Start Investing

Step #1: Get the Basics

If you’ve been sleeping on investing, time to wake up. Start by understanding what investing really is. And how it all began. Then take the quiz to see where you stand.

• theSkimm on Investing

  Let your money do (most of) the work.

• The History of the Stock Market
  The History of the Stock Market

  Back, back, back it up to the beginning.

• Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Investing?
  Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Investing?

  We've got 10 Qs.

Step #2: Talk the Talk

From bulls to bears, investing lingo is a whole other animal. We Skimm'd the words of Wall Street here.

Compounding Returns

When your investments start earning money, then that new, bigger amount earns even more money. Like magic, but real. The sooner you invest, the more time compounding has to make you rich.

See all terms

Bear Market

Opposite of a bull. The market’s going down, and investors are nervous. Fun memory trick: Bears attack their prey by swiping their claws down.

See all terms

Compounding Returns

When your investments start earning money, then that new, bigger amount earns even more money. Like magic, but real. The sooner you invest, the more time compounding has to make you rich.

See all terms

Bear Market

Opposite of a bull. The market’s going down, and investors are nervous. Fun memory trick: Bears attack their prey by swiping their claws down.

See all terms

Step #3: Make a Plan

Smart investing means making money moves with your goals in mind. Read up on all the ways you can invest your best. And the right time to get started.

• What Are the Different Types of Investments?

  From bonds to bitcoin. And lots in between.

• The Best Investment Account for Every Money Goal

  One size does not fit all.

• The Road to Retirement: How to Tell Your Money Where to Go

  Be the boss of your own investments.

• Should I Save, Pay Off Debt, or Invest?

  D) all of the above. Here’s how to prioritize.