If you've read our 13 Steps To Financial Freedom, you'll already know a lot about the Motley Fool, and particularly our love affair with the share market.
But before you dive in and buy shares in Bradman OilGasOre Resources Pty Ltd, we thought it might be an idea you get at least a basic understanding of the various investing options and products.
Welcome to our 7 part guide to Getting Started In Investing. Onwards and upwards, dear Fools…
Part 1
The Difference Between Saving And Investing
When you save money, your capital is secure. You are (usually) guaranteed to get back the sum you put in, plus interest. When you invest you have no such guarantee. Your capital is at risk. In return for this, you expect to get more back than you put in, plus a little income on the side as well.
Part 2
Why You Need To Invest
If you want to have control over your retirement age, and your retirement nest egg, you have to do it yourself. Relying on the government, including relying on the Age Pension, is simply leaving too much to chance.
Part 3
Your Four Investing Options
Despite the thousands of products on offer they all consist of just four basic investments, albeit in different quantities.
Part 4
Why Shares Are Best
Generally speaking, assets that have demonstrated higher returns tend to be more volatile, especially when you look at short periods. And the asset that has generated the best returns over the long term is shares.
Part 5
Why We Love Index Trackers
Most people are better choosing a fund with low charges, index tracking funds have the lowest charges. They are run by computers and computers tend to be a lot cheaper to run than fund managers. They don't eat, drink, drive fast cars, have to pay a mortgage or send their kids to posh schools.
Part 6
The Benefits Of Regular Investment
Setting up a regular investment is also a good discipline, meaning that you effectively force yourself to invest every month. It's a good habit to get into. When you get towards retirement, you'll be glad you made all those small sacrifices in the years behind you.
Part 7
Going Beyond Index Trackers
For many people, regular investment in an index-tracking fund will cover a large chunk of their investment needs. However, if you want to try to beat the market, and have some fun along the way, you'll have to buy some individual shares.
