Investing allows individuals to grow their money and receive long-term financial security. However, investing also carries risks as well, as you can lose money depending on the type of investment and changing economic and market conditions. Investment options fall into three major categories: Stocks, Bonds, and Cash/Cash equivalents.

Stocks: "A stock — also known as a share or equity — is a type of investment representing ownership in a company. Companies sell stock to raise money to fund their business. You become a shareholder and own part of the company when you buy stock. Stocks carry the most risks and highest returns."

Bonds: "A bond is an investment representing a loan made by an investor to a borrower — typically a business or government entity. The borrower promises the debt will be paid back with interest at a specific time. Bonds are typically issued by companies, municipalities, states, and sovereign governments to finance projects and operations. Bonds are generally less volatile than stocks but offer more modest returns."

Cash: "Cash and cash equivalents such as savings accounts, money markets, and certificates of deposit (CDs) are intended to be relatively safe and accessible. They tend to offer relatively low yields and returns because there’s not as much risk associated with these products, like with stocks or bonds. This typically makes cash and cash equivalent products a poor choice for long-term goals because many of them won’t even keep up with inflation. Cash and cash equivalents are the safest investments, but offer the lowest return of the three major asset categories."

Source: Investor.gov; finred.usalearning.gov

• Investor.gov

  U.S. Securities Exchange and Commission’s resources to help individuals understand, research, and protect their investments.

• Investor Education (360degrees)

  The guides in this category can help you to gain an understanding of how the stock market works along with how other investing markets work, then help you better understand how your investing needs change due to birth, marriage, divorce and other life events. The investing glossary is a great place to start if you’re looking for the definition of stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other investing-related terms. You can even learn how commodities and hedge funds work.

• Fast Answers for Investors (SEC)

  A database maintained by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission dedicated to answering investor questions.

• Smart Investing Courses (FINRA)

  Courses on setting investment goals, defining terms, risks and returns, diversification, and more.

• Market Data Center (FINRA)

  This comprehensive tool is designed to assist investors with market and investment research, both through the market data information provided as well as through the FINRA Investor Education material and tools.

• Fund Analyzer (FINRA)

  FINRA’s Fund Analyzer estimates the value of funds and impact of fees and expenses on over 18,000 mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and exchange-traded notes (ETNs).

• BrokerCheck (FINRA)

  Look up employment history, certifications and licenses—as well as regulatory actions, violations or complaints—for your current or prospective broker.

• Risk Meter (FINRA)

  See whether you share characteristics and behavior traits that have been shown to make some investors vulnerable to investment fraud.

• Investor Alerts (FINRA)

  Timely and reliable investor alerts from FINRA.

• Compound Interest Calculator (Investor.gov)

  Determine how much your money can grow using the power of compound interest. Provided by Investor.gov.

• Growth Calculator (TreasuryDirect)

  The Savings Bonds Growth Calculator is provided by TreasuryDirect, and allows users to calculate the future value of their money if they invest in U.S. Savings Bonds.

Retirement Guides

• Retirement Planning (360degrees)

  What’s the best way to save for retirement and how much should you be saving for the future? What’s the difference between Roth and traditional IRA? Should you buy an annuity? These questions and more are answered here in a way that can help you make a plan for your financial future so you can retire when you’re ready.

• Retirement (USA.gov)

  Get the basics on retirement planning and pension benefits, such as how Social Security works, retiring from the civil service, and managing a private pension.

• Retirement Plans (IRS)

  Provides information on retirement plans by type, Roth IRAs, Contribution limits, and more. Provided by the Internal Revenue Service.

• Retirement Benefits (SSA)

  Provides resources on how retirement benefits work, planning for retirement, and more.

• 401(k) Investing (FINRA)

  FINRA guide on 401(k) Basics, and additional information on contributions, managing your 401(k), rollovers, and more.

Retirement Tools

• Retirement Calculator (FINRA)

  This calculator can help you estimate how much to save each year to accumulate enough money for your projected retirement. Provided by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

• 401(k) Save the Max Calculator (FINRA)

  Use this calculator to determine if you are on track to ‘save the max’ in your 401(k). Provided by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

• 401(k) and IRA Required Minimum Distribution Calculator (FINRA)

  Use this calculator to determine your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from a traditional 401(k) or IRA. In general, your age and account value determine the amount you must withdraw. Provided by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

• Retirement Estimator (SSA)

  The Social Security Administration has an online calculator that will provide immediate and personalized benefit estimates to help you plan for retirement. The Retirement Estimator is an interactive tool that allows the user to compare different retirement options.