Investing Basics
Owning a slice of the economy
Stocks, bonds, index funds, and ETFs without the jargon. Risk vs return, why diversification matters, and how to start with your first $100.
3 lessons · about 26 minutes total · 100% free
Saved on this device only — no account needed.
1. Stocks, bonds, funds, and ETFs — what you're actually buying
A stock is a slice of a company. A bond is a loan. A fund is a basket of both. Once you can say what each one actually is, investing stops feeling like gambling.
8 min read
2. Risk, return, and diversification — the only free lunch
Higher returns come bolted to bigger swings — that's the deal, not a flaw. Learn the difference between a scary dip and a permanent loss, and why owning everything beats betting on anything.
9 min read
3. Your first $100 — opening an account and actually starting
You don't need wealth, a finance degree, or perfect timing — you need a brokerage account, $100, and a boring index fund. Here's the exact walkthrough, including the one fee that actually matters.
9 min read