A Woman's Guide to Mutual Fund Classes

It’s a crazy world we live in- especially when it comes to investing. It seems that just when we get a handle on the current situation, something else gets thrown into the mix to add confusion and instability to an already nerve-racking experience.  Take Mutual Fund Classes- it seems like they do this just to make it even more confusing.

Value vs. Growth -Which Type of Fund is Right for You?

So you’re interested in investing some money and you’ve decided to go via the route of Mutual Funds.  Don’t be intimidated by big words and fancy terminology just yet, as there are different types of funds that require your attention first, like Value Funds and Growth Funds . Since each type of fund will yield completely different results, you’ll need to have a general idea of what your financial goals are (if you have a lot of time for your investments to sit or just a year or two) before you hand over a dime to any financial advisor or company. Here’s a bit of insight into the differences between the two.

What the Heck is an ETF? The 411 on Exchange-Traded Funds

If you’ve made it this far, you should be a bit familiar with Mutual and Index Funds as investment products, the similarities and differences between them.  Now we’re going to throw another mix into the pot- and they’re called ETFs.

Mutual Funds vs. Index Funds

With so many different types of stocks, bonds and other investments (like funds) out there, how is a not-so-investment-savvy female supposed to invest some hard-earned money that may yield a positive return without getting duped into the wrong thing? For starters, you can try your best to learn some of the basic terminology.  Second, if you have decided to go with a financial advisor, be honest with her/him and let them know that you’re a newbie at this. Lastly, if anyone tries to make you feel stupid, remember- no one can make you feel inferior without your consent- and you’re in charge here, not them- it’s your money- there are thousands of honest advisors out there who won’t make you feel like an idiot, so you don’t need this one.

Mutual Funds 101- The Basics

Do you feel stupid when you’re with a group of “friends” who are talking about their “portfolio’s” and investment strategies, including mutual funds?  Do you smile and nod your head, much like you’d do if you were in a foreign country trying to communicate with the locals?  If asked your opinion about a stock, do you simply say, “Oh- I let my advisor handle that”, when the closest thing you have to a financial advisor is your favorite bank teller?  No matter what you may hear, you need to remember that you’re not alone. Congratulations on taking the first step to understanding the complicated world of investments, beginning with Mutual Funds.