Investing Basics

Index funds and ETFs overlap: one describes a strategy, the other a structure. How they differ in trading, fees, taxes, minimums, and automatic investing.

Dollar-cost averaging means investing a fixed amount on a regular schedule, whatever the market is doing. Here is how it works, where it helps, and its limits.

An index fund tracks a market index, giving you exposure to many securities in a single holding. Here is how index funds work, what they cost, and how to choose one.

Buying a stock gives you ownership in one company. An ETF or mutual fund gives you a share of a portfolio. Here is how the three differ in diversification, trading, fees, and taxes.

Compound interest means earning returns on your returns. Here is how compounding works, why time can matter more than the amount you start with, and how fees and inflation affect long-term growth.

A practical introduction to investing: goals, time horizon, the main investment types, diversification, risk, compounding, and costs.