Brittany Waldrep

Many of us neglect to talk to our spouses, our parents, and or our children about investing because we feel uneasy about our own financial knowledge and skills. As we saw so clearly with Kate’s dad and even her siblings, that uncertainty—or fear—not only leads to avoiding the topic of discussion, it can also lead to avoiding investing altogether. Like anything else, however, once you break investing down into its basic components, it’s just not that complicated.
In this section I’ll introduce you to the world of investment vehicles—from stocks to bonds to mutual funds. As you begin to learn (and talk) about them, you’ll soon realize that each type of investment has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as its own risks and rewards. Just remember that a properly diversified— balanced—portfolio will include a mix of investments.
Once again this overview is directed primarily to beginning investors. If you’re a bit rusty, you may find it a useful review. Or if you’re encouraging a friend or family member to jump in, this could be a good place to start.