they're buying again in 2013 -- even if it's not with both hands just yet.
6/19/13 10:14AM
Article
Here's a technical look at five consumer stocks worth trading right now.
6/18/13 11:28AM
Article
These stocks have both short-term gain catalysts and longer-term growth potential.
6/17/13 10:33AM
Article
As an investor, the best defense is a good defense. And the best offense is a good defense, too.
6/14/13 11:00AM
Article
Here's a look at how to trade some of the most active stocks on the market today.
6/13/13 2:24PM
Article
Here's a look at how to trade some of the most active stocks on the market today.
6/13/13 1:42PM
Article
Here's a look at how to trade some of the biggest stocks on Wall Street.
6/13/13 6:51AM
Article
Cash still matters, even in a market that's up 15% year-to-date.
6/12/13 9:11AM
Article
Some top managers are fleeing fixed income and shifting to stocks.
6/12/13 8:43AM
Article
The health care sector is strong right now -- and that's creating some tradable opportunities for investors.
6/11/13 6:29AM
Article
These stocks have both short-term gain catalysts and longer-term growth prospects.
6/10/13 11:18AM
Article
These stocks look poised to raise their dividend payouts to shareholders.
6/7/13 10:41AM
Article
Reliable performer's diversified approach has paid dividends in recent years.
6/7/13 8:56AM
Article
Here's a look at how to trade some of the most active names on the market today.
6/6/13 1:33PM
Article
Here's a look at how to trade some of the most active names on the market today.
6/6/13 1:06PM

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