Beginner guides
Short, plain-language explanations of money basics. Start at the top and work down.
Before you invest: where do you stand today?
The first step with money is not buying something. It is finding out where you are now: what comes in, what goes out, what you owe, and what you have.
What is inflation?
Inflation means prices rise over time, so the same money buys less. Here is what it means for your savings, with simple examples.
What is compound interest?
Compound interest means your interest earns interest too. Here is how it works, with a simple example and the Rule of 72.
What kinds of investments exist? A simple map
A plain-language tour of the main places people put money: savings accounts, bonds, stocks, funds, property, gold, pensions and crypto, and how they differ.
Two ideas to keep in mind before you invest
Investing is a skill you learn by doing, and nobody can do the learning for you. Two plain ideas, and how to spot offers that ignore them.
Stocks and bonds: what's the difference?
Stocks and bonds are two of the most common investments. Here is what each one is, how people earn from them, and what can go wrong.
What are ETFs and index funds?
ETFs and index funds let you hold many investments at once. Here is how they work, what they cost, and the risks to know about.
What is an IPO?
An IPO is when a company first sells its shares to the public. Here is how it works, why companies do it, and what beginners should be careful about.
How to start investing: a beginner's checklist
A calm, step-by-step checklist for people who want to start investing: what to do first, what to avoid, and how to take it slowly.