📈 What is Investing?
Investing means using your money to buy things that can grow in value over time, like stocks (pieces of companies), bonds (loans to companies or government), or mutual funds (collections of investments). The goal is to make your money work for you!
- •Stocks: Ownership shares in companies - can grow but also risk losing value
- •Bonds: Lending money that gets paid back with interest - generally safer
- •Mutual funds: Diversified investments managed by professionals
⏰ Why Start Early?
Starting to invest as a teen gives your money more time to grow through compound interest - when your earnings earn their own earnings! Even small amounts invested regularly can grow significantly over decades. Time is your biggest advantage!
- •Compound interest: Your money grows on itself over time
- •Start small - even $25 a month can add up
- •Consider a custodial account with a parent's help