Chapter 8

Mastering Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds

In This Chapter

arrow Looking at reasons to invest in funds

arrow Uncovering the secrets of successful fund investing

arrow Deciding how to allocate your assets

arrow Finding the best stock, bond, balanced, and money market funds

Good mutual funds, which are big pools of money from investors that a fund manager uses to buy a bunch of stocks, bonds, and other assets that meet the fund’s investment criteria, enable you to have some of the best money managers in the country direct the investment of your money. Because efficient funds take most of the hassle and cost out of deciding which companies to invest in, they’re among the finest investment vehicles available today.

Different types of mutual funds can help you meet various financial goals, which is why investors have more than $15 trillion invested in these funds! You can use money market funds for something most everybody needs: an emergency savings stash of three to six months’ living expenses. Or perhaps you’re thinking about saving for a home purchase, retirement, or future educational costs. ...

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