Stocks and mutual funds are both popular types of investments, allowing investors to build portfolios and grow their wealth. However, even though mutual funds often contain stocks, mutual funds and stocks have different traits that can appeal to various investors with different goals. Here are the key features, as well as pros and cons, of stocks vs. mutual funds. Stocks...

Annuities can be a powerful tool for retirement planning, but they can easily feel complex and overwhelming if you're unfamiliar with the terminology. Here's a breakdown of the most common annuity terms so you can make informed decisions as you navigate the annuity marketplace. What is an annuity? An annuity is a financial contract between you and an insurance company....

Key takeaways CDs and bonds are generally low-risk investments for savers wanting to earn a fixed interest rate and diversify their portfolios. CDs typically have compounding interest that is paid at maturity, while bonds usually pay interest in regular increments throughout the term length. Most CDs have strict early withdrawal penalties, but bonds can technically be sold before maturity on...

Key takeaways With mutual funds, investors can buy a diversified portfolio without an investment advisor, which makes a well-constructed portfolio more accessible. There are thousands of mutual funds to choose from, but not all of them will be a good fit. Consider your investing goals and risk tolerance before buying. Mutual funds with strong performance records and experienced fund managers...